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How to prepare for the PTE Academic in 2023?

As one of the most widely recognized English proficiency tests, the PTE Academic can open doors to countless opportunities for students and professionals alike. Whether you’re looking to study abroad, advance your career, or immigrate to a new country, achieving a high score on the PTE Academic can be a key factor in achieving your goals.

When it comes to the PTE Academic, the most important thing about preparing isn’t necessarily perfecting your English, but rather learning to succeed against the AI (Artificial Intelligence) that corrects the exam. You need to learn how to beat the AI at its own game.

In this article, we’ll share some tips for doing just that, so you can approach the exam with confidence and achieve your target score.

Understanding the Exam Structure

The PTE Academic is a computer-based exam that assesses your English proficiency skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. 

The exam is divided into three main sections:

  • Speaking and Writing
  • Reading
  • Listening

Each section consists of different tasks that evaluate your ability to understand and communicate in English.

To understand the structure of the exam, you will need to know about the exercises included, the scoring system, the duration of each section, and the specific skills that are assessed.

You can find more information on this topic here.

In the PTE Test, some tasks hold more weight than others when it comes to the final score. 

In our preparation courses, we provide information on the level of importance of each task, as well as strategies for achieving better results.

Know Your Target Score

Target scores for the PTE exam can differ depending on the purpose of your application. 

If you’re applying for a visa, it’s important to confirm the required scores with either the immigration office or your immigration agent. Similarly, if you’re applying to a university, you should check with the admissions office to determine the necessary scores. 

For work-related applications, it’s best to inquire about the target score with your HR department.

You can also find more information about discovering your target score here

Determine the Amount of Time You Need to Prepare for the PTE Academic

The amount of time you need to prepare for the PTE Academic depends on various factors, such as your current English proficiency level, your target score, and your study habits. 

We typically recommend that our students spend 2-3 months preparing for the exam to become familiar with the structure, understand how each task is evaluated and scored, and improve their overall English proficiency.

However, we have had cases where individuals achieved their desired score with just one month or less of preparation. 

Our preparation courses are available to students for 7 to 12 weeks, but the duration of preparation time ultimately depends on your individual circumstances

Measure Your Progress

Measuring your progress is an essential part of PTE Academic preparation. It allows you to identify your strengths and weaknesses and focus your efforts where they will be most effective. 

One way to measure your progress is by taking mock tests. A mock test is a practice examination taken before the official test. There are official mock tests available from Pearson, the institution that administers the PTE Academic, which can be purchased for a fee. You can check the updated prices on their website.

In addition to official mock tests, there are also unofficial ones available on the internet, some of which are free while others require payment. It’s important to note that these mock tests are not scored by the same AI (Artificial Intelligence) used by the PTE exam, so the results aren’t accurate. 

However, these free mock tests can be useful for getting to know the exam structure and practicing time management.

PTE Study Plan

Creating a study plan is an essential step in preparing for the PTE Academic. It allows you to organize your time and focus your efforts where they will be most effective. When creating your study plan, it’s crucial to highlight those tasks that have the biggest impact on your score, as well as those that have less of an impact. Based on this, you can create strategies that will maximize your score.

Another important aspect of your study plan is to set realistic goals for yourself. Don’t try to cram all your studying into a short period of time; instead, plan to study consistently over a longer period. This will help you retain the information better and feel less overwhelmed as the test date approaches.

Get professional help

At PTE Smart, we understand the challenges that students face when preparing for the PTE Academic. That’s why we offer a range of preparation courses that are designed to help you reach your target score. 

Our experienced instructors will guide you through every step of the process and provide you with the resources you need to succeed.