Understanding the PTE Listening Test

The PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic evaluates students on the basis of English writing, listening, speaking, and reading skills. The test is widely accepted as proof of language proficiency in many countries including the USA, the UK, New Zealand, Canada and Australia among others. PTE is a computer-based examination conducted at several test centers. It is of 2-hour duration with 20 types of questions.

Parts of PTE

The PTE has three components which are listed below: 

This is the basic structure of the examination. Read on to know more about the PTE listening test. 

PTE Listening Section in Detail

The PTE listening structure is as follows: 

Recommended Reads:

Guides for PTE Listening Section 

Here is a section-wise guide that you can use- 

Summarize Spoken Text

1. One of the biggest PTE listening summary tips is to ensure that you include the main and supporting ideas in your response. 
2. Note down all these points while listening to the recording. 
3. Check your punctuation, spelling, and grammar carefully. 

Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers

1. Take down the key points while hearing the recording. 
2. Read the question carefully. 
3. Use your notes to choose the correct option. 
4. Note things like locations, timelines, events, etc. since you will have to answer with multiple choices. 
5. Go by the meanings of options and not just because they are similar to some keywords. 

Fill in the Blanks

1. Skim through the content before the recording. You will have 7 seconds for this purpose. 
2. Try to then get the total idea about what you hear. 
3. Look for proper nouns and those repeated in the text. 
4. Write the words that you hear in your booklet for future reference. 

Highlight Correct Summary

1. One of the biggest PTE listening highlight correct summary tips is to keep taking notes. Match them to the summary thereafter. 
2. Avoid reading the options while listening. Write down the core ideas that you hear. 
3. Read the options later and match them to your notes. 

Multiple Choice, Single Answer

1. Focus on the information that you actually require. 
2. The core component of the question will make it clear as to what you have to find. 
3. You may have to find the core point, supporting details, the purpose of the speaker or sentence or an inference. 

Select Missing Word

1. There are 3-5 options for responses in this section. Only one is correct. 
2. Click on the correct option at the end of the recording. 
3. The next one will only play upon clicking Next. You will have some time to plan your answer. 
4. For changing your answer, click again for de-selecting the same. Then click the option which is correct. 

Highlight Incorrect Words

1. Swiftly read the transcript before putting your focus on the core words. 
2. You can skim through in the 10 seconds before the beginning of the audio. 
3. Emphasize words that contain information and decide on the basic topic. 
4. Follow the text while listening with your cursor. Click on words sounding different from the one you see on your screen. 

Write from Dictation 

1. Type as many correct words as possible into the response box. 
2. Maintain the proper order in this section. 
3. You will get points for each correct word. 
4. If you are not sure about the order, use your grammatical knowledge to decide the same. 

The PTE listening score calculation takes all these eight question types into account. Make sure that you prioritize PTE listening time management skills and keep a calm head overall.

Know More About PTE:

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