The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a widely recognized English proficiency exam that evaluates listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. Among these, the Speaking section can be particularly challenging, especially for non-native speakers. Clear pronunciation, proper intonation, and rhythm are essential to scoring well. Luckily, with the help of modern tools and apps, improving English pronunciation has never been more accessible.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most effective tools—both free and paid—that can help you refine your pronunciation for the PTE Academic exam. Whether you're struggling with stress patterns, vowel sounds, or fluency, there's something here to help you speak more confidently and clearly.
Why Pronunciation Matters in PTE
Before diving into the tools, let’s understand why pronunciation is crucial:
It directly affects your Speaking score.
Poor pronunciation can hinder the software from recognizing your response accurately.
It influences fluency and oral communication.
It enhances clarity in real-world communication beyond the exam.
Now, let’s explore the top tools you can use to boost your pronunciation skills.
ELSA Speak (English Language Speech Assistant)
ELSA is an AI-powered app specifically designed to help users improve their English pronunciation. It listens to your speech, identifies errors, and gives real-time feedback on how to correct them. What sets ELSA apart is its ability to detect subtle errors in syllables, stress, and intonation.
Features:
Personalized learning paths
Instant feedback on pronunciation
Practice with real-life scenarios
Progress tracking
Why It's Good for PTE:
ELSA helps you develop neutral, clear pronunciation and allows repeated practice of specific sounds that are commonly mispronounced by non-native speakers.
Google Speech Recognition (via Google Docs)
This free tool isn't designed specifically for language learners, but it can be incredibly useful for pronunciation practice. If Google’s speech-to-text feature can understand you accurately, chances are the PTE algorithm can too.
How to Use:
Open Google Docs.
Go to Tools > Voice Typing.
Speak into your microphone and see if your words are transcribed correctly.
Benefits:
Free and accessible
Helps test the clarity of your speech
Immediate feedback on word recognition
Why It's Good for PTE:
You can test how well AI understands your speech, mimicking the scoring engine of the PTE.
YouGlish
YouGlish is a fantastic tool to hear how words are pronounced in real-life contexts. Just type any word, and it will pull up YouTube videos where native speakers use that word. This helps you understand stress, intonation, and the rhythm of natural speech.
Features:
Audio examples from real conversations
Option to select different English accents (American, British, Australian)
Built-in dictionary and phonetic spelling
Why It's Good for PTE:
PTE tests global English accents. YouGlish helps train your ear to different pronunciations and helps you imitate native-like fluency.
Speechling
Speechling is an online platform offering human coaching along with AI-based feedback. You speak into the app, and your pronunciation is compared to that of a native speaker. You also get recordings from coaches if you sign up for the premium version.
Features:
Listen and repeat exercises
AI speech analysis
Personalized coaching (premium)
Flashcards and dictation exercises
Why It's Good for PTE:
You can focus on individual sentences and receive pronunciation comparisons that help fine-tune your delivery.
Forvo
Forvo is a pronunciation dictionary that allows you to hear native speakers pronounce words from all over the world. It’s particularly useful for proper nouns, places, and names that standard dictionaries might not cover.
Features:
Thousands of native-speaker pronunciations
Covers multiple languages and dialects
Simple interface
Why It's Good for PTE:
You can use Forvo to double-check any word you're unsure of and mimic the pronunciation until it feels natural.
Shadowing Technique with Podcasts or YouTube
The "shadowing" technique involves listening to a sentence and then immediately repeating it aloud, mimicking the speaker’s pronunciation, tone, and pace.
Recommended Sources:
TED Talks (YouTube)
The English We Speak (BBC Learning English)
Speak English With Mr. Duncan (YouTube)
How to Use:
Listen to a phrase or sentence.
Pause and repeat it exactly as the speaker said it.
Record yourself and compare.
Why It's Good for PTE:
This technique improves your rhythm, stress, and intonation—key components of good pronunciation.
PTE Tools and Apps with Pronunciation Practice
Several platforms now offer pronunciation modules tailored for PTE preparation. These simulate actual exam conditions and provide focused training.
Examples:
PTE Tutorials
PTE Practice App by Pearson
AI-based mock tests that evaluate pronunciation and fluency
Look for features like:
Real-time speech analysis
Pronunciation scores
Feedback on oral fluency and content
Why It's Good for PTE:
You're training in a PTE-specific environment that uses scoring patterns similar to the actual exam.
Online Dictionaries with Audio (Cambridge/Oxford)
These dictionaries not only provide word definitions but also allow you to hear the word in both UK and US English.
Recommended:
Cambridge Dictionary: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/
Oxford Learner's Dictionary: https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/
Why It's Good for PTE:
Learning pronunciation through trusted dictionaries ensures you're mimicking the correct sound and usage.
Record Yourself with Voice Recorder Apps
One of the most effective (yet underrated) tools is your smartphone. Use a voice recorder app to practice speaking responses from PTE speaking templates or questions and then analyze your own speech.
How to Use:
Speak a sample question (like Describe Image or Read Aloud)
Record your answer
Play it back and self-evaluate based on:
Clarity
Fluency
Pronunciation
Why It's Good for PTE:
You build self-awareness and can track your improvements over time.
Practice with Language Exchange Apps
Apps like HelloTalk, Tandem, or Speaky let you connect with native English speakers who want to learn your language. You can practice speaking and receive real-time corrections.
Why It's Good for PTE:
Real interaction helps develop confidence and fluency while getting feedback from real humans.
Bonus Tips for Pronunciation Improvement
Learn the phonetic alphabet (IPA) to understand sounds.
Focus on mouth and tongue placement when making sounds.
Work on individual sounds you're struggling with (e.g., /th/, /v/, /r/).
Practice minimal pairs (e.g., ship vs. sheep, bed vs. bad).
Watch English movies and imitate actors to master natural intonation.
Conclusion: Practice Makes Pronunciation Perfect
Improving English pronunciation takes consistent practice and conscious listening. With the wide range of tools and techniques available today, preparing for the PTE Speaking section has become more practical and accessible than ever before. Whether you're just starting or aiming for a perfect score, these tools can significantly boost your confidence and clarity.
And remember, for more detailed tips, tricks, PTE templates for every question type, and sample answers, visit 79score.com. It’s a powerful platform designed to help you achieve your desired PTE score with expert-backed resources and practice materials.
Start speaking with confidence—your PTE success is just one pronunciation away!
Read More:
- How to Improve Grammar for a Better PTE Score
- How to Score High in PTE : A Complete Guide for Success
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