PTE Read Aloud practice text 6

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

Antibiotic resistance develops fastest where the drugs are used most casually. Each unnecessary prescription rewards the bacteria that happen to survive it, and those survivors pass their advantage to the next generation within a matter of hours.

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

'Antibiotic' is five syllables with the stress on 'ot'. Practise the first word alone before reading the text.
Pause after 'unnecessary prescription' so the two halves of the sentence stay separate.
'within a matter of hours' is the punchline of the text. Slow down for it rather than racing to 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?

'Antibiotic' is five syllables with the stress on 'ot'. Practise the first word alone before reading the text.