Master the PTE Academic Listening Section (2025 Update)

Task 1 – Summarize Spoken Text

You will hear a lecture or presentation (60-90 seconds) and then write a summary of what you heard. You have 10 minutes to complete this task. This task contributes to both Listening and Writing scores.

Requirements:

• Write 50-70 words
• Capture the main ideas and key supporting details
• Use your own words, not copy from the audio
• Write in complete, grammatically correct sentences
• Focus on content accuracy and clarity

Tips for success:

• Take notes while listening to capture key points
• Focus on the main topic and supporting arguments
• Use complex sentence structures with appropriate connectors
• Check grammar, spelling, and punctuation carefully
• Practice with academic lectures on various topics

Task 2 – Multiple Choice (Multiple Answers)

You will hear an audio recording and answer a multiple-choice question where more than one answer may be correct. You need to select all correct options to receive full marks.

Tips for success:

• Read the question and options before listening
• Listen for specific information mentioned in the options
• Take notes on key points while listening
• Select all options that are supported by the audio
• Don't select options based on general knowledge alone

Task 3 – Fill in the Blanks

You will see a transcript with several blanks. As you listen to the audio, you need to type the missing words in the blanks. This task contributes to both Listening and Reading scores.

Tips for success:

• Read the transcript first to understand the context
• Listen carefully for the exact words used in the audio
• Pay attention to spelling and grammar
• Use context clues to predict missing words
• Check your answers for accuracy and completeness

Task 4 – Highlight Correct Summary

You will hear an audio recording and then see several summary options. You need to select the summary that best captures the main points of what you heard.

Tips for success:

• Listen carefully to identify the main ideas
• Take notes on key points and supporting details
• Compare each summary option with what you heard
• Look for summaries that capture the overall message
• Eliminate summaries that contain incorrect information

Task 5 – Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

You will hear an audio recording and answer a multiple-choice question with only one correct answer. This is similar to Task 2 but with single selection.

Tips for success:

• Read the question and options before listening
• Listen for specific information related to the question
• Take notes on relevant details
• Eliminate obviously wrong answers
• Choose the option that best answers the question

Task 6 – Select Missing Word

You will hear an audio recording that is cut off at the end. You need to select the word or phrase that would logically complete the sentence from a list of options.

Tips for success:

• Listen carefully to understand the context and flow
• Predict what word or phrase would logically complete the sentence
• Consider the grammar and meaning of the sentence
• Look for clues in the preceding sentences
• Choose the option that makes the most sense

Task 7 – Highlight Incorrect Words

You will see a transcript on screen and hear an audio recording. You need to click on words in the transcript that differ from what you hear in the audio. This task tests both listening and reading skills.

Tips for success:

• Read the transcript while listening to the audio
• Focus on accuracy and don't click too quickly
• Listen for differences in words, not just pronunciation
• Click only on words that are actually different
• Use the process of elimination for difficult choices

Task 8 – Write From Dictation

You will hear a sentence and need to type it exactly as you hear it. You have 7 seconds to type the sentence after hearing it. This task contributes to both Listening and Writing scores.

Tips for success:

• Listen carefully to the entire sentence
• Type the sentence exactly as you hear it
• Pay attention to spelling, punctuation, and grammar
• Use proper capitalization and spacing
• Practice with various sentence structures and lengths