The Mistakes to Avoid for Getting a Higher Score in the PTE Speaking Module

The PTE Speaking module often feels challenging too many test-takers—not because it’s hard, but because small mistakes cost big marks. To help you reach your target score, here’s a clear and professional breakdown of the most common mistakes to avoid.

1. Speaking Too Fast or Too Slow

Your speed affects your fluency score. Speaking too fast can make your words unclear, and speaking too slow can lower your fluency marks. Maintain a natural, steady pace. Practice speaking aloud every day with a timer to train your rhythm.

2. Long Pauses or Repeating Words

Hesitation is a major issue in the PTE Speaking test. Long pauses, fillers like “um” or “uh,” and repeated words signal poor fluency. Practice with PTE mock test tools to improve real-time thinking and speaking flow.

3. Ignoring Intonation and Stress

Speaking in a flat tone sounds robotic. The computer scores you on how natural your speech sounds. Use stress on key words and proper intonation to show meaning and emotion. This boosts both pronunciation and fluency.

4. Poor Microphone Positioning

Your score can drop even if you speak perfectly—if your voice isn't captured clearly. Don’t put the microphone directly in front of your mouth to avoid breathing sounds. Keep it slightly to the side for better clarity.

5. Skipping Practice for the “Read Aloud” and “Repeat Sentence” Tasks

These tasks hold high weight in your overall score. Many students neglect them or think they’re easy. Don’t make that mistake. These sections need constant repetition and listening drills. Use recorded practice or tools provided by platforms like Vision Language Experts.

6. Ignoring Pronunciation Practice

Clear pronunciation is not about having an accent; it’s about being understandable. Work on common vowel and consonant sounds. Tools like speech analyzers or AI feedback in PTE software can help you correct common mistakes.

7. Failing to Follow the Instructions in “Describe Image” and “Retell Lecture”

Stick to the point. In Describe Image, don’t describe everything—focus on key features. In Retell Lecture, note keywords and structure your response in a clear, short summary.

Final Tip:

Don’t just practice randomly. Focus on avoiding these mistakes to make your preparation smarter and more efficient. Combine daily speaking drills with PTE mock tests and expert feedback for best results.

If you’re looking for guided help, Vision Language Experts offers structured speaking support, daily speaking rooms, and mock test analysis to help you improve fast.