PTE Read Aloud: Don't Mispronounce These 3 Sounds!

Summary

This video script is a guide for test takers preparing for the PTE read aloud task, focusing on common pronunciation pitfalls. It outlines the three main scoring criteria: content, pronunciation, and oral fluency. The script emphasizes the importance of correctly pronouncing English vowel and consonant sounds, particularly tricky ones like 'th', 'v', and 'b'. It provides practice exercises, including tongue twisters, to help improve pronunciation. The video also advises using high-quality preparation materials from E2 Language Solutions for effective PTE practice.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ Pronunciation is a critical aspect of the PTE read aloud task, where even minor mispronunciations can lead to penalties.
• 📚 On test day, candidates face 6-7 read aloud questions, requiring them to read a paragraph with up to 60 words and 2-3 sentences.
• 🎯 The PTE algorithm evaluates pronunciation based on the accurate articulation of 20 vowel sounds, 24 consonant sounds, and 144 consonant cluster sounds.
• 🌟 Three particularly challenging sounds for English language learners are 'th', 'v' and 'w', and 'p' and 'b' distinctions.
• 🔍 The 'th' sound in English has two variations: one where air is pushed out (as in 'thistle') and one where it's not (as in 'the', 'that').
• 👅 A tongue twister is used to practice the 'th' sounds: 'Three thousand thick thorny thistles thumped in the thunderstorm on Thursday.'
• ⚠️ High-quality preparation materials are essential for PTE success, as poor-quality questions can cause confusion.
• 🏫 E2's PTE preparation course is recommended for its expert-written questions and track record of helping students achieve their desired scores.
• 📈 The 'v' and 'w' sounds are often confused, especially among South Asian speakers, and must be articulated distinctly for the PTE algorithm.
• 🌐 Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern speakers often struggle with the 'p' and 'b' sounds, which are clearly differentiated to native English speakers and the PTE algorithm.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The main focus of the video script is to help test takers improve their pronunciation for the read aloud task in the PTE exam, specifically by addressing common mispronunciations.

How many read aloud questions can a test taker expect on test day?

On test day, a test taker can expect to receive six or seven read aloud questions.

What are the three main aspects the PTE algorithm scores a candidate on?

The PTE algorithm scores a candidate on content, pronunciation, and oral fluency.

What specific sounds is the PTE algorithm testing for in pronunciation?

The PTE algorithm tests for the correct pronunciation of the 20 vowel sounds, 24 consonant sounds, and 144 consonant cluster sounds in English.

What are the three particularly troublesome sounds for English language students mentioned in the script?

The three troublesome sounds are 'th' as in 'this', 'that', 'theater', 'thistle', 'something', the 'v' and 'w' distinction as in 'violin', 'vet', 'wet', 'victim', and the 'p' and 'b' distinction as in 'bp', 'bin', 'pin', 'bark', 'park'.

How does the script suggest practicing the 'th' sound?

The script suggests practicing the 'th' sound by distinguishing between the voiceless 'th' sound (as in 'thistle', 'therapy', 'theater') and the voiced 'th' sound (as in 'this', 'that', 'these'), and by doing a tongue twister.

What is the importance of using high-quality preparation materials for PTE according to the script?

The script emphasizes that using high-quality, trustworthy PTE preparation materials, like those from e2, ensures that practice questions are written by English language experts, which helps avoid confusion and improve test performance.

How can one sign up for e2 test prep as mentioned in the script?

One can sign up for e2 test prep by going to their website, clicking the start free trial button, choosing PTE, selecting a package or trying it for free, and entering their details to verify their account.

What is the difference between the 'v' and 'w' sounds that the script discusses?

The 'v' sound is made by putting the top teeth onto the bottom lip and making a humming sound before releasing, while the 'w' sound is made by rounding the lips and making a humming sound in the throat.

How does the script describe the difference between the 'p' and 'b' sounds?

The script describes the 'p' sound as having more air pushed out when pronounced, like in 'peach', while the 'b' sound has less air pushed out and is more in the throat, as in 'beach'.

What is the final piece of advice given in the script regarding practice for the PTE exam?

The final piece of advice is to use high-quality, trustworthy practice materials and to consider e2 test prep for methods, mock tests, feedback, and more.