5 Common Mistakes That Can Ruin Your PTE Listening Score

One of the most important steps in achieving your dreams abroad is cracking the PTE Academic test. Any mistake you might commit during the test could cost you a lot. To help you overcome this, enrolling in a PTE online course program is essential to boost your PTE preparation and ace the exam.

Aside from attending PTE review classes, it is also vital to know the things that you must avoid while taking the PTE Academic test. For starters, check out these five common mistakes that most test takers commit during the Listening Test:

1. Forgetting that the audio recording is played only once

In the PTE Listening Test, test takers will only hear the recording once, but they are allowed to move the control bar to increase or decrease the volume. However, some examinees tend to forget that all audio recordings are played only once, causing them to have a low PTE listening score.

To overcome this, make sure that when the audio clip is playing, you are paying attention to the key ideas and supporting details of each recording. During your PTE online test practice, keep in mind that you must listen attentively to all the recordings of the Listening Test.

2. Not taking down notes

Most test takers usually forget that note-taking is allowed in all PTE test components including the Listening Test. PTE examiners will give you an erasable noteboard booklet (five sheets of A4 paper), which you can use during the Listening Test. While the audio clip is playing, write down all the essential points to get the overall gist of every recording.

During your PTE review classes, seek various tips and strategies that can help enhance your note-taking skills.

3. Not checking the time

As the last part of the PTE Academic exam, the Listening Test consists of eight tasks and takes about 45−57 minutes. Each listening task has a time limit that you will see on the lower part of the screen. As a PTE test taker, it is important to check the time while taking each listening task.

While taking the PTE online test practice, don’t forget to keep an eye on the time limit while answering each listening task.

4. Losing focus

Some PTE examinees tend to lose their concentration while taking the Listening Test. To avoid this, apply these two simple tips:

•          Relax your mind and body before taking the Listening Test; and
•          Look for tips on how to boost not only your concentration but also your critical-thinking skills.

5. Not attempting to answer

Did you know that leaving a question blank can greatly affect your overall PTE listening score? If you don’t attempt to answer a question in the Listening Test, you might lose your chance of getting your desired PTE score.

To avoid this, follow these two practical tips:

·         For listening tasks with choices, use the process of elimination by removing answer options that are obviously incorrect.

·         For listening tasks without choices, use your critical-thinking skills to analyze each question accurately.

For more PTE tips and strategies, enroll now in any PTE online course program and check out our blog today!

Read more related article: 5 Common Mistakes That Can Ruin Your PTE Speaking Score

REFERENCES:

Kaia. "The PTE Listening Test: Tips for a PTE 90—The E2Language Blog." PTE, OET, IELTS, & TOEFL Study Material and Tips—E2Language Blog. March 22, 2018. Accessed August 20, 2018. https://blog.e2language.com/pte-listening-test-90/.

"How to Avoid Some of the Common Mistakes Made in PTE." Medium. July 11, 2017. Accessed August 20, 2018. https://medium.com/@ptetutorials/how-to-avoid-some-of-the-common-mistakes-made-in-pte-b775223a997d.

Patel, K. "PTE Academic Exam—Common Mistakes That Ruin Your Overall PTE Score." PTE Tutorials. February 02, 2018. Accessed August 20, 2018. https://ptetutorials.com/blog/pte-a-exam-common-mistakes-that-ruin-your-overall-pte-score.