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Start for freeImproving your PTE (Pearson Test of English) reading score can seem like a daunting task, especially if you find yourself stuck in the 60s or 70s, aiming for that elusive score of 79 or above. However, with the right strategies and a bit of perseverance, it is entirely possible to make significant improvements. This article covers key insights and tips from a student who successfully raised their PTE reading score from 66 to 86, offering a blueprint for others looking to achieve similar results.
Understanding the Importance of Read Alouds
The first crucial realization is the significance of the read aloud section. Contrary to common belief, mastering read alouds is not about perfecting an American accent or emphasizing intonation excessively. Instead, the focus should be on natural, clear speech without overcomplicating pronunciation. This approach not only improves reading scores but also enhances comprehension and fluency.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
A common mistake many test-takers make is trying to impress the evaluators with their accent or pronunciation skills. This strategy is counterproductive. The key is to speak naturally, as if conversing with a friend, rather than adopting an exaggerated or artificial tone. By simplifying your speech and focusing on clarity, you can significantly boost your reading score.
Life-Saving Tips for Reading and Writing Fill in the Blanks
One of the more challenging aspects of the PTE reading test is the reading and writing fill in the blanks. The instinct to follow your intuition or 'gut feeling' when choosing answers can lead you astray. Instead, adopt a more analytical approach by looking for clues within the text. This shift from intuition to evidence-based answers is a game-changer, enabling you to select the most appropriate words and improve your score.
Mastering Collocations
Understanding and memorizing collocations (words that frequently go together) is another effective strategy. Regular reading, such as newspapers or novels, can help familiarize you with common collocations used in English. This knowledge is invaluable not only for fill-in-the-blank questions but also for enhancing your overall language proficiency.
Reordering Paragraphs Strategically
The reordering paragraphs section can be intimidating, but it doesn't need to be a score-determining factor. A practical tip is to identify the initial sentence of the paragraph by looking for sentences that do not start with pronouns, as pronouns typically reference previously mentioned nouns or ideas. This technique can help you quickly establish the foundational sentence and build the paragraph from there, saving time and boosting accuracy.
Adopting a Mixed Approach for Reading Fill in the Blanks
Rather than relying solely on context to answer reading fill in the blank questions, a mixed approach incorporating grammar, collocations, and context can be more efficient. This strategy allows you to identify the correct answers more quickly by eliminating unlikely options based on grammatical structure or word pairing, thereby maximizing your test-taking efficiency.
Conclusion
Improving your PTE reading score from a 66 to an 86 is an achievable goal with the right strategies and mindset. By focusing on natural speech, analyzing text for clues, mastering collocations, strategically approaching paragraph reordering, and adopting a mixed method for fill in the blanks, you can significantly enhance your reading abilities and overall score. Remember, persistence and practice are key to success in any language proficiency test.
For more detailed insights and additional tips, don't forget to check out the full video here.
