14 Commonly Asked Questions for The PTE-A Speaking and Writing Modules
Speaking & Writing Modules in the PTE Academic Exam are sections that often prove to be tricky for test-takers.
As a premier PTE-A coaching portal, we often encounter questions about the modules from our students. In this blog,
we have compiled a list of commonly asked questions about the two sections.
Let's go over them, one by one:
1.What questions can be expected in the PTE Speaking Module, and also what's the duration of
the exam?
In PTE Speaking test, the five question types are Repeat Sentence, Re-tell Lecture, Repeat Sentence, Read Aloud,
Describe Image, and Answer Short Question.
The whole section takes about 30-35 minutes to finish.
2.Is it essential to speak in a native English accent so that the grading software can
understand me?
This is an entirely false notion. PTE-A grading software is designed to understand different English accents.
Aspirants should speak as generally as possible, in their accents, during
PTE Speaking practice. Just
make sure to talk lucidly so that the software can pick up what you are saying.
3.Should I use more complex sentences?
Don't use unnecessary complex sentences, since that increases the chances of your making a mistake. Your writing
should give an adequate demonstration of your skills.
4.Should I speak fast to be fluent?
If you try to speak fast forcibly, then it can end up hurting your coherence. Too much focus on maintaining a fast
pace can affect your content score if you end up speaking irrelevant things. Instead, you should focus on keeping an
even, natural rhythm.
5.Do I stand to lose some marks, if I do not copy the Repeat Sentences questions as they are?
Even if you miss a single or a couple of words, and also maintain Oral Fluency, then it should be okay for you.
6.If you are quoting a person, is it going to be mandatory to use the exact words?
Quoting means that you are supposed to repeat what has been already said by another individual. So it is best
practice to stay true to what has been spoken by the original speech. Otherwise, you have to paraphrase it.
7.What happens when I don't maintain the word limit when penning an essay?
As per the Pearson Score Guide, it is mentioned clearly that in the PTE Writing Test, essays should be strictly in
the word limit of 200-300. So if you don't maintain the word limit, you stand to lose marks.
8.Does having an extensive vocabulary improve your score?
Just using big words, without context, is of no use. So be sure that whatever word you are using, their meaning is
clear to you. Try and avoid repetitions, and the language you use should preferably be natural and easy.
Avoid repetitions and try to write natural and straightforward wherever possible.
9.What skills do you need to polish to clear the PTE Academic test?
Develop proper Oral Fluency by speaking in English more often. Having the correct pronunciation is also vital. Be
sure to brush up your grammar and vocabulary.
10.In case if I forget to include an introduction and conclusion in the Essay?
According to Pearson, the advised format and structure mentions that an essay should have an introduction, body and
conclusion. So it's best to stick to the recommended format.
11.How do I score the maximum marks in the PTE Writing Test?
For the PTE Writing Test, pay attention to coherence, sentence formation and the ability to format.
12.If I take long pauses in the Speaking test, will it affect my score?
Please keep in mind that a pause longer than 3 seconds can result in your microphone being switched off. This means
that whatever you speak after that won't get recorded.
13.In Describe Image, should I attempt to speak about all the observable details that I see in
the image?
It suffices to only restrict your information to all the relevant and most striking details on the image, that are
pivotal to its existence.
14.What is the Exam format of the PTE Writing Test?
In the PTE Writing Module, there are only two question types that you can expect:
- Summarise written text - In this task, you have to write a summary of a given text,
taking care to include all the essential facets. The summary should not exceed 75 words, and the total time
allowed is 10 minutes.
- Write an essay - In this task, the aspirant has to write an essay on a given topic between
200-300 words in 20 minutes flat.
Conclusion