PTE Read Aloud practice text 5

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 domestication of grain allowed early societies to store wealth for the first time. Storage created surplus, surplus created inequality, and within a few generations the granary had become the centre of both political power and organised record keeping.

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

Storage, surplus, inequality: the chain is the point, so keep an even pace and a light pause between each step.
'granary' is gran-uh-ree, three syllables, with the stress at the front.
The final phrase 'organised record keeping' should slow slightly to signal the end.

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?

Storage, surplus, inequality: the chain is the point, so keep an even pace and a light pause between each step.