Day 12

PTE Academic Preparation Course – Day 12

Achieve Your Perfect Score of 90 in PTE Academic

Welcome to Day 12 of your comprehensive PTE Academic preparation journey. Today’s focus is on enhancing your Speaking Skills, specifically the “Read Aloud” and “Repeat Sentence” tasks. You will learn strategies to improve your pronunciation, intonation, memory, and overall oral fluency, which are crucial for excelling in the PTE Academic Speaking section.

Objectives

  • Understand the “Read Aloud” and “Repeat Sentence” Task Formats
  • Develop Skills for Clear Pronunciation, Proper Intonation, and Natural Rhythm
  • Practice Memory and Concentration Techniques for “Repeat Sentence”
  • Expand Vocabulary with Words Commonly Used in Academic Texts
  • Improve Oral Fluency and Confidence

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
  • Recording Device or Software (e.g., Smartphone, Audacity)
  • Dictionary or Thesaurus

Schedule and Activities

1. Understanding the “Read Aloud” and “Repeat Sentence” Tasks (20 Minutes)

a. Task Formats Overview

Read Aloud:

  • Instructions:
  • You will have a short text displayed on the screen (about 50-60 words).
  • You have 30-40 seconds to prepare silently.
  • You must read the text aloud clearly and naturally.
  • Scoring Criteria:
  • Content: Reading all words correctly.
  • Oral Fluency: Smoothness and natural speed without hesitations.
  • Pronunciation: Clarity and correctness of speech sounds.

Repeat Sentence:

  • Instructions:
  • You will hear a short sentence (3-9 words).
  • You must repeat the sentence exactly as you heard it.
  • Focus on accuracy, fluency, and correct intonation.
  • Scoring Criteria:
  • Content: Correct repetition of the sentence.
  • Oral Fluency: Natural flow without long pauses.
  • Pronunciation: Clear and correct speech sounds.

b. Watch Instructional Videos

  • Read Aloud:
  • Video Title: “PTE Speaking: Read Aloud Tips and Strategies”
  • Channel: E2 PTE Academic
  • Link: PTE Read Aloud Strategies (Replace with actual URL)
  • Duration: 15 minutes
  • Repeat Sentence:
  • Video Title: “PTE Speaking: Repeat Sentence Techniques”
  • Channel: E2 PTE Academic
  • Link: PTE Repeat Sentence Strategies (Replace with actual URL)
  • Duration: 15 minutes

Action: Take notes on best practices, such as focusing on stress and rhythm in “Read Aloud” and using chunking and memory techniques in “Repeat Sentence.”

2. Developing Pronunciation, Intonation, and Rhythm (30 Minutes)

a. Pronunciation Exercises (15 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Identify Challenging Sounds:
  • Th Sounds: /θ/ as in “think,” /ð/ as in “this”
  • V and W Sounds: /v/ as in “vest,” /w/ as in “west”
  • R and L Sounds: /r/ as in “right,” /l/ as in “light”
  1. Minimal Pairs:
  • Practice pairs of words that differ by one sound.
  • Example: “right” vs. “light,” “vest” vs. “west”
  1. Record and Listen:
  • Use your recording device to capture your speech.
  • Identify areas for improvement and adjust accordingly.

b. Intonation and Stress Patterns (15 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Focus on Sentence Stress:
  • Identify the content words (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs) and stress them.
  • Reduce stress on function words (articles, prepositions).
  1. Practice with Sentences:
  • Example: “The doctor recommended a balanceddiet.”
    • Emphasize “doctor,” “balanced,” and “diet.”
  1. Rising and Falling Intonation:
  • Questions often rise at the end.
  • Statements often fall at the end.
  1. Shadowing Technique:
  • Listen to native speakers.
  • Imitate their intonation and stress patterns.

3. Practicing the “Read Aloud” Task (40 Minutes)

a. Practice Exercises (30 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Select Text Passages:
  • Use sample passages from PTE preparation resources.
  • Aim for texts with 50-60 words.
  1. Preparation:
  • Read the text silently.
  • Identify any difficult words and clarify their pronunciation.
  • Break the text into meaningful chunks.
  1. Read Aloud:
  • Start speaking at a moderate pace.
  • Maintain consistent volume and clear articulation.
  • Record your attempts.
  1. Self-Assessment:
  • Listen to your recordings.
  • Check for mispronunciations or hesitations.
  • Focus on improvements in the next attempt.

Practice Example:

  • Passage: “The university offers a variety of programs designed to meet the needs of both local and international students, providing them with exceptional opportunities for academic growth and cultural exchange.”
  • Action:
  • Practice reading this passage aloud.
  • Record yourself.
  • Evaluate your fluency and clarity.

b. Tips for “Read Aloud” (10 Minutes)

  • Don’t Rush: Speak at a natural pace.
  • Articulate Clearly: Pronounce each word correctly.
  • Focus on Meaning: Understanding the text helps convey natural expression.
  • Practice Regularly: The more you read aloud, the better your fluency becomes.

4. Practicing the “Repeat Sentence” Task (40 Minutes)

a. Memory and Chunking Techniques (15 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Short-term Memory Exercise:
  • Listen to a short sentence.
  • Repeat it immediately without hesitation.
  1. Chunking Method:
  • Break the sentence into smaller phrases or groups of words.
  • Repeat each chunk in your mind before saying it aloud.
  1. Visualization:
  • Create a mental image or story to remember key words.

b. Practice Exercises (25 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Use PTE Practice Websites:
  1. Select 10 “Repeat Sentence” Questions:
  • Listen carefully to each sentence once.
  • Repeat it exactly as heard.
  1. Record Your Responses:
  • Listen to ensure accuracy.
  • Check for missing words or altered word order.

Practice Example:

  • Sentence: “The library closes at 6 PM on weekdays.”
  • Action:
  • Listen once.
  • Repeat immediately: “The library closes at 6 PM on weekdays.”
  • Record and assess.

5. Vocabulary Building (20 Minutes)

a. Academic Words for Speaking Tasks

  1. Word List with Examples:
  • 1. Incorporate(verb)
    • Definition: To include or integrate something.
    • Sentence: “Try to incorporate more examples into your explanation.”
  • 2. Articulate(verb)
    • Definition: To express an idea clearly.
    • Sentence: “She was able to articulate her thoughts coherently.”
  • 3. Emulate(verb)
    • Definition: To imitate or copy something admired.
    • Sentence: “He tried to emulate the speaker’s intonation and rhythm.”
  • 4. Distinguish(verb)
    • Definition: To recognize or show a difference.
    • Sentence: “It’s important to distinguish between fact and opinion.”
  • 5. Flawless(adjective)
    • Definition: Without any imperfections.
    • Sentence: “Her pronunciation was flawless during the assessment.”
  • 6. Cohesive(adjective)
    • Definition: Forming a united whole.
    • Sentence: “A cohesive delivery improves the overall impact of your speech.”
  • 7. Spontaneous(adjective)
    • Definition: Performed or occurring without premeditation.
    • Sentence: “Spontaneous responses in the speaking test show natural fluency.”
  • 8. Comprehensible(adjective)
    • Definition: Able to be understood.
    • Sentence: “Ensure your speech is comprehensible to the listener.”
  • 9. Evident(adjective)
    • Definition: Clearly seen or understood.
    • Sentence: “It was evident that she had practiced her pronunciation.”
  • 10. Precision(noun)
    • Definition: The quality of being accurate and exact.
    • Sentence: “Precision in word choice enhances clarity.”

b. Activities

  1. Write Definitions in Your Own Words:
  • Paraphrase each definition.
  1. Create Sentences:
  • Use each word in a sentence related to speaking tasks.
  1. Synonyms and Antonyms:
  • Find at least one synonym and one antonym for each word.
  1. Flashcards:
  • Create flashcards for review.

6. Oral Fluency and Confidence Building (20 Minutes)

a. Tongue Twisters and Speed Drills (10 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Select Tongue Twisters:
  • “Red lorry, yellow lorry.”
  • “She sells seashells by the seashore.”
  1. Increase Speed Gradually:
  • Start slowly, focusing on articulation.
  • Gradually speed up while maintaining clarity.
  1. Record and Compare:
  • Record multiple attempts.
  • Compare improvements in speed and clarity.

b. Role-play and Improvisation (10 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Role-play Scenarios:
  • Pretend you are explaining a concept to a friend.
  • Focus on clear articulation and coherent structure.
  1. Improvisation:
  • Pick a random topic (e.g., “importance of exercise”).
  • Speak for 1 minute without preparation.
  • Aim for a cohesive, fluent response.
  1. Self-assessment:
  • Listen to recordings.
  • Identify filler words and hesitations.
  • Aim to reduce them in the next attempt.

7. Reflection and Goal Setting (15 Minutes)

a. Self-Reflection Questions

  • How comfortable do you feel with the ‘Read Aloud’ and ‘Repeat Sentence’ tasks after today’s practice?
  • What challenges did you face in maintaining fluency or remembering sentences?
  • Which pronunciation or intonation techniques were most helpful?

b. Goal Setting for Tomorrow

  • Goal 1: “I will practice ‘Repeat Sentence’ tasks daily to improve memory and accuracy.”
  • Goal 2: “I will focus on challenging pronunciation sounds to achieve greater clarity.”

c. Journal Entry

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

8. Optional Extension Activity (35 Minutes)

a. Speaking with a Language Partner

  1. Online Platforms:
  1. Action:
  • Arrange a short speaking session.
  • Ask your partner to read a sentence, then repeat it accurately.
  • Receive feedback on pronunciation and fluency.

b. Listening to Podcasts

  • Purpose: Improve listening comprehension and mimic native-like fluency.
  • Action:
  • Listen to short podcast segments.
  • Pause and try to repeat what you heard exactly.
  • Compare your version with the original.

Summary of Day 12

Today, you have:

  • Understood the Format and Requirements of the “Read Aloud” and “Repeat Sentence” Tasks.
  • Developed Pronunciation, Intonation, and Rhythm Skills for Natural Speech.
  • Practiced Memory Techniques and Chunking Strategies for “Repeat Sentence.”
  • Expanded Your Vocabulary with Words Commonly Used in Academic Contexts.
  • Improved Oral Fluency and Confidence through Tongue Twisters and Role-play.
  • Set Personal Goals for Continuous Improvement.

Preparation for Day 13

Focus: Listening Skills – Summarize Spoken Text and Select Missing Word

Action Items:

  • Familiarize Yourself with Summarize Spoken Text and Select Missing Word Tasks.
  • Prepare to Practice Note-taking and Predictive Listening Skills.

Additional Resources

  • Speaking Practice:
  • PTE Academic Official Practice Tests: Practice Speaking Tasks
  • Pronunciation Apps:
  • ELSA Speak: ELSA Speak App
  • Vocabulary Apps:
  • Vocabulary.com for daily practice.
  • Listening and Shadowing:
  • TED Talks: Listen and repeat segments to match native intonation.

Tips for Success

  • Regular Practice: Consistency improves accuracy and fluency.
  • Focus on Meaning: Understanding the sentence content aids natural delivery.
  • Use Chunking: Break sentences into manageable parts to improve memory.
  • Record and Review: Self-assessment helps identify areas for improvement.
  • Stay Confident: Trust your preparation and maintain a positive mindset.

Congratulations on Completing Day 12!

By dedicating time and effort today, you’ve significantly enhanced your speaking skills, particularly in the “Read Aloud” and “Repeat Sentence” tasks. Keep building on these strategies as you progress toward achieving a perfect score in the PTE Academic test.

Stay Tuned for Day 13!

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 12 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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