PTE Academic Preparation Course – Day 30

Achieve Your Perfect Score of 90 in PTE Academic

Congratulations on reaching Day 30 of your comprehensive PTE Academic preparation journey! Today’s focus is on Listening Skills, specifically revisiting “Write from Dictation” and “Highlight Incorrect Words” tasks. Having refined your approach over previous sessions, now you will tackle more challenging accents, faster speech rates, and specialized terms with the goal of achieving near-perfect accuracy and speed under timed conditions. By the end of today, you should feel fully confident in handling these tasks with precision and composure.

Objectives

Review the “Write from Dictation” and “Highlight Incorrect Words” Task Formats
Refine Techniques for Maximum Accuracy in Transcription and Error Detection
Practice with More Difficult Audio: Faster Speech, Complex Vocabulary, Varied Accents
Improve Concentration, Note-taking, and Response Time Under Test Conditions
Build the Confidence Needed for Perfect or Near-perfect Scores

Estimated Time: 2 Hours

Materials Needed

Device: Computer or smartphone with internet access
Headphones
Notebook and Pen
Access to PTE Practice Platforms or Advanced Listening Materials
Dictionary or Thesaurus
Recording Device (optional for self-assessment)

Schedule and Activities

1. Reviewing “Write from Dictation” and “Highlight Incorrect Words” Task Formats (20 Minutes)

a. Task Format Overview

Write from Dictation:

Instructions:
Listen to a sentence once.
Write it down verbatim with correct spelling, punctuation, and word order.
Scoring Criteria:
Content: Exact transcription.
Spelling, punctuation, and correctness of each word matter.

Highlight Incorrect Words:

Instructions:
A transcript is shown on screen.
Listen to the audio and identify words in the transcript that differ from the spoken version.
Click on each incorrect word carefully.
Scoring Criteria:
Content: Accurately marking all incorrect words.
No extra correct words should be marked.

b. Strategies Recap

Write from Dictation:
Focus on chunking the sentence into phrases.
Immediately write down what you recall, then quickly check spelling.
Pay attention to function words (articles, prepositions) and tricky vocabulary.
Highlight Incorrect Words:
Follow the audio closely.
Detect subtle differences (e.g., plural vs. singular forms, tense changes, synonyms).
Stay calm and alert until the very end of the recording.

2. Maximizing Accuracy and Speed (30 Minutes)

a. Memory and Note-taking Drills for Dictation (15 Minutes)

Instructions:

Select Sentences with Advanced Vocabulary (12–15 words):

From academic lectures or complex texts.

Listen Once, Write Immediately:

Check spelling of challenging words.

Increase Difficulty:

Faster speech, diverse accents.
Aim to reproduce sentences perfectly.

Self-assessment:

Compare your attempt with the correct version, identify persistent errors.

b. Concentration for Highlight Incorrect Words (15 Minutes)

Instructions:

Choose 3–4 Short Passages (30–45 seconds each):

Faster speakers, varied accents.

Listen, Mark Incorrect Words:

Focus on subtle nuances.

Check Answers:

If any errors, note if you misheard or rushed.

Refine Strategies:

If needed, slow your reading pace or pay extra attention to the end of the clip where mistakes might occur.

3. Practicing “Write from Dictation” with Challenging Accents (40 Minutes)

a. Advanced Practice (30 Minutes)

Instructions:

Use PTE Practice Websites or Diverse Audio Sources:

Choose sentences spoken with British, Australian, or other English accents.

Write Each Sentence Verbatim:

Focus on accurately capturing every word.

Check Spelling of Complex Words:

If a term is unfamiliar, guess the correct spelling based on phonetics, then verify later.

Record Timing:

Strive to write each sentence without hesitation and correct all words.

Practice Example:

Sentence Heard: “The economist highlighted the necessity of implementing robust fiscal policies.”
Your Response: Check if every word is correct, spelled right, and punctuated correctly.

b. Self-assessment and Review (10 Minutes)

Analyze Patterns:
Do you miss certain types of words (e.g., articles, prepositions, longer nouns)?
Improve Tactics:
Pay extra attention to commonly missed categories.
Apply Feedback:
Next attempt, focus on previously troublesome word types.

4. Practicing “Highlight Incorrect Words” with Specialized Content (40 Minutes)

a. Progressive Difficulty Exercises (30 Minutes)

Instructions:

Use PTE Practice Websites:

Select 5 passages with academic or technical content.

Listen Once:

Mark incorrect words as you go along, no second chance.

Check Answers:

Understand why chosen words are incorrect or correct.

Incremental Complexity:

Longer passages, faster speech.
Pay attention to synonyms or slightly changed endings (e.g., “active” vs. “activates”).

Practice Example:

Transcript vs. Audio:
Transcript: “The seminar explored various facets of sustainable agriculture.”
Audio: “The seminar explored various aspects of sustainable agriculture.”
Incorrect Word: “facets” should be “aspects.”

b. Self-assessment and Enhancement (10 Minutes)

Analyze Errors:
Are you confusing similar-sounding words?
Missing subtle plural forms or tense changes?
Refine Approach:
Slow down mentally, even if audio is fast.
Confirm logic: Does the chosen word fit the speaker’s narrative?
Track Progress:
Aim for fewer mistakes and better focus each attempt.

5. Vocabulary Building (20 Minutes)

a. Words for Precision, Focus, and Complexity in Listening

Word List with Examples:

1. Pertinent (adjective)
Definition: Relevant and applicable.
Sentence: “Identify only the pertinent details in the sentence you write down.”
2. Discrepancy (noun)
Definition: A lack of compatibility between two facts.
Sentence: “Spot any discrepancy between the transcript and audio.”
3. Indispensable (adjective)
Definition: Absolutely necessary.
Sentence: “Focused listening is indispensable for accurate dictation.”
4. Imperceptible (adjective)
Definition: Too slight or subtle to be easily noticed.
Sentence: “A slight pronunciation difference might seem imperceptible but matters.”
5. Accentuate (verb)
Definition: Make more noticeable or prominent.
Sentence: “The speaker may accentuate certain words, hinting at their importance.”
6. Conspicuous (adjective)
Definition: Clearly visible.
Sentence: “An incorrect word might be conspicuous if it doesn’t fit contextually.”
7. Rationalize (verb)
Definition: Attempt to explain or justify something logically.
Sentence: “Don’t over rationalize choices; trust the direct evidence from the audio.”
8. Integral (adjective)
Definition: Necessary to complete something.
Sentence: “High concentration is integral to success in these tasks.”
9. Verbatim (adverb)
Definition: In exactly the same words.
Sentence: “You must write the sentence verbatim in Write from Dictation.”
10. Implicit (adjective)
Definition: Implied though not plainly expressed.
Sentence: “An implicit tone change may signal a different ending word.”

b. Activities

Write Definitions in Own Words:

Paraphrase each definition.

Create Sentences:

Use words in context of listening tasks.

Flashcards:

Review daily.

Synonyms and Antonyms:

Expand lexical range.

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

a. Timed Drills (10 Minutes)

Instructions:

Set Strict Time Limits:

For Write from Dictation, write instantly.
For Highlight Incorrect Words, finalize choices quickly after audio ends.

Record Times:

Aim for minimal hesitation.

Regular Drills:

With practice, speed and confidence grow.

b. Concentration Techniques (10 Minutes)

Instructions:

Quiet Environment:

Prevent interruptions.

Active Engagement:

Mentally predict tricky words in dictation.

Positive Mindset:

Recognize steady improvements and trust your techniques.

7. Reflection and Goal Setting (15 Minutes)

a. Self-Reflection Questions

Are you consistently writing dictated sentences with 100% accuracy?
Do you quickly spot incorrect words without second-guessing now?
Which strategies best improved your listening acuity and speed?

b. Goal Setting for Tomorrow

Goal 1: “I will practice dictations from even faster sources to build resilience.”
Goal 2: “I will refine logic-based reasoning for Highlight Incorrect Words.”

c. Journal Entry

Write About:
Today’s listening tasks experiences.
Any notable improvements or breakthroughs.
Areas to focus on next.

8. Optional Extension Activity (35 Minutes)

a. Additional Listening Drills

Podcasts or News Segments:

Write down key sentences verbatim.

Check with Transcript:

Verify accuracy.

Increase Difficulty:

Faster talks, more specialized vocabulary, diverse accents.

b. Vocabulary Quizzes

Apps:
Test yourself on today’s vocabulary set.
Track Progress:
Aim for better recall and usage over time.

Summary of Day 29

Correction: This is Day 30 per the user’s request, but the content says Day 29. Need to adjust the summary and references below accordingly.

Note: The user requested “Generate next day” after Day 29, so this should be Day 30. Let’s correct all references from Day 29 to Day 30 in the summary and next steps.

Summary of Day 30

Today, you have:

Revisited and Enhanced Techniques for Write from Dictation and Highlight Incorrect Words.
Handled More Complex Accents, Faster Speech, and Advanced Vocabulary in Listening.
Improved Concentration, Speed, and Accuracy Under Time Pressure.
Refined Memory, Note-taking, and Analytical Skills for Near-perfect Scores.
Set Personal Goals for Continuous Improvement.

Preparation for Day 31

Focus: Speaking Skills – Answer Short Question and Repeat Sentence (Review and Additional Practice)

Action Items:

Revisit Answer Short Question and Repeat Sentence tasks.
Prepare for advanced practice with even more challenging sentences, topics, and time constraints.

Additional Resources

Listening Practice:
PTE Academic Official Practice Tests: Practice Listening Tasks
Podcasts/News:
Faster segments, diverse accents to increase challenge.
Vocabulary Apps:
Magoosh or Vocabulary.com: Continue refining vocabulary.
Concentration Techniques:
Mindfulness or short breaks before drills.

Tips for Success

Consistent Practice: Regular exposure to difficult audio builds adaptability.
Focus on Detail: Every word matters in dictation and error detection.
Refine Memory Techniques: Chunking and visualization improve accuracy.
Time-bound Drills: Simulate exam conditions to increase confidence.
Reflect and Adapt: Use each attempt’s feedback to refine strategies.

Congratulations on Completing Day 30!

By dedicating time and effort today, you’ve further enhanced your listening comprehension skills, particularly in writing from dictation and highlighting incorrect words with increased accuracy and speed. Keep honing these abilities as you progress toward achieving a perfect PTE Academic score.

Stay Tuned for Day 31!

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 insights.
Feedback: Let us know how Day 30 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!