PTE Core Exam Preparation: Everything You Need to Know
Contrary to common belief, good PTE Core exam preparation doesn’t stop at frequent practice.
It should cover other aspects like registering and picking a proper center, so test-takers can rest assured before the test date.
LUME has put together a clear guide that focuses on what truly works.
Let’s read on to get the latest strategies that real candidates are using to succeed.
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This section takes around 50 minutes and is the longest part of the test.
It evaluates your English communication ability in daily life through 8 tasks:
This section consists of 5 tasks that last around 30 minutes:
The listening section takes you around 30 minutes and includes 7 tasks based on audio/video recordings:
One of the best ways to prepare for the PTE Core exam is to use study materials for the test.
These resources give you sample questions, practice tests, and a clear idea of what to expect.
The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel on exam day.
Before booking your PTE Core test, you need to find a test center near you and check the exam fee.
The cost depends on your country and currency, so it may vary.
You can access the official PTE website to get accurate pricing.
After choosing your country, you’ll see the test fee for that location.
The price already includes a 10% tax, so there won’t be any hidden costs.
You should also note that test slots may fill up quickly, so you need to check availability early.
Signing up for the PTE Core test is the next crucial step in your PTE Core test preparation.
You can follow the steps below:
Before taking the exam, you need to understand the rules at the test center:
Arrive early
You should arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time.
If you’re late, you will not be allowed to take the test.
Bring the right ID
Your passport is required, but if you’re in Canada, a permanent resident card is also accepted.
Also, make sure your ID is valid and matches your test booking details.
Follow instructions
The test administrator will explain everything before you start, including headset use and other test procedures.
No personal items
You’ll need to store all personal belongings before the test and can’t access them until you finish.
Speak smoothly
Your words should flow effortlessly.
You should spend time improving your pronunciation.
Fillers like ‘um’ or ‘uh’ can make you sound hesitant, so reducing them may help.
Read aloud with emphasis
When you read aloud, don’t just go through the words, but also make them natural!
You can emphasize keywords and use a natural rhythm.
One useful tip is to break sentences into smaller parts to sound more fluent.
Describe images with a clear structure
You can start with a general description, highlight key details, and finish with a summary.
A structured approach helps you stay clear and natural.
Understand the format first
Before writing, make sure you’re clear on the format.
If the task requires summarizing a passage in one sentence, you should capture the main ideas concisely.
Combine ideas effectively
When shortening a passage, you need to link key points smoothly.
Conjunctions, relative pronouns, and subordinate clauses can help merge ideas into a well-structured sentence.
Respond clearly to the prompt
For email writing, your introduction should directly address the topic.
Your conclusion should neatly summarize your key ideas.
Remember that keeping your response relevant and to the point will strengthen your writing.
Use strong vocabulary
Instead of repeating common words like ‘good’ or ‘important,’ you can try alternatives such as ‘beneficial,’ ‘valuable,’ or ‘significant.’
It makes your writing more engaging and proves your language proficiency.
Scan the main ideas
Before diving into details, it’s helpful to scan the text for the main ideas.
You’ll get a clear understanding of the passage before answering questions.
Take quick notes
You should take brief notes when reordering paragraphs to track the main points and transitions.
Words like ‘however, therefore, and in contrast’ can help you understand the logical flow.
Use time wisely
Instead of spending too much time on one question, you need to manage your time effectively.
Some sections may take longer than others, so it’s important to balance your pace.
Read widely
You can expand your reading skills by exploring different materials, such as newspapers, academic journals, and magazines.
Exposure to diverse content improves comprehension and vocabulary.
Spot the keywords
You should pay close attention to key details like names, dates, and numbers.
Noting them down may help with recall and accuracy.
Predict the next move
Instead of just hearing the words, try predicting what the speaker might say next.
This keeps you engaged and improves comprehension.
Practice with different accents
As the test consists of British, American, and Australian accents, exposing yourself to them can make a big difference.
Watching movies, listening to podcasts, or practicing with diverse audio materials will help.
Take notes
Taking notes efficiently is always essential.
You can use shorthand or symbols to save time and focus on understanding rather than writing every word.
Taking mock tests gives you a clear picture of your strengths and weaknesses among skills.
Instead of guessing what to focus on, you will have a clear roadmap for smarter studying.
Beyond identifying weak spots, mock tests also help you get familiar with the test format and timing.
Thus, you may feel less pressure on test day.
It’s also easier to stay focused and perform well when you know what to expect.
Another big advantage is understanding how the PTE Core scoring system works.
Seeing how your answers are evaluated gives you a realistic idea of your potential score and helps you set achievable goals.
Besides, tracking your progress over time keeps you motivated and moving toward your target score.
In short, getting ready for the PTE Core exam preparation consists of knowing the test format, practicing regularly, and taking mock tests.
Moreover, focus on enhancing your English skills, manage your time well, and stay confident.
With the right approach, you’ll be ready to tackle the exam and reach your target score.
Want to FINALLY Pass the PTE Core Test And Achieve Your Goals? Get Your FREE Lume Account Today to Unlock… ✅ 10,000+ PRACTICE QUESTIONS with detailed answers ✅ FREE MOCK TESTS with fast & accurate AI scoring ✅ Get BETTER SCORES with a PERSONALIZED study plan (Limited seats available!) |
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