Sharing my notes and resources here from my last PTE exam this January, hoping po na makatulong 🙂
Score: 90 90 84 90
Overall: 90
General tips I did during/while prepping for the test:
Speak fast, but monotone in read aloud
Close eyes while listening to repeat sentence
Practice the official scored tests from Pearson website (accurate score for me, very close sa actual score ko noong exam compared sa APEUni)
Four fingers difference ang mic from lips
Use notebook during Re-tell lecture, use keywords as much as you can. Only write keywords.
During Describe Image, say the title, use words such as 'horizontal and vertical axis' as well as 'highest and lowest points'.
Keep on speaking during describe image, it doesn't matter even if the image is cut off.
Be relaxed. Pray.
Review materials
Jay's youtube videos from E2 language
Searching "Latest PTE Questions" monthly on Youtube for each segment
Following PTE Magic on FB Group
Downloading PTETutorial on phone to practice reading even while on the train, bus and during break time
Using APEUni's templates and resources
Official Pearson Scored Test exams (brought all 4)
Blog post I wrote up from my first attempt back in 2020
Before the actual test preparation:
- Booking early and picking the ‘right’ exam centre
Since the PTE exam is very in-demand. I think that it is only fair to book your exam early. At least 2 weeks before the day you want to take the exam is a must. For mine, I booked 4 weeks before the actual PTE exam date.
More so, the location where you will be taking your PTE exam should be taken into consideration. Does that PTE centre offer up-to-date gadgets? Do you know how to travel there? Based from surveying people and research, I’ve found that the most recommended centres in Melbourne are RMIT and Boxhill.
- Buy headphones with in-built mic in it
For me, this was essential because in the actual PTE exams, they also let the test-takers use headphones with in-built mic in it. This would be useful while taking practice tests online.
Review Time
- Get to know the structure of the PTE Exam by taking an offline test without any prior review
I did not do any preparations as I downloaded a free Offline Practice Test on Pearson’s official website. I printed it and answered all of it, albeit failing miserably on a lot of sections. From that though, I was able to be familiar with the exam’s structure.
Later on, I realised that it would have been way convenient for me if I have done a free practice test instead on several PTE help websites. These websites offer free practice test that is timed and structured as the actual PTE exam.
Here are two websites I utilised to for free practice tests:
After I’ve done a couple more of free practice tests, I decided to take the challenge to attempt the Scored Practice Test from Pearson’s Official Website. I personally think that taking it from their official website may be more accurate than taking/buying it from PTE help sites.
With a score report, you can finally analyse your weaknesses and strengths in the PTE exam.
- Work on your weaknesses, strengthen your strengths
Even though I would say that I speak English fluently, having been exposed to the language all my life, I had the lowest score in my Speaking section. This was something that I expected because I seriously flunked while doing the speaking sections of the exams.
While browsing through the internet, I found that E2Language’s tutorials on Youtube were the most useful one. I watched the videos thoroughly and took down notes about strategies I should utilise for the speaking section. At the same time, I also read articles on their blogs.
- Practice, practice, practice
Aside from watching E2Language’s videos on Youtube, I also did exercises that some Youtube channels offer. Simply search “PTE Latest Exam Questions March 2021” etc. and then numerous videos will come out, particularly focusing on sections that you can work on (such as Repeat Sentence, Write from Dictation, etc.)
Also, I think it would be helpful to download a few PTE apps on your phone. Personally, PTE apps really helped me with the reading section because I found it ‘less boring’ to attempt reading exercise on my phone rather than in my computer. Also, it was more convenient for me because I can attempt reading exercises while I was in the train or waiting for food since it was just on my phone. What I utilised during my preparation was the PTE Plus app.
I would also like to recommend the Panda PTE app, which is useful when you are struggling with the speaking section. They have an advanced feature in their app that scores your speaking and videos on how you can improve it.
- Check the sections that are worth more points!
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As you can see from this table, the sections with most points are: Repeat Sentence, Write from Dictation, Read and Write: Fill in the blanks and Read aloud.
Don’t worry too much if your weakness is one of those sections with little points. Strategise your game plan and work more on those sections that are critical in determining your PTE score.
The Exam Day
- The microphone position is REALLY important
Make sure that your microphone is placed properly so the computer would not have trouble getting your answers. During scored practice tests, I utilised different mic positions while taking them and saw that my score in speaking changed in each test. Personally, the mic position that worked for me was putting my mic just on the middle of my chin and mouth.
- Arrive early and chat with other test takers
Try to arrive early, even a bit earlier than 30 minutes before since it is more convenient so you don’t have to rush. Also, you might even use a little of that time reviewing a little more with the PTE app in your phone. I also found that having a little chit-chat with other test takers before taking the exam helped me relax and eased off the worries I had.
