How to Improve English Language Skills for PTE Test
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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 or false. But what we know for sure is that the English language skills needed for the PTE test cannot be satisfied by your knowledge of the day-to-day use of the language.
The language skills required to score well on the PTE test are not based on non-literary English. PTE Academic requires you to upgrade from that and build your English language skills based on its technicalities, which comprise using accurate grammar, extensive vocabulary, appropriate prepositions, etc. This does not mean that you have to have a mental dictionary full of the hardest words or be able to form complex sentences. Rather, the English language skills needed for the PTE test require 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 your speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills because the exam assesses your proficiency in the language in these 4 formats.
Here’s how you can improve your English language skills in a way that ensures you ace all the exam patterns of the PTE.
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 to communicate in it verbally. But, you have to start at some point and learn from your mistakes.
This is good not just to enhance your English speaking skills for your PTE test, but it is something that will 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.Speaking in English can be hard because sometimes when your brain is trying to translate from your native language, you can get confused or find it hard to grasp certain words. The only way to resolve this is to start thinking in English. We all have constant thoughts filling our heads. That self-talk 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 processing the language.
Reading
When we talk about improving your English skills by 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 increase 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 understanding 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 describing an image or paraphrasing audio information. To work on this, you can also rely on online PTE preparation as well as 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 and test questions for you to practice. Besides that, you can continue using the above tactics to improve your English language skills. You can internalize these habits as they not only improve your language but also help shape your personality.