Personal IntroductionSpeaking
Treat it as a warm-up
It is not scored, but universities may hear it. Speak naturally for 25–30 seconds about your studies and goals.
Practice task of the week
PTE Respond to a Situation
You ordered a textbook online, but the wrong edition arrived and your class starts on Monday. Call the bookshop. You have 20 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to speak.
18 tips for PTE Academic
Read AloudSpeaking
Use the 30–40 seconds to read ahead
Mark the pauses at commas and full stops in your head, then read at a steady, natural pace.
Repeat SentenceSpeaking
Remember chunks, not single words
Listen in meaningful groups of words. Start speaking as soon as the tone sounds, and keep going even if you miss a word.
Describe ImageSpeaking
Main trend, two details, one conclusion
Say what the image is about, give the highest or lowest value and one comparison, then a short conclusion. Talk about this image, not a memorised template.
Retell LectureSpeaking
Take notes of key nouns
Write the topic and 4–5 key words. Retell the main idea and examples in your own sentences.
Answer Short QuestionSpeaking
One word or a short phrase is enough
Answer quickly and clearly. If you don’t know, guess: silence scores nothing.
Summarize Group DiscussionSpeaking
Track who said what
Note each speaker’s view in a few words. Summarise the topic, the different opinions and any agreement reached.
Respond to a SituationSpeaking
Answer like a real phone call
Greet, explain the situation, ask or offer what is needed, and close politely. Use a natural, friendly tone.
Summarize Written TextWriting
One clear sentence, 5–75 words
Join the main idea and key supporting points with words like “while”, “and” or “because”. Check grammar: one full sentence only.
Write EssayWriting
Plan for three minutes
Write 200–300 words: introduction with your view, two body paragraphs with examples, and a conclusion. Stay on the exact question.
Reading & Writing Fill in the BlanksReading
Grammar first, then meaning
Check which word type fits (noun, verb, adjective), then pick the word that fits the meaning and common collocations.
Reorder ParagraphsReading
Find the opening sentence
The first sentence introduces the topic and does not start with “this”, “however” or a pronoun. Then link pairs by pronouns and time words.
Multiple Choice, Multiple AnswersReading
Only choose what you are sure of
Wrong answers lose marks in this task. Pick fewer options if you are unsure.
Write from DictationListening
The highest-value listening task
Type every word you heard, then check spelling, plurals and articles. Partial answers still earn marks.
Highlight Incorrect WordsListening
Follow with your cursor
Move the cursor along the text as the speaker talks and click words that differ. Don’t guess: wrong clicks lose marks.
Summarize Spoken TextListening
Write 50–70 words
Note the main point and two supporting ideas while listening, then write a short summary in full sentences.
Select Missing WordListening
Predict the ending
Listen for the direction of the argument so you can predict the last word or phrase before the beep.
Test strategyGeneral
Use a good microphone position
Keep the microphone near your chin, not in front of your mouth, so your breathing isn’t recorded.
Avoid these
Five mistakes that cost students marks
1
Memorising templates
PTE now checks content with human raters, and IELTS examiners spot memorised answers. Learn structures, not scripts.
2
Booking the wrong test
PTE Academic vs PTE Core, IELTS Academic vs General Training. Check what your visa or university accepts.
3
Practising only easy tasks
Spend most time on the tasks that carry the most marks and on your weakest skill.
4
Skipping full mock tests
Timing and stamina matter. Sit at least two full mocks before your real test.
5
Ignoring skill minimums
Many visas need a minimum in each skill, not just a good overall score.
Want feedback on your speaking or writing?
Tips help, but personal feedback helps more. Book a demo class at Ambala Cantt or Ladwa and take a short diagnostic test.