8 Tips on how to ace the PT3 speaking test

by StudyMalaysia.com on July 15, 2016 | Top Stories

8 Tips on how to ace the PT3 speaking test - StudyMalaysia.com

The speaking test for students sitting for the PT3 exam will begin in August. Follow our tips to give your speaking skills a boost.

1Before a speaking test, you can calm your nerves by warming up like how you do stretches before running a race or playing a sport. While waiting, speak BM or English (depending on which test you’re going for on that day) with your classmates waiting with you. That way you don’t have to make a sudden switch to another language when you begin your test.

2If you make a mistake, it’s not the end of your test. Just correct your mistake and keep going. Don’t let it slow down your pace or fluency.

3Long pauses of silence and hesitation will work against your favour. If you’re not sure of the instructions or didn’t quite hear what the examiner or speaking partner said, ask them politely to repeat or ask questions to clarify what they said instead of keeping quiet.

4Memorising fixed sentences word-for-word is not a good idea as it will sound awkward and fake. An experienced examiner will surely see through it and you might lose marks. Instead of memorising what you want to say, prepare by thinking about some topics you may be asked to talk about. Try to make your conversation interesting and/or unusual.

5From now until the speaking test, spend 10-15mins each day practising with a school friend, your sibling or even your parents. The more practice you get, the better you’ll be in controlling your nerves on the real day.

6Make sure you interact with your speaking partners and the examiner. A speaking test is essentially a test of your ability to communicate and carry out a conversation with others.

7Non-verbal cues count too! Maintain eye contact and show good body language (nod, smile and face the person talking to you) – this helps you to communicate more effectively. In contrast, avoid yawning, looking down at your feet or hands, shaking your legs, crossing your arms or propping your elbows on the table.

8And finally, be polite. Greet your examiner at the start of the test and thank him/her when you’re done. It doesn’t hurt to have good manners.

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