Why Speaking Seems To Be Toughest For So Many Test Takers
 

Most PTE test-takers, including native and near-native English speakers, struggle with the speaking section. The disappointment of getting low marks despite good communication skills can be frustrating and annoying for the test takers. The reason behind a low score can possibly be because of the usage of a few preventable errors. This guide deconstructs the most frequent mistakes and offers practical advice to enhance the performance of the test taker.

o   Speaking Too Fast
Fluency is different from speed. Speed can undermine clarity, and your speech may become hard for the automated system to decipher. This is particularly prevalent when nervousness gets the better of you, and candidates end up speaking quickly.

How to Fix It:
Practice speaking at a moderate pace.
Record yourself to spot areas where you tend to rush.
Make an effort to speak a calm, steady speech throughout the test.

 

o   Overusing Fillers and False Starts
Some of the test takers are habitual of using the words such as “uh”, “um”, “like” or the repetition of sentences which lower the scores on fluency and coherence. They usually result from hesitation or lack of preparation.

How to Correct It:
Plan and apply speaking structure, particularly for exercises such as Describe Image or Retell Lecture.
Utilize the preparation time in mentally organizing your answer.
Practice constructing full sentences without using filler words.

 

o   Colloquial Language and Inconsistent Grammar
Colloquial expressions and grammatical errors can have a negative impact on your performance. Expressions such as “wanna”, gotta, kinda or repeated use of "about" after verbs are not suitable for the academic tone required in PTE.

How to Correct It:
Write formally, as in an essay or a business presentation.
Don't use contractions and colloquialisms.
Practice and reinforce common grammar habits and review them regularly.

 

o   Incomplete Sentences and Hesitations
Pausing too long or speaking in fragments interferes with fluency. During the PTE, an 3-second pause will shut down your microphone, and your answer won't be recorded anymore.

How to Correct It:
Make a commitment to finishing your sentence, even if it includes small mistakes.
Don't pause to rethink; better to add explanation in a second sentence than to begin again.
Practice answering within the specified time frame without silent pauses.

 

Other Mistakes to Avoid
 

Microphone Problems: Plosive sounds and heavy breathing can cause distortion. Always ensure your audio levels and clarity during the test setup.
Overuse of "About": Refrain from adding "about" unnecessarily after verbs. Utilize specific prepositions and proper verb forms.

Tense Mistakes: Have consistent tense usage. Poor use of tense will lower the grammatical range and accuracy score.
Success Tips in the PTE Speaking Section:
Don't attempt to correct yourself in the middle of a sentence.
Your accent is not marked, but fluency, intonation, and clarity are essential.
Start speaking only when the microphone is switched on.
Don't read robotically; add natural rhythm and stress.

Practice and Preparation Are Key:
Achievement in the PTE speaking tasks depends on preparation and consciousness. Know your weak and consciousness. Know your weak areas, practice with purpose, and develop a relaxed, clear way of speaking. With these techniques in mind, your speaking score will accurately represent your actual proficiency. 

Improve continuously using resources such as mock tests, pronunciation apps, and feedback from your instructors or native speakers. And don't forget, PTE is not a test of your language skills alone—it's a test of the extent to which you comprehend and fulfil its given criteria.