Prepare yourself for the Preliminary English Test 2016 with our comprehensive guide. This test is designed to assess your English proficiency in listening, reading, writing, and speaking for academic and professional purposes. We’ll delve into every aspect of the exam, providing you with strategies, tips, and tricks to ace each section.
Reading
The Reading section tests your ability to understand written English. You’ll face three long texts, with six questions for each. These texts cover a range of topics, including humanities, science, and social sciences.
- Strategy: Read the texts carefully, identifying the main idea and supporting evidence. Underline key words and phrases that help you understand the context.
- Tips: Practice reading academic and non-fiction texts to build your comprehension skills. Time yourself to improve your reading speed and accuracy.
Writing
The Writing section evaluates your ability to express yourself clearly and effectively in written English. You’ll have two tasks:
1. Summarizing: Write a 100-word summary of a given text.
- Strategy: Identify the main points of the text and organize them coherently. Use your own words and avoid copying directly from the source.
- Tips: Practice summarizing different types of texts and get feedback from a tutor or teacher.
2. Essay Writing: Write a 250-word essay on a given topic.
- Strategy: Plan your essay outline before writing. Introduce the topic, present your main arguments, and provide supporting evidence from reputable sources.
- Tips: Choose a topic you’re familiar with and have strong opinions on. Use clear and concise language, and proofread your essay carefully.
Listening
The Listening section assesses your ability to comprehend spoken English. You’ll hear four recordings, with six questions for each. These recordings cover different accents and speech styles.
- Strategy: Listen attentively to each recording and take notes if necessary. Pay attention to key words and phrases that convey the main ideas.
- Tips: Practice listening to English audio resources, such as podcasts, videos, and movies. Focus on understanding the overall message rather than every single word.
Speaking
The Speaking section evaluates your fluency, pronunciation, and grammar in English. You’ll participate in four tasks:
1. Introduction: Introduce yourself and talk about your interests.
- Strategy: Prepare a brief speech beforehand and practice delivering it. Use clear and natural language.
- Tips: Speak confidently and maintain eye contact with the examiner.
2. Short Answer Questions: Answer short questions about yourself or your opinions.
- Strategy: Listen attentively to the questions and respond concisely and accurately.
- Tips: Practice answering questions spontaneously and expressing your thoughts clearly.
3. Collaborative Task: Engage in a dialogue with the examiner on a given topic.
- Strategy: Listen actively to the examiner’s prompts and respond appropriately. Collaborate with the examiner to develop the conversation.
- Tips: Use a variety of grammar structures and vocabulary to demonstrate your fluency.
4. Long Turn: Talk about a specific topic for one minute.
- Strategy: Organize your thoughts in advance and present them in a logical and structured way.
- Tips: Use appropriate body language and maintain a steady pace.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overestimating your ability: Be realistic about your English proficiency and prepare accordingly.
- Lack of practice: Regular practice is crucial for success in the PET.
- Ignoring grammar: Pay attention to grammar rules and avoid common errors.
- Using slang or colloquialisms: Use formal and academic language in the exam.
- Not managing time wisely: Allocate your time effectively for each section.
Tips and Tricks
- Read widely: Expose yourself to a variety of English texts to expand your vocabulary and improve your comprehension skills.
- Listen actively: Engage with English audio resources and practice understanding different accents and speech styles.
- Speak confidently: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes in the Speaking section. Speak clearly and naturally.
- Use correct grammar: Review grammar rules and common errors to improve your accuracy.
- Time yourself: Practice each section under timed conditions to improve your speed and efficiency.
PET Stats and Figures
- The PET is taken by over 3 million candidates worldwide each year.
- It is a recognized qualification by over 20,000 universities and employers internationally.
- PET scores are calculated on a scale of 0-150, with a passing score of 120.
- 90% of candidates who take the PET pass the exam.
Conclusion
The Preliminary English Test 2016 is a gateway to academic and professional opportunities. By following the strategies and tips outlined in this guide, you can prepare effectively and achieve your desired score. Remember to practice regularly, manage your time wisely, and approach the exam with confidence.
