PTE DOs and DON’Ts Before and During the Test
DOs (What You Should Do)
Before the Exam
-Familiarize yourself with the format: Know the timing, question types, and scoring system.
-Practice on official mock tests: Use Pearson’s PTE Practice Tests for real exam experience.
-Sleep well and eat light: A fresh mind performs much better.
-Arrive early: At least 30 minutes before your slot to avoid stress.
Speaking Section
-Speak clearly and naturally: Don’t rush; maintain a steady pace.
-Use correct intonation: Show expression and rhythm in your speech.
-Start speaking right after the tone: Don’t pause for too long.
-Focus on fluency and pronunciation rather than perfect grammar.
-Use simple sentences — clarity matters more than complexity.
PTE DOs and DON’Ts Before and During the Test
Writing Section
-Plan before you write: Spend 1–2 minutes outlining your response.
-Follow the word limit:
1. Summarize Written Text: 5–75 words (one sentence only)
2. Essay: 200–300 words
-Use linking words: However, therefore, moreover, as a result.
-Check grammar and punctuation before submitting.
-Stay on topic — irrelevant ideas lower your score.
Reading Section
-Read questions first: Helps you focus on finding key information
-Look for keywords and synonyms in the passage.
-Manage your time: Don’t spend too long on one question.
-Use elimination method — remove wrong options to guess better.
Listening Section
-Take quick notes using abbreviations and symbols.
-Listen for main ideas and keywords.
-Focus till the end: Important answers often appear at the end.
-Check spelling before submitting answers.
PTE DOs and DON’Ts Before and During the Test
DON’Ts (What You Should Avoid)
General
Don’t panic if you make a small mistake — keep going.
Don’t copy memorized templates word-for-word — they sound unnatural.
Don’t look around or whisper — it may affect your score or be seen as misconduct.
Don’t forget to check your microphone and headset before starting.
Speaking
Don’t pause for more than 3 seconds — the mic will switch off.
Don’t shout or whisper.
Don’t speak too fast or use a monotone voice.
Don’t repeat the prompt exactly as it is — paraphrase slightly.
Writing
Don’t use bullet points — use complete sentences.
Don’t write less than the minimum word limit.
Don’t use too many complex words incorrectly.
Don’t forget commas, full stops, or capital letters.
PTE DOs and DON’Ts Before and During the Test
Reading
Don’t read the whole passage slowly — skim for key details.
Don’t change answers repeatedly — trust your first instinct.
Don’t leave any question blank — there’s no negative marking.
Listening
Don’t focus only on one detail — understand the whole context.
Don’t write too late — you’ll miss the next question.
Don’t rely entirely on notes — trust your understanding too.
PTE DOs and DON’Ts Before and During the Test