Four common PTE mistakes and how to stop making them
PTE is marked by software. The mistakes that cost the most are the ones a human examiner would forgive.
By the SSBE Academy team4 min read
PTE Academic is scored by software, and that changes what a mistake costs. A human examiner forgives a hesitation; the algorithm does not. These are the four errors we see most in diagnostic tests at SSBE, and the fix for each.
1. Pausing mid-sentence in Read Aloud
Pace beats accuracy. A steady rhythm with one mispronounced word scores higher than a perfect reading with two long pauses. Practise reading to a metronome app at a comfortable speed.
2. Writing more than the word limit in Summarize Written Text
One sentence. Between five and seventy-five words. Going to seventy-six scores zero for form. Count before you submit.
3. Ignoring the microphone check
A microphone that clips your first syllable loses you marks on every Speaking item. Test it, adjust it, and keep it at the same distance for the whole section.
4. Skipping Describe Image practice
It feels unnatural, so students avoid it. It also contributes to both Speaking and other enabling skills. Learn one template, use it for every image type.
