Read Aloud is among the most important sections in the Pearson Test of English Examinations, carrying 44.3 marks in the Speaking Section. Here, the test-takers are required to read a short passage aloud. It assesses your ability to read and speak clearly, fluently, and accurately. In this Expert Guide, PTE Success Online will provide a complete overview of achieving the highest possible score in Read Aloud, along with secret tips and strategies used by the highest scorers to ace their Read Aloud section. PTE Success Online is the fastest-growing PTE platform in Australia, with 10+ years of experience and a 98% success rate for 1000+ students. We have helped students with no prior English background achieve their dream PTE score. Our 20+ instructors assist you every step of the way, as we guarantee your PTE.
How do I prepare to read aloud?
Read Aloud is the initial question of the test. You will encounter a written passage on the screen. The passage can be a paragraph, a short text, a story, or cover topics such as current affairs, everyday scenarios, and academic subjects. The section also includes expressions, technical terms, and tough vocabulary used in academic or professional contexts. According to the Official Pearson Guide, you shall have 6-7 minutes to answer the questions, which can contain up to 60 words. In the limited amount of time to read and understand the text, a recording timer begins where you ought to start reading aloud. Reading aloud requires good knowledge of the English language, accent, and dictation obtained by consuming English resources such as magazines, movies, YouTube videos, and more.
Tips for the Read Aloud section
Our PTE experts have listed 10 of the most unique and secret tips, tricks, and strategies to ace the read-aloud section of the PTE exam:
Chunking Technique
Instead of reading word by word, try to chunk the passage into meaningful phrases or clauses. It helps to maintain a natural flow of speech and reduces the chances of stumbling over individual words.
Visualize the passage.
Before you start reading aloud, take a moment to visualize the content of the passage in your mind. Get an idea of the flow of information, along with the idea and structure of the passage.
Use hand gestures.
It is an underrated trick, but it should be used. Always use hand gestures while reading aloud, as it increases your engagement with the content. Use these gestures to illustrate concepts and put focus on key points to make the reading more passionate and effective.
Practice Pausing
Pausing is the secret sauce to obtaining the best read-aloud marks. Always use short pauses for commas and longer pauses for periods or paragraph
breaks. Pauses convey that the test-taker is professional and ease the follow-along process.
Vocal Variation
Vary your pitch, tone, and volume while reading aloud to make your speech better. Add emphasis on important words and phrases and convey the importance of words and context in the passage.
Record your read-aloud
Practicing is the key to success in the PTE examination. Record yourself while practicing read-aloud tasks, and listen to the recordings to understand your strengths and weaknesses. Observe your accent, emphasis, pauses, stress, intonation, and other elements and change them as you see fit.
Read silently first.
Quickly skim through the passage silently before reading it aloud. It is an obvious one.
Focus on stress and intonation.
Effective use of stress patterns and intonation of sentences while reading aloud is the sign of a great English speaker. Even native speakers struggle
with stress and intonation. Try to emphasize the stressed syllables in the word and use rising and falling intonation patterns.
What are the scoring criteria for the read-aloud section?
The read-aloud question in the PTE examination is worth 44.3 marks out of the overall 360 marks. A test-taker is given 6-7 minutes to read aloud the text provided.
Common read-aloud passages
The common read-aloud passages are as follows:
- Education
- Technology
- Environment
- Health
- Economy
- Science
- Arts and Culture
- Society
- Travel and tourism
- History and heritage
Read-aloud samples
Sample A: On Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) represents a burgeoning field of computer science dedicated to creating systems capable of mimicking human intelligence and
problem-solving abilities autonomously. Widely deployed in applications ranging from autonomous vehicles to medical diagnostics, AI’s potential is vast. However, concerns persist regarding the ethical implications and the potential for AI to surpass human control, necessitating ongoing scrutiny and regulation.
Sample B: On Philosophy
Philosophy, a discipline as ancient as human thought itself, engages in the rigorous examination of fundamental questions concerning existence,
knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Through critical analysis and logical reasoning, philosophers explore the complexities of the human experience and endeavor to derive meaningful insights into the nature of reality and the principles guiding human conduct.
Sample C: On Corruption
Corruption, a pervasive societal malady, denotes the abuse of entrusted power for personal gain, often at the expense of ethical standards and
public welfare. Manifesting in various forms such as bribery, embezzlement, and nepotism, corruption erodes trust in institutions, distorts economic markets, and impedes societal progress. Combating corruption demands robust legal frameworks, institutional transparency, and unwavering ethical leadership.
Note: The above samples are AI-generated and developed to practice the read-aloud section.
How long is the read-aloud task?
The read-aloud section can take 6-7 minutes, depending on your proficiency in the English language.
Conclusion
In the PTE Speaking Section, the Read Aloud Task is worth 44.3 marks. To excel in the PTE exam, you must focus on areas for improving your speaking. PTE Success Online provides 5-star-rated tips and tricks along with coaching to tackle the read-aloud section. You will need to be well- prepared for the PTE Academic Test. Always consider and improve your speaking, vocal variation, and stress patterns. Through our coaching, we
guarantee that you will excel in the PTE exam.
