PTE Academic is a global English test taken on a computer. It checks four main skills: speaking, writing, reading, and listening. A score of 79 or above is not just a number for many students. It is a key that unlocks your chances for international study and skilled migration. You get desirable career opportunities across the world if you get a good score.
A high score is proof that your English is strong enough for academic and professional growth. Universities in Australia, the UK, and Canada recognise it. Besides that, immigration departments use it as a benchmark. In short, 79+ is the target that changes everything for many test takers.
You’ll explore practical tips used by high scorers through this note. These tips are not random tricks. But they are proven methods to train your skills and manage your time. Let’s approach test preparation with confidence.
You don’t perform well in a test if you don’t fully understand it. PTE Academic is divided into four parts:
Each part has its own set of tasks and timings. Scoring rules are also different. For example, speaking includes “Read Aloud” and “Describe Image,” while listening involves “Summarise Spoken Text” and “Write from Dictation.”
The first step is to explore the official PTE Academic site. Pearson gives a detailed test structure with sample questions. Going through this material removes the guesswork. It also helps you understand how each section is linked. Many tasks overlap, such as speaking tasks that also affect your listening score.
You reduce nervousness on exam day once the format feels familiar. You spend energy on performance instead of trying to figure out the structure.
Scoring 79+ does not happen by chance. It needs a clear plan. Decide your target score before you start. For many, the aim is 79 overall with no skill below 65. For others, the requirement is higher for immigration. So, be clear about your personal target.
Break that target into smaller steps. Create weekly goals, such as:
Write this plan in a diary or digital calendar. Treat it as a contract with yourself. A sample plan may include two hours of focused practice during weekdays and four hours over the weekend. You have to balance between all four skills. However, dedicate more time to the areas where you struggle. That’s how you stay motivated and prevent last-minute panic.
Not all practice is equal. It is a waste of time to work with random or low-quality questions. The best practice is with material that reflects the real exam. Pearson’s own question bank is the first choice. Along with that, reliable PTE prep platforms also provide authentic tasks.
Practising with real exam-style questions does two things. It builds familiarity with how questions are phrased. It also trains your brain to respond in the right way under time pressure. You will notice patterns in the test after repeated exposure. For example, the “Repeat Sentence” tasks have a predictable length and structure.
It saves your time when you invest in authentic practice and gives better results than free random content floating online.
Many high scorers agree that speaking and listening are game-changers. They carry strong weight in the overall score. A strong performance here pushes your score above 79 even if your reading and writing are average.
It requires fluency and correct pronunciation when you speak. You have to practise by recording yourself and comparing it with native audio. Do not aim for a fancy accent. Aim for clear and natural speech. Listening requires active focus. Use English podcasts, news channels, or online lectures daily. Pause, repeat, and summarise what you hear.
Strong listening also helps in speaking tasks like “Repeat Sentence” and “Retell Lecture.” That is why focusing on these two skills builds a double advantage.
Time is the hidden challenge in PTE. Many candidates know the answers but still lose marks because they run out of time. The solution is to make the timer your friend during practice.
At first, you may feel stressed. Over time, the pressure feels normal, and you train your brain to think fast.
You will not be shocked by the ticking clock when the real exam comes. Instead, you will be used to it. This familiarity itself uplifts your confidence.
Typing is an underrated skill because PTE is fully computer-based. Slow typing eats into your answer time. Moreover, frequent spelling mistakes reduce your marks. Many candidates lose points here without even realising the situation.
Typing should feel automatic by the time of the exam. It allows you to focus on content rather than the keyboard.
These two tasks, in speaking, carry heavy weight. Repeat Sentence checks memory, listening, and pronunciation in one go. Describe Image tests and how quickly you can summarise visual data in English.
For Repeat Sentence, focus on chunking. Break the sentence into small parts in your head and repeat them. Do not panic if you forget a word. Just maintain fluency. For “Describe Image”, use a simple structure every time. Start with “The image shows…” then describe key features and finish with a short conclusion.
These tasks become predictable and manageable with enough drills. High scorers often gain crucial points here.
It is more than just memorising difficult words when we talk about vocabulary. It is about using the right words in the right situation. Strong vocabulary helps in every section in PTE.
This habit creates a bank of academic language in your mind over weeks. These words naturally come out when you face reading or writing tasks.
Mock tests are the closest thing to the real exam. Take them often, not just once or twice. A good routine is one full test every week. Mocks train you to sit through the entire exam without losing focus. They also highlight weak areas you may not notice in daily practice.
It makes each new attempt stronger when you correct those mistakes. You should have faced at least eight to ten full mocks by the time you walk into the real exam centre. That level of practice builds calm confidence.
Self-study is important, but feedback multiplies progress. We see our own mistakes many times. A trainer, peer, or even an AI tool highlights what you miss. PTE prep platforms such as:
They show where your fluency drops or where your writing lacks structure. This data-driven feedback helps you focus on what truly matters.
That’s how you give yourself the best chance of 79+ if you combine expert advice with self-discipline.
It is a serious challenge to score 79+ in PTE Academic. But it is not out of reach. You can get there with the right mindset and steady practice. Remember that success in this test is not about last-minute cramming. It is about smart practice and constant improvement.
Start your plan today with House of Learning and stick to it with discipline. This prestigious institute is here to help if you need expert support and guidance.
Q1. Is it difficult to score 79+ in PTE Academic?
It is challenging, but not impossible. Many students achieve it with a clear plan and steady effort.
Q2. How many hours should I study daily to get 79+ in PTE?
Three to four focused hours are usually enough. Quality matters more than just sitting for long hours.
Q3. What is the most scoring section in PTE Academic?
You need to work more on speaking and listening. Work more on tasks like Repeat Sentence and Write from Dictation.
Q4. Can I prepare for PTE at home without coaching?
Yes! Home preparation works but with authentic materials and discipline. But coaching speeds up the process.
Q5. How many mock tests should I take before the exam?
Eight to ten full-length mock tests give the best preparation. They build stamina and highlight repeated mistakes.
