Understanding the Write from Dictation Task in PTE Academic, UKVI & Core

The “Write from Dictation” task is one of the most critical components of both the PTE exam & the Listening section in the PTE Listening (Pearson Test of English) exam. This exercise checks our listening, spelling, and skill to turn speech into text. We hear a sentence, then write it exactly as we hear it. With practice, our listening and writing improve, which helps at school and work.

What is the Write from Dictation Task?

Here a short sentence of 3-7 seconds will be played and you need to type it accurately just like that. You need to take care of your spelling, grammar and word order to score higher.

What are the Skills Analysed in This Task?

  • Listening comprehension
  • Spelling and punctuation
  • Sentence structure and word order
You can only hear the recording once, so attentive listening and quick typing are crucial.

What are the Features of This Task?

  • Audio will be played only once and cannot be repeated
  • You can expect 3–4 tasks per exam
  • Sentences are 7–15 words in their length
  • This will contribute to both Listening + Writing skills
  • There will be no negative marking, at the same time, mistakes can reduce points
video-img

Types of Audio in the Write from Dictation PTE Task

The recordings are typically neutral in tone and feature sentences that could be encountered in academic or general contexts. They can include:
Statements or Announcements
Pay attention to key information or instructions.
Example topics: event details, class schedules, research results
Explanatory or instructional sentences
write full sentences with a clear structure.
Example topics: scientific ideas, business strategies, academic guidelines
Narrative or descriptive sentences
listen for concrete details and vivid wording.
Example topics: historical events, biographical facts, social issues

Length of Write from Dictation in PTE

In PTE Write from Dictation, each sentence is short but can vary in length and difficulty. Here is what we can expect:
  • Sentence length: most run 7 to 15 words, with a few outside that range. We should catch every word and spell each one right.
  • Time to listen: we hear each sentence once, so focus on every word and its order.
  • Time to respond: after the audio ends, we have a short moment to type. Spelling, punctuation, and order matter, so copy it exactly without leaving out words.
write-from-dictation

Write from Dictation

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.

Sample Question 1:

Beginning in 5 sec
00:0000:00
0
0
1
volume-image
0
1
1
Practice with AI Scoring
Restart
Answer
Start
Answer
Some studies show a link between depression and social media.

Sample Question 2:

Beginning in 5 sec
00:0000:00
0
0
1
volume-image
0
1
1
Practice with AI Scoring
Restart
Answer
Start
Answer
The marine environment has been destroyed by pollution and unsustainable development.

Sample Question 3:

Beginning in 5 sec
00:0000:00
0
0
1
volume-image
0
1
1
Practice with AI Scoring
Restart
Answer
Start
Answer
Please note that the submission deadline can only be extended in special circumstances.
Practice more Sample Question
write-from-dictation-tips
Tips for success in PTE Write from Dictation
Listen closely to each word
Pay attention to word order, grammar, and sentence form.
Take quick notes for longer sentences
Write key words or short phrases, then rebuild the full sentence after the audio.
Check spelling and punctuation
Make sure every word is spelled right, and add needed punctuation.
Do not guess or add extra words
Only write the exact words you heard—adding or omitting words can negatively impact your score.

How to Effectively Tackle Write from Dictation in the PTE

What are the strategies that can be followed to crack this task?

Step-by-Step Strategy

Listening carefully
Focusing on each word carefully
Taking quick notes
Note down important keywords to help in longer sentence structures
Typing immediately
Using your gathered notes to recollect the sentence properly
Reviewing before submitting
Checking spellings and punctuations before submitting

Use full video for Write from Dictation

slider-img
slider-img
slider-img
slider-img
slider-img
slider-img
slider-img

Learn more about other questions

Your Guide to Every Section of the PTE Exam

Icon representing PTE Speaking section with tasks like Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Describe Image, and Re-tell Lecture
Speaking
Read AloudRepeat SentenceDescribe ImageRe-Tell Lecture (Academic / UKVI)Answer Short QuestionRespond to a SituationSummarize Group Discussion (Academic / UKVI)
Icon representing PTE Writing section with tasks like Summarize Written Text, Write Essay, and Write Email
Writing
Summarize Written TextWrite Essay
Write Email (Core)
Icon representing PTE Reading section with tasks like Fill in the Blanks, Multiple Choice, and Re-order Paragraphs
Reading
Fill in the Blanks (Drop Down)Multiple Choice, Multiple AnswersRe-order ParagraphsFill in the Blanks (Drag & Drop)Multiple Choice, Single Answer
Icon representing PTE Listening section with tasks like Summarize Spoken Text, Fill in the Blanks, and Write from Dictation
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.
No, you cannot replay it. This will be played only once
You will get about 3–4 tasks in the listening section
This task, although doesn’t have negative marking but can have reduced scorings due to errors.
No, you always need to write only in full words
You will get reduced scores because the words are to be written properly
Yes, this will contribute to both listening and writing skills.