PTE Read Aloud practice text 2

One real-format Read Aloud prompt with a model spoken answer and notes on why it scores. You get about 35 seconds to look at the text, then read it aloud once, clearly and at a steady pace. Every word counts towards your content score.

The text to read aloud

The invention of the mechanical clock changed European working life more profoundly than any single machine that followed it. Once time could be measured publicly and precisely, labour began to be sold by the hour rather than by the task completed.

35 seconds to prepare, up to 45 seconds to speak.

Hear it read aloud

This is the same text, read at the pace the task expects. Listen once, then read it aloud yourself and compare where the pauses fall.

Why this earns score 90

Keep 'more profoundly than any single machine that followed it' in one breath. Breaking it mid phrase costs pausing marks.
'Once time could be measured publicly and precisely' is a set up clause: let your voice stay up until the comma.
Stress the contrast between 'by the hour' and 'by the task completed'.

Questions about this answer

What score is this model answer?

It is written to earn the top of the PTE Academic scale, score 90, and the notes under it say why.

How long do I get for this prompt?

35 seconds to prepare and up to 45 seconds to speak.

What should I watch for in my own answer?

Keep 'more profoundly than any single machine that followed it' in one breath. Breaking it mid phrase costs pausing marks.