Pearson recently introduced scoring changes for 2024, reshaping how content is assessed in sections like Describe Image and Retell Lecture. Test takers need to adapt quickly to these adjustments, especially those accustomed to using non-academic templates. This guide provides a detailed look at the new scoring updates, common concerns and strategies for success with PTE Study Centre.
Critical Changes in PTE Scoring for 2024
PTE’s 2024 scoring changes bring specific updates in assessment, particularly with human evaluators for specific tasks. Pearson now requires human assessors to review responses in Describe Image and Retell Lecture, ensuring authenticity in each response.
Key updates include:
- Template and Memorization Impact: Responses relying soley on memorized templates now risk receiving a content score of zero
- Content Score Consequence: A content score of zero means a zero for the overall task score affecting the total PTE score
- Emphasis on Originality: Only original responses enable accurate scoring across fluency and pronunciation
These changes highlight the need for authentic responses and a refined approach to task completion.
Under the new scoring system, Describe Image and Retell Lecture tasks face stricter evaluation to prevent templated responses from achieving high scores. Using pre-learned templates or memorized phrases with no meaningful content, now risks a zero in the content score affecting the total score for each task. Authenticity is now essential and only original content ensures accurate scoring across fluency and pronunciation.
Main Concerns for Test Takers
For many students, the new rules mean non-academic templates will no longer be effective in achieving a high score. This shift may increase the challenge of reaching the target PTE score especially for those accustomed to memorization strategies only.
The PTE Study Centre is proud to inform that our templates remain effective in addressing these changes. Known for its academic approach to PTE preparation, the Centre’s strategies remain effective in the new scoring environment. Here’s how:
- Academic Template Update: The Centre’s academic templates have always prioritized meaningful, genuine content while maintaining a natural response style. With an allocated $15,000 R&D budget, we are now further validating this approach by assessing the impact of the recent changes and enhancing our innovative “Random Dynamic Template” strategy, designed by PTE Study Centre to help students achieve a perfect score of 90 in PTE
- Increased Content Focus: For PTE Study Centre students, authenticity and originality are even more crucial. Trainers now focus more on providing training and feedback to help students produce more meaningful content with ease
This structured approach ensures students are better prepared and can confidently face the PTE exam.
To ensure students are well-prepared under the new PTE scoring system, the PTE Study Centre has allocated a $15,000 R&D budget to review and determine the real impact of these changes. We are confident in our current approach and have nothing to adapt. Here’s what’s next:
- Random Dynamic Template: The Centre is validating its innovative “Random Dynamic Template” approach that aims to secure high scores.
- Special Training Session: A special session with PTE experts is scheduled for November 7, 2024 to discuss strategies and changes in scoring
- Enhanced Training Time: Trainers are now dedicating more time to Describe Image and Retell Lecture during one-on-one sessions
With these proportionate measures, the PTE Study Centre ensures its students are well-prepared to excel under the updated scoring system.
The 2024 PTE scoring changes bring a fresh perspective on content evaluation. As students adapt, PTE Study Centre remains committed to supporting them through validation of our existing templates, increased training hours, and strategic planning.
By focusing on authentic content and personalized feedback, students can confidently prepare to achieve their desired scores.
