How to Improve English Language Skills for PTE Test
If you have decided to appear for the PTE Academic, then you must start working on your English language skills. The common notion around preparation for English proficiency tests is that it is easier for native English speakers compared to non-native English speakers. There is no hard and fast answer to justify if this is true, but what we know for sure is that we require very good English language proficiency to get great score in PTE.
PTE Academic requires you to upgrade from your existing English language skills and build it based on its technicalities, which comprise using accurate grammar, extensive vocabulary, appropriate structures , etc. This does not mean having a mental dictionary full of the most difficult words to be able to form complex sentences. Rather, PTE A requires you to be able to communicate in a crisp and simple but theoretically correct way.
If you want to improve your English language skills for the PTE test, you need to focus on all your English language communicative skills i.e., Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing skills because the exam assesses your proficiency in all these 4 skills
Here’s how you can improve your English language skills
Speaking
People often find it intimidating to carry on a conversation in English. This may come from the fear of being unable to precede the conversations or the fear of not being able to pronounce some words correctly. There are numerous other reasons why people who are fluent in reading and writing English might struggle in verbal communication . But, you have to start at some point and learn from your mistakes.
Enhancing your English speaking skills is not only good for your PTE A, but that will also help you in the long run. You can start by speaking English in your close circle. Or you can start by reciting some words that you find difficult to pronounce.
Do not translate from your native language but start thinking in English . We all have constant thoughts filling our heads.that never stops. So, why not make the most of it by thinking in English? This way, you have all the time in the world to translate or even search for words that you do not know.
Listening
To improve your English skills in terms of listening, the best thing you can do is consume as much content as you can in English. You can watch movies, listen to songs, podcasts, poems, watch the news, etc. Listening to other people talk in English will expose you to new words and pronunciations. The PTE listening test is not only based on your capability to listen. You should also be able to break it down and comprehend it, so you can follow that up with your answer. Consequently, the more English content you consume, the more accustomed you become to process the language.
Reading
When we talk about improving your English skills in reading, we are not limiting your sources just to books. Sure, they are a huge help. By reading, you are introduced to new vocabulary, aphorisms, and idioms, and it also helps increasing your knowledge. But there are many things aside from books that you can read.
You can read your favourite magazines, online blogs, news articles, short stories, etc. The key is to keep reading while also comprehending what you're reading. If you come across any words that you do not know the meaning of or you do not know their pronunciation, you should quickly look them up. This will add value to your reading sessions.
When you get comfortable with reading, you should focus on reading fast or skimming through it by focusing on the important aspects. The PTE test is time-bound, and hence, you will have to learn to be fast with your reading skills. You can time your reading sessions to see where you stand and how much improvement is needed.
Writing
Writing in English not only helps you create sentences, but you also learn their spelling. You can enhance your English writing skills by journaling. It does not have to be very detailed or long. On the PTE test, you will not have to write paragraphs of answers; a few sentences would be enough. You would get writing tasks like writing summary or essay To work on this, you can also rely on online PTE preparation resources as well as the scored Practice tests.
Pearson has multiple PTE preparation resources that you can rely on. Using official coursebooks, you can learn all the basics of the English language. You can also use offline sources and the official PTE app to take mock tests. Pearson have ample unique sample test questions for you to practice. Besides , you can continue using the above tactics to improve your English language skills. You can internalize these habits as they not only improve your English language skills but also help in shaping your personality.