Which PTE Module Needs More Preparation Time?

Wondering which PTE module should you focus more on to prepare for the test?

This article by PTE Magic discusses the hard PTE modules and reveals which sections you should pay more attention to.

Scroll down to discover more!

Key Takeaways

• Reading and speaking are the most challenging modules based on feedback from past test-takers.
• Most PTE Reading questions circle collocations, which don’t come naturally unless you’ve spent a good amount of time studying English.
• The PTE Speaking module demands more than just being an average English speaker.
• While practice with textbooks and exercises is a good starting point, arranging your daily routine with the steps mentioned below will truly make a difference.

Related:

• Proven PTE online coaching courses to help you achieve your dream scores
• PTE exam preparation tips & tricks from high-scorers

What Are The Hardest PTE Exam Modules?

The PTE exam has four modules: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Each module tests how well you can handle these core English skills. But which of these modules is the hardest?

Although it depends on each test-taker, (for example, one might be good at vocabulary but struggle with spelling), reading and speaking are the most challenging modules based on feedback from past test-takers.

If you’re aiming for a top score on the PTE, focus on these two areas:

Reading

The reading module in the PTE exam is often full of advanced and complex words. Non-native test-takers might find pronouncing these words clearly and correctly hard. Most questions circle around collocations which don’t come naturally unless you’ve spent a good amount of time studying English.

Mastering this skill takes time, as it takes more than a few quick tips—you need time and plenty of practice to get there.

Speaking

This module demands more than just being an average English speaker. Clear pronunciation is a must to achieve a higher score in the Speaking module. You need to speak without pauses or hesitation, and if you pause for more than three seconds, the recording stops. This means your response gets cut off, and all your effort will be wasted. 

Additionally, watch the timing. If time runs out before you’ve finished speaking, you’ve just lost that question.

Important PTE Sections to Focus On

Read Aloud

This PTE Speaking section will measure how well you can read a short text aloud by controlling your pronunciation, intonation, and speed.

Here’s how you do the task:

• Preparation time: You’ll see a written text on the screen and get 30-40 seconds to read and grasp the main ideas.
• Recording time: Afterward, the mic automatically starts recording, giving you about half a minute to read the text aloud. Timing and clarity are key.

The PTE Read Aloud is considered an important module because it carries 45-50 marks.

Repeat Sentence

The PTE Speaking Repeat Sentence task presents 10 to 12 questions. Unlike other sections, there’s no penalty for incorrect answers. Your goal is to listen to a brief sentence, usually 3 to 9 seconds long, and repeat it exactly.

You get 3 seconds to prepare before the audio plays, and after it ends, there’s a 1-second gap before your microphone activates. You then have 15 seconds to respond, repeating what you heard. Together with other speaking tasks, this section accounts for 30 to 35 marks.

Fill In The Blanks

In the “Fill in the Blank” section, you’re given a text with missing words and will listen to an audio recording for 30-60 seconds. Your task is to type the missing words as they’re spoken. Usually, there are 5-7 blanks to fill. For each correct word, you score a point. There is no partial credit for wrong or missing answers.

You only get to hear the audio once, so pay attention and be accurate with your spelling. This task is crucial because it contributes 30 marks to reading and listening skills.

Write From Dictation

The “Write From Dictation” section of the PTE Listening test challenges your ability to accurately recall and transcribe a sentence after hearing it. Pearson plays a 3-5 second sentence once, and you need to type it exactly as you hear it by paying attention to spelling and grammar. After each sentence, the next recording starts automatically after a brief pause. 

Scoring is partial, meaning you still get points for correct answers. Test-takers can consider this section as one of the most important tasks in the PTE Listening module because it contributes 40-50 marks to your listening and writing scores.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where To Focus On PTE?

To avoid losing scores, stay within the specified limits. For the PTE Writing and Listening sections, prioritise correct punctuation, spelling, and grammar. In the Speaking section, your main focus should be on speaking fluently. Don’t forget to apply the speaking strategies in our PTE Speaking Tips blogs.

Which Section Of PTE Is Most Scoring?

The PTE Read Aloud tasks are among the highest-scoring components of the speaking module. Here, you can achieve a maximum score of 45-50 by listening to the audio and transcribing it as accurately as possible. The three skills you can earn points for are oral fluency, content, and pronunciation, each worth 5 points. 

Which Is The Toughest Section In PTE?

Test-takers often see the PTE Reading section as the most challenging of the PTE test. Many candidates need help to achieve the scores they desire due to difficulties with their reading skills.

How Can I Pass PTE Easily?

While practice with textbooks and exercises is a good starting point, arranging your daily routine with these steps will truly make a difference:

1. Grasp the PTE test format and its scoring criteria.  
2. Engage in discussions and writing across diverse topics.  
3. Organise your responses, but avoid rigid templates.  
4. Express your thoughts in your own words and approach topics with a critical mindset.

Final Thoughts

Which PTE module should you focus more on to prepare for the test? PTE Magic believes reading and speaking are two areas that any test-takers should put effort into. With the right strategy, you can manage the whole test without feeling overwhelmed. 

For tips on tackling the rest, dive into our other posts. Let’s aim for your PTE dream scores today!

Last updated on 28/10/2024