PTE Core Exam Pattern - Listening
The PTE Listening module of the PTE Core exam is the fourth and final part of the test. It tests a test taker's ability to listen and understand English speech. This is the final section of the PTE Core Exam & consists of seven item types. There is a collective timer for all questions, so time management is extremely important. The questions are based on audio clips, which begin to play automatically. The test takers will have to listen to audio recordings and select, mark, or type their responses using a mouse, a keyboard, and a headset. One can hear each audio clip only once and is allowed to take notes. The responses are scored by an automated system based on various criteria such as comprehension, analysis, and vocabulary. PTE Listening practice is an important aspect of PTE preparation & PTE Listening test can be taken on Alfa PTE to gauge one’s performance.
Summarize Spoken Text
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers
Listening Fill in the Blanks
Multiple Choice, Single Answer
Select Missing Words
Highlight Incorrect Words
Write From Dictation
Summarize Spoken Text
A student will need to write a summary of an audio lecture in about 20 - 30 words. The student’s Listening & Writing skills will be assessed in this question and the time will not be carried forward to the next question.
| Task | Skills assessed | Prompt length | Time to answer | Number of questions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AListen to a recording. Then write a 20–30 word summary. | Listening and Writing | 45-75 seconds | 8 minutes | 1 - 2 |
Task
AListen to a recording. Then write a 20–30 word summary.
Skills assessed
Listening and Writing
Prompt length
45-75 seconds
Time to answer
8 minutes
Number of questions
1 - 2
How to Respond to This Task?
For this task, you listen to a recording, then write a short summary of the lecture in 20 to 30 words.
You have 8 minutes to listen and type what you understood.
The audio starts on its own and plays only once.
A Word Count at the bottom shows how many words you have written. Your summary must be at least 20 words and no more than 30 words.
You can use the cut, copy, and paste buttons while writing your response for this PTE Core exam.
- Cut: Click "Cut" next to the word you want to delete.
- Copy: Click "Copy" after picking out the words you want to copy.
- Paste: Place the cursor where you want to put the text, then press "Paste."
Task is graded based on: Content, form, grammar, vocabulary, and spelling.
FAQs
Here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions.
What is this task about?
You listen to an audio recording, then write a 20 to 30 word summary of its main ideas.
How is it scored?
AI scoring checks how well you cover key points, your grammar, and your word count.
How can you practice this task?
Use Alfa PTE mock tests, sectional mock tests, and practice questions, and train your note taking and summarizing skills.
How much time do you have?
You get 8 minutes for each task to write your summary.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not miss important points, write too few or too many words, or copy the recording word for word.
