The PTE exam has been designed as a benchmark for evaluating English language proficiency. The exam assesses your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, crucial to getting a visa in an English-speaking country. Many job seekers and students rely on this exam to get a chance to study or work abroad and experience different cultures of people from various backgrounds. Thanks to the evolution in technology, this test can be prepared online. Also, we can appear for the PTE exam online without needing a dedicated classroom. However, the students and job seekers take this test too easily and make some common mistakes that affect their overall scores. Below are the seven most common mistakes the students make during the PTE online test. Taking note of these mistakes will help you avoid them in the PTE exam. Letโs begin with the first one –
- Poor Technical Setup
Appearing for the PTE exam and having an inadequate technical setup can affect your score. Poor internet connection, an outdated laptop with a low-quality webcam, and earphones can disrupt the environment and cause you to fail the exam.
For example, in a speaking test, while giving an interview, a minor glitch in the earphones can lead to improper recording and wrong interpretation by the examiner. This can result in a low score due to improper pronunciation and fluency.
- Not Practicing with a Timer
As the PTE exam online is strictly timed, we need to practice accordingly. If we do not practice at home with the timer, we cannot finish the test on time in the actual situation.
For example, a candidate has been practicing at home without a timer. This makes him feel relaxed and stress-free because he does not care to finish the test on time. As a result, he missed a few questions in the reading section, resulting in a low score.
- Speaking Too Fast or Too Slowly
Regarding a speaking test, we should maintain a proper pace. Speaking too fast can result in ignoring the main words, not stressing the important words, and improper pronunciation. Speaking too slowly can result in providing less information in a given time and sometimes a low fluency level.
For example, in the PTE exam, the candidate tries to finish the interview quickly, mispronounces the words, and avoids pausing between sentences. On the other hand, a slow speaker misses the opportunity to explain a topic in detail in a given period. Both situations impact the overall score.
- Using Informal Language
The PTE exam online focuses on using formal English, especially when talking about writing and speaking. A casual conversation and writing style are unacceptable and can affect your overall score.
For example, candidates cannot pass the exam if they use slang and other casual words in the speaking and writing sections. This is due to strict adherence to an academic tone and a formal vocabulary.
- Not Wearing Proper Attire
When sitting for a speaking test, you must wear appropriate clothing. This includes formal pants and a shirt or suit. Proper clothing leaves a good impression on the interviewer and creates a professional environment. Negligence can lead to a low score, a warning, or disqualification.
For example, an individual in a formal interview wears a casual hoodie with a hat on his head. This explains his negligence in following the regulations. He can be warned once or twice, but he will surely be disqualified after that.
- Distractions During the Test
The PTE exam online demands a calm environment without any distractions, especially in listening and speaking tests. You must ensure that your mobile phone is not ringing in between, that your air conditioner in the room is not too loud, and that there are no distractions from family members.
For example, during a speaking and listening test, a sudden mobile notification or the loud background voice of a power generator can distract the interviewer and reduce focus while listening to the tape.
- Misusing Notepad and Erasable Board
It is normal to write notes between exams, but it should be done moderately. Improper use of notepads can result in distractions, especially in a listening test. You must focus on listening to the audio instead of making excessive notes.
For example, Rohan is a candidate, and he is giving a listening test. While listening to the audio clip, he is trying to comprehend everything and is making long notes. This results in skipping the critical points due to distractions and focusing merely on the notes.
To conclude
We have successfully gone through the most common mistakes that students make during the PTE exam online. All we can say is that the online exam should be taken seriously, and carelessness can lead to failure and restrict future opportunities. The right attitude brings prosperity and eliminates the chances of making mistakes.
If you plan to study abroad and prepare for the PTE exam, you need the proper guidance. Contact English Wise today and learn how to prepare and take the proper steps to avoid future mistakes. You can download our exam guide online and follow it to stand out from the crowd and unlock future opportunities. Book a free trial and consultation according to your convenience. Call us soon!
