PTE Academic Read Aloud: Text-to-speech Voice Reader

Read Aloud is the first scored item type of PTE Academic test. The PTE Read Aloud is also one of the easiest item types. However, there are certain issues that have to be kept in mind while attempting the questions. For your information, the Read Aloud task is in the Speaking and Writing part of PTE.

PTE Read Aloud- Introduction

There would be a small paragraph on the screen. The test taker is given a time of 35-40 seconds in order to practice the pronunciation. Once it is completed, another timer of 35-40 seconds is given which is called the response time. The test-taker has to read and speak the displayed text on the screen in the microphone. A person needs to complete the task before the timer ends.

6-7 such texts appear on the screen and the same procedure is followed. The next item will be displayed only after the test taker clicks to the 'NEXT' button.

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Skills assessed in PTE Read Aloud task

In the PTE Read Aloud task, two communicative skills are assessed i.e. Speaking and Reading. Also, one enabling skill which is pronunciation is also tested in the PTE Read Aloud task. 

What are the assessment criteria of the PTE Read Aloud task?

The Read Aloud task in PTE is assessed on the following three parameters. 

Oral Fluency- The oral fluency of the examinees is assessed by determining if the rhythm, phrasing and the stress given on words while speaking are smooth or not. PTE says, "The best responses are spoken at a constant and natural rate of speech with appropriate phrasing." 

Pronunciation- The pronunciation in PTE Read Aloud task is scored by determining if most regular speakers of the English language can understand the examinee's message. The words pronounced in a native-like way are scored higher. Other than this, the examinee's responses should be immediately understandable. 

Content- This parameter simply looks at whether the examinee has spoken everything displayed on the screen. It is scored by counting the number of correct words in the examinee's response. The replacement and omission of words can affect the marks.

PTE Read Aloud- How is this task scored? 

Each Read Aloud item is of 15 marks, and the segregation of the marks is as follows.



PTE Read Aloud- A sample question



The text in the above picture says:

Once you've picked a general topic for your paper, you need to come up with a thesis. Your thesis is the main and the focal point of your paper and it's the position you'll take on your particular topic. Formulating a strong thesis is one of the most important things you need to do to ace your paper.

The picture shown above is an example of the PTE Read Aloud task. 

PTE Read Aloud- Things to keep in mind before you perform the task

• Each and every assessment feature is important. Therefore, be prepared for every aspect. You can check different PTE practice tests on our website.
• Read the text displayed at your natural pace. Neither too fast, nor too slow. It should be moderate and natural.
• Do not read too slowly. If your pitch is too low, your voice might not get recorded.
• Also, do not read the text too loudly. You might disturb the other candidates.
• Improve your pronunciation. Look for the new words and listen to their correct pronunciation. Make it a habit and practice the pronunciation of difficult and big words every day.
• Learn intonation and stress. Reading Aloud is not only about speaking the text. It assesses the way you speak. Therefore, you need to know, where to pause, at which word you need to put more stress, etc.
• Work on your voice accent to eliminate mother tongue influence. Listen to the native speakers of English and have a conversation with them. Make it your habit. In this way, you can understand their accent in a better way. Also, do not try to imitate them and use a fake accent. It won't help you.
• A very important suggestion: Do not start reading before the response timer starts. If you do that, the text you have spoken before the timer started, won't be recorded.
• Another important suggestion: Don't take a pause of more than 3 seconds; the recording will stop automatically if there is no input for 3 consecutive seconds.
• While you practice for PTE Speaking, always record your own response and listen to it multiple times. In this way, you will be able to find the loopholes and can work on it.
• Never be in a hurry while speaking the content. Be calm and composed and use the initial 35-40 seconds allotted to check the words with difficult pronunciation. Try to pronounce them properly.
• Also, do not skip the content. If you have made a mistake, then do not try to rectify it. Let it go.
• Work on improving your pronunciation and oral fluency by reading newspapers and magazines loudly at home.
• Do not keep on repeating the same text even if you have read it once for the computer until the response time ends. Once you are done with your response, wait for the recording to end.
• Many students think that reading faster is important to maintain fluency. They do not focus on pronunciation and content. However, the scoring criteria clearly mention that if the content is incorrect, the item will be marked as invalid and no score will be rewarded.
• Do not hesitate and repeat the words. Also, do not try to insert new words while you speak. Only the text displayed on your screen should be spoken.