5 common PTE mistakes - and how your students can avoid them

Reading time: 7 minutes

Learning from our mistakes is one of the best ways to improve. This is also true for anyone who is preparing for an English language proficiency exam, like PTE Academic.  

 In this post, we’ll look at five common PTE Academic errors test takers make, and how you can help your students to avoid these mistakes when they are sitting their exam.  

1. Reading: reordering paragraphs

In the PTE Academic reading section, test takers are asked to reorder paragraphs taken from an academic text. They see one panel on the screen with a number of sentences in the wrong order, and need to drag these sentences to a second panel in the correct order. This activity tests how well test-takers can understand the structure of a written text in English.  

However, many people struggle with this. They don’t pay attention to language clues such as linking words or sentences that open with an introductory statement. These are all things that allow texts to follow a cohesive pattern.  

Image - reordering paragraph

Check out our Instagram page for activities like this to help students prepare for their PTE exam! 

To help students avoid this mistake, it’s important to teach them about linking words, opening and concluding statements, and how to give opinions or examples in English. You can also have students practice reordering paragraphs in class. For example: 

  • Bring in some news articles, blog posts, or short academic texts  

  • Cut each one up into a number of paragraphs and mix up the order  

  • Put students in groups and have them reorder the paragraphs 

  • When complete, ask students to read the reordered text aloud and have them explain why they chose this order, focusing on the language clues.  

2. Listening: summarize a spoken text 

One of the listening tasks requires candidates to summarize a spoken text. The objective of this is to test how well students can understand the main ideas of a lecture and how well they can summarize those ideas.  

Students listen to an audio recording, and can take notes while listening. They then have 10 minutes to write a 50-70 word summary of the audio. For this task, they’re judged on both the quality of their writing and how well their response presents the key points from the lecture.  

However, test takers often simply copy what they heard in the audio, word for word. This shows they have recognized and understood the words within the audio. But it doesn’t represent their ability to summarize in their own words, using a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures.  

In order to get a good score, candidates must paraphrase as much of the listening material as possible. To help them achieve this, you can try the following in class:  

  • Choose a short video to watch, such as a Ted Talk. If it’s only a few minutes long, play it twice so they have a better understanding of the ideas. 

  • Ask students to work in pairs to take notes and paraphrase the key points of the video. The pair that uses the most new vocabulary and synonyms in their summary will win.  

  • Have the pairs present their summary to the rest of the class, give feedback, and select a winning pair.  

3. Speaking: describe an image 

One of the PTE Speaking tasks calls for candidates to describe a picture. The aim of this exercise is to test students’ ability to explain what they see - using their own words - in a graph, chart, map, table or picture.   

Students have 25 seconds to look at an image on the screen and think about what they’re going to say. Then, they have 15 seconds more to describe the image out loud. The microphone automatically turns off after 40 seconds.  

A common mistake that candidates make here is that they memorize a response to images they have seen when preparing for the exam. This often means they don’t actually describe the image they’ve seen in front of them. When this happens, they usually get a very low score, or even a zero.  

Students may do this if they don’t feel confident with their level of vocabulary. To help them avoid making this mistake, practice describing a range of images in class. Have students record themselves doing the task. Then listen back and identify areas where students can improve and note down any gaps in vocabulary which can then be taught in future classes.  

Image- Describe image

Check out our Instagram page for images like this to help students prepare for their PTE exam! 

4. Writing: writing an essay   

There are two PTE writing tasks to complete in the exam. One of these involves writing an essay, which tests candidates’ ability to write a short, persuasive or argumentative piece.  

Test-takers are given a short written prompt asking them to agree or disagree, state their opinion, or comment on a situation or problem. The response is judged on how well they’re able to develop a position, organize their ideas, present supporting details and write with a high level of academic English. They must write between 200 and 300 words in 20 minutes.  

Image - Write essay

Check out our Instagram page and discover more essay questions to help students prepare for their PTE exam! 

One big mistake? Test-takers often do not follow the word count. The essay score guide states that if they write fewer than 120 words or more than 380 words, their answer will be scored a zero. 

One way to help students prepare for this is by getting them to practice writing the essay under timed conditions. When finished, have them swap their essays with another student and ask them to total each other’s word counts before handing them in.  

Read more tips for the Writing Essay task.  

5. Not checking answers  

Apart from the task-related mistakes, candidates can often make, the biggest problem that we see are simple errors in written answers. This may be because the candidate has not checked over their work before moving on to the next task.  

Before moving on to a new question, it is vital that test-takers spend a few seconds proofreading their answers. By doing this, they may avoid simple errors in spelling, punctuation, vocabulary, or grammar. Furthermore, it gives them time to check that they’ve completed all the information set out in the question.  

To help students get used to doing this, you could have them proofread each other’s written work in class. They can then provide feedback to the other student and work together to correct the errors. Another idea is to create your own short text with a number of spelling, punctuation, and grammar mistakes in it. Tell students that there are X amount of errors in the text, and that they need to work in pairs to find and correct them.  

This way, they’ll train themselves to proofread their work for any small mistakes that could affect their overall PTE score.  

Discover more resources to help you teach PTE!

Related Content

  • PTE: You Know the Score – Partner Webinar Series

    By Sarah Hughes
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    Sarah Hughes – Join me for a free partner webinar series 

    As PTE partners, you play a vital role in helping students understand their results, make informed decisions and move forward with confidence. Every day, agents, teachers and institutions answer questions about PTE scores, score reports and assessment processes.

    Over the past few months, we've been listening closely to your feedback. One message came through clearly: while partners trust PTE, many would welcome more support when explaining scores, handling unexpected results and answering detailed questions from test takers. That feedback directly shaped our new webinar programme. 

    As part of the PTE: You Know the Score campaign, I'm delighted to invite you to a free three-part webinar series designed specifically for PTE partners. Together, we'll explore the questions partners ask most often and provide practical, evidence-based answers you can use with confidence .

  • What is retrogression and what does it mean for nurses planning to work in the USA?

    Reading time: 3 minutes


    For many nurses dreaming of a career in the United States, one of the most confusing terms you’ll encounter is “retrogression”. It’s a word that often sparks concern, uncertainty, and plenty of misinformation. 

    The good news? Retrogression does not mean your U.S. nursing journey is over. Understanding what it is and how to prepare can help you make smarter decisions and avoid costly delays. 

    What is retrogression? 

    Retrogression occurs when the number of people applying for U.S. immigrant visas exceeds the number of visas available in a particular category or country. 

    Many internationally-educated nurses apply through the EB-3 employment-based immigration pathway. When demand becomes higher than the number of visas allocated, applicants may need to wait longer before they can move forward with their visa processing. 

    The U.S. Department of State publishes a monthly Visa Bulletin that shows which applications can proceed based on their priority date. 

    Why does retrogression affect nurses? 

    The United States continues to experience nursing shortages, which creates strong demand for qualified international nurses. However, visa allocations are limited by law. 

    As a result, nurses from countries with high numbers of applicants may experience longer waiting periods between filing paperwork and receiving final visa approval. 

    Common myths about retrogression 

    Myth 1: “I should wait until retrogression ends before starting my application.” 

    Reality: Waiting can actually place you further behind. Many immigration professionals recommend starting your preparation early so that your documents, credentials, and testing requirements are ready when opportunities arise. 

    Myth 2: “Retrogression affects everyone equally.” 

    Reality: Processing timelines can vary depending on factors such as country of chargeability, priority date, and visa availability.  

    Myth 3: “There is nothing I can do while waiting.” 

    Reality: There are many productive steps you can take during retrogression. Let's talk about some of them here.

    What should nurses do during retrogression? 

    Use this time to strengthen your application: 

    • Complete your English language testing requirements.
    • Prepare licensing and credential evaluation documents.
    • Gain additional clinical experience where possible.
    • Research potential employers and recruitment partners.
    • Stay informed about monthly Visa Bulletin updates. 

    Nurses who use waiting periods strategically are often better positioned when visa movement resumes.

    Focus on what you can control

    Retrogression is a reality of the U.S. immigration system, but it does not change the long-term demand for qualified nurses.

    Rather than focusing on delays you cannot control, concentrate on building a complete and competitive application. Every document prepared, test completed, and requirement met brings you one step closer to your goal.

    Key takeaway

    Retrogression may affect timing, but it does not eliminate your opportunities. Nurses who stay informed, continue preparing, and monitor official updates are often in the best position to succeed when their priority date becomes current.

    We have more articles to support you on your nursing journey, so keep checking our inspiration and advice page for more. 

  • Your U.S. nursing journey checklist: 7 things to do before you apply

    Reading time: 3 minutes


    Planning to work as a nurse in the United States? The earlier you prepare, the smoother your journey is likely to be. 

    Many delays occur because applicants discover missing documents or requirements late in the process. Creating a readiness plan can save you significant time later. 

    Use this checklist to help prepare for your future U.S. nursing career. 

    1. Confirm your nursing credentials 

    Gather and organize your: 

    • nursing diploma or degree
    • professional licenses
    • academic transcripts
    • employment records

    Having these documents readily available can help streamline future application processes. 

     2. Understand the U.S. nursing pathway 

    Take time to learn about: 

    • employment-based immigration pathways
    • licensing requirements
    • credential evaluation processes
    • state-specific requirements

    Getting a clear understanding of the process helps you to set realistic expectations.

    3. Prepare for English language testing

    Many nurses need to demonstrate English proficiency as part of their pathway. Starting your preparation early can improve your confidence and give you flexibility when booking test dates.

    4. Build your professional experience

    Continue developing your clinical skills and maintain your professional practice where possible. Experience can strengthen your profile and may increase your employment opportunities.

    5. Create a personal document tracker

    Keep copies of important documents in a secure location and track:

    • expiration dates
    • license renewals
    • passport validity
    • testing results

    Being organized reduces stress later in the process.

    6. Stay updated on visa and immigration changes

    Immigration policies and visa availability can change over time. Make sure you follow official government updates and reputable industry resources so you can be sure you have accurate information when making decisions.

    TruMerit (formerly CGFNS) is a good source of up-to-date and relevant information.

    7. Develop a financial plan

    The cost of an international career move can often add up, with expenses for testing, documentation, licensing, and travel. Creating a savings plan early can help reduce financial pressure and keep your goals on track.

    Why preparation matters

    Successful applicants often begin preparing months or years before they receive employment opportunities. The more requirements you complete in advance, the better positioned you may be when the right opportunity becomes available.

    Key takeaway

    Working as a nurse in the United States is a long-term goal that requires planning, patience, and persistence. Focus on the steps you can take today. Every document organized, every skill developed, and every requirement completed brings you closer to achieving your professional ambitions.

    We have more articles to support you on your nursing journey, so keep checking our inspiration and advice page for more.