Applying for a Canada student visa? Here are five tips to master the reading section of your PTE Academic Test

Canada is all set to make applying for the student visa via the Student Direct Stream easier. Starting August 10, the country will accept the PTE Academic for all SDS applications.PTE is a computer-based English language test for those who wish to study, work or migrate abroad. It tests the reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills of the candidates in a single two hour assessment. The fee for the PTE Academic Test is Rs 15,900. If a candidate books his PTE exam within 48 hours of the PTE test date, the individual must pay a PTE Late Booking Fee as well.

SDS is an expedited study permit process for students applying to study in Canada from Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam.

To achieve your highest score, it is crucial to dedicate time and effort to enhance your reading abilities.
Pearson India, the agency that administers the PTE Academic Test, shares five easy steps to master the reading section.
1: Engage in extensive reading: Choose a wide range of materials such as books, blogs, theories, reviews, news, and stories related to the subjects covered in the test. It is advisable to explore different genres and topics that interest you, as this will make the learning process enjoyable and effective.

2: Develop reading skills: As PTE Academic is a single two-hour exam, it is essential to develop the ability to read quickly. As you embark on your PTE preparation journey, set goals to increase your reading speed. Challenge yourself to read a specific number of words within a designated time frame. This practice will help you effectively manage your time during the exam.

3: Build your own dictionary: While improving your reading speed, it is equally important to focus on understanding the content. Whenever you encounter unfamiliar or low frequency words, take the time to look them up, memorize their meanings, and even create your own personal vocabulary list. This active engagement with new vocabulary will expand your language skills and enhance your comprehension.

4: Enhance your grammar knowledge: In order to read and comprehend content effectively, it is necessary to have a solid grasp of English grammar. Utilize Pearson's PTE study materials to familiarize yourself with grammar rules and principles. Start with the basics and gradually advance to more complex grammatical concepts. Extensive reading will expose you to various grammatical structures in context, further reinforcing your understanding.

5: Employ effective exam strategies: To maximize your performance in the PTE Reading section, employ the following strategies:

• Skimming and scanning: Develop the skills of skimming and scanning to save time and focus on crucial information within the text. This technique allows you to quickly grasp the main ideas and locate specific details.
• Read the question twice: Despite the time constraints, make it a habit to read the question at least twice. This approach ensures that you absorb all the relevant information and avoid overlooking important details.
• Highlight keywords: Utilize your memory to identify and highlight keywords within the passage that are likely to guide your responses. This technique saves time and keeps your focus on the most relevant information.
• Elimination technique: When faced with multiple-choice questions, utilize the elimination technique. If uncertain about the correct answer, eliminate the options that are clearly incorrect. This process increases your chances of selecting the right response.
• Practice tests: Combine extensive reading with practice tests to refine your skills. Pearson's PTE practice tests provide valuable opportunities to assess your progress and identify areas that require further improvement. Utilize their study materials to enhance your understanding and their online tests to evaluate your performance.

By following these five easy steps, you can effectively master the PTE Reading section and achieve your desired score. Remember to engage in extensive reading, develop speed reading skills, build your vocabulary, improve your grammar, and employ effective exam strategies.