The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is one of the best-known English proficiency examinations for students and professionals interested in studying, working, or migrating to another country. The Speaking module can be the most problematic in the course of preparing for the exam, among its four sections (Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening).
Achieving a 79+ (or IELTS Band 8 equivalent score ) in PTE Speaking does not only rely on fluency, but on an effective strategy, practice, and a clear understanding of the test format.
Throughout this in-depth article, we are going to dissect how to reach a 79+ in PTE Speaking by outlining the structure of the exam, marking scheme, pitfalls, and methods that enable success.
Understanding the PTE Speaking Module
The Speaking section of the PTE Academic is not just about saying words correctly; it’s about proving to the computer-based scoring system that you can speak English fluently, naturally, and with enough clarity to be easily understood. Unlike IELTS or TOEFL, no human examiner is listening to you live.
Instead, everything you say is recorded on a computer microphone and then scored by AI-based software. This makes consistency, clear pronunciation, and steady fluency far more important than personal style or accent.
Because it is integrated with Writing, your Speaking score can also contribute to your overall communication score. For example, tasks like Repeat Sentence and Retell Lecture also test your listening skills in addition to speaking.
How the Speaking Test is Scored
The AI scoring system in PTE Speaking is designed to replicate how a human examiner might judge your communication skills, but it does so with a stricter focus on measurable elements like clarity, fluency, and accuracy.
Instead of paying attention to personality or accent style, it evaluates whether your spoken English is clear, smooth, and understandable to an international audience. Let’s break down the five main scoring parameters in detail.
1. Content
Content refers to how completely and accurately you address the task. For example, in Read Aloud, if you skip or mispronounce several words, your content score drops. Similarly, in Retell Lecture, your content score improves if you capture the main points rather than going off-topic. Simply put, the closer your answer is to the original idea or text, the higher your content score will be.
2. Pronunciation
Pronunciation measures how easy it is for the AI to recognise your words. You don’t need to imitate a British or American accent, but you do need to speak clearly enough so that words sound natural and distinguishable.
Stressing the right syllables in words and avoiding mumbling or blending sounds are key factors here. Clear pronunciation ensures that the listener, whether human or AI, can understand your message without effort.
3. Oral Fluency
Fluency is one of the most significant points of scoring. It means the very ease you have in the fluency of your speaking, with no excessive pauses or stutters. It also punishes getting off track, the use of filler words, as well as frequent pauses and summaries.
Robotic delivery will cost you points even in the case where your vocabulary and grammar are on point.
4. Grammar
Grammar measures how accurately you construct your sentences. Using correct tenses, subject-verb agreement, and sentence structures boosts your score. While occasional small mistakes won’t heavily affect your results, consistent errors will bring your grammar score down.
5. Vocabulary
Vocabulary assesses the range and appropriateness of the words you use. You don’t need to use overly advanced words, but repeating basic ones too often or choosing inappropriate words can limit your score.
Using varied yet natural language is the goal.
What can be the Task-Wise Proven Strategies?
1. Read Aloud
Read Aloud is the most crucial and high-scoring exercise of the PTE Speaking. This activity will have a short paragraph on your screen, and your task will be to read it aloud in a clear and legible voice within the stipulated time.
To sound excellent, insert short pauses between the commas and full stops, as it will allow your speech to have a definite structure. Use different font sizes and font styles, such as bold, to enhance important words in the text, like nouns, verbs, and adjectives. Speak or read at a consistent tempo and avoid being too fast or too slow, and do not sound monotonous either.
In case you slip up, do not pause and rephrase; just keep on talking. One of the best methods to train it is to record yourself reading the short articles in the news every day to pay attention to your clarity and pronunciation.
2. Repeat Sentence
The Repeat Sentence tests your speaking and listening skills as you will be required to repeat a sentence in your own words, actually spoken to you, but by yourself. The most efficient way is to employ the chunking technique simply by mentally dividing the sentence into 3–4 smaller segments in order to remember it.
Pay attention to memorising the primary keywords rather than all of the words, since the content words produce the largest number of points in awarding. In case you forget a piece of the sentence, attempt to rebuild it using the key words that are in your mind.
3. Describe Image
Describe Image requires you to explain a graph, chart, diagram, or picture in just 40 seconds. The key to success here is structure. Always use a simple and reliable format: Introduction → Key points → Conclusion. Do not try to describe every small detail, as this may lead to rushed and unclear speech.
Instead, focus on two or three main points that stand out. If you get stuck, you can use filler sentences like “The image provides information about…” to maintain fluency. Remember, fluency is more important than mentioning every number or label.
4. Retell Lecture
In the Retell Lecture, you will listen to a short lecture (audio or video) and then summarise it in your own words. The task checks your ability to capture the main ideas and present them fluently. Effective note-taking is crucial; jot down keywords, symbols, and arrows that represent the main points.
Most importantly, focus on fluency rather than perfect accuracy, because the AI values smooth delivery. A useful practice activity is to watch TED Talks, take down 3–4 key ideas, and then summarise them within 40 seconds using clear and connected sentences.
5. Answer Short Question
Answer Short Question is the simplest task type, but it still contributes to your score. You will hear a very short question, usually testing common knowledge, and you must respond with a one- or two-word answer. The key here is to keep your response short and precise.
Over-explaining will not earn you extra marks. If you are unsure of the answer, make an educated guess instead of staying silent. Practising with question banks can help improve your reaction time.
What are the common mistakes to avoid?
1. Speaking too fast or too slowly
Quite a lot of candidates tend to talk too fast to finish as soon as possible or too slowly because of apprehension. Speaking either too fast or too slow is going to get you in trouble by dragging down your pronunciation and fluency rating. Too fast, it makes you unclear; too slow, it makes you run out of time or sound indecisive. Mix it at a reasonable, natural-sounding speed that a listener can pick out all the words.
2. Overusing filler words
Filler words like “um,” “uh,” “you know,” and “like” are common when candidates hesitate or think of what to say next. Frequent use of these words disrupts fluency and can lower your score, as the AI interprets them as pauses or interruptions. Practice speaking smoothly and replacing fillers with brief pauses or continuing naturally without hesitation.
3. Pausing too much or hesitating
Pausing regularly or frequent hesitation can be very bad for your fluency markings. Unless it is a trivia game, pausing ever so often can leave your message disjointed and weak. To prevent that, train yourself to link your thoughts with the help of full sentences and transition words to ensure the flow is smooth.
4. Memorising rigid templates word-for-word
Some candidates rely heavily on memorised templates to structure their answers. While templates are helpful, reciting them verbatim can sound unnatural and may hurt your pronunciation and fluency. It’s better to use flexible templates and adapt your response to each question, maintaining a natural delivery.
5. Ignoring pronunciation practice
You may have good grammar and vocabulary, but you can get low marks due to your pronunciation not being that good. Misspelled words may interfere with the AI scoring system and may lower clarity. Consistently doing tongue twisters, reading aloud, and recording yourself will aid in improving pronunciation over time.
6. Not completing responses within the time limit
PTE Speaking depends on time management. Unsuccessful completion of your response in the allocated time may decrease your content score and fluency score. Train yourself to speak only within the limits of each task type and employ the use of structured responses to guarantee that you are covering all of the important aspects in a time-efficient manner.
What are the Recommended Resources for PTE Speaking
The recommended resources for PTE speaking are as follows:
1. Official PTE Practice Materials
The official PTE practice materials are created by Pearson, the makers of the exam, and are the most reliable source for understanding the test format and scoring system. These materials include sample questions, practice tests, and scored responses, which help you familiarise yourself with the types of tasks you will face.
Using these resources ensures that you are practising in the most exam-accurate environment possible, and helps you track your progress with realistic scoring benchmarks.
2. Mobile Apps: ApeUni, E2Language, PTE Tutorials
Mobile applications that were specifically designed to help in preparing for PTE are very useful and can be used flexibly. Online apps like ApeUni, E2Language, and the PTE Tutorials offer interactive tasks, machine scoring and marks, mock exams, and instant feedback.
Most of these apps also have speaking elements in which you can record your speech and establish an assessment of the pronunciation and fluency. Using these apps every day can help you train on a regular basis and determine what to work on.
3. Websites: PTE Academic Official Site, Exam-Specific Forums
The official PTE Academic page has study tips, study guides, and practice tests. Also, web-based forums and communities specialising in PTE preparation may be a good source of knowledge gained through experience.
You will get some idea of question types, tips on scoring, strategy ideas, and any changes in the examination pattern. Connecting to these communities also helps you to remain motivated and acquire practical tips that are beyond readings.
4. Videos: BBC News, TED Talks, and English Learning YouTube Channels
Hearing native English speakers regularly can have a great bearing on your pronunciation, fluency, and sentence rhythm comprehension. With sources such as BBC News or TED Talks, you are introduced to professional, clear English in several settings, and this can help you with tasks, such as Repeat Sentence or Retell Lecture.
English learning YouTube channels offer extra speaking practice and tips and tricks specifically adapted to the audience of PTE students. The listening, watching, and replicating these videos enhances your listening comprehension, vocabulary, and boosts your overall confidence to speak English.
Conclusion
It is possible to reach the 79+ in PTE Speaking, but the effort requires a certain strategy. It is necessary to realise that the examination does not deal with acquiring a native accent or using intricately complicated words.
Rather, the AI scoring model values clarity, fluency, and organisation in the answer to a question. It is possible that, despite your imperfect grammar or vocabulary, smooth, clear, and confident speech will raise your point scale considerably.
It is consistency that matters. Even brief everyday practice is more effective than long sessions of the type now and then. The process of recording yourself, analysing your reactions, and relating them to the high-scoring samples allows you to determine the areas of improvement. Devoting attention to each task type separately will enable you to acquire the skills specific to each section of the speaking module.
