The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is more than just an eligibility requirement to study or work in English-speaking countries. It is a gateway to interact and build networks in the foreign land without having to stress over the non-fluency in English. As the PTE online test checks your English Speaking, Writing, Listening, and Reading skills, it’s essential to create a study plan that includes a mock test early in the exam.
However, many students and working professionals sitting for the exam think that mock tests are optional and do not make any big difference. Although the truth is, mock tests are the fundamental step to start the PTE exam preparation. In this blog, we’ll explore why beginning your PTE preparation with mock tests early can ensure success.
1. Better Understanding of the Exam Structure
Pearson Test of English (PTE) has a unique format that requires a first-time test taker to understand the structure practically. There are various questions, including multiple-choice, essay writing, listening to audio clips, and speaking into a microphone.
As mock tests mimic the actual exam structure, you can familiarise yourself through question types, time limit for each task and section, and the exam interface. Eventually, mock tests can develop your confidence in language skills and help you avoid the exam’s technicalities.
2. Helps You Weigh Your Strengths and Weaknesses
EnglishWise OET and PTE online mock tests help you prepare for your weaknesses and maintain your strengths in each of the English sections. When you start your preparation with the full-length mock tests early on, you will know where you are standing. Instead of spending equal time on all sections, you can focus more on areas that require improvement.
3. Manages Your Time
As each section in the PTE exam is within a time limit, it can be difficult to complete all the questions on time. Mock tests have the same time limit as that of the actual exam. This can teach you to pace yourself and work under pressure. Over time, as you take more mock tests, you can improve your chances of performing well on the actual exam.
4. Builds your Stamina
The PTE exam lasts for 2 hours. Maintaining focus and energy throughout the entire exam is challenging, especially if you are sitting for any exam after a long time. Starting with mock tests early will train your mind to stay engaged for long hours. Building this stamina is crucial for ensuring that your performance in the later sections of the exam is as strong as in the beginning.
5. Simulates Real Exam Conditions
The PTE mock test is taken on a computer and in a similar environment as the actual exam. Starting with mock tests early allows you to get accustomed to the exam environment, including the use of headphones, typing on a keyboard, and speaking into a microphone. Knowing the feeling of the actual exam day in advance can give you a comfortable space and reduce distractions during the exam.
6. Tracking Progress and Adjusting Study Plans
Qualifying for a good PTE score is the end goal which can secure your seat in abroad admissions or vacancies. Preparing through PTE mock tests can help you to track your progress, monitor scores, and see how you are improving in different sections. If you notice that your scores in a particular section aren’t improving as much as they should be, you can create a different study plan accordingly.
For instance, if your Speaking scores remain low despite your efforts, it might indicate that you will need to speak more fluently and talk to your tutor to provide more resources. Mock test results always make sure that your preparation is as efficient as possible and follows a targeted approach.
7. Reduces Exam Anxiety
Exam anxiety is a common issue among candidates who are taking the PTE test for the first time. There is a constant fear and stress to attempt questions under pressure, and without any prior preparation this stress can affect the performance on the test day. Starting with mock tests early makes the exam process more familiar.
As you become more habitual to the exam format, timing, and environment through regular PTE mock test, the fear of the unknown diminishes. You’ll feel more confident in your ability to handle the exam, which can significantly reduce anxiety on test day. As you’re able to approach the exam with a calm and focused mindset, you will become confident and perform to your level best.
8. Maximises Your PTE Score
Ultimately, the goal of taking PTE mock tests early is to maximise your final score. The more you practise, the more familiar you become with the exam, and the better strategy you can make to approach the exam. Early exposure to mock tests allows you to refine your skills, improve your weaknesses, and build the confidence to excel the PTE exam.
Regular practice with mock tests helps you to pick the right strategy and see through the techniques to give your best on the exam date. By the time you sit for the actual exam, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to expect, how to manage your time, and how to approach each question type.
9. Improves Your Chances of Getting a Better Score Than Others
There is a constant competition for aiming for the top PTE scores which makes it obvious that you will need to refine your preparation to beat the competition. Starting your first free PTE mock test allows you to stay ahead of the curve. As scores of mock tests prepare your skills for better results, you will also gain an advantage over others who are starting to take the mock tests much later.
This early start also gives you more time to address any unexpected challenges that may arise during your preparation. Whether it’s difficulty with a particular section or the need for additional resources, starting early ensures that you have ample time to overcome these obstacles without the added pressure of a looming exam date.
10. Ensures a Well-Rounded Preparation
Starting with PTE mock tests early ensures that your preparation is well-rounded. It’s easy to focus too much on one aspect of the exam, such as grammar or vocabulary, at the expense of other important skills like speaking or listening. Mock tests force you to practise all sections of the exam regularly, ensuring that you develop a balanced skill set.
Practising all sections equally through mock tests can increase your chances of performing consistently well across the board and get the highest scores possible.
Final Words
We hope you liked reading this blog. As much as your own strategy and techniques can help you to get best scores in PTE online exam, making mock tests a part of the strategy can give a competitive edge. PTE mock tests help you understand the exam structure, identify strengths and weaknesses, improve time managing skills, build stamina, familiarise you with the real exam conditions, track progress, reduce anxiety, and ultimately maximise your score.
Taking regular mock tests into your study plan from the beginning is the need of the hour if you want to give yourself the chance of excelling in the PTE exam. Schedule your first trial classes with a PTE coaching centre like English Wise today to learn more.