On this page, we will look at improving your answers giving personal information in the PTE test.
Combining prompts into longer sentences
The first item in Part 1 of the PTE test requires you to give some personal information about yourself in 30 seconds. In order to present yourself well, you need to make sure that you are constructing good sentences by combining information.
Here’s are 2 examples using these prompts:
- Your name.
- Your age.
- Name of your city and country.
- Your profession.
- Place of work/study.
Response 1: My name is Pierre Tauled. I am 30 years old. I come from Paris in France. I am a doctor.
This is NOT a good response. Each prompt has been divided into single sentences, showing only a basic level of grammar and skill.
Response 2: My name is Pierre, Pierre Tauled, and I’m a 30 year old doctor from Paris in France.
This is a good response – the candidate has combined the prompts to give a single sentence answer that carries more information. The use of ‘Pierre, Pierre Tauled’ is not because of hesitation but because introducing yourself with a first name, then again with a first name and surname, is a common and friendly way to give your name as it allows the listener to use your first name.
Being unique in your responses
As well as combining sentences, it is also a good idea to try and be a little unique in your response. Compare the responses below based on this prompt:
- Your hobbies or interests
Response 1: I like basketball.
This is very short and doesn’t really give much information about you. Although you only have 30 seconds to complete this item, there’s still enough time to be a little more unique and interesting.
Response 2: I really enjoy basketball, although I wouldn’t say I’m particular good at it – I don’t think I’m tall enough!
This is a much better response – you have given three pieces of information in a single sentence (enjoy basketball / not very good / not tall enough), and you also have the opportunity to use more intonation in your response.
Remember that someone will listen to your recording, so address them
Because you are talking to a computer, it is tempting to just start with the basic information you are being asked for (‘My name is …….’). However, someone will be listening to your recording, so starts with a very simple greet, such as Hello, Hi or Good morning for example.