Understanding The Summarize Spoken Text Task in PTE Academic & UKVI and PTE Core

The Summarize Spoken Text task appears in the PTE Listening section. It tests our listening and writing through a short summary of an audio. It measures how well we follow academic spoken English. We find the main ideas and express them clearly in writing. This skill helps in school and at work.

What is the Summarize Spoken Text Task?

  • You have to listen to a 60–90 second audio which will be played once
  • You need to write a short summary of about 50 and 70 words
  • You will be provided 10 minutes for each question
  • This task appears for 2–3 times in the Listening section
  • This task contributes to both Listening and Writing scores
For PTE Core: You need to write about 20-30 words in 8 minutes.

What are the skills checked in this task?

  • Active listening understanding skills
  • Finding the main ideas and supporting information related to the lecture
  • Utilizing proper grammar, vocabulary, and structure
  • Arranging ideas logically in a proper flow
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What are the Different Types of Audios That can be Expected in This Task?

Academic Lectures
Structured talks with an introduction, supporting points, and conclusions. Focus on the overall topic, examples, and the speaker’s main argument.
Example topics: Biology, History, Economics, Sociology
Informational Briefings
Clear, factual talks We track the order of ideas, the main facts, and cause and effect.
Sample themes: environmental shifts, medical studies, tech news
Analytical or explanatory talks
We look at ideas, links, and comparisons. Listen for contrasts, examples, and logic.
Sample themes: market patterns, policy reviews, theory talks

Summarize Spoken Text

In this task, you will see a text displayed on the screen. You are required to read the text aloud clearly and naturally. You will have 35 seconds to complete your reading, so focus on maintaining clarity, proper pronunciation, and a natural flow.

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Tips to ace PTE Summarize Spoken Text

Take quick, structured notes
Use short forms to grab key points, examples, and shifts while listening.
Focus on the main idea
Do not pack in every detail. Stick to the core topic and the speaker’s takeaway.
Use clear, formal language
Write in a concise, neutral tone. Skip personal views and slang.
Follow the word limit
Stay between 50 and 70 words. Too short or too long hurts your score.
Check grammar, spelling, and structure
Use correct punctuation and sentence flow. Avoid spelling slips.

How to handle Summarize Spoken Text in PTE

A clear plan helps us use time well and write strong summaries.

Step-by-Step Strategy

Note-taking
capture key points and shifts during the talk
Find the main theme
focus on the central idea
Draft a concise answer
use clear, formal language
Keep to the word limit
usually 50 to 70 words
Review and edit
fix grammar, spelling, and flow
Note-taking
capture key points and shifts during the talk
Find the main theme
focus on the central idea
Draft a concise answer
use clear, formal language
Keep to the word limit
usually 50 to 70 words
Review and edit
fix grammar, spelling, and flow
Download Template for Summarize Spoken Text

Use full video for Summarize Spoken Text

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Learn more about other questions

Your Guide to Every Section of the PTE Exam

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Speaking
Read AloudRepeat SentenceDescribe ImageRe-Tell Lecture (Academic / UKVI)Answer Short QuestionRespond to a SituationSummarize Group Discussion (Academic / UKVI)
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Writing
Summarize Written TextWrite Essay
Write Email (Core)
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Reading
Fill in the Blanks (Drop Down)Multiple Choice, Multiple AnswersRe-order ParagraphsFill in the Blanks (Drag & Drop)Multiple Choice, Single Answer
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Listening
Summarize Spoken TextMultiple Choice, Multiple AnswersFill in the BlanksHighlight Correct SummaryMultiple Choice, Single AnswerSelect Missing WordHighlight Incorrect WordsWrite from Dictation

FAQs

Here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions.

You can expect about 2-3 of these tasks in the Listening section

Usually around 60-90 seconds, where the audio will be played only once

Yes, you can take notes during the lecture which will be really helpful to organize your answer

You will get a maximum of 10 mins for each of this task

Definitely. Since this task also checks your writing skills, so yes, it does matter a lot.

Yes, since it contributes to both listening and writing scores, this can have a huge impact on your overall scores.