PTEwriting

PTE Summarize Spoken Text

Listen to a short lecture and write a summary of 50-70 words.

10 minutes per item
PTE Academic (Score 10-90)
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What is this question type?

Summarize Spoken Text tests whether you can understand the main points of a short academic talk and write a clear summary. You hear a recording of about 60-90 seconds once. You then have 10 minutes to write a summary of 50-70 words. It counts toward both your Listening and Writing scores and is marked on content, form, grammar, vocabulary and spelling.

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Winning Strategy

  1. 1

    Use the notepad. Write key words, not full sentences, while you listen

  2. 2

    Listen for the topic, the main points and the conclusion

  3. 3

    Plan two or three sentences: the topic, the key points, and the speaker's conclusion

  4. 4

    Use linking words like "first", "however" and "as a result" to connect ideas

  5. 5

    Leave 2 minutes to check word count, grammar and spelling

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Writing outside the 50-70 word range, which costs form marks

  • Trying to write down every word and missing the main ideas

  • Including small examples instead of the key points

  • Adding your own opinion. Summarize what the speaker said

  • Making spelling mistakes in key words from the talk

Tips for Success

  • Practice with short lectures and podcasts. Note 5-8 key words, then summarize them

  • Use simple shorthand in your notes, such as arrows and abbreviations

  • Use a template: "The speaker discussed... First,... Then,... Finally, the speaker concluded that..."

  • Use the key terms from the talk. Spell them carefully

  • Use the word counter on screen to stay between 50 and 70 words

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times can I hear the recording?
Once. Take notes while you listen.
What happens if I write too many or too few words?
You lose marks for form. A response far outside the range, such as under 40 or over 100 words, can score zero.
Which scores does it affect?
Both Listening and Writing.

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PTE Summarize Spoken Text - Complete Study Guide for Pearson Test of English Academic

Summarize Spoken Text tests whether you can understand the main points of a short academic talk and write a clear summary. You hear a recording of about 60-90 seconds once. You then have 10 minutes to write a summary of 50-70 words. It counts toward both your Listening and Writing scores and is marked on content, form, grammar, vocabulary and spelling.

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Use the notepad. Write key words, not full sentences, while you listen
  2. Listen for the topic, the main points and the conclusion
  3. Plan two or three sentences: the topic, the key points, and the speaker's conclusion
  4. Use linking words like "first", "however" and "as a result" to connect ideas
  5. Leave 2 minutes to check word count, grammar and spelling

Avoid These Mistakes

  • Writing outside the 50-70 word range, which costs form marks
  • Trying to write down every word and missing the main ideas
  • Including small examples instead of the key points
  • Adding your own opinion. Summarize what the speaker said
  • Making spelling mistakes in key words from the talk

Expert Tips

  • Practice with short lectures and podcasts. Note 5-8 key words, then summarize them
  • Use simple shorthand in your notes, such as arrows and abbreviations
  • Use a template: "The speaker discussed... First,... Then,... Finally, the speaker concluded that..."
  • Use the key terms from the talk. Spell them carefully
  • Use the word counter on screen to stay between 50 and 70 words

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times can I hear the recording?

Once. Take notes while you listen.

What happens if I write too many or too few words?

You lose marks for form. A response far outside the range, such as under 40 or over 100 words, can score zero.

Which scores does it affect?

Both Listening and Writing.

Available in: PTE Academic (Score 10-90)

Time allowed: 10 minutes per item