In the PTE Academic and PTE Core, three item types evaluate the Vocabulary element to give students scores for their answers, including Part 1: Summarize Written Text, Part 1: Write Essay, and Part 3: Summarize Spoken Text. In other words, the higher level and wider range of vocabulary PTE takers use, the higher the score they will achieve. Thus, in our series Idioms and Collocations, we will be sharing idioms and collocations based on a specific topic that you can learn to practice, and later, utilise on your test day.
We will first share some idioms and collocations about the topic, and then we use them to answer two Part 1: Write Essay questions for your study.
This is your Idioms and Collocations series, No. 1, Education topic.
1. Hit the books (idiom)
Meaning: To start studying seriously
Example: My boy started hitting the books last week after finishing at the bottom of the leaderboard in the first semester.
2. Pull an all-nighter (idiom)
Meaning: To stay up all night, especially to study or work
Example: I have to put several all-nighters to complete my thesis by next Friday.
3. Learn/know by heart (idiom)
Meaning: To learn by using only your memory; learn by memorizing things
Example: I’ve seen the show so often I know all the songs by heart.
4. Burn the midnight oil (idiom)
Meaning: To study or work until late at night
Example: My wife has been burning the midnight oil recently to pursue her PhD.
5. Catch on (to something) (phrasal verb)
Meaning: To understand something
Example: She finally caught on to the history lesson.
6. Show somebody/ know/ learn the ropes (idiom)
Meaning: To show somebody/know/learn how a particular job should be done
Example: We have been baking biscuits for a living for years, but my mother just learnt the ropes.
7. Learn your lesson (idiom)
Meaning: To learn what to do or not to do in the future because you have had a bad experience in the past
Example: He learns his hard lesson after getting bad scores for cutting class very often.
8. Cut class (collocation)
Meaning: To not go to a class when you do not have permission to be absent
Example: She usually cut classes early in the semester to earn money from her part-time job.
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We have done studying new vocabulary, it’s time to put them all into practice on the PTE Practice Website and get your instantly detailed feedback.
Here is our first sample question: Part 1: Write Essay, question number #0023 on the PTE Practice Website.
Some people think that students benefit from going to private secondary schools. Others, however, feel that private secondary schools can have a negative effect on society as a whole. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
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Sample answer:
When considering the impact of private secondary schools, I find myself weighing both sides of the argument. On one hand, many people believe that private schools offer significant benefits to students. These institutions often provide smaller class sizes, which means that teachers can give more individual attention and show students the ropes more effectively. As a result, students may catch on to complex subjects more quickly and can hit the books with a clearer understanding of what they're studying. Moreover, private schools frequently offer a wider range of extracurricular activities and resources, allowing students to learn by heart not only academic content but also important life skills.
On the flip side, there are those who view private schools with a critical eye, arguing that they can exacerbate social inequality. By catering primarily to families who can afford the hefty tuition fees, private schools may contribute to a societal divide where educational opportunities depend on financial status. This could mean that students in public schools might not have the same access to resources, leading them to burn the midnight oil and pull all-nighters to compete academically. Furthermore, when students are accustomed to cutting class without facing significant repercussions, it might lead them to the wrong conclusions about the importance of education, thus not truly learning their lesson.
In my opinion, while private schools can offer substantial advantages to individual students, society as a whole could benefit more from enhancing public education. By doing so, we can ensure that all students have the opportunity to receive a quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic background. Balancing the benefits of private schooling with the need for public school improvements could provide a more equitable solution for everyone.
If you practice this question on our PTE Practice Website, you will receive the following feedback for improvement.
cre: TADE Hub
Feel free to review our video sample feedback for a better understanding of what you receive after submitting your answers for Speaking and Writing questions on the PTE Practice Platform - TADe Hub.
Here is our second sample answer: Part 1: Write Essay, question number #0026 on the PTE Practice Website.
Do you think that formal written examinations are a good way to assess knowledge at school? Explain your opinions and give appropriate examples.
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Sample answer:
In my view, formal written examinations have both strengths and weaknesses when it comes to assessing students' knowledge in school. On one hand, exams can be an effective way to evaluate how well students have hit the books. They encourage students to study thoroughly, often leading them to burn the midnight oil, especially as the exam date approaches. For some, the process of preparing for exams helps reinforce learning, as they must organize information and may even learn certain topics by heart.
Moreover, formal exams provide a standardized method to assess all students equally, creating a level playing field where everyone is measured by the same criteria. This can be particularly important for ensuring that students know the ropes when it comes to fundamental concepts necessary for their academic progression.
However, exams also have their downsides. For some students, the pressure to perform can lead them to pull all-nighters, ultimately impacting their health and well-being. Furthermore, exams tend to emphasize rote learning rather than the practical application of knowledge. Students might memorize information temporarily but forget it soon after, meaning they haven't truly caught on to the deeper understanding of the subject matter.
In addition, formal exams often fail to accommodate different learning styles and intelligences. For example, creative or hands-on learners might feel left out in an exam-focused environment, potentially missing out on showcasing their true talents. Having varied assessment methods, like projects and presentations, might better demonstrate student understanding and growth.
In summary, while formal written examinations have their place in assessing student knowledge, they should be balanced with other forms of assessment. This approach can provide a more comprehensive evaluation and ensure students don't merely learn their lesson temporarily, but engage with the material on a deeper level.
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Admittedly, there are countless PTE Academic and Core practice questions free of charge on YouTube. However, it’s always much better to practice on a live-interactive practice website, in which you have the best simulation of the test to practice and prepare. By becoming our Premium members, you have the following benefits to prepare effectively for the Pearson Test of English:
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