PTE speaking

General Dos and Don’ts

DO:

Use language and delivery appropriate to the level of the test (not necessarily the level of the test taker). Broadly speaking:

1. At levels L1 and 1 speak slowly and clearly in short sentences emphasizing key words;

2. At levels 2 and 3 speak clearly at natural speed, as appropriate when speaking to a stranger who may not speak your language fluently;

3. At levels 4 and 5 speak in a completely natural way making no concessions to the fact that the test taker is not a native speaker.

DO let the test taker do the talking as much as possible. The less you intervene the more test taker talking time there will be.
DO maintain a relaxed posture so that test taker does not feel rushed.

DO acknowledge the test taker’s contributions by nods and affirmative gestures (back-channeling), but avoid giving reinforcing messages that the test taker might interpret as evaluating their performance: “Right”, “OK” and “Thank you” are permissible; not “good!” or “excellent”.