Day 10

PTE Academic Preparation Course – Day 10

Achieve Your Perfect Score of 90 in PTE Academic

Welcome to Day 10 of your comprehensive PTE Academic preparation journey. Today’s focus is on enhancing your Listening Skills, specifically the “Fill in the Blanks” and “Highlight Incorrect Words” tasks. You will learn strategies to effectively listen for specific information, improve your ability to detect errors in spoken text, and practice these skills under time constraints.

Objectives

  • Understand the “Fill in the Blanks” and “Highlight Incorrect Words” Task Formats
  • Develop Skills for Listening and Identifying Specific Information
  • Practice Listening Comprehension and Error Detection
  • Expand Vocabulary with Contextual and Academic Words
  • Improve Spelling and Word Recognition

Estimated Time: 2 Hours

Materials Needed

  • Device: Computer or smartphone with internet access
  • Headphones
  • Notebook and Pen
  • Access to Audio Clips or Videos
  • Access to PTE Practice Platforms or Websites
  • Dictionary or Thesaurus
  • Recording Device (optional for self-assessment)

Schedule and Activities

1. Understanding the “Fill in the Blanks” and “Highlight Incorrect Words” Tasks (20 Minutes)

a. Task Formats Overview

Listening: Fill in the Blanks:

  • Instructions:
  • You will see a transcript of a recording on the screen with several blanks.
  • As you listen to the recording, type the missing words into the blanks.
  • The recording will be 30–60 seconds long.
  • Scoring Criteria:
  • Content: Correct words spelled correctly in each blank.

Highlight Incorrect Words:

  • Instructions:
  • You will see a transcript of a recording.
  • As you listen, identify and click on the words in the text that differ from what is said in the recording.
  • The recording will be 15–50 seconds long.
  • Scoring Criteria:
  • Content: Correct identification of incorrect words; points deducted for incorrect selections.

b. Watch Instructional Videos

  • Fill in the Blanks:
  • Video Title: “PTE Listening: Fill in the Blanks Tips and Strategies”
  • Channel: E2 PTE Academic
  • Link: PTE Fill in the Blanks Strategies
  • Duration: 15 minutes
  • Highlight Incorrect Words:
  • Video Title: “PTE Listening: Highlight Incorrect Words Techniques”
  • Channel: E2 PTE Academic
  • Link: PTE Highlight Incorrect Words Strategies
  • Duration: 15 minutes

Action: Take detailed notes on strategies, such as focusing on keywords, improving spelling, and staying attentive throughout the recording.

2. Developing Skills for Listening and Identifying Specific Information (30 Minutes)

a. Listening and Writing Practice (15 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Select Short Audio Clips:
  1. Practice Steps:
  • Listen: Play the audio clip without looking at any transcript.
  • Write Down Keywords: Try to write down key words and phrases as you listen.
  • Check Accuracy: Compare your notes with the transcript if available.
  1. Focus Areas:
  • Listening for Content Words: Nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs.
  • Improving Spelling: Ensure correct spelling of words.

b. Error Detection Practice (15 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Select Short Texts with Audio:
  • Use practice materials where the transcript slightly differs from the audio.
  1. Practice Steps:
  • Listen and Read Simultaneously: Follow the transcript as you listen to the audio.
  • Identify Discrepancies: Mark any words in the text that do not match the audio.
  • Verify: Check if you correctly identified the incorrect words.
  1. Tips:
  • Stay Focused: Pay close attention to each word.
  • Common Differences: Watch out for synonyms, omissions, or additions.

3. Practicing “Fill in the Blanks” Task (40 Minutes)

a. Practice Exercises (30 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Use PTE Practice Websites:
  1. Select Practice Sets:
  • Choose at least 5 different “Fill in the Blanks” exercises.
  1. For Each Exercise:
  • Preview the Text: Quickly look at the text and blanks before the audio starts.
  • Predict Missing Words: If possible, anticipate the type of word (noun, verb, etc.).
  • Listen Carefully: Focus on the words surrounding the blanks.
  • Fill in the Blanks: Write the missing words as you hear them.
  • Check Spelling: Ensure all words are spelled correctly.
  1. Practice Example:
  • Audio Topic: “The Importance of Sleep for Cognitive Function”
  • Text with Blanks:
    • “Getting enough sleep is _ for maintaining mental health. Lack of sleep can _ affect memory and concentration.”
  • Solution:
    • Blanks:
    • “crucial”
    • “negatively”
  • Explanation:
    • These words were used in the audio and fit grammatically and contextually.

b. Self-Assessment and Review (10 Minutes)

  • Check Your Answers:
  • Compare your responses with the correct answers provided.
  • Analyze Mistakes:
  • Identify any spelling errors or misheard words.
  • Understand why you made the mistake (e.g., unfamiliar word, accent, speed).
  • Focus on Improvement:
  • Note down any new words and their meanings.
  • Practice spelling for words you misspelled.

4. Practicing “Highlight Incorrect Words” Task (30 Minutes)

a. Practice Exercises (20 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Use PTE Practice Websites:
  1. Select Practice Sets:
  • Choose at least 5 different “Highlight Incorrect Words” exercises.
  1. For Each Exercise:
  • Read the Transcript: Quickly skim through the text before the audio starts.
  • Listen and Follow Along: As the audio plays, follow the text closely.
  • Identify Incorrect Words:
    • Click on words that differ from what is spoken.
  • Common Variations to Watch For:
    • Synonyms: Different words with similar meanings.
    • Omissions/Additions: Words missing or extra words added.
    • Changes in Tense or Number: Singular vs. plural, past vs. present tense.
  1. Practice Example:
  • Audio Topic: “Advancements in Renewable Energy”
  • Transcript Excerpt:
    • “Solar energy has become increasingly affordable, making it accessible to a wider portion of the population.”
  • Audio Says:
    • “Solar energy has become increasingly available, making it accessible to a wider portion of the population.”
  • Incorrect Word:
    • “affordable” (should be “available”)

b. Self-Assessment and Review (10 Minutes)

  • Check Your Selections:
  • Compare your marked words with the correct answers.
  • Analyze Mistakes:
  • Understand why you missed an incorrect word.
  • Was it due to speed, accent, or lack of concentration?
  • Strategies for Improvement:
  • Practice with different accents.
  • Improve concentration and focus during listening tasks.

5. Vocabulary Building (20 Minutes)

a. Contextual and Academic Words

  1. Word List with Examples:
  • 1. Cognitive(adjective)
    • Definition: Relating to mental processes of understanding.
    • Sentence: “Regular exercise can improve cognitive functions like memory and attention.”
  • 2. Accessible(adjective)
    • Definition: Able to be reached or entered; easy to obtain or use.
    • Sentence: “Online education has made learning accessible to many people worldwide.”
  • 3. Significant(adjective)
    • Definition: Sufficiently great or important to be worthy of attention.
    • Sentence: “There has been a significant increase in renewable energy usage.”
  • 4. Adversely(adverb)
    • Definition: In a way that prevents success or development; harmfully.
    • Sentence: “Pollution can adversely affect marine life.”
  • 5. Emphasize(verb)
    • Definition: To give special importance or prominence to something.
    • Sentence: “The speaker emphasized the need for immediate action on climate change.”
  • 6. Infrastructure(noun)
    • Definition: The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society.
    • Sentence: “Investing in infrastructure is crucial for economic development.”
  • 7. Sustainability(noun)
    • Definition: The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting resources.
    • Sentence: “Sustainability is a key goal in environmental policies.”
  • 8. Integration(noun)
    • Definition: The process of combining or adding parts to make a unified whole.
    • Sentence: “The integration of technology in education has transformed learning experiences.”
  • 9. Fluctuate(verb)
    • Definition: To rise and fall irregularly in number or amount.
    • Sentence: “Oil prices can fluctuate due to global events.”
  • 10. Predominant(adjective)
    • Definition: Present as the strongest or main element.
    • Sentence: “English is the predominant language in international business.”

b. Activities

  1. Write Definitions in Your Own Words:
  • Paraphrase each definition to ensure understanding.
  1. Create Sentences:
  • Use each word in a sentence related to today’s listening topics.
  1. Synonyms and Antonyms:
  • Find at least one synonym and one antonym for each word.
  1. Flashcards:
  • Create flashcards for review.

6. Improving Spelling and Word Recognition (20 Minutes)

a. Spelling Practice (10 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Identify Difficult Words:
  • From today’s practice exercises, list words you misspelled.
  1. Practice Steps:
  • Write Each Word Multiple Times:
    • Focus on the correct spelling.
  • Use the Words in Sentences:
    • This helps reinforce memory.
  • Break Words into Syllables:
    • For example, “cog-ni-tive”
  1. Spelling Games:
  • Use online resources like SpellingCity for interactive practice.

b. Homophones and Commonly Confused Words (10 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Understand Homophones:
  • Words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings.
  1. Examples:
  • Their vs. There vs. They’re
  • To vs. Two vs. Too
  • Effect vs. Affect
  1. Practice Exercises:
  • Fill in the Blanks:
    • a. “The new policy will __ everyone in the company.”
    • Answer: “affect”
    • b. “They are proud of __ achievements.”
    • Answer: “their”
  1. Tips:
  • Pay attention to context to determine the correct word.
  • Practice with more examples to improve recognition.

7. Reflection and Goal Setting (15 Minutes)

a. Self-Reflection Questions

  • How effective were your listening skills in identifying specific information today?
  • What challenges did you face in the ‘Fill in the Blanks’ and ‘Highlight Incorrect Words’ tasks?
  • How can you improve your spelling and word recognition skills further?

b. Goal Setting for Tomorrow

  • Goal 1: “I will practice additional listening exercises to enhance my ability to catch specific details.”
  • Goal 2: “I will focus on expanding my vocabulary to improve comprehension and spelling.”

c. Journal Entry

  • Write About:
  • Your experiences with today’s listening tasks.
  • Any improvements or breakthroughs.
  • Areas you plan to focus on moving forward.

8. Optional Extension Activity (35 Minutes)

a. Additional Listening Practice

  1. Use Online Resources:
  • TED Talks:TED Talks
    • Listen to talks with transcripts.
  1. Practice Steps:
  • Listen and Transcribe:
    • Try writing down what you hear without looking at the transcript.
  • Compare with Transcript:
    • Check for accuracy in content and spelling.
  1. Benefits:
  • Improves listening comprehension.
  • Enhances spelling and vocabulary.

b. Dictation Exercises

  • Use Dictation Websites:
  • ESL Dictation Exercises: ManyThings.org
  • Action:
  • Listen to the audio and write down exactly what you hear.
  • Check your writing against the provided text.

Summary of Day 10

Today, you have:

  • Understood the Formats and Requirements of the “Fill in the Blanks” and “Highlight Incorrect Words” Listening Tasks.
  • Developed Skills for Listening and Identifying Specific Information through Focused Exercises.
  • Practiced Listening Comprehension and Error Detection with Various Audio Clips.
  • Expanded Your Vocabulary with 10 New Contextual and Academic Words.
  • Improved Spelling and Word Recognition through Targeted Practice.
  • Set Personal Goals for Continuous Improvement.

Preparation for Day 11

Focus: Reading Skills – Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks and Multiple-choice Questions

Action Items:

  • Familiarize Yourself with Reading Fill in the Blanks and Multiple-choice Tasks.
  • Prepare to Practice Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary Usage.

Additional Resources

Tips for Success

  • Active Listening: Focus intently on the audio without distractions.
  • Improve Concentration: Practice mindfulness techniques to enhance focus.
  • Regular Practice: Consistency helps improve listening and spelling skills.
  • Expand Vocabulary: Regularly learn new words and practice their spelling.
  • Review Mistakes: Analyze errors to understand and correct misunderstandings.

Congratulations on Completing Day 10!

By investing time and effort today, you’ve significantly enhanced your listening comprehension, spelling, and error detection skills, which are crucial for excelling in the PTE Academic test. Keep building on these strategies as you progress toward achieving a perfect score.

Stay Tuned for Day 11!

Note: All external links are provided for educational purposes. Please ensure you have access to the internet to utilize these resources.

Share Your Progress

We encourage you to share your experiences and progress with others:

  • Join Our Community Forum: Connect with fellow learners to exchange tips and resources.
  • Feedback: Let us know how Day 10 went for you and any suggestions you have to improve the course.

Remember: Consistent practice and a proactive approach to learning are keys to success. Keep pushing forward, and don’t hesitate to revisit any sections as needed.

Best of luck on your journey to mastering the PTE Academic!

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