Day 9

PTE Academic Preparation Course – Day 9

Achieve Your Perfect Score of 90 in PTE Academic

Welcome to Day 9 of your comprehensive PTE Academic preparation journey. Today’s focus is on enhancing your Speaking Skills, specifically the “Answer Short Question” task and improving your Oral Fluency. You will learn strategies to respond accurately and quickly to short questions, as well as techniques to improve your overall fluency and pronunciation.

Objectives

  • Understand the “Answer Short Question” Task Format
  • Develop Quick Thinking and Accurate Response Skills
  • Practice Oral Fluency through Various Speaking Exercises
  • Expand Vocabulary with Commonly Asked Topics
  • Improve Pronunciation and Intonation

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
  • Recording Device or Software (e.g., Smartphone, Audacity)
  • Dictionary or Thesaurus

Schedule and Activities

1. Understanding the “Answer Short Question” Task Format (20 Minutes)

a. Task Format Overview

  • Instructions:
  • You will hear a question that is brief, typically one sentence.
  • You need to provide a short, accurate answer, usually one or a few words.
  • The questions cover a wide range of general knowledge topics.
  • Scoring Criteria:
  • Content: Correct and precise answer.
  • Oral Fluency: Smoothness of speech without hesitation.
  • Pronunciation: Clarity and correctness of speech sounds.

b. Watch Instructional Video

  • Video Title: “PTE Speaking: Answer Short Question Tips and Strategies”
  • Channel: E2 PTE Academic
  • Link: PTE Answer Short Question Strategies (Note: Replace with actual URL)
  • Duration: 15 minutes

Action: Take detailed notes on strategies, such as listening carefully to the question, understanding common question types, and providing concise answers.

2. Developing Quick Thinking and Accurate Response Skills (30 Minutes)

a. Familiarizing with Common Topics (15 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Review Common Categories:
  • Science and Technology
  • Geography
  • Arts and Literature
  • History
  • Everyday Objects and Activities
  • Academic Terms
  1. Sample Questions and Answers:
  • Question: “What do we call a person who writes novels?”
    • Answer: “Novelist”
  • Question: “What instrument is used to measure temperature?”
    • Answer: “Thermometer”
  • Question: “Which planet is known as the Red Planet?”
    • Answer: “Mars”
  1. Action:
  • Write down at least two sample questions and answers for each category.
  • Familiarize yourself with the vocabulary and concepts.

b. Quick Response Practice (15 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Use Flashcards:
  • Create flashcards with questions on one side and answers on the other.
  • Go through the flashcards, attempting to answer each question promptly.
  1. Timed Practice:
  • Set a timer for 5 seconds per question to simulate test conditions.
  • Aim to answer within this time frame.
  1. Practice Questions:
  • Question: “What is the main language spoken in Australia?”
    • Answer: “English”
  • Question: “What do we call the organ that pumps blood through the body?”
    • Answer: “Heart”
  • Question: “What gas do plants absorb from the atmosphere?”
    • Answer: “Carbon dioxide”
  1. Record Your Responses:
  • Use your recording device to capture your answers.
  • Play back to assess your fluency and pronunciation.

3. Practicing “Answer Short Question” Task (40 Minutes)

a. Extensive Practice with Sample Questions (30 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Use Online Resources:
  1. Practice Questions:
  • Set 1:
    • Question: “What do we call a doctor who specializes in the heart?”
    • Answer: “Cardiologist”
    • Question: “Which element has the chemical symbol ‘O’?”
    • Answer: “Oxygen”
    • Question: “What is the term for a baby frog?”
    • Answer: “Tadpole”
  • Set 2:
    • Question: “What is the largest continent on Earth?”
    • Answer: “Asia”
    • Question: “In what subject would you study supply and demand?”
    • Answer: “Economics”
    • Question: “What do we call the person who plays a musical instrument professionally?”
    • Answer: “Musician”
  1. Simulate Test Conditions:
  • Listen to each question only once.
  • Provide your answer promptly.
  • Limit your response to one or a few words.
  1. Record and Review:
  • Record your answers.
  • Listen to check for accuracy, fluency, and pronunciation.

b. Self-Assessment and Improvement (10 Minutes)

  • Review Incorrect Answers:
  • Identify questions you answered incorrectly.
  • Research and understand the correct answers.
  • Analyze Hesitations:
  • Note any hesitations or pauses.
  • Practice those specific questions again to improve response time.
  • Pronunciation Check:
  • Ensure your pronunciation is clear.
  • Use online dictionaries to listen to the correct pronunciation if needed.

4. Enhancing Oral Fluency through Speaking Exercises (30 Minutes)

a. Shadowing Technique Practice (15 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Select Audio Material:
  1. Shadowing Steps:
  • Listen: Play the audio and listen carefully.
  • Repeat: Play the audio again, this time speaking along with the speaker.
  • Focus: Mimic the speaker’s speed, intonation, and rhythm.
  1. Practice Sessions:
  • Session 1: Focus on short sentences.
  • Session 2: Practice with longer passages.
  1. Benefits:
  • Improves pronunciation and rhythm.
  • Enhances listening skills.

b. Tongue Twisters for Fluency (15 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Select Tongue Twisters:
  • “Red lorry, yellow lorry.”
  • “Unique New York.”
  • “The sixth sick sheik’s sixth sheep’s sick.”
  • “Can you can a can as a canner can can a can?”
  1. Practice Steps:
  • Start Slowly: Focus on articulating each sound clearly.
  • Increase Speed Gradually: As you become more comfortable, speed up.
  • Repeat Multiple Times: Practice each tongue twister several times.
  1. Record Yourself:
  • Listen to your recordings to identify areas for improvement.
  1. Focus Areas:
  • Pronunciation: Accurate production of sounds.
  • Fluency: Smooth flow without unnecessary pauses.
  • Articulation: Clear enunciation of words.

5. Vocabulary Building (20 Minutes)

a. Commonly Asked Topics and Vocabulary

  1. Categories and Key Terms:
  • Science and Nature:
    • Photosynthesis, gravity, evolution, ecosystem, molecule.
  • Technology:
    • Algorithm, software, innovation, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence.
  • Geography:
    • Hemisphere, equator, archipelago, peninsula, plateau.
  • Arts and Literature:
    • Genre, protagonist, metaphor, renaissance, abstract.
  • Economics and Business:
    • Inflation, revenue, equity, entrepreneurship, globalization.
  1. Activities:
  • Write Definitions:
    • Define each term in your own words.
  • Create Sentences:
    • Use each word in a sentence relevant to its category.
  • Flashcards:
    • Create flashcards with the term on one side and definition on the other.

b. Synonyms and Antonyms Practice

Instructions:

  1. Select Words:
  • Choose words from the vocabulary list.
  1. Find Synonyms and Antonyms:
  • Example:
    • Word: Innovation
    • Synonym: Invention
    • Antonym: Stagnation
  1. Create a Table:
  • Organize the words, synonyms, and antonyms for easy review.
  1. Use in Context:
  • Write sentences using the synonyms and antonyms to deepen understanding.

6. Improving Pronunciation and Intonation (20 Minutes)

a. Pronunciation Practice (10 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Identify Challenging Sounds:
  • Th Sounds: /θ/ as in “think”, /ð/ as in “this”.
  • V and W Sounds: /v/ as in “vet”, /w/ as in “wet”.
  • R and L Sounds: /r/ as in “right”, /l/ as in “light”.
  1. Practice Words:
  • Th Sounds:
    • “Thought”, “those”, “thumb”, “weather”.
  • V and W Sounds:
    • “Very”, “worry”, “vine”, “wine”.
  • R and L Sounds:
    • “Road”, “load”, “write”, “light”.
  1. Use Minimal Pairs:
  • Example:
    • “Right” vs. “Light”
    • “Vest” vs. “West”
  1. Record and Listen:
  • Pay attention to the differences and ensure clarity.

b. Intonation Practice (10 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Understand Intonation Patterns:
  • Rising intonation for questions.
  • Falling intonation for statements.
  1. Practice Sentences:
  • Questions:
    • “Are you coming to the party?”
  • Statements:
    • “She is going to the store.”
  1. Emphasizing Key Words:
  • Stress important words in a sentence to convey meaning.
  • Example:
    • “I didn’t say he stole the money.” (Emphasize different words each time to change the meaning.)
  1. Record Yourself:
  • Listen to ensure natural intonation and rhythm.

7. Reflection and Goal Setting (15 Minutes)

a. Self-Reflection Questions

  • How comfortable do you feel with the ‘Answer Short Question’ task after today’s practice?
  • What challenges did you face in responding quickly and accurately?
  • Which pronunciation or fluency exercises were most beneficial for you?

b. Goal Setting for Tomorrow

  • Goal 1: “I will practice additional ‘Answer Short Question’ exercises to improve my response time.”
  • Goal 2: “I will focus on mastering difficult pronunciation sounds to enhance clarity.”

c. Journal Entry

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

8. Optional Extension Activity (35 Minutes)

a. Interactive Speaking Practice

  1. Join Online Speaking Platforms:
  • Platform: Italki or HelloTalk
  1. Action:
  • Engage in conversational practice with native speakers.
  • Request them to ask you general knowledge questions.
  1. Benefits:
  • Enhances spontaneous speaking skills.
  • Provides real-time feedback.

b. Engage with English Media

  • Watch English Quiz Shows:
  • Examples: “Jeopardy!”, “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”
  • Action:
  • Try to answer the questions posed in the shows.
  • Pay attention to the pronunciation and vocabulary used.

Summary of Day 9

Today, you have:

  • Understood the Format and Requirements of the “Answer Short Question” Task.
  • Developed Quick Thinking and Accurate Response Skills through Extensive Practice.
  • Enhanced Oral Fluency with Speaking Exercises like Shadowing and Tongue Twisters.
  • Expanded Your Vocabulary with Commonly Asked Topics and Terms.
  • Improved Pronunciation and Intonation through Focused Practice.
  • Set Personal Goals for Continuous Improvement.

Preparation for Day 10

Focus: Listening Skills – Fill in the Blanks and Highlight Incorrect Words

Action Items:

  • Familiarize Yourself with Listening Fill in the Blanks and Highlight Incorrect Words Tasks.
  • Prepare to Practice Listening for Specific Information and Details.

Additional Resources

  • Speaking Practice:
  • PTE Academic Official Practice Tests: Practice Speaking Tasks
  • Pronunciation Apps:
  • ELSA Speak: ELSA Speak App
  • Benefits: Provides instant feedback on pronunciation.
  • Vocabulary Apps:
  • Quizlet: Create and study vocabulary flashcards.

Tips for Success

  • Practice Regularly: Consistency helps improve response time and accuracy.
  • Stay Calm and Focused: Don’t let unfamiliar questions unsettle you.
  • Expand Your General Knowledge: Read widely on various topics.
  • Listen Actively: Improve your listening skills to understand questions better.
  • Pronunciation Matters: Clear speech enhances understanding and scoring.

Congratulations on Completing Day 9!

By dedicating time and effort today, you’ve significantly enhanced your speaking skills, particularly in responding quickly and accurately to short questions. Keep building on these strategies as you progress toward achieving a perfect score in the PTE Academic test.

Stay Tuned for Day 10!

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 9 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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