About Listening
Listening of PTE Academic tests your ability to understand spoken English in an academic Environment.
Listening tests your ability to understand spoken English in an academic environment.
It also tests your ability to understand a variety of accents, both native and non-native. Listening item types require you to understand an audio or video recording of an authentic lecture, presentation or dialouge from an academic source.
Listening Section
Summarize spoken text
For this item type you hear an audio recording and need to write a 50-70 word summary on what you heard.
You have 10 minutes to write your summary.
The audio begins to play automatically. You are only able to listen to the audio recording once.
The Word Count at the bottom of the screen counts the number of words you write. Make sure to write a minimum of 50 words, but no more than 70 words.
There are also cut, copy and paste buttons which you may choose to use while constructing your summary.
Cut: Select text from your answer that you wish to remove and left-click “Cut”.
Copy: Select text from your answer that you wish to copy and left-click “Copy”.
Paste: Place the cursor where you wish to paste the cut/copied text and left-click “Paste”.
Multiple choice, multiple answer
For this item type you need to listen to the recording and answer the multiple-choice question. There is more than one correct response.
The audio begins to play automatically. You are only able to listen to the audio recording once.
You need to select all the response options that you think are correct from the list of possible options.
To select an option click on it using the left button on your mouse. If you change your mind, left-click on the option again to deselect it.
The options you select are highlighted.
Fill in the blanks
For this item type you are presented with a transcript of the audio recording, however, some words are missing. Restore the transcript by typing in the missing words.
The audio plays automatically. You are only able to listen to the audio recording once.
Left-click on each gap and type in the missing word. You can also use the Tab button on the keyboard to move between gaps.
Note: While the audio is playing, you can take notes on the erasable noteboard provided and then fill in the gaps.
Highlight correct summary
For this item type you need to select the summary that best matches the recording.
The audio begins to play automatically. You are only able to listen to the audio recording once.
There are several possible response options but only one is correct.
To select an option click on it using the left button on your mouse. If you change your mind, left-click on the option again to deselect it, or left-click on a different option.
The option you select is highlighted.
Note: It may be difficult to read and listen at the same time. It is recommended that you listen first, make notes on the erasable noteboard and then read the summaries.
Multiple choice, single answer
For this item type you need to listen to the recording and answer the multiple-choice question.
The audio begins to play automatically. You are only able to listen to the audio recording once.
There are several possible response options but only one is correct.
To select an option click on it using the left button on your mouse. If you change your mind, left-click on the option again to deselect it, or left-click on a different option.
The option you select is highlighted
Select missing word
For this item type the last word or group of words in the recording has been replaced by a beep. Select the most appropriate option to complete the recording.
The audio begins to play automatically. You are only able to listen to the audio recording once.
There are several possible response options but only one is correct.
To select an option click on it using the left button on your mouse. If you change your mind, left-click on the option again to deselect it, or left-click on a different option.
The option you select is highlighted.
Highlight incorrect words
For this item type you are presented with a transcript of the audio recording, however, the transcript contains some errors. While listening and reading, you need to select the words in the text that differ from what the speaker says.
The audio begins to plays automatically. You are only able to listen to the audio recording once.
To select a word click on it using the left button on your mouse. If you change your mind, left-click on the word again to deselect it.
The words you select are highlighted.
Write from dictation
For this item type you hear a short sentence. Type the sentence into the response box at the bottom of the screen.
The audio begins to play automatically. You are only able to listen to the audio recording once.
Note: While the audio is playing, you can take notes on the erasable noteboard provided.
Remember to check your spelling.
Tips & Tricks
Make sure you summarize the main point and include the supporting points. Remember to check grammar, spelling and punctuation.
Take notes of the main points and supporting details. Select for meaning, not just to match the words you hear.
Skim the text before the recording begins. As you listen, write the words you hear for the blanks on your ‘erasable noteboard booklet’. Take notes and match them to the correct summary
Focus on the kind of information you need. Skim the question and answer options before you listen to understand the topic. Know what to do if you change your mind about the answer.
Quickly read the transcription before you listen to focus on key words. Follow the text with the cursor as you listen. Type as many correct words as you can remember into the response box in the correct order.
