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How I Scored 85 in PTE: My Experience and Tips

Updated: 1 day ago

🧲 Title (short, outcome-focused, clickable)

PTE Triumph: 65 Target to 85 Overall in 3 Weeks — My Prep Playbook

⚡ Hook (2–3 lines)

I aimed for a modest 65 on the PTE and ended up with an 85 overall after just three weeks of focused, strategic prep. Here’s what actually moved the needle, and what I’d tweak next time.

📌 PTE Snapshot (People-like-me)

  • 🎯 Goal:

Target 65; ended with 85 overall.

  • 🌍 Context:

Took the PTE at a Pearson review center; COVID-19 safety protocols in place; small room with 7–8 candidates.

  • 🗓️ Timeline:

About 3 weeks of daily study; plan switched from in-person to online due to the pandemic.

  • ⛓️ Constraints:

COVID-19 restrictions, online-to-offline transition, limited test-day distractions in a quiet center.

  • Outcome:

Surpassed the goal (85 overall); strong performance across sections thanks to structured practice and day-of strategies.

  • 🧾 Evidence:

Present — “Overall 85” as stated in the experience; no detailed section-by-section breakdown provided.

🧭 The Journey (What happened)

I approached the PTE with a clear target and a plan that could shake out under exam conditions. After the initial decision to pivot to online study because of COVID-19, I settled into three weeks of daily effort. I used E2Language for structured lessons and mock tests, appreciating its detailed strategies for each task type. YouTube videos of free PTE mocks were a supplement, helping me understand the test format and common pitfalls.

The core of my prep focused on precision and pacing. I earmarked high-impact tasks—Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, and Write from Dictation—and built practice routines around them. This wasn’t about cramming every possible question type; it was about mastering the format and timing so I didn’t waste precious seconds during the real test.

Test day brought its own adjustments. I chose a Pearson center that was mindful of safety protocols—hand sanitization, social distancing, and a quiet testing room. With only a handful of candidates in the room, there was less chaos to distract me, which helped me stay calm as the clock started ticking.

During the Speaking section, my focus was on fluency and clarity. I learned to click Next promptly after finishing to avoid the recorder catching breaths or pauses that could skew perception. I also spent time ensuring my headset and microphone were calibrated so the speaking input was clean and audible.

For Writing, I refused the temptation of last-minute edits. I allocated enough time to draft and then review without rushing, which paid off when I looked over my work with a clear head.

The 10-minute break in the middle of the test became a mini reset. I relaxed, re-centered, and returned to the remaining sections with renewed focus. The overall strategy wasn’t glamorous, but it worked because I treated the test like a legitimate, timed performance and stuck to my prepared templates and timing.

Common mistakes I avoided included rushing through questions, overthinking, and neglecting mock tests. The opposite approach—consistent practice with realistic timing, plus concrete templates for tasks—made the difference between guessing and knowing.

In the end, the score reflected consistent, strategic practice and a calm, exam-day routine. The process reinforced the idea that genuine familiarity with the test format, regular practice, and practical strategies can propel your score much higher than a simple night-before cram.

💡 What Worked (Xperify Insights)

✅ Insight #1 (Practice under exam-like conditions)

Why it worked: Mock tests mirrored real timing and pressure, so you’re not surprised on game day.

Do this next 👇

  • Schedule at least 2 full-length mocks per week during your final weeks.

  • Simulate test-day conditions (quiet space, timer, no pauses).

  • Record your speaking to check pacing and pronunciation.

  • Review answers within a strict time window.

  • Track trends (which sections improved vs. stalled) and adjust focus.

  • Use official task order to rehearse transitions.

Works best when: You have enough time to iterate on mistakes.

Might not work when: You skip mocks or skip review after mistakes.

Evidence note: Present — Mentioned use of E2Language and mock tests to build format familiarity.

✅ Insight #2 (Prioritize high-impact tasks)

Why it worked: Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, and Write from Dictation drive large portions of the score.

Do this next 👇

  • Identify your current weaknesses in these three tasks.

  • Create quick templates for each task to speed setup during the exam.

  • Practice with timed drills focusing on accuracy first, speed second.

  • Use short, varied passages to build robust technique.

  • Revisit mistakes weekly to avoid repetition.

  • Keep a simple checklist to stay steady during the test.

Works best when: You have limited study time but need big gains.

Might not work when: You try to cram all sections equally without specialization.

Evidence note: Present — Explicit emphasis on high-impact tasks in the preparation narrative.

✅ Insight #3 (Dial in test-day gear and room settings)

Why it worked: Clean audio and minimal distractions reduce cognitive load during Speaking.

Do this next 👇

  • Test headset and mic in advance; run a quick recording test.

  • Position microphone consistently and check for environmental noise.

  • Have a backup plan for any tech hiccups (alternative headset, quiet space).

  • Practice speaking with your own setup so you’re comfortable.

  • Sit in a calm, distraction-free spot during prep to mimic test-day focus.

Works best when: You’re sensitive to audio quality or have prior sound issues.

Might not work when: You skip the equipment check.

Evidence note: Present — The plan included adjusting headset/mic and staying calm during Speaking.

✅ Insight #4 (Structured patience in Writing)

Why it worked: Avoiding last-minute edits preserved the integrity of ideas and timing.

Do this next 👇

  • Write first, edit later; allocate a fixed review window.

  • Use a simple rubric to judge writing quality (coherence, grammar, accuracy, timing).

  • Keep templates for common question types to speed writing.

  • Practice under time pressure to build speed without sacrificing quality.

  • Reassess writing after a short break to gain perspective.

Works best when: You’re confident in your writing but need time management.

Might not work when: You over-edit in the final minutes.

Evidence note: Present — Advice to avoid last-minute edits and reserve time for review.

✅ Insight #5 (Regular, focused practice beats cramming)

Why it worked: Daily consistency built long-term retention and test-day confidence.

Do this next 👇

  • Commit to a daily 60–90 minute block with a clear focus.

  • Alternate days between different skills to avoid burnout.

  • Use short, targeted drills on weaker areas.

  • Track progress weekly and recalibrate goals.

  • Include one full mock every week in the final phase.

Works best when: You can sustain a steady routine.

Might not work when: You skip days or switch too frequently between tasks.

Evidence note: Present — The user practiced almost every day over three weeks and leaned on structured resources.

🗓️ 7-Day Mini Plan (simple + realistic)

  • Day 1:

Baseline mock test; identify top three weak areas; set target improvements.

  • Day 2:

Focus on Read Aloud and Repeat Sentence; timed drills; record and review.

  • Day 3:

Write from Dictation practice; templates for common prompts.

  • Day 4:

Full listening/reading drills; track pace vs. accuracy.

  • Day 5:

Full mock test; simulate exam-day environment.

  • Day 6:

Review mock results; refine templates; fix microphone/setup.

  • Day 7:

Light practice; mental readiness; confirm test-day logistics.

🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Rushing through questions or not pacing yourself.

  • Overthinking or deviating from your prepared templates.

  • Ignoring regular mock tests and progress reviews.

  • Editing too aggressively in Writing at the last minute.

  • Failing to calibrate audio equipment or neglecting tech checks.

  • Underestimating the importance of a calm, focused test-day routine.

  • Assuming all sections require equal emphasis without data-driven prioritization.

  • Not building a concrete plan for the Speaking and Writing sections.

🧠 If You're Like Me…

Three weeks sounds short, but with a disciplined routine and a few key strategies, you can outperform your initial goal. Stay patient, trust your templates, and treat the test day like a performance you’ve rehearsed for—not a mystery you’re hoping to solve in the moment.

🔎 Provenance

  • Source platform: Youtube

  • Posted date: 2020-06-13

  • Author: Jennifer Terri

  • Transformation note: This is a rewritten, structured summary for learning; original credit remains with the author.

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