Day 29

PTE Academic Preparation Course – Day 29

Achieve Your Perfect Score of 90 in PTE Academic

Welcome to Day 29 of your comprehensive PTE Academic preparation journey. Today’s focus is on Speaking Skills, specifically revisiting “Describe Image” and “Re-tell Lecture” tasks. Having refined your approach previously, now you will aim for even more natural delivery, enhanced clarity, and the use of sophisticated vocabulary. The goal is to present content more confidently, handle complex visuals and lectures with ease, and ensure your responses are both fluent and well-structured under timed conditions.

Objectives

  • Review the “Describe Image” and “Re-tell Lecture” Task Formats
  • Refine Techniques for Natural, Confident Delivery and Clear Pronunciation
  • Practice With More Intricate Visuals (Multi-variable Charts, Detailed Maps)
  • Handle Complex Lectures with Nuanced Details and Specialized Terms
  • Improve Time Management, Organizational Skills, and Academic Vocabulary

Estimated Time: 2 Hours

Materials Needed

  • Device: Computer or smartphone with internet access
  • Headphones and Microphone
  • Notebook and Pen
  • Access to PTE Practice Platforms or Websites
  • Variety of Complex Images and Academic Lecture Clips
  • Dictionary or Thesaurus
  • Recording Device (optional for self-assessment)

Schedule and Activities

1. Reviewing “Describe Image” and “Re-tell Lecture” Task Formats (20 Minutes)

a. Task Format Overview

Describe Image:

  • Instructions:
  • View an image (graph, chart, map, diagram).
  • 25 seconds to prepare.
  • Speak for 40 seconds, describing main features, trends, and insights.
  • Scoring Criteria:
  • Content: Cover main points, mention key data and patterns.
  • Fluency/Pronunciation: Smooth, clear speech, no long pauses.
  • Structure: Logical flow (intro → details → conclusion).

Re-tell Lecture:

  • Instructions:
  • Listen to a 60–90 second lecture.
  • 10 seconds to prepare.
  • Speak for 40 seconds, summarizing main ideas, details, and conclusion.
  • Scoring Criteria:
  • Content: Accurate capture of lecture’s points.
  • Fluency/Pronunciation: Clear, natural delivery.
  • Structure: Organized introduction, body of details, and conclusion.

b. Strategies Recap

  • Describe Image:
  • Start with a general overview.
  • Highlight notable data, comparisons, or trends.
  • Conclude with an overall interpretation.
  • Re-tell Lecture:
  • Take concise notes: identify key arguments and evidence.
  • Introduce topic, detail main points, and end with a conclusive insight.
  • Maintain a natural pace and varied vocabulary.

2. Handling More Complex Visuals and Lectures (30 Minutes)

a. Advanced Describe Image Techniques (15 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Select a Highly Detailed Image:
  • A chart with multiple variables, a complex flow diagram, or a map with various data points.
  1. Preparation (25 seconds):
  • Identify core message or trend.
  • Pick 2–3 key points to mention.
  1. Speaking (40 seconds):
  • Begin with an overview of what the image illustrates.
  • Mention standout data points or intriguing comparisons.
  • End with a succinct conclusion about the data’s implication.
  1. Record and Review:
  • Check if you maintained a natural pace and clear pronunciation.
  • Ensure logical structure and academic tone.

b. Note-taking for Re-tell Lecture (15 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Select a More Specialized Lecture (2–3 minutes):
  • Possibly covering emerging technologies, niche scientific concepts, or intricate policy debates.
  1. First Listening (No Notes):
  • Understand main argument and overall direction.
  1. Second Listening (With Notes):
  • Write down keywords, numbers, examples, cause-effect relationships.
  1. Deliver a 40-second Summary:
  • Introduce topic briefly.
  • Detail main points logically.
  • Conclude with the speaker’s final emphasis.
  1. Record and Assess:
  • Check if you captured complexity without losing clarity.

3. Practicing “Describe Image” with Multi-variable Data (40 Minutes)

a. Practice Exercises (30 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Use PTE Practice Websites:
  1. Select 5 Complex Images:
  • Mixed data sets (e.g., line graph combined with a bar chart).
  • Maps showing multiple data layers (population density + resource distribution).
  1. For Each Image:
  • Overview, mention main variables/trends.
  • Highlight intriguing comparisons or unusual data points.
  • Conclude with an overall interpretation.
  1. Recording and Checking:
  • Listen to ensure you did not rush or skip crucial details.
  • Adjust pacing or vocabulary if needed.

Practice Example:

  • Image: A line graph showing renewable energy usage over time combined with a bar chart of fossil fuel consumption in the same period.
  • Your Response Outline:
  • Introduction: The image compares renewable energy growth and fossil fuel usage over decades.
  • Body: Notably, renewable usage rises steadily, while fossil fuels decline.
  • Conclusion: Overall, there is a shift towards cleaner energy sources.

b. Self-assessment and Review (10 Minutes)

  • Check Logical Flow:
  • Introduction → Key features → Conclusion smooth and coherent?
  • Vocabulary Variety:
  • Use terms like “notably,” “markedly,” “significantly,” “correspondingly.”
  • Apply Feedback:
  • Next attempt, focus on including more precise adjectives or transitional words.

4. Practicing “Re-tell Lecture” with Detailed Content (40 Minutes)

a. Complex Lecture Exercises (30 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Use PTE Practice Websites:
  • Select 3 lectures on complex academic subjects.
  1. Approach:
  • Listen once, understand main argument.
  • Second listening (if needed) for detailed note-taking.
  • Deliver a 40-second summary with academic vocabulary and structured flow.
  1. Check Accuracy:
  • Ensure you mention key points, examples, and conclusion accurately.

Practice Example:

  • Lecture Topic: The impact of cognitive biases on economic decision-making.
  • Your Response:
  • Intro: Lecture discusses how cognitive biases affect financial choices.
  • Body: Explain examples of biases (e.g., loss aversion, confirmation bias) and their outcomes.
  • Conclusion: Ultimately, the lecture emphasizes the need to recognize these biases for better decisions.

b. Self-assessment and Enhancement (10 Minutes)

  • Analyze Mistakes:
  • Did you miss a crucial point?
  • Did you introduce irrelevant info?
  • Improve Techniques:
  • Use linking words (furthermore, consequently) to stitch details.
  • Maintain a calm, steady pace.
  • Track Progress:
  • Aim for more concise yet comprehensive summaries each attempt.

5. Vocabulary Building (20 Minutes)

a. Words for Precision, Interpretation, and Academic Tone

  1. Word List with Examples:
  • 1. Implicate (verb)
    Definition: Show someone or something to be involved in something.
    Sentence: “The chart may implicate certain factors in rising energy costs.”
  • 2. Deduce (verb)
    Definition: Arrive at a conclusion by reasoning.
    Sentence: “From the trends, we can deduce an overall decrease in emissions.”
  • 3. Reinforce (verb)
    Definition: Strengthen or support an idea with additional evidence.
    Sentence: “The speaker reinforces the argument with multiple case studies.”
  • 4. Paradoxically (adverb)
    Definition: In a seemingly contradictory way.
    Sentence: “Paradoxically, while technology improves connectivity, it may reduce face-to-face interaction.”
  • 5. Predominantly (adverb)
    Definition: Mainly; for the most part.
    Sentence: “The image predominantly focuses on economic indicators.”
  • 6. Inherently (adverb)
    Definition: In a permanent, essential way.
    Sentence: “This issue is inherently complex, requiring careful analysis.”
  • 7. Augment (verb)
    Definition: Make something greater by adding to it.
    Sentence: “Adding examples augments the clarity of your summary.”
  • 8. Conclusively (adverb)
    Definition: In a way that settles an issue decisively.
    Sentence: “The lecture conclusively demonstrates the need for policy changes.”
  • 9. Subsequent (adjective)
    Definition: Coming after something else.
    Sentence: “Subsequent data further supports the initial claim.”
  • 10. Illustrate (verb)
    Definition: Explain or make clear by giving examples.
    Sentence: “The speaker’s examples illustrate how biases influence choices.”

b. Activities

  1. Write Definitions in Own Words:
  • Paraphrase definitions.
  1. Create Sentences:
  • Use words in context of describing images or summarizing lectures.
  1. Flashcards:
  • Regularly review.
  1. Synonyms and Antonyms:
  • Broaden lexical range.

6. Improving Pronunciation, Fluency, and Confidence (20 Minutes)

a. Tongue Twisters and Speed Drills (10 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Select Tongue Twisters:
  • “A proper cup of coffee from a copper coffee pot.”
  1. Increase Speed Gradually:
  • Maintain clarity while going faster.
  1. Record and Listen:
  • Identify unclear words, correct them.

b. Confidence Techniques (10 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Visualization:
  • Imagine delivering responses flawlessly under exam conditions.
  1. Positive Self-Talk:
  • Acknowledge improvements, trust your preparation.
  1. Short Breaks:
  • Maintain mental alertness with brief pauses.

7. Reflection and Goal Setting (15 Minutes)

a. Self-Reflection Questions

  • Do you feel more confident describing complex visuals and re-telling detailed lectures?
  • Are you integrating advanced vocabulary and linking words naturally?
  • Which techniques best improved your coherence and fluency today?

b. Goal Setting for Tomorrow

  • Goal 1: “I will practice even more specialized lectures to handle unfamiliar vocabulary confidently.”
  • Goal 2: “I will refine the use of transitional words to achieve even smoother speech.”

c. Journal Entry

  • Write About:
  • Today’s speaking tasks experiences.
  • Improvements or breakthroughs noticed.
  • Areas to focus on next.

8. Optional Extension Activity (35 Minutes)

a. More Complex Speaking Materials

  1. Select Highly Detailed Images and Academic Lectures:
  • From specialized fields: biotechnology, astrophysics, advanced economic theories.
  1. Record Responses:
  • Compare with previous attempts to measure improvements.
  1. Peer Review (If Possible):
  • Share recordings, exchange feedback.

b. Vocabulary Quizzes

  • Apps:
  • Test yourself on today’s vocabulary set.
  • Track Progress:
  • Aim for higher usage of academic terms in practice responses.

Summary of Day 29

Today, you have:

  • Revisited and Enhanced Techniques for Describe Image and Re-tell Lecture Tasks.
  • Handled More Complex Visuals and Advanced Academic Lectures.
  • Improved Fluency, Pronunciation, and Academic Vocabulary Usage.
  • Developed Better Organizational Skills and Speed Under Timed Conditions.
  • Set Personal Goals for Continuous Improvement.

Preparation for Day 30

Focus: Listening Skills – Write from Dictation and Highlight Incorrect Words (Review and Additional Practice)

Action Items:

  • Revisit Write from Dictation and Highlight Incorrect Words tasks.
  • Prepare for advanced practice with challenging accents, faster speech, and complex vocabulary.

Additional Resources

  • Speaking Practice:
  • PTE Academic Official Practice Tests: Practice Speaking Tasks
  • Complex Visuals and Lectures:
  • TED Talks, University Lectures, Industry Reports
  • Vocabulary Apps:
  • Magoosh or Vocabulary.com: Continual refinement of word choice.
  • Pronunciation Tools:
  • Forvo: Verify pronunciations of unfamiliar terms.

Tips for Success

  • Consistent Practice: Regular exposure to complex materials enhances adaptability.
  • Focus on Structure: Clear introduction, well-organized details, concise conclusion.
  • Refine Vocabulary: Use advanced terms to describe trends and nuances.
  • Time-bound Drills: Simulate exam conditions for better performance.
  • Reflect and Adapt: Learn from each attempt and implement feedback promptly.

Congratulations on Completing Day 29!

By dedicating time and effort today, you’ve further refined your speaking abilities for describing images and re-telling lectures, even when faced with more complex content. Keep honing these skills as you strive toward achieving a perfect PTE Academic score.

Stay Tuned for Day 30!

Note: All external links are provided for educational purposes. Ensure internet access 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 for support and tips.
  • Feedback: Let us know how Day 29 went for you and any suggestions to improve the course.

Remember: Consistent practice and a proactive approach to learning are keys to success. Keep pushing forward and revisit any sections as needed.

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

Shopping Cart