PTE Listening Task 4: Highlight Correct Summary (Full Guide)

Overview

After listening to a recording, choose the paragraph that best summarizes it.

Timing & Volume

Items per test: 1–2 (varies by form)

Audio length: 30–90 seconds

Focus: Main idea + key details

Samples from PTE Practice

Ernest Hemingway

Question: Click on the paragraph that best relates to the recording.

A)The main point is to question whether the biographical facts of a writer's life are of any importance in evaluating his work. Hemingway is the example used here, and there does seem to be a direct connection between the events of his life and those in his books, but knowing this should not get in the way of a true critical judgement of the works.

B)The writer Ernest Hemingway had a particularly eventful and exciting life and a lot of his real-life experiences got into his books. The speaker thinks this is irrelevant and doesn't believe that having lived such a full life makes the books any better, but he regrets that people now would prefer to read the biographies of writers rather than the books they wrote.

C)It is difficult to tell whether the speaker approves of Hemingway's lifestyle or not. He was famously macho and spent a lot of time hunting wild animals, going to wars and getting into fights. All these things got into his books, and the speaker thinks that this is not necessarily a good thing as it means that too many people prefer to read about his life than read his books.

0:000:30

Urban Development

Question: Click on the paragraph that best relates to the recording.

A)Many existing buildings in city centres, such as Perth are being cleared to make way for modern developments. Although this is improving the visual impact of the city, it is causing difficulties in areas where there is not enough space to accommodate the expanding population.

B)Developers in Perth and other parts of Western Australia are suggesting that it would be better to build much-needed homes within the city centre, as this would be more affordable for local people. It would also make transportation to and from jobs and shops cheaper and quicker.

C)Cities like Perth in Western Australia are experiencing a rapid growth in urban development. and the current trend is to expand into surrounding regions. Although some people think this is more cost-effective than building within cities, others believe it's having a harmful effect on the environment in these areas.

D)The housing shortage in Perth is being addressed by encouraging people to move to other cities in Western Australia where there is more space to develop new housing and infrastructure. This will benefit people struggling to find accommodation and also avoid having to develop on bushland.

0:000:30

Tips That Boost Scores

Choose the option that matches the main point, not just one detail.
Eliminate choices with added information not in the recording.
If two options seem similar, pick the more complete summary.