The PTE Academic exam is as much about strategy as it is about language skills. Many test-takers lose valuable points due to avoidable mistakes—sometimes without even realising it.
In this article, we break down the seven most common PTE mistakes and show you exactly how to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Speaking Too Fast or Too Slow
- Problem: Speaking unnaturally—either rushing or hesitating—can reduce your fluency and pronunciation scores.
- Solution: Maintain a steady pace. Practise speaking in short, meaningful phrases rather than trying to read or recall everything in one breath.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Task Requirements
- Problem: Writing too many or too few words in tasks like Summarize Written Text or Essay can result in a score penalty.
- Solution: Always follow the word limit (e.g., 5–75 words for Summarize Written Text, 200–300 words for the Essay). Use the on-screen word counter.
Mistake 3: Overusing Complex Vocabulary
- Problem: Trying to sound “advanced” by using complicated words can backfire if used incorrectly.
- Solution: Use clear, precise vocabulary you are confident with. Accuracy is more important than showing off.
Mistake 4: Not Managing Time Across Sections
- Problem: Spending too much time on one question leaves less time for others, lowering your overall score.
- Solution: Learn the ideal time allocation for each task and practise with a timer to build speed and efficiency.
Mistake 5: Neglecting Listening Spelling and Word Order
- Problem: In Write from Dictation, even small spelling mistakes or word order changes can cause you to lose marks.
- Solution: Practise typing accurately under time pressure. Review common spelling errors and focus on sentence structure.
Mistake 6: Ignoring Keywords in Reading
- Problem: Skipping over key terms in Fill in the Blanks and Reorder Paragraphs can lead to incorrect answers.
- Solution: Pay attention to collocations, linking words, and pronoun references to identify correct answers.
Mistake 7: Not Reviewing Mistakes After Practice
- Problem: Repeating the same errors because you never analyse your practice test results.
- Solution: After each mock test, spend at least as much time reviewing as you did taking the test. Identify patterns in your mistakes and address them directly.
Final Tip
Scoring high in PTE Academic is about more than just avoiding mistakes—it’s about building exam habits that maximise your strengths and minimise your weaknesses. By recognising and fixing these seven errors, you can significantly increase your chances of hitting your target score.