The PTE Speaking section is the most challenging part of the exam for many test-takers. They can easily improve their performance and score well in the exam with the right strategies. Whether they are taking the test for the first time or they want to enhance their skills, follow the following tips to get your desired score in the exam.
1. Summarise, Don’t Memorise
One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is trying to repeat the content of the Retell Lecture or Describe Image tasks word-for-word. Instead of memorizing every detail, they should focus on summarising the key points and the main idea. The main goal is to explain the main idea of the topic and communicate it effectively in your own words. It will make your response sound more natural.
2. Maintain a Natural Pace
Speaking too quickly can lead to unclear pronunciation while speaking too slowly might affect your fluency score. The important strategy in the speaking sections is to maintain a natural pace. Speak clearly and confidently ensure that your pronunciation is crisp and understandable. Learners should always focus on clarity over speed.
3. Short Pauses Are Fine, But Avoid Long Gaps
A brief pause on punctuation marks and after completing a sentence is completely fine. However, long pauses may signal hesitation that impacts your fluency score. Test takers should aim for smooth, uninterrupted speech. They should not pause for more than 3 seconds because it stops recording in the final exam.
4. Organize Your Thoughts with a Logical Sequence
A jumbled or disorganized response in the Describe Image and Retell Lecture can lower your score. You should start with the main idea and follow it up with key supporting points. Clear organization makes your speech easy to follow and demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively.
5. Showcase Your Fluency
Fluency is a key component of the PTE Speaking section. This means speaking smoothly, naturally, and without hesitation. Your goal is not to speak at lightning speed, but to express yourself confidently and clearly. Test-takers who speak fluently, without awkward pauses or stumbling over words, are more likely to score higher.
6. First Impressions Matter
It is essential to be concise but confident while attempting the first question in speaking. The confidence that you will set in the first question, which is Personal Introduction, makes you feel more comfortable for the rest of the exam.
7. Take Notes with Keywords
During the Retell Lecture, it is essential to take quick, effective notes. Instead of writing down every word, jot down keywords and important points. These notes will help you to explain the main ideas effectively Sometimes, there is a picture along with a retell lecture question type before the recording begins Analysis will help you to gather the main idea of the audio.
8. Avoid Self-Correction
One thing you want to avoid during your speaking test is self correction. If you make a mistake, don’t go back to fix it. You should try to keep your response natural. Self correction can disrupt the flow of your speech and negatively impact your fluency score.
9. Use Linking Words to Connect Ideas
One of the easiest ways to improve your speech flow is by using linking words such as first, in addition, for example, and finally. These connectors help to build a logical flow while giving a response.
10. Don’t Skip Hard Words in Read Aloud
Skipping hard words in the Read Aloud section disrupts the meaning. If you are unsure how to pronounce a word, try to pronounce those words by chunking the word to get the pronunciation of those words.
Bonus Tips for PTE Speaking:
Prepare the text before speaking: Take a moment to read through the task before speaking.
● Speak naturally: Avoid rushing your answers. Speak at a comfortable pace that allows for clarity and confidence.
● Pause at punctuation marks: Pausing at appropriate places makes your speech sound more fluent and helps the examiner follow your ideas.
● Don’t pause for 3 Seconds: Your recording will be stopped if you pause for 3 seconds, so aim for smooth, consistent speech.
● Keep the microphone at the right distance: Keep your microphone a few inches away from your mouth to avoid breathing noises or muffled speech.
Take a FREE PTE mock test on Sumlingo to identify your weaknesses and strengths to achieve a higher score on the exam.
