Achieving a great score in the PTE or IELTS is less about the number of hours you study and more about how you use that time effectively. Let’s explore how prioritizing quality over quantity can elevate your preparation game. Here are five essential tips to guide you, complete with examples and explanations.

1. Slow Down on the Practice Tests

Doing too many practice tests can backfire. You might find yourself running out of high-quality, reliable materials and resorting to subpar tests that mislead you.

Example: Instead of taking five practice tests a week, consider focusing on just one. Analyze every mistake carefully, noting patterns in your errors. For instance, if you keep misusing articles (“a” vs. “the”), dedicate some time to learning and practicing that specific grammar point. By dissecting one test thoroughly, you’ll gain more insight than rushing through multiple ones.

2. Don’t Push Yourself When You’re Tired

Studying when you’re mentally exhausted often leads to poor-quality work. This can hurt your confidence and leave you feeling defeated. Instead, save your focused study sessions for when you’re most alert—just as you’ll need to be during the actual test.

Example: Imagine preparing late at night after a full day at work. You’re nodding off while practicing essay writing, leading to simple mistakes like leaving out key points or using incomplete sentences. Instead, schedule your study session earlier in the day, perhaps on a weekend morning when your mind is fresh.

3. Choose the Right Time of Day

Everyone has a unique body clock. For most people, morning is a time of peak concentration. But if you’re a night owl, listen to your internal rhythm. Importantly, simulate test conditions by studying at the same time your real test is scheduled.

Example: If your IELTS speaking test is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., practice speaking exercises at 2:00 p.m. for a few days before the test. This will help your brain get used to functioning optimally during that time frame.

4. Relax with English When You’re Tired

Feeling guilty for not studying? Don’t fret—there are ways to engage with English without overexerting yourself. Watching or listening to engaging content can help you absorb the language naturally.

Example: Watch a David Attenborough nature documentary. Instead of pausing every few seconds to understand every word, let the language flow over you. This trains your ear to follow natural speech patterns, enriching your listening skills for the test.

Alternatively, tune into a podcast on topics that often appear in PTE or IELTS, such as technology, the environment, or education. Even if you don’t catch every word, your brain will start adapting to the rhythm and tone of native English.

5. Study in Small, Focused Bites

The human brain isn’t designed for marathon study sessions. Instead of cramming for hours, break your sessions into manageable chunks.

Example: If you’re practicing PTE’s Repeat Sentence exercise, aim for short 10-minute sessions. After about 10 sentences, you may notice your accuracy dropping—not because you’re incapable, but because you’re fatigued. Take a break and return later. This method ensures consistent improvement without overwhelming yourself.

Also, PTE’s Repeat Sentence exercise is not just great for test prep—it’s an excellent way to improve your accent and pronunciation, even if you’re preparing for IELTS or simply enhancing your English.

6. Rest is as Important as Study

One of the most striking differences I’ve noticed among students is how much rest they get. A well-rested mind can make the difference of a whole band score in IELTS or a few crucial points in PTE.

Example: I once had a student who took a full day off before her test, got a good night’s sleep, and returned to her studies feeling refreshed. She went on to score a Band 8 in IELTS—a big leap from her earlier practice scores.

So remember, rest is not a luxury; it’s a critical part of your preparation. Combine well-timed study, strategic relaxation, and sufficient sleep, and you’ll be setting yourself up for success.