Speaking: Self-Improvement Part 1

PTE Author
PTE Author
Image- At cafe
Reading time: 3 minutes

In Part 1 of PTE Academic, you will require many core English skills to pass. It is very important that you prepare and look at ways you can maximize your score.

We’ve put together some tips to help based on each question type.

Read aloud

In the Read Aloud question type, you will be scored based on content, oral fluency and pronunciation.

As part of this question type, you will need to speak aloud and say all the words in the correct order.

Here are some tips to help maximize your chances of receiving points:

  • Make sure you do not replace any words, leave any words out or add any. If you make a mistake and try to correct it, it will be counted as added words.

  • Once prompted, you must speak into the microphone right away and read with a smooth, easy natural speed. Try not to speak too fast or too slow.

  • Use English rhythm with chunking and sentence stress used correctly.

  • Try not to hesitate or repeat words as you will lose points.

Repeat sentence

The Repeat Sentence question type is scored based on the same elements as the Read Aloud question type: content, oral fluency and pronunciation.

Here are some tips to help gain points in this question type:

  • Say all of the words in the exact same order. Do not rush.

  • Do not use the Erasable Noteboard Booklet, keep the sentence in your head.

  • It’s easier to keep the sentence in your mind if you understand the meaning. Try to understand the meaning.

  • If unsure of a word the speaker used, say what you think you heard.

  • Do not speak too fast or slow.

  • Similar to read aloud, use English rhythm with chunking and sentence stress. You will also lose points in this question type if you hesitate, repeat words or stumble to start.

  • Speak with the sounds of an English speaker and copy the intonation pattern of the speaker, but do not change your accent.

Describe image

In the Describe Image question type, you will be scored based on content, oral fluency and pronunciation.

To be able to describe the image, you will need to understand it as it could be a graph, picture, map, chart or table. Always read the title and make sure you understand the parts that make up the image.

Some extra tips include:

  • Use the Erasable Noteboard Booklet to take notes about the image, which you can use in your answer. For example, if the image is a graph, chart or table, is there a trend you can comment on? If it’s a map or picture, what are the important features?

  • Include all aspects and elements of the image in your answer.

  • Start with a general statement about the image then summarize the most important points.

  • If there are words on the image you want to use but are unsure how to pronounce them, don’t worry, just say them how you think they should be said.

  • Try using connector words to link the information you give. For example, use words such as: also, however, as or besides.

You can receive up to 5 points based on your content. In order to score above 1, you will need to include the relationships between parts of the image, possible developments and conclusions or implications of the information in the image.

Don’t forget to talk with a smooth, natural speed at all times during the speaking test.

In total, there are five speaking sections of Part 1: Speaking and Writing.

We recommend that you read more about the other question types such as Re-tell Lecture and Short Answer Question types and learn how to pick up points for these.

Want to learn more about the smart way to prepare for PTE?

Smart Prep brings all our free and paid preparation into one convenient place, so you can mix and match to fit your unique needs.

  • Smart Prep provides a clear path to test day, guiding you through the official paid and free resources available for your test

  • It can be accessed whether you’ve booked a test or not – just create, or sign in to your myPTE account

  • Preparation materials include guided practice tests, introductory videos, video courses and test tips.

Want more prep ideas?

Plus, explore Smart Prep, which combines all our practice materials in one place, so it's easier for you to stay on track with your PTE preparation.

  • Smart Prep is a clear path to test day, guiding you through the official paid and free resources available for your test

  • It can be accessed whether you’ve booked a test or not – just create, or sign in to your myPTE account

  • Preparation materials include guided practice tests, introductory videos, video courses and test tips.

Ready to get started?

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    How to build confidence for the speaking section of PTE Academic
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    Reading time: 6 minutes

    Whether you’re looking to create a new life down under or make your own American dream a reality, one of the first hurdles is proving you’ve got the right English language skills.  

    English proficiency exams cover listening, reading, writing, and speaking, and it will come as no surprise that it’s the speaking part of the test that people worry the most about.  

    With PTE there is no face-to-face speaking test to stress about, taking away the concerns around what to wear and whether you will get on with your examiner. Also remember that PTE’s automated scoring technology is trained to understand over 120 different accents so that is one less thing to worry about.  

    However, it is still daunting, which is why we’ve put together some tried and tested top tips to help you feel confident for the speaking section of PTE.  

    What to expect in the PTE speaking section

    Learning what to expect from each section of the test can help ease anxieties and allow you to prepare properly. PTE is made up of three sections:

    1. Speaking & Writing (54-67 minutes) 

    2. Reading (30 minutes) 

    3. Listening (30 minutes) 

     The Speaking & Writing section is then split into 8 tasks: 

    1. Personal introduction  

    2. Read aloud 

    3. Repeat sentence 

    4. Describe image  

    5. Re-tell lecture 

    6. Answer short question  

    7. Summarise written text 

    8. Essay  

    For more information on specific instructions for each task, you can review the test format and scoring criteria.

    Building your English-speaking confidence

    Feeling confident speaking English takes time and patience. Here are four ways to help you feel prepared for the PTE speaking section.

    1. Complete short practice activities every day 

    When something feels new and unfamiliar it can be stressful. Build your familiarity and comfort levels by setting aside time each day to complete short practice activities. It’ll help you learn what to expect from each task, keeping you calm and giving you more time to focus on providing a clear answer on test day.  

    2. Immerse yourself in English  

    Surrounding yourself with English-speaking TV shows, audiobooks, and podcasts is a fantastic way to build your vocabulary and practice your listening skills on a daily basis. The more you listen to English, the more you familiarize yourself with the language. You may also find yourself picking up new vocab and phrases that come in handy on test day. To take your speaking and listening skills to the next level, find a range of shows with different accents — American, British, Australian — to really tune into the English language.  

    3. Find a language exchange partner  

    Having conversations in English is one of the best ways to hone your language skills and build your speaking confidence. Look online to find a language tandem or see if there are partnership opportunities in your local area to help you get that real-life “I did it” confidence of being understood and connecting in another language. 

    4. Use speech recognition technology 

    If you’re struggling to find a language partner, look for language-learning apps like Mondly by Pearson that use technology to practise speaking and pronunciation. Some people actually find it easier talking to a computer rather than having the pressure of a real human, so it can be a great way to build confidence if you’re feeling nervous about speaking up.

    There’s no need to pick just one of these ways — try out several to see which works best for you or combine multiple ways of practicing to make sure you’re at your confident best on test day.  

    Tips for during the speaking section   

    You’ve done all your preparation, you’re feeling confident, now you’re in the test center ready to show everyone what you can do.

    Here’s how to make sure that practise shines through during the speaking exam:  

    • Utilize spare time  

    During the test, make use of the few seconds before each recording begins to properly read the material and mentally prepare your answer.

    • Pay attention to punctuation

    Punctuation helps you decide where to pause and change your intonation. Good pausing techniques can help you read more fluently and give more meaning to the text.  

    • Stress the important words 

    Add more emphasis to the words you think are important. Try to copy the tone and intonation of recordings to replicate the patterns of the sentences you hear.   

    • Listen to the phrasing  

    Pinpoint the most meaningful parts of the sentence and remember those phrases. You’ll be scored on correct word sequences, so remembering words as phrases will help you.  

    • Don’t rush 

    Remember to stay calm, speak clearly and try not to rush to make sure that your recording showcases the very best of your speaking ability.

    Take advantage of our preparation resources 

    We want PTE to be the worry-free way to start your new chapter. That’s why we offer a range of preparation preparation packages, which include a mixture of Scored Practice Tests, our Question Bank and our Official Guide to PTE Academic.

    You can also make the most of our free resources, including our Taster Test, which offers five questions in five minutes with instant feedback. For those who are juggling priorities, our free Practice App is perfect for preparing on the go.  

    Looking for more PTE tips? Take a look at our guides on what to expect on test day and how to prepare for PTE Academic.

  • [Asset] Woman writing and smiling
    Answering "Retell Lecture" effectively in PTE Academic
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    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. 

  • Group of friends taking a selfie.
    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.