Day 20

PTE Academic Preparation Course – Day 20

Achieve Your Perfect Score of 90 in PTE Academic

Welcome to Day 20 of your comprehensive PTE Academic preparation journey. Today’s focus is on Reading Skills, specifically revisiting “Multiple-choice” and “Fill in the Blanks” tasks. Having practiced these before, you will now refine your strategies to handle more complex texts, improve your speed, and enhance your understanding of vocabulary in context. The goal is to select correct answers more confidently and fill in blanks accurately under time constraints.

Objectives

  • Review the “Multiple-choice” and “Fill in the Blanks” Task Formats
  • Refine Skills for Identifying Main Ideas, Supporting Details, and Logical Connections in Texts
  • Enhance Vocabulary Usage and Understanding of Collocations
  • Practice Time Management and Accuracy in Selecting Correct Options
  • Build Confidence in Handling Challenging Academic Passages

Estimated Time: 2 Hours

Materials Needed

  • Device: Computer or smartphone with internet access
  • Notebook and Pen
  • Access to PTE Practice Platforms or Websites
  • Dictionary or Thesaurus
  • Highlighter (if printing passages)

Schedule and Activities

1. Reviewing “Multiple-choice” and “Fill in the Blanks” Task Formats (20 Minutes)

a. Task Formats Overview

Multiple-choice (Choose Single Answer/Multiple Answers):

  • Instructions:
  • Read a passage.
  • Answer a question by selecting one correct option (single answer) or all correct options (multiple answers).
  • Use process of elimination, focusing on evidence from the text.
  • Scoring Criteria:
  • Content: Correct selection of options based on the passage.
  • Partial credit for multiple answers tasks.

Fill in the Blanks:

  • Instructions:
  • A text passage with several blanks.
  • Choose correct words from a given list or dropdown.
  • Consider grammar, collocations, and overall context.
  • Scoring Criteria:
  • Content: Correct words chosen to maintain coherence and correctness.

b. Strategies Recap

  • For Multiple-choice:
  • Read the question first.
  • Skim the passage to find relevant information.
  • Eliminate obviously wrong options.
  • Choose the best-supported option.
  • For Fill in the Blanks:
  • Consider the part of speech needed.
  • Check for collocations and logical fit.
  • Read entire sentence and surrounding text for context clues.

2. Refined Analytical Reading Techniques (30 Minutes)

a. Identifying Main Ideas and Supporting Details (15 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Select a Short Paragraph (150-200 words):
  • Identify the main idea (central concept).
  • Locate supporting details (examples, statistics, explanations).
  1. Question Yourself:
  • What is the author’s purpose?
  • Which sentences provide key arguments or evidence?
  1. Apply to Tasks:
  • In Multiple-choice: match main idea and details to the answer options.
  • In Fill in the Blanks: a clear understanding of context aids in choosing correct words.

b. Contextual Clues for Vocabulary (15 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Select a Passage with Challenging Words:
  • Guess meanings from context before looking up definitions.
  1. Check Collocations:
  • Which words commonly go together?
  • Revisit commonly tested academic vocabulary.
  1. Improvement in Fill in the Blanks:
  • Recognizing collocations leads to more accurate word selection.
  • Understanding synonyms and antonyms improves elimination skills.

3. Practicing Multiple-choice Questions (40 Minutes)

a. Practice Exercises (30 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Use PTE Practice Websites:
  1. Select 5 Multiple-choice Exercises (Mixed: Single and Multiple Answers):
  • Read question first.
  • Skim and scan passage for relevant info.
  • Eliminate wrong options logically.
  • Choose the best-supported answer(s).
  1. Track Timing:
  • Aim to answer each question in under 2 minutes.

Practice Example:

  • Question: What is the main advantage of renewable energy mentioned in the passage?
  • Options:
  • A. It is cheap to produce.
  • B. It reduces environmental pollution.
  • C. It is widely available without any drawbacks.
  • D. It requires no technology upgrades.
  • Solution: B (if the passage supports this claim).

b. Self-assessment and Review (10 Minutes)

  • Check Answers:
  • Understand why the correct option is right.
  • If incorrect, note if misunderstanding came from misreading or ignoring details.
  • Improve Technique:
  • Pay closer attention to qualifiers (e.g., “some,” “often,” “primarily”).
  • Refine skimming and scanning skills.

4. Practicing Fill in the Blanks with Complex Vocabulary (40 Minutes)

a. Practice Exercises (30 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Use PTE Practice Websites:
  • Select 5 Fill in the Blanks exercises (Reading or Reading & Writing).
  1. Approach:
  • Read the full passage first.
  • For each blank, consider grammar and meaning.
  • Try to identify collocations and word patterns.
  1. Check Answers:
  • Confirm if chosen words make sense in context.

Practice Example:

  • Passage (Excerpt):
    “The scientist’s groundbreaking research has __ our understanding of complex genetic processes.”
  • Options for Blank:
  • (broadened / dissolved / contradicted)
  • Solution:
  • “broadened” makes sense in context, indicating expansion of understanding.

b. Self-assessment and Review (10 Minutes)

  • Analyze Mistakes:
  • If wrong, was it due to ignoring collocations or context?
  • Strategy Adjustment:
  • Pay more attention to sentence structure.
  • Revisit any challenging vocabulary.
  • Track Progress:
  • Aim for steady improvement in accuracy.

5. Vocabulary Building (20 Minutes)

a. Words for Textual Analysis and Logical Connections

  1. Word List with Examples:
  • 1. Subsequently (adverb)
    Definition: After a particular thing has happened.
    Sentence: “The theory was proposed and subsequently tested.”
  • 2. Predominantly (adverb)
    Definition: Mainly; for the most part.
    Sentence: “The passage is predominantly focused on ecological impacts.”
  • 3. Inadvertently (adverb)
    Definition: Without intention; accidentally.
    Sentence: “Some readers inadvertently miss key details when reading quickly.”
  • 4. Compelling (adjective)
    Definition: Evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way.
    Sentence: “The author provides compelling evidence to support the claim.”
  • 5. Contradict (verb)
    Definition: To be in conflict with.
    Sentence: “The second paragraph seems to contradict the earlier statement.”
  • 6. Integral (adjective)
    Definition: Necessary to make a whole complete; essential.
    Sentence: “Vocabulary knowledge is integral for accurate fill in the blanks.”
  • 7. Convey (verb)
    Definition: To communicate or express something.
    Sentence: “The passage aims to convey the importance of cultural traditions.”
  • 8. Infer (verb)
    Definition: To deduce information from evidence and reasoning.
    Sentence: “We can infer from the data that sales will increase next quarter.”
  • 9. Synthesize (verb)
    Definition: To combine elements to form a coherent whole.
    Sentence: “The reader must synthesize various points to understand the overall argument.”
  • 10. Imply (verb)
    Definition: To strongly suggest the truth or existence of something not stated explicitly.
    Sentence: “The author’s tone may imply dissatisfaction with the current policies.”

b. Activities

  1. Write Definitions in Own Words:
  • Paraphrase each definition.
  1. Create Sentences:
  • Use each word in context of reading tasks.
  1. Flashcards:
  • Review regularly.
  1. Synonyms and Antonyms:
  • Expand lexical range.

6. Improving Time Management, Concentration, and Confidence (20 Minutes)

a. Timed Drills (10 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Set Strict Time Limits:
  • 2 minutes per multiple-choice question.
  • 1 minute per blank in fill in the blanks.
  1. Aim for Efficiency:
  • Don’t get stuck on one detail; trust your logic and move on.
  1. Regular Drills:
  • Improved speed and confidence come with consistent practice.

b. Concentration Techniques (10 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Quiet Environment:
  • Practice without distractions.
  1. Focus on Understanding:
  • Always comprehend the main idea and link details logically.
  1. Positive Mindset:
  • Remind yourself of previous improvements and stay motivated.

7. Reflection and Goal Setting (15 Minutes)

a. Self-Reflection Questions

  • Do you feel more confident selecting correct multiple-choice answers?
  • Have you improved in choosing the right words for fill in the blanks?
  • Which strategies helped you understand complex texts faster?

b. Goal Setting for Tomorrow

  • Goal 1: “I will practice more academic articles to improve comprehension speed.”
  • Goal 2: “I will refine my understanding of collocations by studying common word pairs.”

c. Journal Entry

  • Write About:
  • Your experiences with today’s reading tasks.
  • Notable improvements or breakthroughs.
  • Areas to focus on next.

8. Optional Extension Activity (35 Minutes)

a. Additional Reading and Analysis

  1. Select Complex Academic Texts:
  • From science journals, financial reports, or historical essays.
  1. Create Your Own Questions:
  • Formulate multiple-choice questions based on the text.
  • Make your own fill in the blanks by removing key words.
  1. Test Yourself:
  • Answer your own questions after a short break.

b. Vocabulary and Collocations Quizzes

  • Apps:
  • Quiz yourself on academic words learned today.
  • Action:
  • Achieve high accuracy to reinforce learning.

Summary of Day 20

Today, you have:

  • Revisited and Enhanced Techniques for Multiple-choice and Fill in the Blanks Reading Tasks.
  • Refined Analytical Reading Skills for Identifying Main Ideas and Supporting Details.
  • Practiced with More Complex Texts to Improve Vocabulary and Collocation Recognition.
  • Improved Time Management, Concentration, and Confidence in Selecting Correct Answers.
  • Set Personal Goals for Continuous Improvement.

Preparation for Day 21

Focus: Listening Skills – Summarize Spoken Text and Select Missing Word (Review and Additional Practice)

Action Items:

  • Revisit Summarize Spoken Text and Select Missing Word listening tasks.
  • Prepare for advanced listening and summarizing exercises.

Additional Resources

  • Reading Practice:
  • PTE Academic Official Practice Tests: Practice Reading Tasks
  • Vocabulary Apps:
  • Magoosh or Vocabulary.com: For academic words and collocations.
  • Study Groups:
  • Discuss texts with peers and compare answers for multiple-choice questions.
  • Grammar and Usage:
  • Consult a grammar reference if unsure about sentence structure.

Tips for Success

  • Consistent Practice: Regular sessions improve familiarity with text structures.
  • Focus on Logic: Identify main idea first, then consider details.
  • Collocations Matter: Correct fill in the blanks choices often rely on word pairings.
  • Time-bound Drills: Simulate exam conditions to build speed and confidence.
  • Reflect and Adapt: Always learn from mistakes to improve accuracy.

Congratulations on Completing Day 20!

By dedicating time and effort today, you’ve further refined your reading comprehension skills, particularly in multiple-choice questions and fill in the blanks tasks. Keep building on these strategies as you move closer to achieving a perfect PTE Academic score.

Stay Tuned for Day 21!

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 tips and support.
  • Feedback: Let us know how Day 20 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!

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