Learn about PTE
The PTE Academic, test is an English language proficiency test popular worldwide among aspirants for overseas education and immigration. In fact, it is quite widely accepted in countries like Australia and New Zealand taken by those aspiring to study or work abroad. In fact, when it comes to Australia and New Zealand it is even visa-approved. Besides these two countries, universities in many English-speaking countries including UK, USA, Ireland and Canada also accept PTE.
The PTE test is designed to assess candidates’ language skills and abilities in an academic setting. Here you will be tested on topics from Social Sciences, English Literature, Psychology etc. The results do not take more than five days to be published. As it is a computer – based test, there is one thing certain; that it is as fair as it can be.
The Speaking section is a challenging one as it consists of five different types of items. Each of the items is time based and come with a set of rules that one must practice in order to ace the PTE test. Most often either the inability to pick up a pace or bad pronunciation or no fluency can reduce the cores drastically.
Hurray offers a customized PTE Online Training course where aspirants can learn Speaking, Writing, Reading and Listening skills that are taught by certified trainers.
with elaborate explanation on all the items given for the test. This blog mainly explains how to do “Describe Image” But, before that here’s some a 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
PTE Speaking: Describe image
About the test
On the screen, you will see an image, depicting a scene, the various elements in a process, or some other type of information. You will be given 25 seconds to examine the picture. Your task is to describe the picture, speaking aloud into the microphone. You will be given 40 seconds in which to speak.
The image will generally be academic in nature.
The objective of the task, is to test you on the following:
- Content: have you described the image accurately and thoroughly?
- Oral fluency: is your speech clear and at a natural rate of speed?
- Pronunciation: would your pronunciation of the words you use enable others to understand you?
Common problems
These are some of the stumbling blocks that we see our students face while answering this task.
- The student describes the image in a haphazard manner and misses out on important points.
- The student takes too long to describe the image, and is unable to complete the task on time.
These problems are easy to overcome – if you follow the steps given below!
TIPS & STRATEGIES
You can apply the given tips to this example:
Preparing for the task
1. Practice!
We recommend that you practice with a number of PTE mock tests – 3-4 at minimum, and as many as you can!
You will get used to describing an image, within the time limit. You will also see the types of images that generally appear.
*Bonus tip: record your voice! 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 – such as BBC news or Discovery programs, and good movies – preferably, where English is being spoken by native speakers (like British or American). This will help you improve your fluency and pronunciation.
(Though you must never try to adopt a fake accent!)
3. Build vocabulary
The better your vocabulary, the easier it will be for you to describe the image appropriately.
Performing the task
During the prep time, examine the image closely and quickly. Keep note of the following tips.
1. Identify the main information
- What is the main idea that the image is communicating to you?
- What are the various components of the image that are related to this main idea?
- What are the possible conclusions you can draw from this image?
Identify each of these and make a quick note of them.
2. Organise the information
You must describe the image in a logical manner. You should not be haphazard or disconnected. Based on the main idea and the components you identify, follow a logical order.
- Begin by stating the main idea i.e. the scene or process that is depicted, in one sentence or two.
- The various components will be connected to each other in some way – decide which component you will begin with, and describe the rest of the components in the same order in which they appear.
- Make sure you describe every aspect related to the component before you move to the next one.
- Once you have covered all the components, state your conclusion.
3. Stick to the image
The aim is not to test your knowledge about concepts about the image. Concentrate on what the image is showing you. Any conclusions you draw should be related to the image.
4.Suggested vocabulary
Instead of saying, “The image shows…”, these are some of the words/phrases you can use to describe the image:
- Depict
- Represent
- Indicate
- Illustrate
Using words such as these, instead of repeating the same word several times, will earn you more points!
5. Stress important words
Important words are those which you will use to describe the main idea. Often, these words appear in the image itself.
When stressing a word, you will say it slightly slower, slightly louder and with a very brief pause.
6. Do not rush
Take your time with the questions, in order to make sure you describe every element. Speak clearly. Use short and grammatically correct sentences.
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.
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