Speaking Read Aloud Method 2.0

May 30, 2024

Lecture Notes: Speaking Read Aloud Method 2.0

Introduction

  • Presenter: Jay, expert teacher at e2 Language.
  • Audience: Those who have taken or are about to take the PTE (Pearson Test of English).
  • Purpose: Introduce improved methods for PTE, focusing on the Speaking Read Aloud task.
  • Note: Only half of these methods will be available on YouTube; the rest are on the e2 Language website.

Speaking Read Aloud Task

Task Overview

  • First Task: You'll face on test day.
  • Process: Time to rehearse a paragraph and then read it aloud as clearly as possible.
  • Rehearsal Time: 30-40 seconds.
  • Reading Time: 30-40 seconds.

Key Scoring Criteria

  1. **Content: **
    • Do not add, skip, or replace words.
  2. Pronunciation:
    • Correct pronunciation of consonants, consonant clusters, vowels, and word stress.
  3. Oral Fluency:
    • Speaking smoothly with proper rhythm, pausing, and connected speech.

Detailed Breakdown

Content

  • Adding Words: Avoid inserting extra words.
  • Skipping Words: Make sure not to miss words.
  • Replacing Words: Ensure you don’t use incorrect words.
  • Exercise: Practice reading without adding, skipping, or replacing any words.

Pronunciation

  • Consonants: 21 in English; obstructed sounds (e.g. 'p,' 't,' 'k').
  • Consonant Clusters: Two or more consonants together (e.g. 'pr,' 'sh,' 'str').
  • Vowels: Short vowels (e.g. 'a' in cat) and long vowels (e.g. 'a' in cake).
  • Combined Vowels or Diphthongs: Two vowel sounds together (e.g. 'ai' in 'why').
  • Word Stress: Emphasis on specific syllables within words (e.g. 'varnish' with stress on 'var').
  • Exercise: Read the paragraph focusing on correct consonant pronunciation and word stress.

Sentence Stress

  • Definition: Emphasizing key words within a sentence.
  • Exercise: Read sentences and shift emphasis to see how it changes meaning.

Connected Speech

  • Definition: Connecting words together naturally (e.g. 'Does more' becomes 'doesmore').
  • Exercise: Practice reading with connected speech and smooth transitions.

Pausing and Rhythm

  • Pausing: Appropriate pauses at full stops, commas, and within phrases.
  • Rhythm: Natural flow of the language, including intonation.
  • Exercise: Practice reading with proper pauses and rhythm.

Method Summary

  • Read with Meaning: Understand the paragraph while rehearsing, not just reading it as a string of words.
  • Practice: Integrate all elements of pronunciation, oral fluency, and connected speech.

Conclusion

  • Resources: Check out e2 Language and e2 School websites for more detailed practice and lessons.
  • Mini Mock Tests: Available on e2 Language for practical test experience.
  • Key Advice: Incorporate lessons into daily life to improve overall speech clarity and effectiveness.

Thank you for attending! Happy studying!