How to Stop Being Nervous About Your Next PTE Exam

Nervousness before the test day is what usually happens to all of us test-takers.

This article from PTE Magic will help you calm down your anxiety by reviewing the test format and showing you how to avoid being nervous about your PTE exam.

Check out our useful tips below!

Key Takeaways

• Practising and reviewing every section can make you feel more prepared and focused. 
• The more you approach English, the stronger your language skills will become, and the better you will perform on your exam day.
• Even for native English speakers, preparing for the PTE Academic is essential. 
• Our tips below can help you manage your nervousness before you take the PTE test.

Related:

• The only PTE online training course you will need to pass the test
• PTE exam preparation tips from high-scorers

Reviewing All PTE Exam Sections

Start by getting familiar with the exam structure: Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening sections. Each of these brings its challenges, so understanding the types of questions in each part is key. 

Practising and reviewing every section can make a difference when test day arrives, as you will feel more prepared and focused. 

Below, PTE Magic suggests practical tips and tricks for each skill for your PTE reviewing process.

Speaking

Pronunciation and fluency are key to strong speaking. Many test-takers underestimate recording themselves speaking, which is a good self-reflection method. This method is your window to correct mistakes you might not realise while speaking.

However, repeating the same practice without addressing mistakes will keep you from getting stuck. Recognising your weakness to make progress. Ask yourself when you listen back to your recordings: Do my sentences flow naturally? Are my words clear? 

These might seem small, but they will help you improve your performance, especially when you’re under pressure on test day.

Writing

Your essay needs to have these elements: an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Additionally, your summary score is based on how you can turn complex ideas into clear sentences – which is a vital skill for the PTE test.

However, you must have good knowledge of these foundations: grammar, vocabulary, and spelling. How you use them to create a logical passage and convey your point without overcomplicating things will determine your PTE Writing scores. As you practice, review your writing to make sure it follows the outline and includes all the key details.

Reading

Skimming and scanning are two essential techniques for getting through PTE Reading sections. Skimming is finding the main ideas without getting too focused on details while scanning is hunting for specific information. Knowing when to switch between the two helps to control the rushed feeling in this section which often leads to stress.

Many test-takers need to pay more attention to the timing factor. Rushing to finish the task can easily affect your performance if you haven’t controlled your pace. So, practice finishing the questions within the time limit. Because in the end, speed and accuracy are what get you higher scores.

Listening

Podcasts, news reports, and audiobooks are helpful training tools. You should pratise identifying the tone shifts and key ideas in the audio, as the PTE Listening tasks demand candidates to focus and pay attention to detail.

Note-taking is another helpful strategy for these tasks. Taking relevant notes trains your brain to focus on the important information while listening. Therefore, practising this skill will help you handle complex audio better.

Related:

• How many mock tests should you take before the real test?

5 Tips to Stay Calm on Your PTE Test Day

Below are tips that can help you manage your nervousness before you take the PTE test:

• Punctuality is key: Arriving late only adds to the stress. Get to the exam center early at least 30 minutes before the exam starts to give yourself time to settle in. This will reduce one thing to worry about.
• Expect distractions: The testing room can get noisy and chaotic, so prepare yourself for that. If you’ve been practicing in quiet places, it might be worth getting used to public spaces where there’s more background noise.
• Don’t let nerves control you: You’ve prepared for this, so stay calm. Take a deep breath, or even try a bit of meditation beforehand to clear your mind. Once you’re in the room, panic won’t do you any favors.
• Time management is everything: Value the hours leading up to the exam and pace yourself throughout. Try taking a full-length mock test, like the ones on the PTE Magic platform, to build your endurance. The better you plan your timing, the calmer you get.
• Prepared stamina to sit through the whole test: Having a healthy mind and body will contribute to your test performance. If you need a boost, a little caffeine or an energy drink can help keep you alert through the three-hour exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does PTE Academic Differ from PTE Core?

Yes, these two tests are quite different. Each test serves a specific audience and focuses on the varying needs of these groups.

The PTE Academic is specifically designed for students aiming for a student visa and pursuing higher education abroad. On the other hand, the PTE Core is for those looking to relocate for different purposes, such as work, residency, or personal reasons. 

What Are The Best Methods to Prepare for PTE?

Merging English into your daily routine, for example, writing regularly, taking notes, or even speaking English at home. Listening to English content, like podcasts or news, is another way to immerse yourself. The more you approach English, the stronger your language skills will become, and the better you will perform on your exam day.

Can I Use Both UK and US Spellings in the Test?

PTE Academic accepts all majour English spelling conventions, including those in the US and the UK. However, it’s crucial to be consistent. Once you’ve committed to a spelling style within a question, stick with it. 

You’re free to switch to a different spelling convention in your answers to other questions, but within each response, though.

Is Passing The PTE Test Without Preparation Possible?

Even for native English speakers, preparing for the PTE Academic is essential. Some test takers who are confident in their fluency often find themselves scoring lower than expected. A lack of preparation can significantly affect performance. 

Fluency alone isn’t enough, therefore, practice and familiarise yourself with the test format to perform your best on the test day.

What Is The Best Time To Take The PTE Exam?

As the day progresses into the afternoon, both mental and physical productivity tend to drop. Your mind will become less sharp, and your body will slow down in response. Therefore, it’s worth making the most of your brain activity in the morning before the afternoon comes.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to avoid being nervous about your PTE exam is the first step to success. Once you’ve got that under control, the next phase is practice. Our PTE Magic platform has all sorts of study materials to guide you through. As you start to get into it, you’re already mentally well-prepared for the test. 

Don’t wait. Take action today and ease your anxiety with us!

Last updated on 25/10/2024