PTE Speaking Changes 2024 | Working Describe Image and Retell Lecture Templates | Language Academy

Introduction

Welcome back to Language Academy! In this article, we're going to explore the recent experiment I've conducted in light of the recent changes made by Pearson regarding the assessment of the PTE speaking modules, specifically the Describe Image and Retell Lecture question types.

What's New in PTE Speaking?

Recently, Pearson announced that they would begin incorporating human examiners alongside artificial intelligence in the assessment of Describe Image and Retell Lecture tasks. Here’s what this means for students:

• When a student submits a response, the AI will evaluate whether the response appears genuine.
• If the AI detects that a response consists primarily of pre-memorized information, it will flag that response for review by a human examiner, who will then score the content.

This means not every response will be reviewed by a human—only those flagged by the AI will undergo additional scrutiny. This change came into effect on November 4th, and I took the test that same day to examine whether the templates I shared previously were still effective amid these updates.

My Experiment

During my test, I focused solely on the speaking module, which included Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Describe Image, Retell Lecture, and Answer Short Questions. My approach was as follows:

• Read Aloud: Applied my standard online strategy, covering 70-80% of the content.
• Repeat Sentence: Used the same technique as before.
• Describe Image: Implemented my new template.
• Retell Lecture: Adjusted my template slightly.
• Answer Short Questions: Repeated keywords or responded directly if I knew the answer.

Despite skipping the writing, listening, and reading portions, I scored 90 in Speaking, with Reading earning 36 and Listening 41. My Writing score was 10, which is equivalent to a 'zero' score.

Key Takeaways

From this experiment, it’s clear you can still effectively use templates, but you must adjust your approach:

1. Describe Image:

   • Increase speaking duration to about 30 seconds.
   • Avoid generic comments that do not pertain to the image; focus solely on relevant content.
   • Incorporate fluency and use connectors in your sentences to improve coherence.

   Example Template:

   The image provides information about the topic. The primary feature of the image is [keyword]. 
   First, [insert first detail]. Furthermore, some details about [insert additional details]. 
   Moreover, [change focus on another detail]. 
   One element is [mention highest element] and another is [mention the lowest element]. 
   

2. Retell Lecture:

   • Aim to speak for about 35 seconds.
   • Focus on phrases rather than single keywords unless they are significant terms or proper nouns.
   • Maintain fluency and coherence by using connecting phrases.

   Example Template:

   The lecture addressed the topic of [lecture topic]. Firstly, some details were given about [first point]. 
   Furthermore, additional highlights addressed [second point]. 
   Moreover, the impacts of [third point] were discussed, followed by [fourth point]. 
   To conclude, the speaker provided insights about [final point].
   

3. General Advice: Remain calm and confident during the test. Practicing with these refined templates will help you maintain relevant and clear responses without falling into generic patterns.

Keywords

• Pearson
• PTE Speaking
• Describe Image
• Retell Lecture
• Human Examiner
• AI Assessment
• Speaking Templates
• Practice
• Language Academy

FAQ

Q1: What significant changes did Pearson announce for the PTE Speaking exam in 2024?
A1: Pearson is now incorporating human examiners alongside AI in the assessment of the Describe Image and Retell Lecture tasks. Responses flagged as inauthentic by AI will be reviewed by a human for scoring.

Q2: How long should I speak for in the Describe Image task?
A2: It is recommended to speak for approximately 30 seconds, using specific and relevant information about the image presented.

Q3: Can I still use templates for the Describe Image and Retell Lecture tasks?
A3: Yes, templates can still be utilized; however, they should be tailored to ensure relevance and avoid generic language.

Q4: How can I improve my score in the Speaking section?
A4: Focus on speaking clearly, using appropriate templates, maintaining fluency by using connectors, and speaking for the recommended duration without rushing.

For additional information and customized preparation, you can visit Language Academy's website or consider enrolling in our online classes for PTE Academic and other modules. Stay tuned for upcoming resources related to the new assessment methods and ways you can succeed!