Time and circumstance don’t always allow a lengthy preparation for all the sections of the examination or PTE Academics. Is it all lost if the test taker only has 7 days of preparation or a high score can still be attained within a short period of time? There are many factors to consider before pressuring oneself into writing an examination with little preparation time. Some of the factors include the test taker’s English proficiency before the test, preparation material, number of hours the test take can dedicate on a regular basis, etc.

Writing communicative skills comprises of two questions namely essay writing and summarize the written text. However, some questions from other sections of the test contribute marks towards the writing section. These questions include fill in the blanks from the reading and writing sections, write from dictation and summarize the spoken text. The writing skills also contribute marks towards the following enabling skills: spelling, grammar, vocabulary and written discourse.

Understanding the test format of questions contributing marks towards writing skills

 Essay writing – The test taker has to write a 200-300 words long academic essay in 20 minutes.

 Summarizing written text assesses reading and writing. The task is to summarize 300 words written text displayed on the screen in 10 minutes in a single line of 5-75 words.

 Summarize spoken text assesses listening and writing. The task is to summarize the content of the audio in 50-70 words. At the end of the audio, the test taker has 60-90 seconds to deliver their response.

 Fill in the blanks (listening) assesses listening and writing skills. There will be a passage with blank spaces. The task is to fill in the blanks in 30-60 seconds with appropriate words learned from the content of the audio.

 Write from dictation assesses listening and writing skills. The task is to type the exact content of the audio in 3-5 seconds.

 Fill in the blanks a written text with missing words is displayed on the screen and below the text are various words from which the test taker has to select a right answer by dragging it to the blank space.

Ways to improve writing in a weeks

1. Stick to the specified word count
The writing has specified word count which needs to be followed to avoid losing marks. In the essay writing, the requirement is to write a 200-300 words long essay. In summarize the written text, the test taker has to summarize a 300-word long passage in 5-75 words. Finally in summarize spoken task, the specific word count is 50-70 words. Any word count below or above the specified word count results in loss of marks so there is no need not to follow instruction to the letter.

Avoid long sentences

Unless you have a good command of the English language that is native-like, try as much to avoid long sentences. Long sentences are prone to grammatical errors, spelling and punctuation mistakes of which lead to losing marks for both enabling and communicative skills. Moreover, the PTE Academic scoring machine cannot evaluate long sentences effectively. It is important to write sentences of average length.

 Understand how the writing section is scored

To avoid losing marks unnecessarily, it is highly recommended to carefully read and understand the scoring guide. This also applies to other sections of the test. Knowing the score criteria leads to answer that covers all the important points increasing chances of scoring high marks. It also helps save time by eliminating statements that do not contribute any marks.

Concentrate on other section as well

As can be seen from the test format, the reading and writing sections also affect the writing section. The sections are related which means improving one section affects other sections as well. For example, when you practice reading, you improve vocabulary and other reading skills. Vocabulary is important in all the writing section question since a good vocabulary leads to better content and more marks.

Learn typical essay questions popular in the PTE Academics

The essay question differs yearly but the type of essays, the format and the structure remains the same. The example of essay types includes “do you agree or disagree” essay, “do you think” essay, “the benefits and problem” essay, etc. Learning how to approach the different type of essay questions and how they should be structured is very important. The test taker also needs to understand how the essay is scored to maximize the chances of obtaining a high score.

Practice mock tests

There is a variety study material available either free or as a paid package. Whichever package the test taker decides to use for practice, provides a good chance to be accustomed to the real examination. Mock tests are structured in a similar manner as the PTE Academics in terms of question and sections sequence and timing help the test taker to be comfortable with the test conditions.

A lot of online PTE Academics platforms have an option to evaluate the mock test and provide the test taker with a scorecard. It is at the best interest to get an expert evaluated score before taking the real test to gauge your progress. Moreover, it will help you identify areas that need improvement and help you make a better decision about whether to proceed or reschedule the test.

 Practice

Practice leads to perfection but there has to be a clear strategy of how to go on about this. Don’t sit all day writing essays like a robot. Using the PTE Academics score guide to understand the test format and the score criteria should help you formulate a clear strategy. To have direction in your preparation will help calm you down and reduce, anxiety and unnecessary stress. Keep your scoring guide with you and refer to it during your practice if you want to obtain high marks.

 Leave a few minutes to read your written work and to correct any mistakes.