PTE Academic Preparation Course – Day 15

Achieve Your Perfect Score of 90 in PTE Academic

Welcome to Day 15 of your comprehensive PTE Academic preparation journey. Today’s focus is on Speaking Skills, specifically “Describe Image” and “Re-tell Lecture” tasks. Having covered these tasks earlier, now you will revisit and refine your techniques, focusing on clarity, fluency, coherence, and the use of appropriate language structures. Today’s goal is to build confidence and precision in delivering structured, well-paced, and comprehensive oral responses.

Objectives

Review “Describe Image” and “Re-tell Lecture” Task Formats
Refine Techniques for Effective Organization and Content Delivery
Practice Using Templates, Linking Words, and Academic Vocabulary
Improve Pronunciation, Fluency, and Speaking Confidence
Enhance Time Management and Analytical Skills in Responding

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
Images (Charts, Graphs, Maps) and Academic Lecture Clips
Dictionary or Thesaurus

Schedule and Activities

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

a. Task Format Overview

Describe Image:

Instructions:
You have an image (graph, chart, map, diagram).
You have 25 seconds to prepare.
You must speak for 40 seconds, describing key features and trends.
Scoring Criteria:
Content: Include main points, trends, and relevant details.
Oral Fluency: Smooth flow, no long pauses or hesitations.
Pronunciation: Clear and understandable.
Structure: Logical progression (introduction, key observations, conclusion).

Image

Text Description of the Image

The bar graph illustrates the annual average temperature changes (in degrees Celsius) from 1990 to 2020 across three regions: North America, Europe, and Asia.

The x-axis represents the years, displayed in five-year intervals (1990, 1995, 2000, etc.), while the y-axis measures the temperature change, ranging from -1°C to +2°C.
Each group of bars corresponds to a year, with three bars side-by-side:
Blue bars for North America.
Green bars for Europe.
Red bars for Asia.
Key Observations:
Between 1990 and 1995, all three regions showed slight positive temperature changes, with Europe consistently recording higher changes than the other regions.
In 2005, there is a notable dip in temperature change for North America, while Europe and Asia continue to experience increases.
By 2020, Asia recorded the highest temperature change, exceeding +1.5°C, while North America showed a more moderate rise, and Europe’s change remained steady at around +1°C.
Conclusion:
The data highlights a general trend of rising temperatures across all regions over the 30-year span, with significant variability between the regions in certain years.

Re-tell Lecture:

Instructions:
You will hear a short lecture (up to 90 seconds) and may see an image.
You have 10 seconds to prepare after the recording.
You must speak for 40 seconds, summarizing main points, key details, and conclusions.
Scoring Criteria:
Content: Accurately capture the lecture’s main ideas and supporting details.
Fluency and Pronunciation: Smooth, clear, and understandable speech.
Structure: Logical flow, from introduction to main points to conclusion.
Vocabulary: Appropriate academic words and phrases.

b. Best Practices Recap

For Describe Image:
Start with a general overview.
Highlight significant data (highest, lowest, main trends).
Conclude with an overall summary or insight.
For Re-tell Lecture:
Take clear, concise notes using abbreviations.
Identify the speaker’s main argument or theme.
Include key points and examples mentioned.
Summarize in a structured manner (introduction → details → conclusion).

2. Refining Organizational Techniques (30 Minutes)

a. Templates and Linking Words (15 Minutes)

Instructions:

Describe Image Template:

Introduction: “The image illustrates/shows/depicts…”
Body: “The most significant feature is…”, “Another noteworthy aspect is…”
Conclusion: “Overall, it can be observed that…”

Re-tell Lecture Template:

Introduction: “The lecture discusses…”
Body: “Firstly, the speaker mentions…”, “Furthermore, it is noted that…”
Conclusion: “In conclusion, the lecture emphasizes…”

Linking Words:

Addition: moreover, in addition, furthermore
Contrast: however, on the other hand
Cause/Effect: therefore, consequently, as a result
Summarizing: overall, in conclusion, to sum up

b. Practicing with Templates (15 Minutes)

Instructions:

Describe Image Exercise:

Select a bar chart showing sales of different products over three months.
Plan your response using the template.
Record yourself delivering a structured 40-second response.

Re-tell Lecture Exercise:

Listen to a short audio clip (60–90 seconds) on a scientific topic (e.g., climate change impacts).
Take notes, then use the template to structure your response.
Record a 40-second summary.

Self-assessment:

Listen to your recordings.
Check if you followed a logical structure.
Note areas needing improvement (e.g., more linking words, clearer pronunciation).

3. Practicing “Describe Image” with Advanced Examples (40 Minutes)

a. Variety of Images (30 Minutes)

Instructions:

Image Types:

Line graph (trends over time)
Pie chart (proportions of categories)
Map (geographical distribution)
Process diagram (steps or stages)
Table (comparative data)

For Each Image (Select at least 3):

Preparation (25 seconds): Identify main features.
Speaking (40 seconds): Provide an overview, highlight key data, and conclude.
Record your responses.

Advanced Techniques:

Include comparisons (X is higher than Y).
Mention changes over time (an increase/decrease).
Use approximate figures if numbers are complex (around 50%, nearly one-third).

Practice Example:

Image: A line graph showing the rise in renewable energy consumption from 2000 to 2020.
Response (Sample):
“This line graph illustrates renewable energy consumption over two decades, starting at a low level in 2000 and steadily increasing. By 2020, usage nearly tripled, reflecting significant growth. Solar and wind power demonstrate notable increases, surpassing other sources. Overall, the trend indicates a growing reliance on renewable energy worldwide.”

b. Self-assessment and Improvement (10 Minutes)

Review Recordings:
Check for hesitations or filler words.
Assess vocabulary variety and pronunciation clarity.
Apply Feedback:
Incorporate more precise language or linking words in the next attempt.
Focus on smoother transitions between points.

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

a. Note-taking and Memory Techniques (20 Minutes)

Instructions:

Select a 60–90 second Lecture Clip:

Topic could be historical events, scientific discoveries, or economic theories.

First Listening (No Notes):

Understand the main idea.

Second Listening (With Notes):

Write down key words, numbers, names, main arguments, and conclusions.

Chunking:

Divide the lecture’s information into segments (introduction, main points, conclusion).

Deliver a 40-second Summary:

Introduce the main topic.
Mention key points and examples.
Conclude with the speaker’s final emphasis or conclusion.

Practice Example:

Lecture Topic: The role of bees in pollination and their importance to global food supply.
Notes (Sample):
Bees → crucial pollinators
1/3 of crops depend on pollination
Decline in bee population → pesticides, habitat loss
Conservation efforts needed
Response (Sample):
“The lecture highlights bees as essential pollinators, noting that about one-third of global crops depend on them. The speaker cites pesticide use and habitat destruction as factors contributing to bee population declines. Ultimately, the lecture emphasizes the need for conservation measures to safeguard these insects and maintain a stable food supply.”

b. Self-assessment and Enhancement (20 Minutes)

Listen to Your Recording:
Did you capture the main ideas accurately?
Are you using a variety of linking words?
Is your tone confident and your pacing steady?
Improve Memory and Delivery:
Practice repeating the task with a different lecture.
Gradually reduce note-taking to improve memory retention.

5. Vocabulary Building (20 Minutes)

a. Words for Structured Oral Responses

Word List with Examples:

1. Depict (verb)
Definition: To represent or show something.
Sentence: “The chart depicts sales figures over the last quarter.”
2. Infer (verb)
Definition: To deduce or conclude from evidence and reasoning.
Sentence: “From the upward trend, we can infer that demand is increasing.”
3. Highlight (verb)
Definition: To emphasize or draw attention to something.
Sentence: “The speaker highlights the importance of renewable energy.”
4. Emphasize (verb)
Definition: To give special importance to something.
Sentence: “The lecturer emphasizes the need for immediate action.”
5. Illustrate (verb)
Definition: To explain or make something clear by using examples.
Sentence: “The image illustrates the distribution of resources.”
6. Evidently (adverb)
Definition: Clearly; obviously.
Sentence: “Evidently, the data shows a significant rise in usage.”
7. Notably (adverb)
Definition: In a way that is remarkable or important.
Sentence: “Notably, solar power grew faster than other sources.”
8. Conversely (adverb)
Definition: Introducing a statement that contrasts with a previous one.
Sentence: “Coal usage declined; conversely, wind energy gained popularity.”
9. Predominantly (adverb)
Definition: Mainly; for the most part.
Sentence: “The chart shows that sales were predominantly domestic.”
10. Underscore (verb)
Definition: To underline or emphasize something.
Sentence: “The lecture underscores the critical role of bees.”

b. Activities

Write Definitions in Your Own Words:

Rephrase each definition.

Create Sentences:

Use each word in a sentence related to describing images or re-telling lectures.

Flashcards:

Create flashcards for regular review.

Synonyms and Antonyms:

Identify synonyms and antonyms to broaden vocabulary.

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

a. Tongue Twisters and Imitation Practice (10 Minutes)

Instructions:

Tongue Twisters:

“Green glass globes glow greenly.”
“Black background, brown background.”

Gradually Increase Speed:

Start slowly and articulate clearly.
Speed up while maintaining clarity.

Record and Review:

Identify sounds that need improvement.

b. Confidence Building (10 Minutes)

Instructions:

Positive Visualization:

Imagine delivering a perfect response under test conditions.

Slow, Deep Breathing:

Calm nerves before speaking exercises.

Focus on Strengths:

Recognize improvements in fluency, structure, and vocabulary.

Incremental Challenges:

Move from simpler images and lectures to more complex ones.

7. Reflection and Goal Setting (15 Minutes)

a. Self-Reflection Questions

How comfortably can you now describe complex images within the given time?
What challenges remain in summarizing lectures accurately?
How can you further improve your use of linking words and academic vocabulary?

b. Goal Setting for Tomorrow

Goal 1: “I will practice more complex images (maps, process diagrams) to enhance my descriptive skills.”
Goal 2: “I will work on capturing subtle details in lectures for more precise summaries.”

c. Journal Entry

Write About:
Your experiences with today’s speaking tasks.
Improvements or breakthroughs noticed.
Areas to focus on in the future.

8. Optional Extension Activity (35 Minutes)

a. Peer Review or Online Practice

Find a Speaking Partner (if possible):

Exchange tasks: You describe an image, they listen and give feedback.
They re-tell a lecture, you assess structure and clarity.

Online Forums or Study Groups:

Post your recorded responses and invite constructive feedback.

b. Challenging Materials

Sources:
Academic lectures from universities (e.g., MIT OpenCourseWare).
Complex graphs from economic reports or scientific journals.
Action:
Practice describing a complicated chart or re-telling a more technical lecture.
Push your skills beyond comfort to improve adaptability.

Summary of Day 15

Today, you have:

Revisited and Reinforced Techniques for “Describe Image” and “Re-tell Lecture” Tasks.
Refined Organizational Skills, Linking Words, and Academic Vocabulary.
Practiced with a Variety of Images and More Complex Lectures.
Improved Pronunciation, Fluency, and Confidence through Focused Exercises.
Set Personal Goals for Continuous Improvement and Growth.

Preparation for Day 16

Focus: Listening Skills – Highlight Correct Summary and Select Missing Word (Review and Additional Practice)

Action Items:

Revisit Highlight Correct Summary and Select Missing Word tasks.
Prepare for more advanced listening practice with varied accents and complex topics.

Additional Resources

Speaking Practice:
PTE Academic Official Practice Tests: Practice Speaking Tasks
Listening Materials:
TED Talks: Enhance listening and summarizing skills.
Vocabulary Apps:
Quizlet: Review academic and descriptive vocabulary sets.
Pronunciation Tools:
Forvo: Listen to native pronunciations of tricky words.

Tips for Success

Consistency: Regular practice leads to continuous improvement.
Variety in Practice Materials: Engage with different types of images and lectures.
Focus on Structure: A clear introduction, body, and conclusion ensures coherence.
Confidence and Calmness: Approaching tasks with a positive mindset improves performance.
Reflection and Adaptation: Always analyze performance and apply lessons to future attempts.

Congratulations on Completing Day 15!

By dedicating time and effort today, you’ve elevated your speaking skills further, especially in delivering structured and fluent responses for “Describe Image” and “Re-tell Lecture” tasks. Keep honing these abilities as you move closer to a perfect PTE Academic score.

Stay Tuned for Day 16!

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 to exchange tips and resources.
Feedback: Let us know how Day 15 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!