Scoring 79+ in the PTE Academic exam might sound ambitious, but it’s absolutely achievable—even on your first try. All it takes is the right strategy, targeted practice, and a deep understanding of how the test works. At ThePTEGuru.com, we’ve helped thousands of students hit their target scores, and we’re here to do the same for you.
Below are the Top 10 expert tips that can make the difference between an average score and a high one.
1.Understand the PTE Scoring System
Before you start preparing, understand how PTE scores are calculated. It’s not just about getting answers right—fluency, pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and written discourse all play a part. Some tasks contribute to more than one skill, like “Read Aloud,” which affects both Speaking and Reading.
👉 Pro Tip: Focus on tasks that carry more weight in the scoring algorithm. This includes Repeat Sentence, Write From Dictation, and Read Aloud.
2.Perfect Your Pronunciation and Fluency
The AI that scores PTE Speaking isn’t listening like a human. It picks up on rhythm, clarity, and consistency. So you don’t need a British or American accent—you need clear speech and natural pacing.
👉 Practice Tip: Use speech-to-text tools to test how clearly your words are being recognized. If the tool doesn’t understand you, chances are the PTE AI won’t either.
3.Build a Strong Vocabulary Foundation
Your vocabulary directly affects multiple sections—Reading, Writing, and Speaking. You don’t need to memorize a dictionary, but knowing academic and topic-specific words is crucial.
👉 Try This: Create your own PTE word bank with 5 new words daily. Include synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
4.Master High-Weight Tasks First
Focus your energy on the most impactful question types:
- Repeat Sentence
- Write From Dictation
- Read Aloud
- Describe Image
- Summarize Written Text
👉 Why it matters: These tasks contribute to multiple modules, so getting them right boosts your score across the board.
5.Use Proven Templates (But Don’t Sound Robotic)
Templates are incredibly helpful for tasks like Essay Writing, Describe Image, and Summarize Spoken Text. But avoid sounding mechanical. Customize them to fit the topic.
👉 Example: Instead of saying “This image is showing…” try “The illustration clearly highlights…”
6.Practice Time Management
Running out of time is a common problem in Reading and Writing. Use mock tests to simulate real timing conditions.
👉 Strategy: Don’t overthink one question. If you’re stuck for more than 30 seconds, move on and come back later.
7.Track Your Progress with Mock Tests
Take regular full-length PTE mock tests under exam-like conditions. This helps build endurance, track improvement, and expose weak spots.
👉 Recommendation: Use ThePTEGuru.com free AI-evaluated mock tests for accurate scoring.
8.Focus on Core Grammar
You don’t need to be a grammar wizard, but mistakes in sentence structure, verb tenses, and punctuation can reduce your writing and speaking scores.
👉 Quick Fix: Use Grammarly or Hemingway App during practice. And always review your written responses.
9.Repetition = Retention
Tasks like Repeat Sentence and Write From Dictation demand strong memory and sharp listening skills. Repetition helps cement patterns.
👉 Training Tip: Listen to native podcasts or YouTube videos and repeat lines verbatim. It’s an underrated but powerful method.
10.Stay Calm & Confident on Test Day
Stress and panic can undo all your preparation. Familiarize yourself with the test environment. Know what to expect, and go in with a calm, focused mind.
👉 Final Advice: Get plenty of rest before test day. A tired brain will slow you down more than any difficult question.
🔚 Final Thoughts
Scoring 79+ in the PTE Academic is a mix of strategy, smart practice, and mindset. If you follow these tips—and stay consistent—you’re giving yourself the best shot at success on your first attempt.
Need more help? Explore our free resources and mock tests on ThePTEGuru.com — your one-stop destination for everything PTE.
