Are you overwhelmed and don’t know where to start with your PTE studying? We understand your struggles, and that’s why we have listed the top 10 practical tips for an efficient PTE study plan at home.
Stay tuned and scroll down for more details!
Table of Contents
1. Start with a Full Practice Test
Many test-takers evaluate their English ability before taking the PTE test based on assumptions. This isn’t good because it cannot help you understand your performance precisely. We suggest doing a full-length practice test to familiarize yourself with the exam’s format.
This first try will give you a better idea of the test content, plus it also points out your strengths and weak areas. For example, you might find the Listening section flows easily while your Speaking needs more attention after finishing the practice test.
Skipping the first mock test to jump to the preparation steps might not give you a good self-evaluation. Therefore, start with a full test to ensure you’re putting your study effort in the right direction.
2. Set Your Schedule Structurally
Consistency is essential for your PTE preparation if you want to see good progress. An unorganized approach won’t build up your English skills properly. We recommend that you set an achievable schedule that is suitable to your schedule and requirements.
You can follow this expert-suggested schedule: spend 1.5 to 3 hours a day, four to five days a week, over four to six weeks. This allows you to focus on all PTE sections including speaking, writing, reading, and listening.
3. Take Mock Tests Regularly
Mock tests can mimic the exam content and provide an overview of your performance. There are platforms that provide comprehensive mock tests that let test-takers experience real exam conditions. The insights you gain after doing mock tests will help you measure your ability and find out where you need to improve on your strategy.
Additionally, their feedback can show learners their patterns, for example, the common errors, timing issues, or skill gaps. Use this feedback to adjust your PTE study plan. The more mock tests you take, the better you can improve your performance.
4. Strengthen Your English Basics First
A strong foundation in English is crucial for your PTE exam. Without the basics, no strategies or tips can help you.
If you’re weak in grammar or vocabulary, focus on improving them first. You can practice basic English grammar in textbooks such as “Cambridge Grammar Essentials” and “Intermediate Grammar”. For vocabulary, learners can consider the Cambridge Vocabulary Books. These series are for beginners and anyone aiming to strengthen their English core in vocabulary.
5. Practice with PTE Books
Once you’ve got a hold of the basics, move to more specialized PTE books that focus on the test format. PTE Expert B1 and PTE Expert B2 are good resources to start with. These books are the fundamental materials for mastering the test.
Specifically, the PTE Expert B1 book is the starting guideline to help test-takers practice specific sections before moving to more advanced tasks. Next, the PTE Expert B2 enhances your preparation with helpful tips and tricks closely related to the exam sections.
Test-takers can also learn from other book resources. We suggest finding the ones that include question practice, grammar insights, and specific strategies for each task.
6. Learn from Quality Resources
You should find trusted and high-quality resources to enhance your strategy and sharpen your skills.
The Pearson official website is a crucial guide to your PTE path. They include the latest updates and insightful materials for learners to understand the exam’s framework. You can find sample questions, detailed explanations, and news related to the PTE tests here.
7. Focus on Real-Life English
Aside from what you’ve learned from textbooks, focus on the English language in everyday life.
Strengthen your reading skills with materials like books, newspapers, and online articles. You can expand your vocabulary and approach a variety of writing styles and sentence structures, which is also helpful for your writing skills.
Test-takers can also improve their listening skills with podcasts and audiobooks. They can help you process spoken language from the natives, adapt to different accents, and eventually enhance your pronunciation.
8. Keep Your Routine Balanced
Balance is the key to your PTE preparation. Overloading yourself without getting any relaxation doesn’t bring better results but rather makes you burn out.
We recommend candidates value regular breaks. Continuous practice will make your brain tired, which can backfire on your study progress.
9. Seek External Support
Online courses with professional coaches will provide learners with more personalized strategies and insights, so you won’t have to figure everything out on your own.
On the other hand, study groups bring you a shared purpose. The collective thinking from individuals can bring fresh ideas, therefore making your preparation more interactive.
10. Stay Motivated
Take time to celebrate your progress. Recognizing your achievements no matter how small or big will keep you motivated throughout your studying journey. These celebrations can even be your fuel to light up your dream in the long run.
Remember, embrace your achievements because the process is as important as the result. Keep encouraging yourself, and you’re on your way to a rewarding journey.
Final Thoughts
Without a clear plan, studying for the PTE at home can feel difficult and overwhelming. However, following our 10 tips for an efficient PTE study plan above and applying the right strategy can change your future. Stay consistent in your study and your effort will pay off. Cheers!
