The Speaking section in the pte exam can be tricky, and even the smallest mistakes can affect your overall score. Test takers must follow the right strategies and avoid mistakes to achieve their desired score.
1. Not Taking Notes with Keywords
Taking notes during tasks like the Retell Lecture is crucial. However, many candidates make the mistake of writing every word. You should focus on jotting down keywords and essential points. This allows you to keep track of the main idea without losing focus on what matters most.
Tip: Use shorthand or abbreviations to write quickly. For example, use “&” for and.
2. Self-Correction While Speaking
While speaking, many candidates tend to self-correct, especially when they feel they made a mistake. This can disrupt the flow of speech and negatively impact your fluency score.
Tip: If you make a small error, continue speaking without pausing to correct yourself. It is better to stay fluent than to interrupt your flow.
3. Lack of Clear Articulation
Speaking too quickly or mumbling can reduce the clarity of your speech, which affects your score.
Tip: Practice speaking clearly and at a moderate pace is important
4. Failing to Use Linking Words
In tasks like Describe Image or Retell Lecture, using linking words is essential to help organize your thoughts and connect ideas smoothly. Words like firstly, on the other hand, for example, and in conclusion make your response sound more structured.
Tip: Practice using linking words to connect your ideas in a logical flow.
5. Trying to Repeat the Lecture Word-for-Word
Many test-takers make the mistake of trying to repeat the lecture or audio verbatim during tasks like Retell Lecture. You should focus on summarizing the key points rather than memorizing every word.
Tip: After listening, take a few seconds to jot down the main ideas and then retell them in
your own words. A summary is always more valuable than an exact repetition.
6. Speaking Too Quickly
Speaking too quickly can harm your pronunciation and lower your score.
Tip: Keep a moderate pace. Speaking too fast can affect clarity, while speaking too slowly may affect fluency. Find a balance and practice speaking at a comfortable, natural speed.
7. Long Pauses Between Sentences
Long pauses and hesitations indicate uncertainty, which can negatively impact your overall response. Don’t pause for 3 seconds as it stops your recording.
Tip: Practice speaking without long pauses. If you are unsure of a word, try paraphrasing instead of stopping to think too long.
8. Failing to Cover Key Points
In some tasks, such as Describe Image and Retell Lecture, you must focus on the main idea and key supporting points. Many candidates miss important details or fail to structure their responses logically.
Tip: Always ensure you cover the central idea and supporting points. Skipping over essential details can lower your score.
9. Faking an Accent
It is common to think that mimicking a British or American accent will boost your score. However, this can lead to unnatural speech and misunderstandings. In fact, speaking in an exaggerated accent may even lower your score.
Tip: You should focus on clarity, fluency, and pronunciation instead of trying to force an accent.
10. Avoid Skipping Difficult Words in Read Aloud
In the Read Aloud task, skipping difficult words can undermine your performance. Mispronunciations or omissions of words can significantly impact your pronunciation score.
Tip: Do not skip challenging words. If you are unsure, try to pronounce them as best as you can. Your goal is to be understood, even if the pronunciation is not perfect.
11. Avoid Speaking Before the Microphone Opens
Some candidates start speaking before the microphone is activated. This can cause part of your response to be missed or garbled, affecting your fluency score.
Tip: Wait for the beep to ensure the microphone is on before you begin speaking. Starting too early can cost you valuable points.
12. Do Not Rush Through Speaking Tasks
Many test-takers rush through speaking tasks in a hurry to finish, which can compromise the quality of their responses. Speaking too quickly can result in unclear pronunciation and poor sentence structure.
Tip: Take your time and focus on speaking clearly. Rushing can hurt your score, so aim for a steady, confident pace.
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