Language Academy Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Presenter: Varun from Language Academy
• Purpose: Share tips, tricks, and strategies for PTE (Pearson Test of English) exam
• Experience: Taught over 10,000 students, scored perfect 90 five times
• Aim: Help students clear the exam on the first attempt

Overview of PTE

• Valid for study and work visas
• Four modules: Speaking, Writing, Reading, Listening
• 20 task types with integrated scoring
  • Speaking impacts Reading and vice versa, etc.
• Exam changes from November 16, 2021:
  • Duration: 2 hours, no break
  • Computerized exam with no human involvement
  • Importance of microphone placement
  • Comfort tips: Bring water, go to the washroom, manage markers

Speaking Module

• Personal Introduction: Not evaluated, practice speaking
• Tasks (Post-November 16, 2021):
  • Read Aloud: 6-7 questions
    • Important for Reading and Speaking
    • Evaluation: Fluency, Pronunciation, Content
  • Repeat Sentence: 10-12 questions
    • Important for Listening and Speaking
    • Evaluation: Fluency, Pronunciation, Content
  • Describe Image: 3-4 questions
    • Contributes to Speaking
    • Use template for structured response
  • Retell Lecture: 1-2 questions
    • Contributes to Listening and Speaking
    • Focus on keywords
  • Answer Short Question: 5-6 questions
    • Contributes to Listening and Speaking
    • General knowledge questions

Writing Module

• Tasks:
  • Summarize Written Text
    • Passage up to 300 words
    • Write summary in 1 sentence (5-75 words)
    • Evaluation: Content, Form, Grammar, Spellings
  • Essay Writing
    • 200-300 words in 20 minutes
    • Evaluation: Content, Form, Grammar, Vocabulary, Development
    • Use templates for structured responses

Reading Module

• New Format (Post-November 16, 2021): 13-18 questions
• Important Tasks:
  • Reading and Writing Blanks (Drop Down)
    • 5-6 passages
    • Contributes to Reading and Writing
    • Focus on context and grammar
  • Reorder Paragraphs
    • Focus on independent sentence, grammar rules
  • Reading Blanks (Drag and Drop)
    • Contributes to Reading
    • Use grammatical rules and context
• Less Important Tasks:
  • MCQ Single/Multiple Answers
    • Minimal contribution, manage time wisely

Listening Module

• Important for time management
• Section 1: Summarize Spoken Text
  • 10 minutes per question
  • Contributes significantly to Listening and Writing
• Section 2 Tasks:
  • Fill in the Blanks
    • Important for Listening and Writing
    • Focus on correct spellings
  • Highlight Incorrect Words
    • Focuses on Reading and Listening
    • Practice 5-7 per day
  • Write from Dictation
    • High impact on Listening and Writing
    • Practice 30-35 per day

Conclusion

• Focus on templates and structured responses
• Prioritize tasks that contribute significantly to multiple skills
• Practice consistently with a focus on accuracy, especially spelling
• Use Language Academy resources and platforms for practice
• Manage time effectively across all modules
• Aim to understand the context of tasks for better accuracy

Final Tips

• Use test dates and updates to stay informed
• Practice using mock tests available on Language Academy's portal
• Focus on task-specific strategies for each module