PTE inspiration and advice

During Part 3: Listening in PTE Academic, you will need to know pronunciation in order to understand what the speakers are saying.

Pronunciation

When completing PTE Academic, you will hear a variety of accents from both fluent English speakers and second language speakers, as you would in the real world. Don’t worry, the accents will be clear and regular users of English do not have trouble understanding them. To prepare you should choose texts from around the world and practice listening to a wide range of accents.

The recordings in PTE Academic use authentic examples of speech, so there will be connected speech present. Connected speech includes: assimilation, elision, twinning, catenation, linking vowel sounds, intrusive sounds, the schwa /ə/, weak forms, and contractions. These words are not used in English when you pronounce each word separately. They are only used in connected speech.

Assimilation

In connected speech in English, the sound at the end of a word can change to sound the same as the beginning of the first word.

Watch these videos from BBC Learning English to better understand assimilation:

• Pronunciation: Assimilation of /t/ and /p/

• Pronunciation: Assimilation of /d/ to /g/

• Pronunciation: Assimilation of /s/

• Pronunciation: Assimilation of /n/ followed by /p/

• Pronunciation: Assimilation of /t/ and /j/

• Pronunciation: Assimilation of /d/ and /b/

Elision

Elision occurs when a sound is not pronounced at all by the speaker.

For example, we say pos card, but we write postcard.

This Pronunciation: The sound /s/ video shows how it works.

Twinning

When you finish a word with the same sound as the start of the next word, it’s called twinning.

Watch the video below to learn more:

• Pronunciation: The sound /s/

Catenation

Catenation is when one word ends in a consonant sound and the next one starts with a vowel and we say the two words as one.

The below video will help you learn more about catenation:

• Pronunciation: Consonant – vowel linking

Linking vowel sounds

When we speak, we use the /j/ (the first sound in yellow) and /w/ (the first sound in wet) to link words that end with a vowel to the next word that starts with a vowel.

For example, we would say he yordered, but we write he ordered and you say go won, but write go on.

To learn more about linking /j/ and linking /w/ you can view this video:

• Stop Saying… : Vowel to vowel linking

Intrusive sounds

When we speak, we add a /r/ (first sound in the word red) when the first word ends in some vowel sounds and the next word also starts with a vowel sound.

For example, we say sawrants but we write saw ants.

This video on intrusive sounds will help you understand better:

• Pronunciation: The intrusive /r/

The schwa /ə/

The most common vowel sound in English is the schwa /ə/. It is used in connected speech and is when you pronounce a vowel, which is not stressed in a word.

This video will better explain what it means and how it’s used:

• Pronunciation: Schwa

Weak forms

In addition to the above, the schwa /ə/ is used to pronounce the vowel in weak forms of grammar words in connected speech. It can be a little confusing so we recommend watching all of the below videos to learn more:

• Pronunciation: Elision of /t/

• Pronunciation: ‘Have to’

• Pronunciation: How to pronounce ‘have’ when it’s an auxiliary

Contractions

In connected speech, when we are not stressing the subject, verb, or not, we do not use the full form of the subject and verb with verbs be and have. These are contractions.

Contractions are also used with be, have and do in the negative, as well as some modal verbs in the negative.

For example:

• I am =>I’m

• You are =>you’re

• We have =>we’ve

• They have =>they’ve

• You are not => you aren’t

• They are not => they aren’t

• He/she/it is not =>he/she/it isn’t (you can also use he’s/she’s/it’s not)

We also use I’m not and we’re not and do not => don’t, did not => didn’t, cannot => can’t, will not => won’t, might not => mightn’t. They are used very often in connected spoken English so make sure to listen carefully to pick these up.

The below video will take you through this type of connected speech:

• How to Pronounce Contractions: American English Pronunciation

All of the above types of connected speech are important in the Fill in the Blanks, Highlight Incorrect Words and Write from Dictation question types.

As part of Part 3: Listening in your test, you will need to review your vocabulary and grammar skills, as well as learn cohesive devices and signal language. You can read more about these core English skills in part 3.

Many students dream of studying in Canada. The country has world-renowned teaching facilities and universities, an open immigration system, metropolitan cities, and scenic landscapes. Altogether, it’s a great choice for international students.  

Studying in Canada is not as expensive as studying in other countries, like the U.S. or U.K. However it is still a big investment. International students pay between $1,800-20,000 CAD per year to attend a Canadian university or college.  

But, what’s the cost of living in Canada? Canada is a big country and prices vary by region. Nevertheless, the EduCanada government website estimates the average cost of living for foreign students is about $12,000 CAD a year.  

In this guide, we outline how much students across Canada pay for things like rent, transportation, entertainment, and food – and look into some hidden costs that everyone should keep in mind. 

Here is our student guide on the cost of living in Canada: 

Accommodation costs by city  

When you’re studying in Canada, you can choose between living on-campus or off-campus. Living on-campus is a great opportunity to socialize with other students and make friends. Most institutions also give students on-campus the option to buy a meal plan. But, keep in mind that many universities and colleges prioritize first-year students for on-campus housing.  

You might also decide to rent an apartment or room off-campus instead. There are lots of housing options in neighborhoods close to universities and colleges – and these are often advertised specifically for students.  

To give you an idea about how much accommodation will cost, we take a look at some popular Canadian study destinations. Keep in mind, off-campus housing prices might fluctuate because of the pandemic. 

Toronto  

At the University of Toronto, on-campus housing for eight months ranges from about $6500- $20,500 CAD, depending on the room and meal-plan. A one-bedroom apartment in Toronto costs about $2,100 CAD/month on average.  

Vancouver 

At the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, a room and meal-plan will cost you between $10,700-$13,850 CAD for two terms. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs $2,050 CAD/month on average.  

Montreal 

At McGill University in Montreal, a single room for 1st-year undergraduate students costs between about $9,700-$12,700 CAD/academic year, without a meal plan. A one-bedroom apartment costs 1,300 CAD/month on average. 

Halifax 

At Dalhousie University in Halifax, a single room costs between $8,130-$9,450 CAD/academic year with a meal plan. A one-bedroom apartment costs about $1,400 CAD/month on average.  

Waterloo 

At the University of Waterloo, a single room in a traditional-style dorm costs between about $6,700-$7,000 CAD for the fall and winter term, not including a mandatory meal-plan. A one-bedroom apartment costs about $1,500 CAD/month on average.  

Food costs  

If you don’t have a meal plan and live off-campus, you must include grocery shopping in your budget. Of course, food prices are different across the country and depend on where you decide to shop.  

Let’s take a quick look at how much essential items may cost in Canada’s largest city, Toronto:  

• Milk (about $3 CAD)

• Rice, 1kg (about $3.50 CAD)

• Apples, 1kg (about $4 CAD)

• Red meat, 1kg (about $16 CAD)

• 12 eggs (about $3.50 CAD)

According to the City of Toronto’s Nutritious Food Basket Calculator, a male aged 19-30 must spend a minimum of $65.50/week to buy healthy food. A female the same age living in Toronto must spend about $51 CAD/week to buy healthy food.  

Transportation costs in Canada 

How much is the average cost of transportation in Canada? Many international students rely on public transportation to get around. And oftentimes, transport costs are included in tuition fees – giving you unlimited access to the city’s whole transportation system.  

But in some cities – like Toronto and Montreal – you can buy your own pass at a reduced fare. In Montreal, a student pass costs $53 CAD/month. In Toronto, which is a much more expensive city, a pass costs $128 CAD/month.  

Outside of larger cities, it can also be useful to have a car, especially if you are used to driving at home. But, keep in mind this can cost a lot extra. To get an idea of how much it costs to drive a car in Canada, check out this driving costs calculator by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA).  

Entertainment costs 

Canada offers many cultural and outdoor activities for you to enjoy. You can find world-class music festivals, skiing and snowboarding, and giant sporting events like basketball, hockey, and baseball games.  

Of course, you will also still get to enjoy many things you did at home. Here are a few things you might like to do in Canada, along with how much each costs:  

• Visit a renowned museum (many offer free evenings, and entrance for young people or students) 

• Meet a friend for coffee ($1.76 CAD at coffee chain Tim Hortons) 

• Rent skates and go ice-skating outdoors (about $10 CAD)

• Watch a movie in theaters (about $15 CAD)

• Eat dinner at a casual restaurant (about $15-25 CAD)

Insurance costs 

Canada has a publicly-funded health system. However, each province and territory administers its own healthcare. Whether or not you can receive publicly-funded medical coverage will depend on where you are in Canada.  

If you don’t qualify for public healthcare, your institution might require you to enroll in a specific insurance plan or find your own private coverage. You should check with your institutions about exactly what coverage you need to study safety in Canada.  

Hidden costs 

Lots of hidden costs arise when studying abroad, and there are a few things students in Canada should keep in mind.  

For one, it is expensive to own a cellphone in Canada. In fact, cell phone bills in Canada are among the highest in the world. Canadians pay $101 CAD/month, on average, for a cellphone plan.  

You will also need to buy warm winter clothing – including a jacket, boots, socks, gloves, hat, and scarf. You can expect to pay about $300-$400 CAD for these items brand new. However, thrift stores might also carry winter clothing for much cheaper.  

Finally, you shouldn’t forget about Canadian sales taxes. Taxes in Canada are higher than many places in the world and range from about 12%-15%.

You may have heard that London is one of the most expensive places in the world to live in, but fortunately, London, and by extension, England, does not equate to the whole of the UK. In fact, many UK towns and cities are very liveable when compared to other cities across the globe.  

There is quite a bit to look at when considering the cost of living in the UK. Apart from tuition fees, there’s also the cost of rent, transport, and even entertainment – because if you’re living in the UK, there’s no way you should miss out on everything that this great country has to offer- from the food to the culture.  

Let’s look at some aspects of the UK cost of living, so you can best adjust your budget and prepare yourself for a new life abroad. 

Calculating living costs in The UK 

When looking at the cost of living in the UK, it’s best to use an online currency calculator to convert your currency to the British pound – that will give you a better idea of the true cost of living in relation to your country. 

Here’s a rough guide to the currency conversions we have used in this article, dated March 27th, 2020:

• AU$1,000 = £500

• US$1,000 = £805

• €1000 = £895

Once you have a better understanding of the conversion rate, you can better interpret how much rent, utilities and other everyday costs will affect your budget.  

A weekly UK budget 

There are so many factors that contribute to the UK cost of living that it’s impossible to give you a set cost for each week. But a recommended starting point for a budget for a single student in the UK, per week, averages out to about £300. Let’s see how we got to this number (please note these costs are an average from across UK metropolitan cities, outside of the city center). 

If you dream of studying in Australia, be prepared to learn some slang. Aussies are known for their use of informal language. Many consider it part of their national identity.

As this article by two Monash University linguists points out, Australia’s attachment to slang actually goes all the way back to some of the earliest English settlements in the country. 

 So, what slang words should you know before traveling “down under”? Here are 12 popular Australian slang words to get started: 

1. Arvo

“Arvo” means afternoon. According to the Australian National Dictionary Centre, the word was first recorded in 1920. In Australian English, an “-o” is commonly added to shortened words. Two examples are “ambo” (ambulance driver) or “rello” (relative) – but there are many more. 

How to use it: I’m meeting my sister in the park on Sunday arvo.  

2. Barbie

“Barbie” is a short form of barbeque. In Australian English, “-ie” is also added to lots of abbreviated words. The word “selfie” is a good example of this; it was coined by an Australian man in 2002!  

How to use it: We’re having a barbie tomorrow – do you want to come?  

 3. Chucking a sickie 

“Chucking a sickie” means to take a sick day from work when you are not sick – or without a proper reason. Look, there’s that “–ie” again. 

According to a 2018 study, nearly half of Australians who take off sick are actually chucking a sickie.  

How to use it: I’m going to chuck a sickie on Monday to spend an extra day with my family. 

4. Give someone a bell

“To give someone a bell” simply means to call someone on the phone. It’s a term used both in Australia and the U.K.  

How to use it: I’ll give you a bell tomorrow when I’m out of class. 

5. Hard yakka

“Hard yakka” means work hard. The word “yakka” – which first appeared in the 1840s – derives from the word for work (yaga). It comes from Yagara, an Indigenous language in Australia. 

In fact, many Australian English words derive from Indigenous languages. Take a look at some more examples on ABC Learn English. 

How to use it: Studying for my final English exam was hard yakka, but worth it.  

6. Macca’s

“Macca’s” is a nickname for Mcdonald’s. If you used the term Macca’s in the U.S. or Canada, you’d get some funny looks. But the term is very common in Australia. In fact, McDonald’s changed its name to Macca’s at stores across the country for Australia Day in 2013 – and still refers to itself as Macca’s today.  

How to use it: I’m craving a cheeseburger. Where’s the closest Macca’s?  

7. Mate

“Mate” is a popular word for friend. And while it’s used in other English-speaking countries around the world, it has a special connection to Australia. In the past, mate has been used to address men,  but it can be gender-neutral.  

In Australia, you’ll also hear mate used in an ironic sense. If someone is upset with an athlete’s play, for example, they might yell at the T.V.: “maattee!”  

How to use it: G’day mate, how are you doing? 

8. No worries 

“No worries” is a common way to say that something is no bother – or even to say you’re welcome. It’s often used to assure people that everyone will be alright, and not to worry.  

How to use it: “Thanks for taking that shift at work for me!” – No worries, I don’t mind at all.  

 9. She’ll be right

“She’ll be right” is an optimistic way to say that everything will turn out okay in the end.  

Now, why is the pronoun she used? “Australian English often uses the feminine pronoun she where standard English would use it. For example, instead of ‘it’ll be right’ Australians say ‘she’ll be right’,” explains the Australian National Dictionary Centre.  

 How to use it: I’m worried about applying to a university abroad. But I know if I work hard, she’ll be right.  

10. Uey

A “uey” is a U-turn. When you say it, it sounds like “You E”. Instead of saying make a uey, you’re more likely to hear an Australian say chuck a uey.

How to use it: We’re going in the wrong direction! Chuck a uey up ahead to turn around.  

 11. Uni

“Uni” is an abbreviation for – you guessed it – university. The word uni is used in both Australia, New Zealand, and the U.K.; and while it’s not very common in Canada or the U.S., most people would still understand you if you said it. There are 43 unis in Australia – you can take a look at them here. 

How to use it: My best mate from uni just had a baby. She looks just like him!  

 12. Veggo

A “veggo” is a vegetarian. About 3% of the population in Australia say they’re vegetarian, while just 1% are vegan. But if you’re a veggo, you won’t have any issues shopping. There are lots of meat and dairy-free options available in supermarkets and restaurants.  

How to use it: My brother is a veggo. He cooked some amazing veggie burgers on the barbie last weekend.  

There’s a lot to love about living in Australia. The country boasts beautiful landscapes, multicultural cities, and one of the best education systems in the world. Many people who hold an Australian work visa want to stay in Australia for the long run and decide to apply to become a permanent resident.

In this guide, we’ll take a look into what the process entails. By the end you’ll have all the information and online resources you need to apply for a permanent resident visa in Australia:

What does it mean to be a permanent resident in Australia?

With an Australian permanent resident visa, you can remain in the country indefinitely. If you secure a permanent resident visa you’ll also be able to:

• Work and study in Australia

• Receive healthcare benefits

• Sponsor relatives for their permanent resident visas

• Apply for citizenship

Keep in mind that until you become a citizen, you cannot:

• Hold an Australian passport

• Vote in Australian elections

• Access student loan benefits

How to apply

There are multiple ways to apply for a permanent resident visa in Australia. It will depend on how and why you are eligible. Most commonly, people commonly apply through a family, work, or business stream.

A family-stream permanent resident visa

A family member can sponsor you for a visa. You can do this if you are the partner, child, parent, or dependent of an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident. You can also be sponsored for a permanent resident visa if you need to move to Australia to care for a family member long-term. You can apply from both inside and outside Australia for this type of visa.

To learn about how to apply through the family stream and all the different visas available, check out this questionnaire on the Government of Australia website.

A work-stream permanent resident visa

You can be sponsored by an Australian employer for a permanent resident visa. Likewise, you might also be able to apply through a skilled workers program. You will qualify for this if you have skills the country views as valuable – such as chemistry, agricultural engineering, or carpentry. The skilled occupation list outlines all the jobs in Australia that are in high-demand.

Keep in mind that for some work-stream visas, you must be nominated by an employer or Australian government agency to apply.

Discover the different work-stream permanent resident visa options on the Government of Australia website.

A business or investment permanent resident visa

If you own or manage a business in Australia, or invest in the country, you can apply for a permanent resident visa. This will allow you to live and work in Australia indefinitely.

People are also eligible to apply for permanent resident visas in Australia for a range of different reasons. For example, if you wish to retire or are a former resident of the country. You may also apply if you have a “distinguished talent” – which means you have made an outstanding achievement in a certain field – or are a refugee. For each visa, you’ll also have to check if you qualify. Every situation is different and you can explore every visa option on the Australian Government website.

Fees and processing times

Expect to pay $2,890 AUD for an investor visa, $4,770 AUD for a skilled visa, and $9,095 AUD for a partner visa.*

Processing times also range. Some permanent resident visas take a few months, while others can take more than two years to be granted. This makes it extremely important to do your research and plan ahead.

*Please note these fees are correct at the time of writing. Please consult the government website for up-to-date information.

Many permanent resident visas always require you to take an English language test, so you’ll have to study for this in advance. Our secure, computer-based English exam PTE Academic is accepted by the Australian government for all visa categories – including business and investment permanent resident visas. And the good news? Once you’ve written the test, you get the results within 48 hours.

Learn more about PTE Academic for Australia.

Plan ahead

Applying for a permanent visa anywhere can be a long (and sometimes complicated) process. So, it really does pay to do your research ahead of time. You’ll need to save up, prepare your application, and plan your move ahead with lots of time to spare.

Want to learn more about living, working, and studying in Australia? Check out all our articles on our blog.

We are not immigration agents. For all up-to-date information about visa rules and regulations, see the official guidelines on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Last updated 20 December 2024.

Do you want to study in Malaysia?

If you are an international student wanting to study in Malaysia, you may need to take an English test.

International students are required to meet the English language competency requirements set by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

Do you need to take an English test?

If you are an international student who meets all academic qualifications but have not met the English language requirement for admission you may receive a conditional offer.

You will then need to complete an English language preparation program within 12 months at the respective private college or university and pass the language test requirement. Only then will you will be able to commence your course.

Who is exempt?

You do not need to prove your English language skills if you are an international student that:

• is from an English-speaking country

• has an academic qualification from an institution that uses English as the medium of instruction

• has completed their education in Malaysia and has decided to further their studies to a higher level

Where is PTE Academic accepted?

Since April 2016, the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education has accepted PTE Academic as proof of the English language skills for international students wanting to study at a private higher educational institution in Malaysia.

There are a growing number of Malaysian Universities that now recognize PTE Academic such as:

• Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology (APIIT)

• Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)

• Asia School of Business

• Asia e University

• Berjaya University College

• Curtin University (Sarawak)

• Cyberlynx International College

• Disted College

• Education Malaysia Global Services

• Despark College

• First City University College

• HELP University College

• Heriot Watt University Malaysia

• Inti International College Subang

• Malaysia University of Science and Technology

• Monash University Malaysia

• Multimedia University

• MAHSA University

• Pintar College

• Segi University

• Sunway College

• Sunway University

• Swinburne University of Technology (Sarawak)

• Taylor’s University

• The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus

• UCSI University

• University of Reading Malaysia

• University of Southampton Malaysia Campus

• Xiamen University (Malaysia Campus)

We are constantly expanding the number of Malaysian Universities that accept our scores, explore our full list of institutions in Malaysia who accept PTE.

You can take PTE Academic at test centers around the world and at 6 locations in Malaysia. Ready to take PTE Academic? Book now!

With high-quality universities, more affordable tuition, and the fastest growing regional economy in the world, Asia has become a popular destination for international students. This includes students from within the region itself.

Western countries still attract a large number of students each year. “But the idea that a Western degree is automatically better and more advantageous than one obtained in Asia is losing ground.” states by ICEF Monitor.

In fact, countries like China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia have all been competing to attract more international students in recent years. As a result, Asian students now have the opportunity to receive a world-class education and international study experience much closer to home. This is especially important for many families today, as uncertainty surrounding the pandemic is expected to continue.

Now, let’s take a look at what one Asian country – Malaysia – has to offer international students. We’ll also go into what students should keep in mind as they plans their studies:

Malaysia at a glance

Malaysia boasts innovative universities and excellent intra-regional mobility, making it a great place for students to consider. The country has worked to put itself on the map as a destination for international learners. It hopes to welcome 250,000 students from abroad by 2025. Students come from a variety of countries including Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Yemen, and Nigeria.

Bahasa Malaysia is the country’s official language. However many university courses are taught in English.

Universities in Malaysia

Malaysia boasts more than 100 higher education institutions. Many universities here are also ranked amongst the top in the world by the QS World University Rankings. Included in the ranking are: 

• University of Malaya (UM): Ranked 60th globally. 

• Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM): Ranked 148th globally. 

• Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM): Ranked 138th globally. 

• Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM): Ranked 146th globally. 

A number of international universities have also opened branches in Malaysia. These include the University of Nottingham, Heriot Watt University, Monash University, Xiamen University, and Newcastle University, to name a few. They provide students with the chance to earn a degree from Western universities without having to leave the region.

If you're looking to explore your study options, the government has a great tool for students to find the program that suits them best. You can also learn more about diploma studies with this useful guide.

In order to study in Malaysia, students will need to prove they are proficient in English and PTE Academic is the ready choice for you to do so. PTE Academic is a computer-based language test that provides unbiased and secure proof of a candidate’s English skills for study, professional, and migration purposes.

According to language requirements set by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), students who plan to undertake a Bachelor’s degree and above at university or college must score a minimum of 47 for PTE Academic, which is equivalent to CEFR High B1 level.

Students who wish to undertake a diploma course will need to have a minimum PTE Academic score of 36, which is equivalent to CEFR Low B1 level. However, students should always check with their respective university or college to confirm their language score requirements.

Getting your visa

Applying for a Student Pass to study in Malaysia is relatively simple and can be done online. Before starting your application, you must have a letter of acceptance from your university. The whole visa process takes about one month. You’ll find out how to apply on the Education Malaysia website.

With a Student Pass you can work up to 20 hours a week, but only during school breaks that last longer than 8 days.

Cost of living

Malaysia draws the attention of students all around the world because it offers an affordable, yet still top class education. A bachelor degree, for example, costs between $10,000-20,000 USD. This is a lot less than in the United States or the U.K. In fact, Malaysia’s booming capital city Kuala Lumpur was named the second most affordable city in the world for students by the QS Best Student Cities ranking.

Financial aid

International students in Malaysia can apply for financial aid. Universities offer scholarships directly to students. To get an idea of what these might be like, you can take a look at the scholarships offered by University of Malaya.

The Malaysian government also provides scholarships to international students. The Malaysia International Scholarship – which offers air tickets, tuition, and a monthly allowance, among other benefits – is one scholarship to look into. The Malaysian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan also offers international students some generous financial support.

Want an international study experience in Malaysia?

PTE Academic – a fast, flexible, fair, and secure English assessment can help you get there. Book the test now and get the result within 2 days.

View prices in your country and find your local test center.

Last updated 20 December 2024.

Are you preparing to take PTE Academic?

Good news! We have added a new test preparation company to our existing list of providers. This will give you even more options and support in your test preparation.

Try E2Language with a free trial

E2Language is a global online tutorial and test preparation provider. They offer good quality practice services and materials for PTE Academic. E2Language offers online tuition through group and 1-1 learning, supported by a range of YouTube videos that share tips and advice. They offer a set of online preparation materials.

We are always looking to expand and enhance the services we offer our test takers and we believe the addition of E2Language helps us achieve this goal.

Give yourself the best chance of performing well on the day with E2Language – try for free.

How do we know automated scoring works

Are you thinking of taking PTE Academic, or have you recently taken it, but you are wondering how it is that a computer can mark your test?

Well, firstly the test has been designed by humans, all leading experts in their field. Our human experts design and write the questions, quality assure them, and then score them. At this point, computers are trained to use the patterns of highly trained language experts to attribute scores to questions. When the computer marks correlate highly with the human scores, we then allow the computer to mark test scripts from across the world.

As a result of our processes and technology, the computer behaves like an expert human examiner – but without any possible bias, lack of concentration, or variation between individual examiners.

The scoring criteria are exactly the same as human scoring – test takers are marked on their delivery, clarity, relevance, the accuracy of grammar, and appropriateness of vocabulary.

Want to hear more?

Take a couple of minutes and listen to one of our leading independent advisors, Dr. Alistair Van Moere, a member of Pearson’s Technical Advisory Group, as he explains how it all works.