The PTE Academic Exam can be a game-changer for individuals looking to study, work, or migrate abroad. For many, achieving their desired scores may seem challenging, but with determination, strategy, and the right resources, success is possible.
In this blog, we share the real-life experiences of three test-takers who tackled the PTE exam, overcame challenges, and achieved their dream scores. Their journeys will inspire and motivate you to do the same!
1. Aisha’s Story: From Struggling Speaker to Confident Achiever
Background: Aisha, a marketing professional from India, needed an overall score of 79+ to qualify for a Master’s program in Australia. She struggled particularly with the Speaking section due to her lack of confidence in pronunciation.
Aisha’s Challenge:
- Difficulty with fluency and pronunciation in “Read Aloud” and “Repeat Sentence.”
- Anxiety about speaking into a microphone.
Her Strategy:
- Aisha practiced using AI-based PTE mock tests to simulate the real exam environment.
- She focused on improving oral fluency by practicing daily with speech recognition tools.
- She used structured templates for tasks like “Describe Image” and “Retell Lecture” to organize her answers.
Key Insight: “At first, I was scared of the Speaking tasks, but I realized that fluency is more important than perfection. I practiced speaking naturally, recorded myself, and gradually gained confidence.”
Aisha’s Result:
Aisha scored an impressive 84 overall, with a 90 in the Speaking section!
Her Advice: “Don’t overthink your pronunciation. Be confident and focus on fluency. Mock tests helped me overcome my fear and achieve success.”
2. Mark’s Story: Managing Time to Ace the PTE Writing Section
Background: Mark, an IT professional from the Philippines, needed a 65+ overall score for migration to New Zealand. While he excelled in Listening and Reading, his biggest hurdle was the Writing section, especially managing time during essays.
Mark’s Challenge:
- Spending too much time on the Essay task, leaving little time for proofreading.
- Struggling with Summarize Written Text, often exceeding the word limit.
His Strategy:
- Mark used writing templates to save time and organize his thoughts.
- He practiced summarizing texts daily and developed the habit of writing concise, single-sentence summaries.
- He worked on his typing speed to ensure he could write, proofread, and edit within the allotted time.
Key Insight: “I learned that simplicity and structure are key. Using templates helped me write organized essays without wasting time.”
Mark’s Result:
Mark achieved an overall score of 78, with a 75 in Writing, surpassing his expectations.
His Advice: “Time management is critical for PTE Writing. Stick to templates and practice typing under time constraints.”
3. Sarah’s Story: Overcoming Listening Challenges with Smart Practice
Background: Sarah, a nurse from Pakistan, aimed for a 79+ overall score to meet Australian PR requirements. She faced challenges in the Listening section, particularly with tasks like “Write from Dictation” and “Highlight Correct Summary.”
Sarah’s Challenge:
- Difficulty focusing on long audio clips during the Listening tasks.
- Struggled with spelling accuracy in “Write from Dictation.”
Her Strategy:
- Sarah practiced active listening by using podcasts, TED Talks, and mock tests.
- She developed a habit of taking short, keyword-focused notes while listening.
- To improve spelling accuracy, she practiced daily with Write from Dictation tasks, focusing on speed and precision.
Key Insight: “I realized I needed to train my ears to catch key words and improve my spelling accuracy. Mock tests helped me build my concentration and stamina.”
Sarah’s Result:
Sarah scored an outstanding 82 overall, with a 90 in Listening!
Her Advice: “Focus on listening to English audio daily and practice dictation tasks. Every small improvement adds up.”
Conclusion: Your Success Story Awaits!
Aisha, Mark, and Sarah all faced unique challenges during their PTE preparation, but they overcame them with dedication, smart strategies, and regular practice. Whether it’s Speaking, Writing, or Listening, identifying your weaknesses and using the right resources—like PTE mock tests—can set you up for success.
