Day 5

PTE Academic Preparation Course – Day 5

Achieve Your Perfect Score of 90 in PTE Academic

Welcome to Day 5 of your comprehensive PTE Academic preparation journey. Today’s focus is on enhancing your Speaking Skills, specifically the “Describe Image” and “Re-tell Lecture” tasks. You will learn strategies to effectively interpret visual information, organize your thoughts quickly, and deliver clear and fluent oral responses.

Objectives

  • Understand the “Describe Image” and “Re-tell Lecture” Task Formats
  • Develop Techniques for Quick Analysis and Organization
  • Practice Speaking Fluently and Confidently
  • Expand Vocabulary with Descriptive and Analytical Words
  • Improve Pronunciation, Intonation, and Oral Fluency

Estimated Time: 2 Hours

Materials Needed

  • Device: Computer or smartphone with internet access
  • Headphones and Microphone
  • Notebook and Pen
  • Access to Images (Charts, Graphs, Maps, etc.)
  • Access to Short Audio Clips or Videos
  • Recording Device or Software (e.g., Smartphone, Audacity)

Schedule and Activities

1. Understanding “Describe Image” and “Re-tell Lecture” Tasks (30 Minutes)

a. Task Formats Overview

Describe Image:

  • Instructions:
  • You will be presented with an image (graph, chart, map, etc.).
  • You have 25 seconds to study the image.
  • You must speak about the image for 40 seconds.
  • Scoring Criteria:
  • Content: Relevance and accuracy of information.
  • Oral Fluency: Smoothness of speech.
  • Pronunciation: Clarity and correctness of speech sounds.

Re-tell Lecture:

  • Instructions:
  • You will listen to a lecture (up to 90 seconds) and may see an image.
  • You have 10 seconds to prepare.
  • You must speak about the lecture for 40 seconds.
  • Scoring Criteria:
  • Same as “Describe Image.”

b. Watch Instructional Videos

  • Describe Image:
  • Video Title: “PTE Speaking: Describe Image Tips and Templates”
  • Channel: E2 PTE Academic
  • Link: PTE Describe Image Strategies
  • Duration: 15 minutes
  • Re-tell Lecture:
  • Video Title: “PTE Speaking: Re-tell Lecture Techniques”
  • Channel: E2 PTE Academic
  • Link: PTE Re-tell Lecture Strategies
  • Duration: 15 minutes

Action: Take notes on key strategies, such as structuring your response, using templates, and managing time effectively.

2. Developing Techniques for Quick Analysis and Organization (30 Minutes)

a. Describe Image Techniques (15 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Learn a Simple Structure:
  • Introduction: Briefly state what the image is about.
  • Body: Describe the main features/trends.
  • Conclusion: Summarize or provide an insight.
  1. Common Phrases:
  • Introduction:
    • “The image illustrates/shows/displays…”
    • “This graph represents…”
  • Body:
    • “The highest point is…”
    • “There is a significant increase/decrease in…”
  • Conclusion:
    • “Overall, it can be seen that…”
    • “In conclusion, the image highlights…”
  1. Practice with a Sample Image:
  • Image Type: Line graph showing population growth over 10 years.
  • Steps:
    • Observe: Identify key trends (e.g., steady increase).
    • Note Keywords: Years, population figures, any peaks or dips.
    • Plan Your Response: Mentally organize your points.

b. Re-tell Lecture Techniques (15 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Note-taking Method:
  • Use the “WH” framework:
    • Who: Subject of the lecture.
    • What: Main topic and key points.
    • When/Where: Context if provided.
    • Why/How: Reasons, methods, outcomes.
  1. Abbreviations and Symbols:
  • As learned on Day 4, use shorthand to capture information quickly.
  1. Structuring Your Response:
  • Introduction: “The speaker discussed…”
  • Body: Mention key points and details.
  • Conclusion: “Overall, the lecture emphasized…”
  1. Practice with a Sample Lecture:
  • Topic: The benefits of exercise on mental health.
  • Steps:
    • Listen Carefully: Focus on main points.
    • Take Notes: Use your shorthand method.
    • Plan Your Response: Organize notes into a coherent summary.

3. Practicing “Describe Image” Task (40 Minutes)

a. Practice with Different Image Types (30 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Select a Variety of Images:
  • Image 1: Bar chart showing sales of different products.
  • Image 2: Pie chart of market share among companies.
  • Image 3: Map showing global internet usage.
  • Image 4: Process diagram of water purification.
  • Image 5: Table of population statistics by country.
  1. For Each Image:
  • Preparation (25 seconds):
    • Quickly identify the type of image.
    • Note the title, labels, and any significant data.
    • Decide on 2-3 key points to mention.
  • Speaking (40 seconds):
    • Start with an introduction:
    • “The bar chart illustrates the sales figures for various products over the last quarter.”
    • Discuss main features:
    • “Product A had the highest sales, reaching 10,000 units, while Product C had the lowest at 2,000 units.”
    • Conclude:
    • “Overall, there is a clear preference for Product A among consumers.”
  • Record Your Response:
    • Use your recording device to capture your speech.
  1. Self-Assessment (10 Minutes):
  • Listen to Your Recordings:
    • Note areas for improvement in content, fluency, and pronunciation.
  • Feedback Checklist:
    • Did you cover all essential information?
    • Was your speech smooth and without hesitation?
    • Were your pronunciation and intonation clear?

b. Tips for “Describe Image”

  • Don’t Panic: Even if the image is complex, focus on the main features.
  • Avoid Silences: Keep speaking smoothly; fillers like “um” or “uh” can affect your score.
  • Use Correct Pronunciation: Be mindful of how you pronounce numbers and technical terms.

4. Practicing “Re-tell Lecture” Task (30 Minutes)

a. Practice with Different Lectures (25 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Select Short Lectures:
  • Lecture 1: The effects of pollution on marine life.
  • Lecture 2: Advancements in renewable energy technology.
  • Lecture 3: The history of the internet.
  • Lecture 4: Importance of sleep for cognitive function.
  • Lecture 5: Cultural impacts of globalization.
  • Sources:
  1. For Each Lecture:
  • Listen and Take Notes:
    • Duration: Approximately 90 seconds.
    • **Use the “WH” framework and abbreviations.
  • Preparation (10 seconds):
    • Quickly organize your notes.
  • Speaking (40 seconds):
    • Start with an introduction:
    • “The lecture was about the effects of pollution on marine life.”
    • Discuss key points:
    • “The speaker mentioned that plastic waste leads to the death of thousands of sea animals annually and highlighted the need for stricter regulations.”
    • Conclude:
    • “Overall, the lecture emphasized the urgent action required to protect marine ecosystems.”
  • Record Your Response:
    • Use your recording device.
  1. Self-Assessment (5 Minutes):
  • Listen to Your Recordings:
    • Evaluate content accuracy, fluency, and pronunciation.
  • Feedback Checklist:
    • Did you capture the main ideas?
    • Was your speech coherent and logically structured?
    • Were there any long pauses or hesitations?

b. Tips for “Re-tell Lecture”

  • Focus on Key Points: Don’t try to include every detail.
  • Use Connectors: Words like “firstly,” “moreover,” “in conclusion” help structure your response.
  • Practice Paraphrasing: Use your own words rather than repeating exactly what was said.

5. Vocabulary Building (20 Minutes)

a. Descriptive and Analytical Words

  1. Significant (adjective)
  • Definition: Important or noticeable.
  • Sentence: “There was a significant increase in sales last year.”
  1. Fluctuate (verb)
  • Definition: To change frequently in size, amount, quality, etc.
  • Sentence: “The graph shows how temperatures fluctuate throughout the year.”
  1. Illustrate (verb)
  • Definition: To show or explain something clearly.
  • Sentence: “The diagram illustrates the process of photosynthesis.”
  1. Depict (verb)
  • Definition: To represent or show something in a picture or story.
  • Sentence: “The chart depicts the population growth over a decade.”
  1. Trend (noun)
  • Definition: A general direction in which something is developing or changing.
  • Sentence: “There is a downward trend in the usage of coal.”
  1. Consistent (adjective)
  • Definition: Steady and regular.
  • Sentence: “The data shows a consistent increase in internet users.”
  1. Dramatic (adjective)
  • Definition: Sudden and striking.
  • Sentence: “There was a dramatic rise in stock prices.”
  1. Correlation (noun)
  • Definition: A connection between two or more things.
  • Sentence: “There is a strong correlation between education level and income.”
  1. Dominant (adjective)
  • Definition: Most important, powerful, or influential.
  • Sentence: “Company A has a dominant share in the market.”
  1. Anomaly(noun)
    • Definition: Something that deviates from what is standard or expected.
    • Sentence: “The sudden drop in sales was an anomaly.”

b. Activities

  1. Write Definitions in Your Own Words:
  • Paraphrase each definition.
  1. Create Sentences:
  • Use each word in a sentence related to image descriptions or lecture content.
  1. Practice Pronunciation:
  • Use online dictionaries to listen to the pronunciation of each word.
  1. Flashcards:
  • Create flashcards to review and memorize the words.

6. Pronunciation and Oral Fluency Practice (20 Minutes)

a. Pronunciation Exercises (10 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Focus on Difficult Words:
  • Identify any words from the vocabulary list or practice sessions that are challenging.
  1. Use Online Resources:
  1. Practice Minimal Pairs:
  • Example:
    • “Ship” vs. “Sheep”
    • “Walk” vs. “Work”
  1. Tongue Twisters for Fluency:
  • “The thirty-three thieves thought that they thrilled the throne throughout Thursday.”
  • “She sells seashells by the seashore.”

b. Intonation and Stress Patterns (10 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Understand Intonation:
  • Rising and falling pitch patterns in speech.
  1. Practice Sentences:
  • Say sentences with different intonations to express statements, questions, and emotions.
  • Example:
    • “The sales increased significantly?” (Question)
    • “The sales increased significantly.” (Statement)
  1. Record and Listen:
  • Record yourself and listen for natural intonation patterns.

7. Reflection and Goal Setting (15 Minutes)

a. Self-Reflection Questions

  • Which task did you find more challenging, Describe Image or Re-tell Lecture? Why?
  • How effective were the strategies and templates you used?
  • What aspects of your speaking need improvement? (e.g., fluency, pronunciation, content)

b. Goal Setting for Tomorrow

  • Goal 1: “I will practice pronunciation of difficult words to enhance clarity.”
  • Goal 2: “I will work on reducing filler words to improve fluency.”

c. Journal Entry

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

8. Optional Extension Activity (35 Minutes)

a. Interactive Speaking Practice

  1. Join Online Speaking Sessions:
  • Platform: Zoom or Skype Language Exchange Groups
  1. Action:
  • Participate in group discussions or one-on-one sessions focusing on PTE speaking tasks.
  • Share and receive feedback from peers.

b. Analyze Sample Responses

  • Resource: PTE Academic Official Sample Responses
  • Action:
  • Listen to high-scoring sample responses for Describe Image and Re-tell Lecture.
  • Compare with your own responses and note differences.

Summary of Day 5

Today, you have:

  • Understood the Formats and Requirements of “Describe Image” and “Re-tell Lecture” Tasks.
  • Developed Techniques for Quick Analysis and Organized Responses.
  • Practiced Speaking Fluently and Confidently with Various Images and Lectures.
  • Expanded Your Vocabulary with Descriptive and Analytical Words.
  • Improved Pronunciation, Intonation, and Oral Fluency through Focused Exercises.
  • Set Personal Goals for Continuous Improvement.

Preparation for Day 6

Focus: Reading Skills – Re-order Paragraphs and Fill in the Blanks

Action Items:

  • Familiarize Yourself with Re-order Paragraphs and Fill in the Blanks Tasks.
  • Prepare to Practice Reading Comprehension and Text Organization Skills.

Additional Resources

Tips for Success

  • Practice Under Exam Conditions: Time yourself to simulate the test environment.
  • Stay Calm and Composed: Confidence reflects in your speaking.
  • Use Simple Language: Clarity is more important than using complex vocabulary.
  • Review and Reflect: Continuously assess your performance and seek improvement.

Congratulations on Completing Day 5!

By dedicating time and effort today, you’ve significantly enhanced your speaking skills, which are crucial for excelling in the PTE Academic test. Continue to build on these strategies as you progress toward achieving a perfect score.

Stay Tuned for Day 6!

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 5 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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