10 New Strict Rules of PTE Speaking in 2024
Education
Introduction
As the PTE (Pearson Test of English) evolves, so do its evaluation criteria, particularly regarding the speaking section. With new exam formats in 2024, candidates must be aware of stricter assessment rules to achieve a perfect score. Here’s a detailed overview of the ten new strict rules you need to follow for your PTE speaking test.
1. No One-Line Strategy Rule in Read Aloud
One of the strictest new rules is the prohibition of the "one-line strategy." This involves reading only a single line or a few words from the passage before clicking next. This strategy has led to mixed results, and many students have seen their reading scores drop. Candidates are advised to read more comprehensively to maintain or improve their scores in this section.
2. Pitch Rule
The pitch of your voice is imperative. Male candidates should aim for a pitch of at least 140, while female candidates should aim for 200. A lower pitch can hinder the software's ability to recognize speech clearly, resulting in lower scores, even if the candidate speaks fluently.
3. Zero Fumble Rule
In 2024, the zero-fumble rule is more stringent than ever. Any hesitations or fumbles during speaking can significantly lower your scores. Candidates are advised to practice speaking until they can deliver their responses without any hesitations.
4. No Intonation Rule
Candidates should avoid using intonations. A flat tone is recommended to avoid any judgments based on vocal highs and lows that could confuse evaluators. Practicing speaking in a straightforward manner can greatly enhance scores.
5. 50-60% Content Rule for Repeat Sentence
When answering "repeat sentence" questions, aim to repeat at least 50-60% of the content accurately. For shorter audio snippets, it’s crucial to repeat as much as possible. For longer segments, ensure you begin with the first few words to secure maximum points.
6. First Part Rule in Repeat Sentence
Candidates should not skip the first part of a repeat sentence. The initial phrases are crucial, and doing so could lead to significant score reductions.
7. No Template Rule in Describe Image
Templates for describing images have been deemed unsuitable. Instead, candidates should approach tasks by focusing on the structure of responses without relying on pre-learned templates.
8. The Grammar Rule
The evaluation of grammar has become less critical for speaking scores. Candidates should communicate confidently and fluently, even if their sentences aren't perfectly structured.
9. Use of Phrases Over Keywords in Lecture
In the lecture section, aim to speak in phrases rather than individual keywords. This ensures a more fluid response while improving both content and fluency scores.
10. Naturalness Rule
Lastly, maintain a natural speaking pace and tone. Candidates should express themselves as they would in a casual conversation in their native language. Over-exaggeration or forced clarity can adversely affect the evaluator's perception.
Keywords
- PTE Speaking Rules
- Read Aloud
- One-Line Strategy
- Pitch Rule
- Zero Fumble Rule
- Intonation
- Repeat Sentence
- Describe Image
- Grammar Evaluation
- Naturalness
FAQ
Q1: What are the new changes in the PTE Speaking assessment for 2024?
A1: The assessment includes stricter rules related to reading aloud, pitch, hesitations, intonation, and the use of templates.
Q2: How important is pitch in the PTE Speaking test?
A2: Pitch is crucial; male candidates should aim for a pitch over 140, and female candidates over 200 to ensure clarity in evaluation.
Q3: Can I use templates for the Describe Image task?
A3: No, using templates for this task is discouraged. Candidates should focus on structuring their responses naturally without templates.
Q4: What should I do if I fumble during the speaking test?
A4: Strive for the zero-fumble rule by practicing speaking without hesitations. Frequent practice can help achieve fluency.
Q5: Is grammar assessed in the speaking section?
A5: While grammar is less critical than before, candidates should still aim for clarity and fluency in their responses.