Teacher profile: Building a learning community in Dhaka

PTE Author
PTE Author
Image - iteachPTE Syed Wasi
Reading time: 5 minutes

Syed Wasi is a pioneer in many ways. He was the first PTE trainer in Bangladesh, and the first Bangladeshi to score 90 in PTE – no mean feat in a country of 166 million people! Syed is the founder of the Center for Innovative Language Learning (CILL) where students come for his help in preparing for PTE. The center is renowned for its high student success rate.  

So, how does Syed help his students to get the scores they need in PTE? Let’s find out.  

How Syed teaches PTE  

When a student arrives at CILL, their first step towards PTE success starts with a language assessment. “If we find that their language skills aren’t particularly strong,” says Syed, “the first thing we do is create a course which includes general language classes. We go step by step through the levels, helping them to improve their language skills – and once they are ready for PTE, they join a PTE preparation class.”  

Once Syed’s students are part of a preparation class, they follow a carefully designed curriculum. Each language skill tested in PTE (speaking, writing, reading and listening) is covered in a module of three classes. The first class introduces the type of exam questions that students can expect. The second class gives students the practical tools and techniques that they’ll need to answer the exam questions, and the third class is a practice session. But the secret to Syed’s success? He doesn’t let the students sit PTE before they’re ready:  

"The final step in PTE preparation is the mock test. We don’t let them take the test until they’re ready for the test, which is why we have a very high success rate.”  

Flexibility is also important. The PTE preparation courses at CILL are blended courses; some students attend the center in person, and others join online. When the pandemic began, there was a massive shift to teaching online, and many schools had to adapt quickly. But Syed’s language school was ahead of the curve when it came to blended learning. “I did my masters in online teaching back in 2012,” says Syed. “We’ve been teaching with a blended learning model since 2016, so it was easy for us to adapt. Now, students are returning to the classroom, but we still offer the blended learning option.”  

Building a community of learners  

An important part of the school culture at CILL is the accessibility of the teachers. Learning isn’t confined to the classroom – the teachers are available to answer questions outside of class times. “We create WhatsApp groups for different classes, and it’s like a virtual hub,” Syed explains. What’s more, the teachers follow up with students after class. This dedicated service has helped Syed to build a loyal community of learners around the world. “Many of our students have moved to Australia, to the UK, or to other countries,” he says. “And wherever they go, if they meet anyone interested in PTE preparation, they refer them to our school. They’ll say, there’s a person in Bangladesh who can give you the support you’ll need to pass the test.”  

Syed’s advice for PTE teachers 

“If you’re new to PTE teaching, the most important thing is to make sure you have the expertise you need to prepare students for the test,” Syed says. After all, there’s a lot on the line when it comes to PTE. Students often need a certain score for a university application or a visa. So if you don’t prepare students thoroughly, it could have an impact not only on their score but on their careers. Syed recommends taking the test yourself in order to gain real insight into PTE.  

And for more experienced teachers, Syed believes that honesty is the best policy when it comes to test preparation. “Tell your students exactly what they’ll need to do in order to get the score they need. Be honest with them, and that way they know what they have to do.”  

PTE is a high stakes test. When you’re helping students to prepare for the exam, you’re helping them to change their lives, to do something new. “It’s not just a business,” says Syed. “We are helping students to reach their goals. It’s my passion, and my vocation.”  

Learn more

Each month, we feature the profile of a teacher from our PTE community. If you have advice and insights to share with other PTE preparation teachers, we’d like to hear from you! Fill out this form and we’ll be in touch shortly.  

In previous months, we featured Jurine Ruperto, who teaches in Cebu in the Philippines, and Ramesh Thapa, a PTE teacher in Kathmandu. You can read all about them on our blog, where you’ll also find lots of resources for PTE preparation classes. And don’t forget to sign up to our monthly newsletter.

Related Content

  • 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.

  • [Asset] Friends walking along a beach
    G’day opportunity: Why so many people are moving to Australia
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    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.  

    But how did people choose their new life down under? We talked to over 3000 PTE test takers who’ve migrated to Australia to find out why they made the move and what they love about their new home.  

    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.

  • [Asset] Smiling student
    Practice for PTE with Smart Prep’s Guided Practice Tests
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    Are you preparing for the Pearson Test of English (PTE) and looking for an effective way to practice? Look no further! Smart Prep’s Guided Practice Tests are your ticket to a more confident test day. These free mock tests are designed to give you a realistic experience of the PTE, helping you understand the test format and identify areas for improvement.  

    What Are Guided Practice Tests?

    Smart Prep offers Guided Practice Tests for both PTE Academic and PTE Core. Each category includes five tests: one short test that provides a condensed version of the exam, and four other tests focused on individual skills — speaking, writing, listening, and reading. These tests are available for free through Smart Prep as long as you create a myPTE account. Each skill-specific test contains the same number of questions as the actual exam, guiding you through the process with sample answers and feedback. 

    How to use Guided Practice Tests effectively

    For Speaking and Writing questions:

    1. Create an exam-like environment: 

    • Remove any distractions from your workspace. 

    • Ensure your microphone is working properly. 

    • Start the test in a quiet setting.

    2. Read the introductory page: 

    • Understand how many questions are in each section. 

    3. Follow instructions carefully: 

    • Pay attention to any preparation time allowed for each question. 

    • Record yourself during the preparation time if applicable. 

    4. Record your answers: 

    •  Stick to the time limits (e.g., 30-40 seconds for Read Aloud). 

    5. Self-review: 

    • Listen to your recorded answer. 

    • Note what you did well and areas for improvement. 

    6. Compare with sample answers: 

    • Click on the sample answer button to listen to and read the sample response. 

    • Compare your answer with the sample, focusing on aspects like fluency and content.   

    7. Iterate and improve: 

    • Move on to the next question and repeat the steps. 

    • Give yourself ample time to review and understand the sample answers. 

    For Reading and Listening questions:

    1. Read instructions carefully: 

    • Understand what each question is asking for. 

    2. Attempt the question: 

    • Submit your answers after completing each question.   

    3. Review feedback: 

    • Check which answers were correct and which were incorrect. 

    4. Revise incorrect answers: 

    • Try to understand why your initial answer was wrong. 

    • Re-attempt the question until you get it right.  

    5. Analyze your performance:

    • Note any patterns in the types of questions you find difficult. 

    • Focus your study time on these areas. 

    The Benefits of Guided Practice Tests 

    Practicing with Smart Prep’s Guided Practice Tests will help you: 

    • Identify weak areas: Understand which types of questions you find challenging. 

    • Improve skills: Focus your preparation time on areas that need the most work. 

    • Build confidence: Familiarize yourself with the test format and question types. 

    • Enhance performance: Use sample answers to learn what a good response looks like and how to achieve it. 

    Why Smart Prep? 

    Smart Prep offers a structured, comprehensive, and user-friendly approach to PTE preparation. By using Guided Practice Tests, you’ll gain valuable insights into your performance and know exactly where to focus your efforts. Whether you find reading difficult or struggle with speaking fluently, these practice tests will guide you on your preparation journey.

    So, what are you waiting for? Start using Smart Prep’s Guided Practice Tests today and take the first step towards acing your PTE!

    Happy studying, and good luck on your PTE journey!