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Content Curator | Updated On - May 13, 2024

Highlights -

  • After listening to a recording, you need to write a 50 to 70-word summary.
  • You will hear the prompts for the listening test of an average length of 60 to 90 seconds. 
  • PTE listening scores are based on your grammar, written discourses, and following the Oral Sequencing of Information. 
  • In some of the question types like Highlight correct summary, your reading skills are also assessed apart from the listening skills. 

PTE listening is a part of the academic test that is for 30–43 minutes long and has 8 different types of questions. The questions are mostly based on audio or video clips, which begin to play automatically. You hear each audio or video clip once. You are allowed to take notes.PTE academic listening question types are - summarized from the spoken text, MCQs with multiple and single answers, highlighting the correct summary, fill in the blanks, selecting missing words, highlighting incorrect words, select missing words, and write from dictation. You will listen to short audio that will be related to academic areas such as humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences.

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PTE Listening Test Format

You must listen to the audio or video samples that begin automatically in PTE listening exam format. PTE syllabus for the Listening section consists of eight tasks that are designed to assess a test taker's ability to comprehend spoken English in an academic setting. Moving the bar to the right side increases the volume. Adjust the volume to your preference. The audio clips are only played once. PTE Listening test contains eight different sorts of questions. PTE listening question types are as follows:

Question Type Details
Summarize Spoken Text In this question, candidates are given an audio clip and asked to write a summary in 50-70 words after listening to it. The material is offered in concise chunks on various themes such as libraries, languages, health, and pharmaceuticals. You have 60-90 seconds to listen to the text and summarize it.
Multiple Choice, choose multiple answers In a multiple-choice, multiple-response style question, candidates are presented with a question and multiple alternatives on your screen. Students must select the proper one based on the audio recording. Students must select all of the recording alternatives that they believe are correct. Candidates will have between 40 and 90 seconds to listen and answer questions.
Fill In the Blanks Candidates are provided a transcript on your screen with various listening blanks PTE to fill in the 'Fill In the Blanks' question. The identical transcript will be accompanied by an audio clip. As you hear the tape, you must enter in the missing word. The audio clip played should correspond to the transcription printed on the screen. After the audio is played, you have 30 to 60 seconds to complete this question.
Highlight Correct Summary After listening to the audio, select the text that best explains the subject covered in the audio. It will take between 30 and 90 seconds to accomplish this challenge. PTE preparation apps can helps you to manage timings and provides relatable audios.
Multiple Choice, choose single answers In a multiple-choice test, applicants are presented with a question and many responses on your screen. Based on the audio recording, they are expected to select a single response. You have between 30 and 60 seconds to listen and react.
Select missing word You will hear an audiotape recording with a word or words missing. You must choose the missing part from the options provided. Students have 30 to 60 seconds to listen to the audio and report their reaction.
Highlight incorrect words Candidates are given a transcript written on the screen and an audio clip for the same script in this type of inquiry. Students must identify and choose the words that differ from the words in the lecture from the audio clip by left-clicking on them. This assignment will take 15-50 seconds to complete.
Write from dictation In 'Write from Dictation' questions, you must listen carefully to the sentence given in an audio clip that is automatically played. You must type the sentence exactly as it was said. This job will take between 3-5 seconds to complete.

Criteria for PTE Listening Evaluation

The test taker's ability to understand spoken English in an academic situation, including lectures, conversations, and spoken texts, determines their score. PTE score card for listening is graded on a scale of 10-90, with 10 being the lowest possible score and 90 being the highest. Here are the follow criteria that PTE listening section is measured:

  1. Grammar: As you listen to the audio clip and write down the correct answers, pay close attention to using the correct language in the sentences you use in your comments. These questions are designed to examine grammatical structure, including subject-verb agreement and word order. 
  2. Written Discourse: The examiner assesses the logical evolution of your answers as well as the significance of your points or arguments. Your task is to predict how a speaker will react based on what he or she says.
  3. Following the Oral Sequencing of Information: you must identify the topic, any supporting arguments or examples, sum up the main idea, and deduce the context, purpose, or tone. You should be able to absorb both explicit and implicit knowledge, as well as concrete and abstract data.

PTE Listening Module

PTE listening module have 8 types of qestions. You can enroll in an Online PTE coaching for practicing the listening tests.  Here in the below table is the number of question asked per section and skills assessed are tabulated below:

Items Number of Items Prompt length Scoring Skills assessed
Summarize Spoken text 1 - 2 60-90 seconds Partial Credit listening and writing
Multiple choice, choose multiple answers 1 - 2 40-90 seconds Partial Credit ( For Each Correct Response. Point Deducted For Incorrect Option Chosen ) listening
Fill in the blanks 2 - 3 30-60 seconds Partial Credit (Each Correct Word Spelled Correctly) listening and writing
Highlight correct summary 1 - 2 30-90 seconds Correct / Incorrect listening and reading
Multiple choice, choose single answer 1 - 2 30-60 seconds Correct / Incorrect listening
Select missing word 1 - 2 30-60 seconds Correct / Incorrect listening
Highlight incorrect words 2 - 3 20-70 seconds Partial Credit (For Each Word. Points Deducted For Incorrect Options Chosen ) listening
Write from dictation 3 - 4 3-5 seconds Partial Credit (For Each Word Spelled Correctly) listening and writing

Section-wise PTE Listening Tips

It is advised to modify techniques and tactics to raise the scores during PTE preparation. A few PTE listening tips and tricks that can aid in improving performance in the PTE listening mock test are listed below:

Summarize Spoken Text

  • It is better if you note down the keyword or phrases as soon as possible; listening and PTE speaking test will help you summarize the information.
  • If any pupils wish to use it, the cut, copy, and paste option is also available.
  • You must focus on the theme and the most often-used phrases.
  • You should limit your response to 50-70 words.

Sample:

img1

Multiple Choice, choose Multiple/Single Answers

You can comfortably practice PTE at home by listening to podcasts, movies with doifferent native accents.,

  • You should consider all of your options as soon as feasible. It will make it much easier for you to find the information you require.
  • Make no ignorant conclusions about this question because it incorporates negative marking.
  • It might be helpful if you read the questions before starting the audio.

Sample:

img2

Fill In The Blanks

Practicing the right tricks and tips can improve your PTE score chart.

  • You can use it to enter the words while PTE listening fill in the blanks to the audio snippets if you have decent typing skills.
  • To type a word, move your cursor to the blank space and click on it. Many users skip this step and then discover that whatever they typed was never displayed on the screen. Before pressing the 'next' button, double-check the word and its spelling.

Sample:

img3

Highlight Correct Summary

if you continue to practice all the question types, your high scores will be reflected in the PTE score report that will create an impact on your admission. 

  • Move the mouse pointer as the audio clip plays. Maintain your focus on the correct word and click on it instantly.
  • Recognise the message and the idea that the speaker is striving to express.
  • To reduce your possibilities, use the elimination procedure.

Sample:

img4

Select Missing Words

You can find all the types of question if you are preparing for PTE online.

  • Almost always, the beep is the last to arrive. Knowing this, many pupils only become aware when the audio is nearing the end. The key is to read the text carefully from the outset. This is because the 'beep' could represent the end of the phrase several times.

Sample:

img5

Highlight Incorrect Summary

You can utilise the PTE score calculator to get an idea of your scores. 

  • As the audio clip plays, move the mouse cursor. Pay close attention and click the word that differs from the recording as soon as possible. Even if you accidentally clicked a word, do not quickly go back and deselect it, as the speaker will finish several more words that you will completely miss. Finally, remember which ones you clicked incorrectly; deselect them all by left-clicking on them again.

Sample:

img6

Write for Diction

You should set a target PTE preparation time so that you can cover all the question types with enough flexibility. 

  • Some people like to scribble notes as the announcement is being made. It may be useful to record the initials of the words spoken. Others with good memories must focus on the sentence and recall it as they type it.
  • Spend time double-checking and proofreading your work. In this case, grammar, spelling, style, and discourse are all vital.
  • Practice most repeated words in PTE listening

Sample:

img7

Mistakes to Avoid During PTE Listening Test

A lot of candidates have made a few basic mistakes. owever, it is simple to identify and fix during the practice test, and can help you to improve your PTE band score. The errors are as follows:

  • As each clip is only played once, pay close attention to everything. Candidates should also keep the volume of their clips at a level that is comfortable for themselves.
  • Keep track of how many words candidates have written and how much time is left.
  • Students usually struggle to concentrate while taking PTE Exams. Therefore, try to pay attention to what he/she are doing.
  • Avoid attempting to listen to the words candidates missed because doing so will prevent candidates from hearing the following clip and from continuing. Candidates shouldn't waste a their time trying to listen to anything candidates missed because candidates won't be able to play the audio, making it impossible for candidates to hear anything. So, pay attention to the lines after that.
  • Try not to try to concentrate on every word if candidates are not a good listener. To better understand, only focus on the essential elements
     

PTE Listening Books

There are several PTE books available that can help you prepare for the Listening section. PTE listening short answer questions requires regular practice. Here are some of them books with PTE listening test with answers:

PTE Listening Practice Test

In order to prepare for PTE Listening test, the following PTE practice tests to pinpoint the areas of weakness and strengthen. Practice PTE online listening from the below PDFs for better understanding:

PTE Listening Practice Test 1- Audio

PTE Listening Practice Test 2- Audio

PTE Listening Practice Test 3- Audio

PTE Listening Practice Test 4- Audio

PTE listening test is based on actual criteria because it seeks to assess a candidate's attitude to English in everyday life. Questions in PTE listening module emphasize to fill in the gaps, multiple choice multiple response, write from dictation, listening summary, and other pertinent questions. You will be provided with an erasable note board and marker pen to take notes during PTE listening test. You will not penalized for incorrect answers, so it's advisable to attempt all questions.

FAQs

Ques: How many tasks are there in the PTE listening section?

Ans: There are eight tasks in the PTE listening section, including different formats like multiple-choice, fill in the blanks, highlight correct summary, and more.

Ques: Are headphones provided for the PTE listening section?

Ans: Yes, noise-canceling headphones are provided to all test-takers during the PTE listening section to ensure clear audio.

Ques: Is there a break between listening tasks in the PTE exam?

Ans: No, there is no scheduled break between listening tasks. The tasks proceed one after the other without any breaks.

Ques: Can I take notes during the PTE listening section?

Ans: Yes, candidates are provided with an erasable note board and marker pen to take notes during the listening tasks.

Ques: Can I adjust the volume of the audio during the PTE listening section?

Ans: Yes, candidates can adjust the volume of the audio using the provided headphones. There are controls on the headphone set.

Ques: Is there negative marking for incorrect answers in the PTE listening section?

Ans: No, there is no negative marking in the PTE exam. Candidates are not penalized for incorrect answers, so it's advisable to attempt all questions.

Ques: Are the accents in the listening tasks limited to British or American English?

Ans: No, the PTE listening section may include a variety of English accents, including British, American, Australian, and others to reflect real-world language usage.

Ques: Can I review my answers in the PTE listening section after completing a task?

Ans: No, once candidates move to the next task, candidates cannot go back to review or change their answers in the PTE listening section.

Ques: How long does the PTE listening section last?

Ans: The PTE listening section usually lasts for approximately 45-57 minutes, depending on the combination of tasks in the candidate's specific test.

Ques: Can I wear my own earplugs during the PTE listening section?

Ans: No, candidates must use the noise-canceling headphones provided by the test center during the PTE listening section. Personal earplugs are not allowed.

Ques: What is the PTE Listening test format?

Ans: The PTE Listening test consists of 45-57 minutes of audio recordings and 45 multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blanks, highlighting, and writing tasks. You'll listen to academic lectures, conversations, and monologues on various topics.

Ques: How many question types are there?

Ans: There are eight question types in PTE Listening. They are Summarize Spoken Text, Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer, Fill in the Blanks, Highlight Correct Summary, Multiple Choice, Single Answer, Select Missing Word, Highlight Incorrect Words and Write from Dictation.

Ques: What are some tips for acing the Summarize Spoken Text task?

Ans: Some of the tips for spoken section are take brief notes while listening, focus on main ideas and supporting details, use concise and grammatically correct language and aim for 50-70 words.

Ques: What is the PTE Listening scoring system?

Ans: Your PTE Listening score is based on your performance across all eight question types. You'll receive a score from 0-90, with higher scores indicating better listening skills.

Ques: Is there anything I can do to improve my pronunciation for the PTE Listening test?

Ans: Yes, to improve your pronounciation, you must practice speaking English regularly, even if it's just to yourself. You can listen to native speakers and try to mimic their pronunciation.

Ques: How important is note-taking in PTE Listening?

Ans: Note taking is very important in PTE listening. Taking brief notes can be helpful for tasks like Summarize Spoken Text and Fill in the Blanks. However, don't get too busy  in note-taking that you miss important information from the audio.

Ques: What are some common mistakes to avoid in PTE Listening?

Ans: Some common mistakes to avoid in PTE listening are not paying close attention to the audio recordings, misunderstanding keywords and synonyms, choosing answers based on personal opinions or assumptions and rushing through the test and not reading questions carefully.

Ques: Where can I find practice materials for PTE Listening?

Ans: There are many resources available online and in libraries to help you prepare for the PTE Listening test. Some popular options include official websites and third party websites. 

Ques: What if I do not get mu desires scores for PTE?

Ans: If you do not get the PTE scores that you were aiming for, you can retake the PTE test. However, please make sure that you have prepared before retaking the test. 

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.

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