Common PTE Mock Test Mistakes Students Must Avoid

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Mock test plays an important part in PTE preparation. But most of the time, even after practicing on PTE mock test, students are not able to achieve their target score because of some mistakes. Students, while doing practice, do not take the mock test seriously, which results in getting a lower score. So here are 10 PTE mock test mistakes students must avoid while preparing.

Instead of treating mocks as just another practice session, think of them as your rehearsal before the big stage performance. If you make careless errors here, you’ll likely carry them into the actual exam. Let’s break down the mistakes many students make and how you can sidestep them.

Mistake 1: Taking Practice Test Casually

Some students attempt a mock while sitting comfortably on the bed, pausing in between, or even multitasking with their phone.
The real exam, however, doesn’t allow that luxury—no breaks, no phones, and definitely no distractions.

The fix? Set up your mock environment just like the exam hall. Quiet desk, stable internet, mic check done. This way, your brain gets used to exam-like seriousness.

Mistake 2: Losing the Race Against Time

A classic error is spending too long on one reading or writing question. Before you know it, half the section’s gone.
PTE is strict with timing. Every minute lost on one question reduces your chances to score in the next.
A good practice is to time yourself for each task. If you can’t answer in that time, move on. Sometimes skipping smartly helps you score better overall.

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Mistake 3: Ignoring Instructions

It’s tempting to hit “Next” because you feel you know the pattern.
But instructions often include small but critical details: word limits, audio rules, or whether answers can be changed.
Reading them may take just 10 seconds, but it can save you from losing easy marks.

Mistake 4: Focusing Only on the Score

Many students finish a mock, check their score, and then close it.
That’s like checking your weight but never figuring out what’s affecting it.
The real value lies in analyzing the test. Did you lose marks in fluency? Were fill-in-the-blanks consistently tough? Keeping a small error notebook can help you track repeated issues and fix them over time.

Mistake 5: Not Choosing the Correct Platform

Not every platform gives a correct mock test with accurate scoring. Some of the practice platforms are still using the old format, and that is why the scoring doesn’t match Pearson’s algorithm. Because of this, students gain false confidence.

Solution: Choose Gurully for practice as it mirrors the real exam format, scoring patterns, and provides accurate insights.

Mistake 6: Overlooking Speaking Task

While doing practice, students only pay attention to pronunciation, which leads to pauses and they lose marks. In the PTE scoring algorithm, fluency also plays an important role, so slight imperfections will not hurt you compared to long pauses.

Solution: While doing practice, maintain a steady pace. Listen to recordings and analyze what went wrong.

Mistake 7: Using Templates Blindly

Often, students use a template without proper context. This random usage of the template decreases the marks. Use template as a base structure, but do not memorize them. Practice adapting them to various topics. That adaptability will give you confidence in the real test.

Mistake 8: Forgetting the Tech Setup

Sometimes, students jump straight into mocks without checking their mic or headphones.
If your speech isn’t recorded properly, your speaking score drops for no fault of yours.
Always run a quick sound check. Choose a quiet spot, good internet, and minimize background noise—small steps that make a big difference.

To score high in the real exam, it’s important to avoid common PTE mock test mistakes. You can begin your preparation with Gurully, where you’ll get full-length mock tests with instant and accurate scoring. For focused improvement, you can also practice section-wise tests.

Take advantage of one free mock test along with free unlimited question-wise practice. With our premium membership, you’ll gain access to expert-curated templates and monthly updated prediction questions to strengthen your performance. To get frequent tips and tricks for scoring high, subscribe to our YouTube channel and join our Telegram group.

FAQ:

Is PTE easier than mock test?

Not necessarily. Mock tests are designed to give you a real exam-like experience, so the level of difficulty is usually very similar to the actual PTE. Sometimes, students feel the official PTE exam is slightly easier because of the test-day adrenaline and focus, while others find it tougher due to exam pressure. What truly matters is how well you practice with high-quality mock tests, as they prepare you for any variation in difficulty.

Is 79 PTE easy to score?

Scoring 79 or above in PTE is considered challenging because it equals a high level of English proficiency (similar to IELTS Band 8). It requires strong grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, fluency, and comprehension skills across all four modules. With consistent practice, smart strategies, and analyzing your mistakes through mock tests, achieving 79+ is absolutely possible, but it does demand dedication and effort.

How to score 80+ in PTE?

To score 80+ in PTE, focus on accuracy and consistency. Practice regularly with mock tests to build stamina, review analytics to strengthen weak areas, and improve speaking, reading, and listening skills. Manage your time wisely and avoid getting stuck on questions. Platforms like Gurully’s AI-scored mocks help track progress and guide you toward your target score.

Is 57 a good score in PTE?

A score of 57 is considered an intermediate level. It’s good enough for certain study programs and institutions that accept scores in the 50–58 range. However, if you’re targeting competitive universities, PR, or professional registrations, you may need to aim higher (65, 79, or even 80+). Whether 57 is good depends entirely on your personal goal.

Can PTE results be wrong?

PTE results are AI-scored, which makes them highly accurate and unbiased. However, no system is 100% error-proof. If you strongly believe your score doesn’t reflect your performance, you have the option to request a rescore. That said, rescoring rarely changes the result unless there was a genuine technical issue. This is why it’s important to practice on authentic AI-based mock tests, as they closely mirror the actual scoring system.