The PTE (Pearson Test of English) General exam is given to understand English language proficiency. In contrast, the PTE Academic is for moving or studying in a country with native English speakers. Visiting a center to prepare for the exam is challenging for many attempters in India.
Moreover, achieving good grades in the four sections of PTE, namely, reading, listening, writing, and speaking, isn’t easy, as it has multiple question formats and negative markings for wrong answers.
How to prepare for PTE exam at home:-
1. Build a Section-Wise Study Plan
As mentioned earlier, the PTE exam consists of four parts. Achieving good grades would require English language proficiency in all four areas. Therefore, it is essential to build a weekly and monthly study plan of equal time divided into their preparation.
Before taking this step, it is essential to evaluate your best areas by attempting online tests, speaking with an English coach, or taking a PTE trial class. Under any of these circumstances, you must give your best outputs to avoid missing areas of improvement.
It should be noted that online study material for specific sections, namely, listening and speaking, would require personal device access and isn’t available in abundance. Moreover, you would need to ascertain the results based on your English language proficiency or depend on friends and family members.
2. Hire a best PTE trainer
The abundance of online English language coaches has eased the burden of competitive exam preparation. Moreover, such teachers take aptitude tests, offer a customized curriculum, and build a study plan to uplift the scores of the attempters.
Besides this, some websites or companies can switch tutors, take leaves during the week, and clear n-number of doubts during the session from the teacher. While group coaching might also benefit you, the advantages mentioned above are often found in one-to-one sessions.
3. Join a Community
Social media has allowed people to find people interested in similar activities. One of these includes preparing for competitive exams. You can find groups or channels wherein first-time attempters are looking for a partner for PTE exam preparation.
Unfortunately, you might end up teaching more than learning. On the flip side, such groups often consist of free study material, Q&As, surveys, etc., which can help you to decode your areas of improvement. You would have to evaluate whether the poll results or answers are accurate.
In the end, you would have a support group wherein you can learn tips to prepare for the PTE exam through attempters, making it even more beneficial.
4. Attempt PTE Mock Tests
One of the best methods to develop a familiarity with the types/formats of questions often asked during the PTE exam. Simultaneously, you would start preparing answers that best match your examinee’s needs. You can attempt the tests online or offline. For the latter, visit the nearest English coaching center and ask for dates on which the center conducts tests.
If visitation is impossible, take an online trial class and ask the trainer to give you an online test. Under most circumstances, the teacher offers this at the beginning of the session to evaluate the English language proficiency of the student.
5. Find Alternative Means of Learning English
Self-learning English is challenging; however, you can begin your journey by reading academic English magazines, journals, or books. The content would become vastly different from the questions asked in the exam; however, you would develop a good vocabulary.
Similarly, you can watch English movies, listen to English podcasts or radio shows, and continuously talk in the language to enhance your skills.
PTE Self Study Tips:-
Aspiring PTE test-takers, rejoice! Achieving your desired score doesn’t require fancy courses or expensive tutors. With dedication and the right approach, you can ace the PTE through effective self-study. Here are some top tips to guide your journey:
Strategize:
- Understand the test format
- Set realistic goals: Don’t aim for the moon on day one.
- Create a study schedule
Sharpen Your Skills:
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
- Listening
Practice Makes Perfect:
- Utilize official PTE practice materials
- Explore free resources
- Join online communities
Bonus Tips:
- Focus on your weaknesses
- Simulate test conditions: Set aside dedicated time for full-length mock tests under timed conditions. This replicates the pressure of the actual exam and builds confidence.
- Take care of yourself: Prioritize sleep, healthy eating, and exercise to maintain focus and energy levels during your preparations.
PTE Preparation at Home Tips:-
Lay the Foundation:
- Know the battlefield: Dive deep into the PTE format.
- Chart your course: Set realistic goals, break down your study plan into manageable chunks.
- Sharpen your tools: Brush up on grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure.
Fuel Your Training:
- Official arsenal: Pearson Test of English website offers a treasure trove of official practice materials and mock tests. Analyze your mistakes and refine your approach with each attempt.
- Free bounty: Explore the web! Numerous websites and YouTube channels offer PTE preparation tips,strategies, and sample tasks. Take advantage of this wealth of information!
- Practice partners: Find online communities to connect with other PTE test-takers. Share experiences, ask questions, and stay motivated together.
Train Like a Champion:
- Simulate the battlefield: Set aside dedicated time for full-length mock tests under timed conditions. This replicates the pressure of the actual exam and builds confidence.
- Target your weaknesses: Identify areas you struggle with and dedicate extra time to practice and improvement. Don’t let any skill become your Achilles’ heel!
- Variety is the spice of learning: Mix up your study routine with different resources, tasks, and activities to avoid monotony and stay engaged.
