How To Prepare For PTE Speaking – Repeat Sentence

What is PTE Academic?

Globally recognized as PTE Academic, this is an English language proficiency test taken by those aspiring to study or work abroad. In fact, when it comes to Australia and New Zealand it is visa-approved. Not only that its popularity is mainly due to the fact that it is accepted by universities in many English-speaking countries that also include UK, USA, Ireland, and Canada. 

It is mainly designed to assess your language skills, especially in an academic setting. You will find topics from subjects like Social Sciences, English Literature, Psychology, etc. Typically, the result is declared in 5 days. The best thing about this test is that it is designed in such a manner that it gives all candidates a fair chance since it is entirely computer-based. 

The Speaking section can be quite tricky, especially considering that the items given are timed. Most candidates struggle with PTE Speaking because they either are pronouncing words incorrectly or struggling with the pace. Therefore, Hurray offers a customized PTE Online Training course where you can learn the Speaking, Writing, Reading and Listening skills with an elaborate explanation on all the items given for the test. This blog mainly explains how to do “Repeat Sentence.” But, before that here’s some quick information. 

Standard Test Fee (for Indian nationals): INR 13,300 (INR 11,271 + 18% GST)

(as of October 2018, subject to change without prior notice)

Test Dates: Flexible, available 360 days of the year

Scores can be sent to unlimited institutions, at no additional cost

Repeat sentence - Description

About the Test

Through the headset, you will listen to a sentence being audio played. The sentence will be spoken within 3-9 seconds. Your task is to repeat the sentence exactly as you hear it, into the microphone.

You must finish speaking before the recording is completed. You will be given 15 seconds, which is more than enough time.

The objective of the task, is to test you on the following:

1. Content: have you repeated all the words in the sentence, without any changes?
2. Oral Fluency: is your speech clear and at a natural rate of speed?
3. Pronunciation: would your pronunciation of the words enable others to understand you?

Common problems

These are some of the stumbling blocks that we see our students face while answering this task.

1. The student cannot understand the speaker’s accent. 
2. If students cannot understand any part of the sentence, they get stuck on it and lose the end.

These problems are easy to overcome – if you follow the steps given below!

TIPS & STRATEGIES

You can apply the given tips to this example:

“Many say that reading is a dying habit and blame the rise of electronic and digital media.”

Preparing for the task

1. Practice! 

The best way to ace this test, is to get used to how it works, through practice. We recommend practicing with a number of PTE mock tests – 3-4 at minimum, and as many as you can!

*Bonus tip: record yourself! When you play it back you will be able to hear if you are clear and natural, and where you need to improve.

2. Listen to English in use

Including good TV channels and good movies. When you get used to hearing how people speak English, you will be able to understand the speaker in the task, better.

3. Build vocabulary

The better your vocabulary, the easier it will be for you to understand what you listen to – which will help you pay identify phrasing, intonation and pronunciation (as we describe below). 

Performing the Task

Listen carefully to the recorded sentence. It is essential that you understand it. 

While performing the task, keep note of the following tips. 

1. Keep track of the phrasing

Every sentence can be divided into phrases. Each phrase carries a meaning of its own. The speaker will speak with brief pauses between phrases. When you grasp the phrases individually, it will be easier to recall and repeat them.

e.g. Each /--/ represents a phrase.

/Many say that/reading is a dying habit/and blame the rise of electronic and digital media. /

2. Copy the speaker’s intonation and pronunciation

Pay attention to

• Where the speaker stresses a word i.e. saying it with a bit more force, to emphasize it
• Where the speaker pauses
• How the speaker pronounces the word

Repeat the sentence exactly as you hear it.

3. Do not Rush

You have enough time! Focus on saying each word with clarity. 

General Tips to improve Speaking:

• Listen & Record yourself: Practice speaking and listening to different audios and videos in English. You could imitate a few sentences and record yourself. Note specific areas you need to improve upon and practice accordingly.
• Slow down your pace: A lot of people are of the opinion that speaking fluently means speaking fast. This is a wrong notion. You must not speak fast because you will not be able to convey your message properly. This also indicates that you are nervous and indecisive. Begin with a slow pace and gradually increase it.
• Imagine it: Whenever you practice difference sounds try to imagine your facial muscles and the positioning of your mouth. If you have studied phonetics then try to relate the symbol with the sound. Look at phonetic charts or diagrams for more understanding.
• Mirror method: In order to see how you look when you are pronouncing words, and whether you are placing your tongue in the right position in your mouth, you must stand in front of a mirror and practice. Compare what you see in yourself as with the native speaker and try repeating in the same manner
• Practice with an acquaintance - A good way to practice speaking is having another person check your errors. You can use their feedback to improve your skills.
• Intonation and stress- There is a lot more to pronunciation then just mastering sounds or phonetics of the English language. You need to understand how to stress on words, how to modulate your voice, and use the right intonation. 

If you are looking for the best PTE Online Coaching in Bangalore then  Hurray offers you, customized classes, where, our PTE trainers can help provide you more tips and practice opportunities, while also correcting your problem areas and providing solutions for the same.

Reach out to us via email: info@hurrayedutech.com or phone: 8971357938, for more details