Most PTE Academic takers
know the importance of having an extensive vocabulary for the high-stakes exam.
It’s why they make it a point to expand theirs during their training period.
Some take note of the
terminologies they frequently encounter when reading academic materials. Others
research useful words and phrases online. Some even ask their PTE online test instructor for vocabulary lists to
study and memorize. Few, however, take the time to practice applying what
they’ve learned to their written and spoken responses. Don’t make the same
mistake. Otherwise, you’ll end up committing the following word choice errors.
1. Using
jargon
Jargons
refer to words, phrases, and expressions that are only understood by a few
people. If you’re taking PTE online training
classes, using jargons is one of the first things your instructor will warn you
against doing. Why? Because you are taking the PTE Academic test. Emphasis on
the “academic.” The language you use when you take the exam must be the kind
common in formal and academic settings. Jargons definitely do not fall under
these categories.
2. Using
colloquialisms
Colloquialisms
refer to the informal language people use during casual conversations. Most of
them are shortened versions of expressions (e.g., saying “gonna” instead of
“going to”). Like jargons, using them during the test is a no-no. So, keep your
speech and essays free of colloquialisms.
3. Using
ambiguous words
Having
an extensive vocabulary is imperative to PTE success—not because it’ll allow
you to make your statements more flowery, but because it’ll help you keep your
responses clear and straight to the point. Avoid using vague terms in your
compositions. For example, instead of describing something as “good,” you can
use something more specific like “effective” and “valuable.” Keep these in mind
during your PTE online training.
4. Using
words with negative connotations
Here’s
a mistake that even PTE takers who strive for on-point word choice often make.
Be wary of terminologies that have double meanings, especially if one of their
connotations are negative. Here’s an example:
The
new cream gave her skin a glowing, juvenile
glow.
The
word “juvenile” technically has the same meaning as the word “youthful.”
However, that’s not its only connotation. “Juvenile” also connotes
“childishness” and “immaturity.” As such, it’s not the best word to attach to a
beauty product.
Don’t let poor
word choice keep you from your PTE grade goals. Keep these errors in mind when
you practice your writing and speaking skills during your PTE review period. Do
you want to learn more ways to enhance your performance for the high-stakes
exam? Enroll in one of our PTE online test training
programs! Click here
to check out our online courses.
References:
Chrum, Alex.
“Grammar Alert: Do You Make These 8 Word Choice Mistakes?” Crowd Source.
December 6, 2013. Accessed January 25, 2019. https://www.crowdsource.com/blog/2013/12/grammar-alert-do-you-make-these-8-word-choice-mistakes/
Flaxman,
Stefanie. “Stop Making These 12 Word Choice Errors Once and for All.” Copy
Blogger. July 12, 2017. Accessed January 25, 2019. https://www.copyblogger.com/fix-word-choice-errors/
“Word Choice
Errors.” UWC. Accessed January 25, 2019. http://www.uwc.edu/students/academic-support/owl/word-choice-errors
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