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PTE Preparation Tips

PTE Preparation Tips

Studying higher education abroad has always been a dream of students who want to make a difference in their field with advanced knowledge and skills.  But to get there, students must jump through a lot of hoops for admission, of which one is the English Language Proficiency Test.

There are many popular English Language Proficiency tests available for students to fulfil this eligibility. Among them, the PTE or Pearson Test of English is widely accepted by universities around the world.

In this article, we will look at the writing section of this test and provide 8 powerful tips to improve writing skills. Additionally, we’ll explore how PTE Coachingbe it online or offline can provide the personalized support needed to excel and achieve your desired score. Keep reading to know more.

About the PTE Writing Section

The Pearson Test of English is divided into 3 Sections: Speaking & Writing, Reading and Listening. The speaking and writing skills are combined in one section however in this article we will be focusing on the writing part of the test.

The writing part of this section has different types of questions. Some of these include summarizing written text and essay writing. The summarizing text questions require students to write a concise extraction of the passage. It tests a student’s reading and writing skills and provides 10 minutes to write a summary of up to 300 words.

For the essay-type question, students need to write an essay of 200-300 words on the topic given. The question prompt is 2-3 lines long and 20 minutes are given to complete.

We are now familiar with the writing section of the test, so it’s time to look at some important aspects of scoring.

Aspects Considered for PTE’s Writing Section Scoring 

The writing section of PTE is evaluated based on certain important factors of language which include:

  • Grammar with Precision
  • Writing Format
  • Content and Coherence
  • Fluency
  • Spellings
  • Grasp of the Question
  • Presentation of Key Concepts
  • Range of Language

These are the important aspects that students should keep in mind while writing the test, now let’s have a glance at the tips to improve the scores.

8 Expert Tips to Improve the Writing Section Scores

Here are some tips that help students to improve their preparation for the writing section of the test.

1. Improve Vocabulary

The most important thing while preparing for a language proficiency test is to have an expansive vocabulary. Having a vast pool of words to pull from will help students to write answers more effectively using the right kind of language that is appropriate for the context.

2. Take Time to Understand the Question

While getting ready to write answers, many students make this common mistake of just reading the question without understanding the context and the question or the expected answer. This might prove to be a negative as the answer may not match the expectations of the question. Thus, it is important to first understand the question before starting to write the answer.

3. Plan your Answer

Once the student has understood the answer, it is essential to plan and create an outline for the answer as it helps to quantify the things that will be covered in the answer.

4. Read and Re-read your Answer

After writing, it is important to read the answers written as it helps to ensure that there is a correlation in the sentences and conveys the intended information without any diversions. Re-reading an answer can also bring to light some ideas that can used to improve the quality of the answer and edit it so that it becomes more precise.

5. Practice Using the Right Voice

As we know there are 2 types of voices, active and passive voice. Students need to understand both the voices and use them in the right way. This is important as it can change the tone of the answer and can affect the PTE scores.

6. Make Use of Facts and Examples 

To make answers interesting, students can use facts and examples that are relevant to the answer. This not only makes the answers interesting but also makes them easier to understand. It also shows the understanding and knowledge of a student on a particular topic.

7. Make the Answers Easy to Understand

While answering a question, students must make sure that the answers are easy to understand and read. This does not mean refraining from using impressive language and vocabulary but rather helping the reader understand the perspective of the answer while maintaining the quality of language.

8. Stay on the Topic 

While writing an answer, students must stick to the point and give precise answers. While there is scope for additional information and it is important to be creative, staying on the topic is the most essential thing to remember while answering a question.

Having checked the tips to improve the scores in this section, another important method that you must include in your test preparation is seeking expert guidance. Let’s understand how Team Martiza can assist you in this endeavour.

For those seeking structured test prep support, Martiza Overseas Education offers in-class and online PTE coaching. With expert instruction, tailored study materials, and ample practice opportunities, we help students navigate the PTE nuances and maximize their performance.

How to Calculate CGPA Scores

How to Calculate CGPA Scores

Studying abroad is an exciting change. However, it requires fulfilling many requirements and criteria. One important aspect is understanding the Grading System of each study destination. Different Countries and their Universities use various scales and systems to measure academic performance. To evaluate the Academic Performance of the applicant, scores are usually calculated in CGPA, GPA, SGPA, and Percentages.

Understanding different grading systems and their calculations is essential for a smooth admission process, and that is what this latest article is about. Let’s dig into the core systems used worldwide for grading and how to convert between them effectively. 

Scroll down to read everything about this topic and find out if you fulfil the eligibility requirements to study abroad.

Grading System Conversions for Higher Education Abroad

While there are many tools available online, it is essential to have a basic understanding of these most sought-after grading systems. So, let’s have a detailed overview of them individually. 

1. Understanding & Calculating CGPA

Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is a standardized method to evaluate a student’s overall academic performance. CGPA is widely used in countries like India and many Higher Education Institutions globally. It reflects a student’s average performance across all semesters or academic years.

Score Scale: CGPA is generally measured on a 10-point scale. However, some variations exist, like the GPA is a 4-point scale in the US. 

Each grade point corresponds to a specific range of marks or percentages and their details are listed below. 

Grade Points & Corresponding Percentages (10-Point Scale):

  • 10: 95-100%
  • 9: 85-94%
  • 8: 75-84%
  • 7: 65-74%
  • 6: 55-64%
  • 5: 45-54%
  • 4: 35-44%
  • Below 4: Fail

Formula to Calculate CGPA:

CGPA= Sum of Grade Points in All Subjects ÷ Total Number of Subjects

Example: Assuming a student has the following Grade Points in 5 subjects: 8, 7, 9, 8, and 10.

CGPA=8+7+9+8+10=42 ÷ 5​ = 8.4

Thus, the Student’s CGPA is 8.4. 

Each grade point corresponds to a specific range of marks or percentages and their details are listed below.

2. Understanding & Calculating GPA

Grade Point Average (GPA) is a common grading standard used predominantly in the United States and Canada. It provides a straightforward way to measure academic performance over a given period, usually a semester or year.

Score Scale: GPA is typically measured on a 4-point scale, with each grade corresponding to a specific grade point:

  • A (Excellent): 4.0
  • B (Good): 3.0
  • C (Average): 2.0
  • D (Below Average): 1.0
  • F (Fail): 0.0

Formula to Calculate GPA:

GPA = Sum of (Grade Points × Credits) for All Subjects ÷ Total Credits

Example Calculation: Assume a student is taking 4 courses with the following grades and credits:

  • Course 1: A (4.0), Credits = 3
  • Course 2: B (3.0), Credits = 4
  • Course 3: A (4.0), Credits = 3
  • Course 4: C (2.0), Credits = 3

GPA = (4.0×3)+(3.0×4)+(4.0×3)+(2.0×3) ÷ 3+4+3+3 ​=3.23

Thus, the student’s GPA for the semester is 3.23. 

3. Understanding & Calculating SGPA to CGPA

Semester Grade Point Average (SGPA) measures a student’s academic performance in a single semester. It helps assess how well a student is performing over shorter periods within their academic tenure.

Score Scale: Like CGPA, SGPA is often measured on a 10-point scale.

Formula to Calculate SGPA:

SGPA= Sum of (Grade Points × Credits) 

             for All Subjects in the Semester ÷ Total Credits in the Semester

Example Calculation: Assume a student is taking 5 courses in a semester with the following grade points and credits:

  • Course 1: Grade Point = 8, Credits = 3
  • Course 2: Grade Point = 7, Credits = 4
  • Course 3: Grade Point = 9, Credits = 3
  • Course 4: Grade Point = 8, Credits = 2
  • Course 5: Grade Point = 10, Credits = 3

SGPA = (8×3)+(7×4)+(9×3)+(8×2)+(10×3) ÷ 3+4+3+2+3 = 8.33

Converting SGPA to CGPA: To find the CGPA from multiple semesters’ SGPAs, we use the following formula:

CGPA= Total Number of Semesters ÷ Sum of SGPAs for All Semesters

Example Calculation: Assume a student has the following SGPAs for 4 semesters: 8.2, 7.5, 8.8, and 9.0.

CGPA= 8.2+7.5+8.8+9.0 ÷ 4 ​= 8.375

Thus, the student’s CGPA after 4 semesters is 8.375.

4. Understanding & Calculating Percentages to CGPA

In many countries, academic performance is traditionally measured in percentages. To align with international standards for abroad education, students often need to convert their percentages to CGPA.

Score Scale: Percentages are typically measured on a scale of 0 to 100.

Formula to Convert Percentage to CGPA: A common method to convert percentages to CGPA (on a 10-point scale) is:

CGPA=Percentage ÷ 9.5 

This divisor (9.5) is derived based on an analysis of typical grading patterns, where a 95% often corresponds to a CGPA of 10.

Example Calculation: Assume a student has a percentage score of 85%.

CGPA = 85 ÷ 9.5 = 8.95

Therefore, a percentage score of 85% converts to a CGPA of 8.95. 

Having checked the various grading systems, let’s have a glance at the tips for this calculation in the process of studying abroad. 

Practical Tips for Grading Conversion

  • Check University Requirements: Each University might have its unique way of converting grades. Always refer to the specific guidelines provided by the University or Institution. 
  • Use Online Converters: Several online tools can help convert grades between different systems. However, use these as a rough guide and verify with Official University Resources. 
  • Seek Expert Guidance: Academic Advisors or Education Consultants can provide personalized assistance in understanding and converting grades.

Concluding this article, understanding how to convert and calculate your academic scores into CGPA, SGPA, and Percentages is essential for a seamless admission process when studying abroad. Each system offers a different lens to view your academic performance, and mastering these conversions ensures you meet the eligibility criteria of your shortlisted Universities or Institutions.

Initiating the process of higher education abroad can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our Experts at Martiza Overseas Education are here to assist you at every step. With personalized guidance and comprehensive support, we ensure that your application stands out. 

Are you ready to take the next step? If yes, then contact our team of Country Experts today and make your dream of studying abroad a reality!