Candidates who score 65 in the PTE exam, it is a great score for them. The level of English is quite high and you are able to comprehend the questions. Comprehensible replies can be given. Deliver speech without errors. Achievement of the above, however, is very hard to come by and it would be great to feel satisfied and proud of it.
But a lot of people end up with 65 even though they'd like to get 79 on the test. Pupils are very hard working. They take a lot of time practicing the different PTE practice tests. But their work is not rewarded for and it is frustrating and unfair.
But there is nothing unusual about such things. The methods that enabled you to get 65 won't help you to get 79 and that makes sense. It's universal and there's more to get from a PTE score between 65 and 79.
Why the Old Method Stops Working
Between 50 and 65, there's a lot of room for improvement, but it's mostly in the realm of basic problems. You get to know the format of the test, know what each question means, easily correct any obvious grammar errors, and develop sufficient background vocabulary to keep up with the test. They're relatively easy wins and virtually any consistent study plan will get you moving at this stage.
After age 65, most of these simple solutions have already been implemented. The scoring system is now looking more closely at more complex details, such as the clarity of the pronunciation of individual sounds, the naturalness of the sentences you say, and your ability to maintain accuracy throughout the 2-hour test, without losing concentration towards the end.
Simply repeating more practice tests won't fix these issues. If you don't change anything in your preparation, you won't get much difference in your score. Now it's time for a more sophisticated PTE plan for a more sophisticated level of readiness.
What Matters to Get to 79
Quality, Not Quantity
This stage is not particularly good for the student who has to do five tests a week, unless they spend the time analyzing their mistakes. Two tests a week and analyzing every mistake, the exact word that was said incorrectly, the exact sound that was forgotten, the exact sentence structure that was incorrect, the exact word order that failed – this is better. This is more important than doing tests again and again.
Focus on 1 skill at a time.
Attempting to resolve all issues at once can cause confusion and a lack of progress. It is better to focus on a limited number of skills and practice these skills in depth. For example:
Word stress and intonation for Read Aloud
To produce a fluent and confident performance of Describe Image.
Correct use of linking words in writing essays.
Use sound discrimination skills to complete Fill in the Blanks
Over time, if the individual skills are improved, then there is a noticeable increase in the overall score.
Speak Naturally, Not Just Correctly
Students in the 65 level have correct grammar and a somewhat robotic tone. They pause too frequently, unintentionally repeat or say words with an unnatural pace. The PTE scoring system gives credit to those who are fluent and speak naturally, even if they are not correct. This is one of the most difficult to self-observe as most people are unable to listen to themselves speak. That is why it is very useful to get feedback from another human being, a teacher or a recorded practice feedback session at this stage.
Consider the Most Important Questions
The test format should be well known to you at this point. The next part is knowing which of the question types carry the most weight in your score. There are many questions that involve more than one scoring element, including: Repeat Sentence, Read Aloud, Summarize Written Text. Spending extra time on these areas will help improve your score in several areas.
How much better is it to get expert help now?
Self study is certainly possible to get you to 65. However, going beyond the first step is much more difficult, primarily because most learners are unable to hear and identify their own pronunciation and fluency problems. Everything you say is clear to you, but not to the AI evaluating system and not to your listener. This is where Online PTE classes come in handy. A good teacher will listen attentively, and pick up on small, specific problems, which are easy to overlook.
Usually, structured guidance provides:
The exact identification of your weak points is easily made.
Practice and feedback using realistic, exam style questions.
Correct pronunciation and rhythm of speech.
Indication of where the question types take more of your time.
By receiving this type of guidance, you can save a lot of time and stress.
Have clear expectations for improvement
Typically, it will take you longer to increase your score from 65 to 79 than it did before. That's about 2/3 points in 2 weeks that you would get if you were working with focus and concentration, but that's the best you can do in that time period if you are not. Don't think that you're not preparing well, it is just harder to get better as you climb up the scale.
Final Thoughts
The 79 points after 65 are not about working harder in the same direction, it's about working smarter in a new one. As in every other aspect of building a new language course, do not try to provide students with a lot of information at once, but aim for quality and try to target specific language items where possible, and where you can, seek expert advice. A targeted PTE approach, intentional PTE score enhancement practices and encouragement from a structured Online PTE course will make that last push to 79 achievable.