Obtaining the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic desired scores is not an easy task, especially when test-takers aim for high scores. Some test-takers need to retake the PTE multiple times before getting what they want. Some failed due to violating the rules even though they didn’t seem aware. Some failed, obviously, because they hadn’t fully prepared for the test, or worse, they underestimated the test too much!
Let’s find out the top five (05) reasons why test-takers fail to achieve the PTE on their first time. We are sure that you can learn from them and avoid similar mistakes on your test day.
1. Test-takers don’t read rules thoroughly
First things first, the PTE test-centre version is prestigious and accepted worldwide almost everywhere and over 3,000 institutions in 73 countries (update November 2023) agree to take the PTE Academic Online for admission purposes because Pearson ensures the integrity of the test by applying strict rules. Why are there so many rules? Obviously, the PTE is a computer-based test that allows students to take it comfortably in only one section. Not to mention that the PTE Academic Online grants students permission to take it anywhere even at their home in addition to receiving certificates in two (02) days.
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As a result, test-takers need to fully adhere to all rules as it’s the only way to maintain the DET value. Otherwise, test-takers will surely fail, and they need to retake the DET. More importantly, if students violate serious rules such as using outside materials or reading an available answer, they will be permitted to take the test again permanently.
2. Test-takers listen to others without understanding their situations
Some test-takers see successful cases like “I only prepared for one (01) week and got this score” or “It took me two weeks for preparation”.Students then start asking for advice, and what they receive is like, “Practice makes perfect! Just practice, take the test, and you get what you want”. Really? To us, this kind of advice is way too bad as it doesn’t help anything. It’s too general and baffling. Why?
First and foremost, yes, some test-takers only need several weeks, or only one to prepare. However, we don’t know their English level and their desired scores yet. If a student excels at English (they have been learning English since their childhood), they only need a 59 overall score which is a pretty easy target to obtain. That student will likely get their desired PTE scores in a few weeks because they just need to understand the test question types and their formats, not to advance their English skills like most of us.
Secondly, that advice doesn’t offer specific points to help students such as: How to study on a daily basis? What PTE practice platform should I practice on? What tips and strategies should I apply for the test? And if what, in case I fail on my first attempt, what should I do next?
Recommendation: The first best step is to completely understand yourself before creating a suitable plan for studying. Please refer to our 05 Strategically preparation steps in the third reason to evaluate your English proficiency.
3. Test-takers don’t spend enough time practice
Most test-takers think the Pearson Test of English is easier than IELTS or TOEFL because we have all the templates and only need two hours to complete the test. “Thinking the PTE is easy” is also one of the most common misconceptions, which leads to failure.
From an “overconfident mindset”, test-takers wouldn’t mind practising as much as they need to because they believe they can get what they want easily. The PTE is no different from the IELTS, TOEFL, or DET in terms of proving English skills. The only difference is their question-type formats. In other words, test-takers need to spend enough time practising in order to aim for their desired PTE scores.
To know how many hours you should practice day in and day out and how to prepare for the Pearson Test of English for beginners, let’s look at this article, “Five (05) simple preparation steps to achieve their dream scores”.By following this strategy, test-takers also understand their situation thoroughly to prepare the best for the test.
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Recommendation: It’s the same as the second reason, please kindly read the 05 Strategically unique Preparation steps carefully and create your study plan to define how many weeks or months you need to practice for your PTE desired scores.
4. Test-takers don’t have feedback on their practices
Again, the Pearson Test of English is the same as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE when it comes to English proficiency tests. To improve our PTE scores or general English skills, we need to learn from our mistakes. When we go to school and make mistakes, teachers offer us feedback and how to improve later. Therefore, test-takers need to find feedback for their improvement, and we have some recommendations.
Find a speaking partner: Having Speaking partners helps us improve our Speaking-Listening skills through practice and feedback. Test-takers should inform their partners about how important feedback is in identifying their mistakes and advancing their skills. Thus, all English learners will pay close attention to their partners’ mistakes and share all the mistakes with their partners for improvement.
Find a writing tutor: Writing tutors support test-takers in identifying their writing mistakes or have better answers to writing questions. Furthermore, writing tutors also help students write more organised and coherently. If test-takers cannot find writing tutors, they can use some AI Supportive Writing Tools such as Grammarly, QuillBot, etc to help them identify mistakes.
Take live classes: This is the best choice because we learn in real-time with trainers. We can ask any questions and get immediate answers from trainers in addition to tips and strategies for all question types. However, live classes, most of the time, cost an arm and a leg.
Practice on the PTE Practice Platform: If test-takers cannot afford Live Classes, or cannot even find Speaking partners then the Pearson Test of English Practice Platform is a great option for PTE Preparation. The PTE Practice Platform offers thousands of practice questions besides instant feedback for all question types. Regarding Speaking and Writing questions, we evaluate test-takers' answers based on Oral Fluency, Grammar, Vocab, Spelling, Pronunciation, Coherence, Linguistic Range and so on – the same grading elements that the PTE Academic uses to assess students’ skills.
On top of that, there are tons of Full PTE mock Practice tests, which offer everything similar to the actual ones, especially estimated scores for overall, Communicative skills, and each question type. By taking one mock Pearson Test of English weekly, students can learn from their mistakes and keep track of their proficiency until the test day. In other words, students always know how to study, and what question types they should focus on in order to obtain their desired scores.
Recommendation: There are other PTE Practice Platforms in the market, kindly go experience them all to find the most suitable one and then commit yourself to it.
5. Test-takers haven’t known how to utilise their skills
To aim for high scores, students need to utilise their skills. We know lots of students who are able to achieve their desired scores, but they couldn’t do it the first time because they don’t know how to utilise their skills. To use most of our skills, we need the Pearson Test of English practising materials, tips, and strategies.
Tips and strategies for each question type from experienced test-takers and trainers help us apply practical tactics to practice every single day. Moreover, students have thousands of practicing questions on the Pearson Test of English Practice Platform to get familiar with all question types and see their improvement through everyday practice. One critical key point is to upgrade your general English every day which will ensure your success.
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Again, we have advised this countless times. Advancing your general English contributes significantly to your future success aside from practising on the PTE Practice Platform. If you have better Listening-Reading-Writing-Speaking skills, it’s much easier to answer all question types in the PTE Academic.
Recommendation: Always spend your time upgrading general English and practising on the platform at the same time. Please refer to Step 3 to check 05 Strategically Preparation Steps to achieve your desired scores.
The last word, always keep track of your progress wisely every week and revise your plan if needed.
The PTE Practice Platform offers instant feedback
Here is your best simulation of the real Pearson Test of English Academic, the PTE Practice Platform offers all the following benefits:
Thousands of practice questions;
Full 2-hour mock tests;
Same grading elements as Pearson;
Instant feedback for all question types;
An integrated dictionary;
Three vocab lists (for Premium accounts);
Other self-study supporting features.
For now, go to the PTE Practice Platform and create a FREE account to access all question types and instant feedback to boost your scores.
