How to answer this question type
For this item type, you need to read a written text aloud.
Firstly, in the recording box, a countdown will appear until the microphone opens. You have to read the text and prepare within 30-40 seconds. After that, you will get an audio signal, after which you will have to begin speaking straight away. Bear in mind, you should speak after the microphone opens.
Things you need to remember:
- You should speak clearly and slowly
- Finish speaking before the progress bar reaches the end. The display will change from “Recording” to “Completed”.
- You only have one chance to record your response
Warning: Remaining silent longer than 3 seconds stop the recording.
Some Tips:
- Use punctuations to know where to pause while reading
- Emphasize the words that are important
Read Aloud – Scoring Mechanism:
The scoring depends on three factors:
- Content: Does your response include all the words that contain the reading text?
The number of correct words in your response determines the content score. Word substitutions, insertions, and omissions will affect your score. - Oral fluency: Do you have a smooth, easy, and natural tempo of speech in your response?
Your oral fluency will be scored if your rhythm, phrasing, and emphasis are seamless. With proper phrasing, the finest replies are delivered at a steady and natural rhythm. If you hesitate, repeat, or make incorrect starts, your score will be lowered. - Pronunciation: Does your response indicate your ability to produce speech sounds similarly to most native speakers of the language?
Majority of native speakers should understand your speech easily. The top replies have native-like vowels and consonants, as well as appropriately stressed sentences and phrases. A native speaker of the language should be able to comprehend the responses right away.
PTE Academic acknowledges regional and national variations of English pronunciation to the extent that they are comprehensible to the majority of native English speakers.
Some Notes:
- This item type has an impact on reading, speaking, oral fluency, and pronunciation scores.
- This item type does not test your listening or writing abilities.
- Download the Score Guide for additional details.
- You can also practice this question type in our AI Portal-AIWAS Plus.
