The Read-Aloud section of the PTE Core Speaking test is more than just reading the sentences.
It tests your speaking ability to convey the content fluently, clearly, and confidently. This article by PTE Magic will help you find ways to perform it well.
Let’s scroll down to learn more!
Key Takeaways
- The PTE Core Read Aloud section assesses your reading and speaking skills.
- Stay focused during the first 30-40 seconds to read the text prompt and ensure to finish your answer before the recording time finishes.
- Make word stress and take necessary pauses to ensure you deliver the message correctly.
- There are 4 most common mistakes to avoid if you want to score more in this part.
Related:
- Everything you need to know about the PTE Core test
- PTE Core exam preparation tips
- PTE Core Answer Short Question format & tips
What Is PTE Core Read Aloud?
The PTE Core Read Aloud belongs to the speaking section. It’s designed to test your reading and speaking skills within 6-7 questions. You need to read the text and repeat it with high accuracy.
Each text prompt will be around 60 words, and you’ll have 30-40 seconds to read it. Then, depending on the text’s length, you will have a certain time to read the content aloud.
After hearing a tone, you need to speak immediately and deliver the message clearly and effectively. The recording will stop if you’re quiet for more than 3 seconds.
Plus, watch out for the taskbar and complete your speech before it reaches the end (you will be notified when the word “Recording” changes to “Completed”).
How Is PTE Core Read Aloud Scored?
The task will be scored based on based on 3 factors:
Content (maximum 3 points)
The number of correct words you repeat plays an important role. You need to mention all the words in the text correctly without replacing, inserting, or omitting; otherwise, your score will be affected.
Oral fluency (maximum 5 points)
The examiners will assess your stress, phrasing, and rhythm. A smooth and effortless speech with appropriate paraphrasing will help you get a high score in this part. Avoid repetition and hesitation while speaking, as they can lower your score.
Pronunciation (maximum 5 points)
Pronunciation assessment means your speech should be understandable to most regular English speakers. You need to make correct stress and pronounce the words rather fluently to get a high score in this part.
How To Speak During The Test
Emphasize Keywords
Keywords carry important information, so ensure you stress them appropriately. You can speak a little louder and emphasize the stressed syllables of the words. Change your intonation up and down to show the connections between ideas and deliver a good rhythm.
Take Necessary Pauses
Appropriate pauses enhance your fluency and deliver the content with its full meaning, thus improving your score.
Make full use of 34-40 seconds of preparation time and utilize the given punctuation to decide where to pause. Then, change your intonation if needed. For example, you can raise a tone at the beginning of an idea and slightly fall at the end.
Speak Normally
Imagine you’re talking to a friend or on the phone. Use your normal voice, volume, and speed to do the task. Avoid speaking too loudly or too quietly.
7 Tips For PTE Core Read Aloud
Improve Your Pronunciation
Identify words that are difficult for you to pronounce and practice regularly until you get the correct information. Focus on your lip movement and tongue placement and control your vocal cords to produce the proper sound.
You can also watch tutorials on how native speakers say the words to improve your results.
Learn Vocabulary
The more words you know, the better you understand the text and make correct pronunciation. Try to read more from books, newspapers, and magazines to broaden your vocabulary.
Plus, ensure you understand the meaning and how to use the word properly in various sentences.
Get Used To Different Contexts
Don’t just learn vocabulary; you should understand the words in various sentences and contexts.
Each content type has different structures and writing styles. So, if you can practice more with various genres, such as history, technology, news, etc., you can perform better in the PTE Core Read Aloud.
Practice With Both Short And Long Sentences
It’s best to get familiar with different sentence lengths by reading a lot. You can start with sentences containing fewer words and a simple structure to practice until you are fluent. Then, continue with the longer and more complicated ones.
Regular PTE Core Read Aloud practice helps you handle different structures and produce smooth speech. So, even when the provided text contains complex sentences, you can still read them fluently.
Pay Attention To Your Intonation
Focusing on your intonation is important when performing the PTE Core Read Aloud task. As mentioned in the previous section, you should emphasize keywords to produce a natural flow and effectively deliver the message.
Listen to podcasts or watch TV films or shows to remember the typical accent pattern, intonation, and rhythm.
Focus On Expression
Expression while speaking shows that you understand the context well and can deliver it with good flow.
The task may require you to express emotions according to the content, such as curiosity, seriousness, excitement, and enthusiasm. Ensure you use your voice, tone, and pitch to do it well.
Practice Time Management
Mastering time management is crucial when practicing PTE Core Read Aloud. You should work on the task every day until you get used to the time frame and find the most effective strategy.
Use a timer to see if you complete the task within the allocated time. Adjust your speed accordingly without sacrificing word counts and pronunciation.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Fail To Finish On Time
The taskbar moves to the end as the time you’re allowed to speak finishes, and many people fail to complete it within this limit. As mentioned above, practicing with a stopwatch will enable you to find a comfortable speaking pace.
Making Incorrect Pauses
Incorrect pauses can change the sentence’s meaning. Plus, pausing with “ah” or “uh” can affect the flow and make your speech less fluent and clear.
Missing Or Adding Words
More or less words are not accepted in the PTE Core Read Aloud part. Try understanding the words and their role in the sentence to avoid missing them.
Mispronouncing
Mispronouncing can confuse the scoring system and affect your overall result. Thus, pay close attention to long or complex words and practice them during preparation.
Conclusion
The PTE Core Read Aloud part evaluates your ability to comprehend a brief text by reading it out loud with proper speed, intonation, and pronunciation.
Many candidates may find the time frame challenging; thus, make sure you practice the task daily to get used to it and deliver a complete response.
Good luck!
