Preparing for English proficiency exams like the PTE (Pearson Test of English) and the Duolingo English Test can feel overwhelming—but with the right strategy, resources, and mindset, you can definitely ace them! Whether you’re applying to study abroad, migrate, or boost your language skills, this guide will walk you through practical tips to help you succeed.
🎯 Understanding the Basics
🔹 PTE (Pearson Test of English)
- A computer-based academic English test.
- Assesses Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening.
- Scored on a scale of 10–90.
- Duration: ~2 hours.
🔹 Duolingo English Test
- Completely online and taken from home.
- Measures reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
- Adaptive test: questions adjust based on your answers.
- Duration: ~1 hour.
🧠 Smart Study Tips for Both Exams
1️⃣ Know the Exam Format
Understanding the structure is half the battle. Familiarize yourself with question types:
- PTE: Essay writing, re-tell lecture, fill in the blanks, highlight incorrect words, etc.
- Duolingo: Read aloud, listen and type, describe an image, write about a topic, etc.
➡️ Tip: Watch official walkthrough videos or free sample tests on the official websites.
2️⃣ Use Trusted Study Materials
Here are some recommended resources to get started:
📘 For PTE:
- The Official Guide to PTE Academic
- E2Language, PTE Tutorials, and PTE Practice (by Pearson)
- YouTube Channels: E2 PTE, ApeUni
📘 For Duolingo:
- Duolingo English Test Official Practice Site
- Test readiness videos on YouTube (e.g., TST Prep, Teacher Luke)
- Free Duolingo practice apps (Testly, DET Ready)
3️⃣ Practice with Mock Tests
Mock exams are essential for building confidence and assessing your level.
🧪 Top Mock Test Platforms:
- PTE: Pearson Official Mocks, PTE Practice App, PTE Tools
- Duolingo: Official Free Practice, DETReady.com, Union Test Prep
➡️ Pro Tip: Simulate real test conditions—no distractions, a timer, and a quiet space.
⏱️ Time Management Techniques
- Create a daily study schedule: Divide your time between skills—speaking, writing, reading, and listening.
- Set mini-goals: For example, “Complete 2 speaking exercises + 1 mock test today.”
- Track your progress: Keep a log of your weak areas and revisit them regularly.
- Use the Pomodoro technique: Study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break.
🎤 Focus on Speaking & Listening
Both tests give weight to speaking fluency and listening accuracy.
- Record yourself and listen to your tone, fluency, and pronunciation.
- Watch English TV shows, podcasts, or TED Talks and note down unfamiliar phrases.
- Use apps like Elsa Speak or Speechling to improve pronunciation.
📝 Writing & Grammar Practice
- Practice writing short essays and summaries.
- Use tools like Grammarly, Hemingway Editor, or QuillBot to refine your writing.
- Get feedback from a teacher or peer for clarity, structure, and grammar.
🌐 Real-Time Strategies During the Test
During PTE:
- Don’t leave blanks—there’s no penalty for guessing.
- Use keyboard shortcuts to save time.
- Keep an eye on the progress bar.
During Duolingo:
- Speak clearly and naturally in one go—no retakes.
- Avoid long pauses in writing/speaking.
- For writing, structure answers with an introduction, body, and conclusion, even for short responses.
💬 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re taking the PTE or the Duolingo English Test, consistency is the key to success. With regular practice, good time management, and the right resources, you can confidently reach your target score.
At Bellview Educator, we provide personalised test prep guidance, university application support, and expert counselling—so you’re not just test-ready, you’re future-ready.
Ready to begin your study abroad journey? Contact Bellview Educator for expert advice and test preparation support!