Practice for PTE Academic with this mock-test plan!

PTE Author
PTE Author
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We have all been there; it’s normal to be full of nerves before a test, with uncertainty of what to expect, and doubts about how you’re going to perform. 

However, whilst nerves and anticipation are an unavoidable part of the testing experience, there are ways to reduce this when preparing for your PTE test, so you can grow in confidence before test day and achieve your desired score.

At PTE, we are all about doing it worry-free!  

And to do it worry-free, you need to know what’s coming up and familiarise yourself with the PTE test.

Here are 4 ways you can start your PTE preparation and get the practice in, so you are confident for when test day comes. 

1. Familiarize yourself with the test and what’s expected:

A great way to prepare is to know all about what you can expect on test day. We have lots of resources available on our Preparation page. We'd recommend that you explore this section of our site and gather any top tips that you can from our range of free resources, also known as our A-Z of PTE. This includes a run-through of each question type as well as a video of what to expect on test day, which you can also watch below on this page!

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2. How might you score if you took a PTE test today?

It's the question that every test taker wants to know the answer to… "What score am I going to achieve and what level are my English skills?". The truth is, your true score will only be available to you on your test day, after completing the real PTE test. It will accurately reflect your English skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. So, you will want to make sure that you put in the work to refine your skills as much as possible to be awarded the highest marks.

However, just like other tests that you may have taken during your academic studies, you can do practice rounds, or mock tests, before the big day, with PTE too. These come in the form of our 5 PTE Academic Scored Practice Tests.

These are just like the real thing: the same test format, the same time limit, the same question types and an indicative score of your performance at the end, with a breakdown of your skills assessment. The best thing about Pearson’s Scored Practice Tests is that they are the only mock tests which go through the exact same AI scoring engines as the actual test, so they are as close to the real test as you can get.

You can discover the likely indicative score that you would achieve if you were to take the PTE test today. From this, you can evaluate areas of strength and areas that need development, so you can refine your preparation and increase your practice in specific English language skills areas.

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3. Practice, apply and measure

Now you have taken a mock test and have a plan of action, commit your spare time to improving on skills where you are less confident.

Then, halfway through your PTE Academic preparation journey, try taking another Scored Practice Test (remember there are 5 in total which you can buy as part of our money-saving packages).

This will help you to see the progress that you have made and refine your skills even more!

[Asset] PTE prep cropped - woman studying on sofa with laptop

4. Finally, get PTE ready, just before test day

Your PTE test day is just around the corner. So, it’s time to get that last minute practice in before the real thing.

By taking a Scored Practice Test just before test day, you can be sure that you are well acquainted with the test format and the details, including keeping an eye on time limits, the microphone opening and any other key details.

This way, you will be fully ready when you enter the test centre.

Also, at this point, make sure to re-watch the video on this page on what to expect on PTE test day, so you can pack all the essentials and be ready to go!

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So, as you prepare to get the practice in before your PTE test, remember:

  • nerves are normal - embrace them and turn them into positive energy.

  • practice makes perfect – make full use of the official PTE preparation resources available to you and save money with our money-saving packages.

  • be prepared – make sure on test day, you have everything you need to ensure a smooth, worry-free experience.

 Explore our preparation resources

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    With the right approach, you can answer the “Retell Lecture” question type in PTE Academic with confidence. Here are some essential tips to help you prepare: 

    Dos 

    1. Take effective notes 

    • As you listen, jot down key words and phrases. Use punctuation like ‘-, =, &, +, arrows’ and bullet points to show connections between ideas. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure you cover all important points. 

    2. Highlight key points and relationships 

    • Discuss the main points, but also include characters, actions, aspects, and relationships between the information. This will make your response more comprehensive.

    3. Speak for up to 40 seconds 

    • Aim to speak for up to 40 seconds. The longer you speak, the more likely you are to cover the content requirements for this question. Ensure your response is detailed and covers all necessary aspects. 

    4. Use linking words and relative clauses 

    • Incorporate linking words (so, then) and relative clauses (which, who, that) to connect your ideas and show relationships between them. This will make your response more fluid. 

    Don'ts 

    1. Avoid memorized responses 

    • Do not use memorized responses or templated sentences. If there is a significant amount of pre-memorized content, a score of 0 will be given, and fluency and pronunciation will not be scored. 

    2. Don't just mention key words

    • Avoid mentioning key words from the lecture (e.g., recipe, food, cook) in a disconnected way. You need to describe characters, aspects, actions, and their relationships to provide a coherent response. 

    3. Don't try to mention everything 

    • It won’t be possible to mention everything the lecture covered in 40 seconds. Focus on the most important points to provide a concise and relevant summary. 

    4. Avoid filler words 

    • Do not add filler words that do not connect to the lecture. Stick to the content of the lecture to ensure your response is relevant and focused. 

    Need more advice? We have lots of official resources to help you prepare, including the chance to take a mock test with our scored practice tests. Visit our PTE Academic Preparation page to find out more. 

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    Your guide to PTE test centers in Perth
    By PTE Author

    Whether you need to prove your English for an education, work, or migration visa application, we’re here to make your PTE test booking in Perth quick, easy, and stress-free.

    Find your perfect test center in Perth

    Perth offers multiple test centers equipped with modern facilities to ensure a smooth testing experience. Popular test centers include:

    • Navitas English Perth on Newcastle Street

    • Pearson Professional Center on William Street

    • New North Perth test center on Fitzgerald Street!

    Wherever you are in Perth, there's a PTE test center near you — check availability and book now.

    Why choose PTE?

    PTE is the faster, fairer and simpler English language test.

    • Get your results typically in just 2 business days

    • Our unique combination of AI scoring and human expertise reduces the risk of bias

    • Test all your language skills in just one short, computer-based test

    Tips for success

    Prepare for your PTE test like a pro:

    • Arrive at least 30 minutes before your test time

    • Bring a valid ID for verification

    • Practice with mock tests to build confidence

    • Stay calm and focused – you’ve got this!

    Don't wait — book early!

    Popular test dates fill up fast so book your PTE test in Perth today! Secure your spot at a convenient location and start the journey to your education, work, or migration aspirations.

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    From world-famous beaches to stunning coral reefs, hopping wildlife to bbq-loving locals, it’s no wonder that Australia claims two top ten spots in the Global Liveability Index. 

    Whether you’re looking for bustling cities or quiet countryside, Australia is full of potential, with education, career opportunities and a sense of community being the biggest draws.  

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    High-quality education

    According to our survey, over 64% identify Australia’s high-quality education system as a major pull. Australia takes in a huge number of international students, with over 810,000 enrolled to study in Australia from 2023.  

    A warm welcome and support for their existing international student population only encourages more to apply, creating a strong international community.  

    Those looking to study in Australia have a choice of more than 40 universities offering huge choices in academic programs.  

    On a student visa, you have the option to work part-time during your studies, allowing international students to support themselves while learning, and making Australia an affordable option for those looking to study in an English-speaking country.  

    Career opportunities

    One of the most appealing aspects of moving to Australia is the number of career opportunities. Top sectors shaping the economy and providing great employment opportunities include mining (14.3%), health and education (12.8%), and finance (7.4%).  

    Our PTE test takers told us they were able to find well-paid work, with some even going on to start businesses and buy a home down under. More than nine in ten (91%) are working full-time, with 72% employed in skilled professions with a median income of $93k.  

    Over 87% said they were looking to progress their careers in Australia, suggesting they’re feeling fulfilled in their work and optimistic about their long-term career options in the country. PTE Academic is recognized by a wide range of professional bodies for their skills assessments, including engineering, nursing and midwifery and accounting to name a few. This opens many doors for pursuing a career in Australia.   

    Sense of community

    A warm welcome and sense of community are what makes a new place become home. Beyond education and career opportunities, social integration was one of the main advantages of migrating to Australia.  

    We found that 84% of people that had moved to Australia say they’ve successfully built community connections, with 89% having experienced acts of kindness from others. Movers also report wanting to contribute to their new communities, with more than 1 in 10 taking part in volunteer activities.  

    This two-way integration makes Australia an attractive place to put down roots and become a part of the country’s diverse social fabric.

    A long-term move

    So many respondents shared their positive experiences of moving to Australia, with 8 in 10 saying Australia met or exceeded their expectations and 9 in 10 encouraging others to make the move and join them.  

    Many see it as a long-term move with 70% wanting to stay and gain permanent residency.   

    From education and employment opportunities to vibrant international communities, it’s easy to see why so many English-speakers are saying “G’day” to a new chapter in Australia.  

    Making it happen with PTE

    It takes ambition and commitment to start a new life abroad — along with the right support.  

    Our survey found that 66% of migrants felt their success at work in Australia was down to their English language skills.  

    PTE Academic is recognised by the Australian government for all visa categories and is accepted by 100% of universities in Australia.

    Designed to be faster, fairer, and simpler, 87% prefer PTE over similar tests. So, if the Great Australian Dream sounds like the right fit for you, take the first step with PTE.