The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is an English proficiency exam recognized by academic institutions and governments worldwide. PTE Academic assesses your English language skills across Speaking and Writing, Reading, and Listening. The Listening section is Part 3 of PTE Academic, includes eight question types, and takes about 31 to 39 minutes. In this article, we will look at some PTE Listening tips.
PTE Listening tests your ability to understand spoken English, communicate what you have heard, and process information from audio or video clips. You may need to summarize spoken text, choose correct answers from multiple-choice lists, fill gaps in a transcript, identify the correct summary, select a missing word, highlight incorrect words, and write from dictation.
Audio and video clips play automatically during the test, and you can hear each clip only once, so you need to process the information quickly. You are allowed to take notes.
Tips for the PTE Listening Test, by Type of Question
Tip 1: Summarising Spoken Text
- As you listen, quickly make notes of the main and supporting points so you can refer to them when drafting your answer.
- In your answer, include the key information and use correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Keep your response between 50 and 70 words.
Tip 2: Multiple-choice Questions
- Take notes while you listen, capturing the main points and supporting details.
- Listen for meaning and tone, not just for content.
- When picking your answers, do not choose an option only because it uses words you heard in the recording.
- For multiple-choice, single-answer questions, focus on the kind of information you need. The question often tells you exactly what to listen for.
- Before the recording begins, read the question and skim the response options so you have an idea of what to listen for.
Tip 3: Fill in the Blanks
- You will have seven seconds before the recording starts, so quickly skim the text to understand the topic and context.
- Write down the words you hear for the blanks on your erasable noteboard. After the recording, use your notes to decide on the missing words and check their spelling before typing them into the gaps.
Tip 4: Highlight Correct Summary
- Take notes as you listen, and focus fully on the recording rather than the answers on screen, as they can distract you.
- Match the notes you have taken to the answer choices afterward.
Tip 5: Select Missing Word
- Listen carefully and make your selection as the recording stops. Then take a few seconds to reread the options and make your final decision. The next recording will not start until you click “Next,” so take your time.
Tip 6: Highlight Incorrect Words
- Read the on-screen transcript quickly in the 10 seconds before the recording begins to familiarize yourself with the topic.
- Once you have an idea of the topic, you will be better able to pick out words that do not fit the context.
- Follow the text with your mouse cursor as you listen. Click on the words that sound different from what is written. You can deselect a word if you change your mind.
- Do not try to take notes during this task, as you need to follow the transcript closely while listening.
Tip 7: Write from Dictation
- Type as many correct words as you can remember into the response box in the correct order.
- Use your knowledge of English grammar to decide where a word should go in the sentence if you cannot remember the exact order.
- Check your spelling before moving on.
General Tips for PTE Listening
- Make sure you know the test format, timings, and how questions will be presented.
- Learn the scoring system by checking each question type on the official website.
- Familiarize yourself with what to expect on test day by checking the summary on the PTE official website, which explains what happens on arrival and during the test.
- Practice with official preparation materials, such as Smart Prep, scored practice tests, the PTE Academic Question Bank, and the Official Guide to PTE Academic.
- Familiarize yourself with the type of computer setup used during the test. Your computer will use a QWERTY keyboard, so practice with one beforehand if you do not normally use one.
- Arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before your test so you have time to check in and pass security.
Coverage of PTE Listening Test
- Summarizing a 60- to 90-second recording in a 50- to 70-word response within 10 minutes.
- Answering multiple-choice, multiple-answer questions after an 80- to 120-second recording.
- Filling in the blanks in a transcript after listening to a 30- to 60-second recording.
- Highlighting the correct summary of a 30- to 90-second recording.
- Answering multiple-choice, single-answer questions after a 30- to 90-second recording.
- Selecting the missing word or phrase after listening to a 20- to 70-second recording in which the final word or group of words has been replaced by a beep.
- Highlighting incorrect words in the transcript of a 15- to 50-second recording displayed on screen.
- Writing from dictation after listening to a 3- to 5-second recording.
There are many resources to study for the PTE in general and the Listening section in particular. You should review all official information about the test, even if you are fluent in English, because even strong English speakers may be surprised by the question format, time constraints, and scoring rules.
The official website offers scored practice tests that use the same format and scoring engine as the real test. These tests can help you understand your score potential before test day. Pearson also offers free preparation through Smart Prep, including a study plan, guided practice tests, online courses, and test tips.
Additionally, you can use official preparation resources such as the PTE Academic Question Bank, the Official Guide to PTE Academic, and the PTE Academic Expert Self-Study Course to understand the test format and practice all sections.
Finally, there is the option of a course in a group or one-to-one setting. You can seek help from a private language school or tutor specializing in PTE, or use Pearson’s official self-study resources.
We hope that this article on the PTE Listening test was helpful. To know more information on studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students.
