PTE Academic Preparation Course – Day 23

Achieve Your Perfect Score of 90 in PTE Academic

Welcome to Day 23 of your comprehensive PTE Academic preparation journey. Today’s focus is on Speaking Skills, specifically revisiting “Describe Image” and “Re-tell Lecture” tasks. Having practiced these before, you will now push your abilities further by handling more complex visuals, lectures with nuanced content, and integrating advanced vocabulary. The goal is to deliver well-structured, fluent, and coherent responses that accurately convey the key information.

Objectives

Review the “Describe Image” and “Re-tell Lecture” Task Formats
Refine Techniques for Handling Complex Visuals and Detailed Lectures
Enhance Pronunciation, Fluency, and Use of Academic Vocabulary
Improve Memory Retention and Organizational Skills for Content Delivery
Build Confidence in Managing Time and Providing Structured Responses

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
Complex Charts/Graphs 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, table, map, or diagram).
25 seconds to prepare.
Speak for 40 seconds, describing main features and trends logically.
Scoring Criteria:
Content: Cover the main points, key details, and any trends.
Fluency/Pronunciation: Smooth speech, no long pauses, clear articulation.
Structure: Logical progression (intro → key points → conclusion).

Re-tell Lecture:

Instructions:
Listen to a 60–90 second lecture (may include an image).
10 seconds to prepare after it ends.
Speak for 40 seconds, summarizing main ideas, supporting details, and conclusion.
Scoring Criteria:
Content: Accurate capture of the lecture’s main points.
Fluency/Pronunciation: Clear, smooth, no unnecessary pauses.
Structure: Intro to topic → key points → conclusion.

b. Strategies Recap

Describe Image:
Start with a general overview.
Highlight significant data, comparisons, and trends.
Conclude with an overall interpretation.
Re-tell Lecture:
Take concise notes: focus on main arguments, examples, and conclusions.
Chunk information logically.
Introduce topic, detail key points, end with a concluding statement.

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

a. Advanced Describe Image Techniques (15 Minutes)

Instructions:

Select a Complex Visual:

A multi-line graph or a table with multiple categories.

Preparation (25 seconds):

Identify the main trend or pattern.
Note significant highs, lows, or changes over time.

Speaking (40 seconds):

Begin with an overview.
Discuss the most noteworthy aspects (e.g., the highest value, a surprising decline).
Conclude by summarizing the overall trend or pattern.

Record and Review:

Listen for hesitation or unclear phrasing.
Improve on vocabulary variety and clarity next time.

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

Instructions:

Select a Lecture Clip (60–90 seconds):

Topic could be on a specialized field (e.g., neuroscience, environmental policy).

First Listening (No Notes):

Understand main idea.

Second Listening (With Notes):

Write down keywords, names, numbers, cause-effect relationships.

Structure Your Response:

Intro: Topic and main argument.
Body: Key supporting details.
Conclusion: Speaker’s final emphasis.

Record Your Response:

Check if you covered essential points smoothly and logically.

3. Practicing “Describe Image” with Complex Data (40 Minutes)

a. Practice Exercises (30 Minutes)

Instructions:

Use PTE Practice Websites:

Select 5 Images:

Mix types: line graph, pie chart with multiple segments, complex table.

For Each Image:

Identify main trend or story.
Mention key figures, comparisons, or changes over time.
Conclude with an overall interpretation.

Recording and Checking:

Listen to your responses.
Note if you spoke too fast, missed main points, or lacked a conclusion.

Practice Example:

Image: A table showing smartphone usage by age groups and regions.
Your Response Outline:
Intro: The table compares smartphone usage across various age groups and regions.
Body: Mention highest usage in younger age groups, differences by region, any anomalies.
Conclusion: Overall, younger demographics and certain regions show significantly higher smartphone reliance.

b. Self-assessment and Improvement (10 Minutes)

Check for Logical Flow:
Did you present data in a clear sequence?
Improve Vocabulary:
Use words like “notably,” “predominantly,” “exponentially,” “relatively.”
Apply Feedback:
In next attempts, focus on smoother transitions.

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

a. Advanced Re-tell Lecture Exercises (30 Minutes)

Instructions:

Use PTE Practice Websites:

Select 3 lecture clips (60–90 seconds each) on complex academic topics.

First Listening:

Understand main argument and structure.

Second Listening (If Needed):

Take brief notes: main points, examples, conclusion.

Deliver 40-second Summary:

Introduce topic briefly.
Detail key points in a logical order.
Conclude with speaker’s final stance or implication.

Record and Review:

Check if you missed essential details or inserted irrelevant info.

Practice Example:

Lecture Topic: The impact of microplastics on marine ecosystems.
Your Response:
Intro: The lecture discusses how microplastics harm marine life.
Body: Explain ingestion by small organisms, bioaccumulation up the food chain.
Conclusion: The lecture emphasizes the urgent need for pollution control measures.

b. Self-assessment and Enhancement (10 Minutes)

Analyze Mistakes:
Did you include non-essential details?
Did you skip a crucial point?
Improve Techniques:
Focus on the speaker’s conclusion to give a strong ending.
Use linking words (furthermore, consequently) for better flow.
Track Progress:
Aim for more concise yet comprehensive summaries each time.

5. Vocabulary Building (20 Minutes)

a. Words for Describing Trends, Comparisons, and Details

Word List with Examples:

1. Predominantly (adverb)
Definition: Mainly; for the most part.
Sentence: “The chart is predominantly focused on economic data.”
2. Fluctuate (verb)
Definition: To change frequently in size, amount, or quality.
Sentence: “Sales figures fluctuate significantly throughout the year.”
3. Conversely (adverb)
Definition: Introducing a statement or idea that reverses one just mentioned.
Sentence: “Energy consumption declined in the north; conversely, it rose in the south.”
4. Evidently (adverb)
Definition: Clearly; obviously.
Sentence: “Evidently, the lecture supports stricter environmental policies.”
5. Underpin (verb)
Definition: To support or form the basis for.
Sentence: “Complex methodologies underpin the speaker’s main argument.”
6. Integral (adjective)
Definition: Necessary to make a whole complete.
Sentence: “Teamwork is integral to achieving successful project outcomes.”
7. Highlight (verb)
Definition: Draw attention to something important.
Sentence: “The speaker highlights the connection between diet and health.”
8. Correlate (verb)
Definition: To have a mutual relationship or connection.
Sentence: “The data seems to correlate economic growth with educational attainment.”
9. Depict (verb)
Definition: To show or represent.
Sentence: “The graph depicts changes in global temperatures over decades.”
10. Justify (verb)
Definition: To show or prove to be right or reasonable.
Sentence: “Include solid examples to justify your interpretation.”

b. Activities

Write Definitions in Own Words:

Paraphrase each definition.

Create Sentences:

Relate each word to describing images or summarizing lectures.

Flashcards:

Review daily.

Synonyms and Antonyms:

Enrich vocabulary further.

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

a. Tongue Twisters and Speed Drills (10 Minutes)

Instructions:

Select Tongue Twisters:

“Truly rural,” “A proper copper coffee pot.”

Gradually Increase Speed:

Maintain clarity while increasing pace.

Record and Listen:

Identify any unclear sounds and practice corrections.

b. Confidence Techniques (10 Minutes)

Instructions:

Visualization:

Imagine delivering responses effortlessly under exam conditions.

Positive Mindset:

Acknowledge improvements in structure and clarity.

Short Breaks:

Prevent fatigue with brief pauses between tasks.

7. Reflection and Goal Setting (15 Minutes)

a. Self-Reflection Questions

Do you feel more confident describing complex visuals and summarizing intricate lectures?
Are you integrating advanced vocabulary smoothly into responses?
Which techniques improved your clarity, fluency, and accuracy the most?

b. Goal Setting for Tomorrow

Goal 1: “I will practice describing even more complex charts (e.g., multi-variable diagrams) to strengthen interpretation skills.”
Goal 2: “I will re-tell lectures from specialized subjects to improve adaptability and memory.”

c. Journal Entry

Write About:
Today’s speaking tasks experiences.
Notable improvements or breakthroughs.
Future focus areas.

8. Optional Extension Activity (35 Minutes)

a. Challenging Materials

Select Highly Detailed Visuals and Academic Lectures:

From scientific reports, business analyses, or cultural studies.

Record Responses:

Compare with previous attempts to note improvements.

Peer Feedback:

If possible, share recordings with a study partner and exchange suggestions.

b. Vocabulary and Academic Expressions Quizzes

Use Apps:
Test yourself on advanced vocabulary relevant to describing trends, comparisons, and concepts.
Track Progress:
Aim for consistent lexical variety and complexity.

Summary of Day 23

Today, you have:

Revisited and Enhanced Techniques for Describe Image and Re-tell Lecture Tasks.
Practiced Handling More Complex Visuals and Detailed Lectures.
Improved Fluency, Pronunciation, and Academic Vocabulary Usage.
Developed Better Memory Retention and Organizational Skills for Content Delivery.
Set Personal Goals for Continuous Improvement.

Preparation for Day 24

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 more challenging accents and vocabulary.

Additional Resources

Speaking Practice:
PTE Academic Official Practice Tests: Practice Speaking Tasks
Complex Visuals:
World Bank, OECD, or Scientific Databases: For intricate charts and graphs.
Vocabulary Apps:
Magoosh or Vocabulary.com: Continuous word expansion.
Pronunciation Tools:
Forvo: Check pronunciations of challenging words.

Tips for Success

Consistent Practice: Repeated exposure to complex materials builds adaptability.
Focus on Structure: Always begin with a clear introduction and end with a conclusive statement.
Refine Vocabulary: Employ advanced terms for precision and formal tone.
Memory and Chunking: Effective note-taking and memory aids streamline responses.
Reflect and Adapt: Use each attempt’s feedback to refine strategies.

Congratulations on Completing Day 23!

By dedicating time and effort today, you’ve further refined your speaking abilities, especially in delivering structured and fluent responses for Describe Image and Re-tell Lecture tasks. Keep honing these skills as you work toward achieving a perfect PTE Academic score.

Stay Tuned for Day 24!

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 23 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!