PTE Core format: Listening
Explore our detailed guide to the Listening section of the PTE Core English test, including videos, 
tips, and the best strategies for answering each question.
Part 3: Listening
This part of the test is approximately 30 minutes long and contains seven different question types.
The questions are based on audio or video clips, which begin to play automatically.
You hear each audio or video clip once. You are allowed to take notes.
Understand each question type
Use the menu to learn about the question types and how to answer each one.
1. Summarize Spoken Text

2. Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers

3. Fill in the Blanks

4. Multiple Choice, Single Answer

5. Select Missing Word

6. Highlight Incorrect Words

7. Write from Dictation
How to answer this question
For this question type, you will hear an audio recording and need to write a 20-30 word summary of what you heard.

You have 8 minutes to listen and write your summary.

The audio recording will play automatically. You can only listen to it once.

The word count at the bottom of the screen counts the number of words you write. Make sure to write a minimum of 20 words, but no more than 30 words.

There are also cut, copy and paste buttons, which you may choose to use while constructing your summary.

Test tips

Use your erasable whiteboard to take notes

 

Remember to check grammar, spelling and punctuation

 

How this question is scored in pte core test ?

Your response is judged on your ability to understand, analyze and combine information from a lecture, and then summarize the key points in writing. You are also assessed on the quality of your writing and on how well your response presents the key points in the lecture.

Your score is based on five factors:

Content: Does your response summarize the main points in the lecture?

Content is scored by assessing if you have addressed all the key points of the lecture without misrepresenting the purpose or topic. If your summary misinterprets the topic or the purpose of the lecture, you will not receive any score points for your summary on any of the five factors.

The best responses clearly summarize the main points and condense the essential supporting points. They focus on the topic and include only key information and the essential supporting points.

Form: Does your response meet the length requirement of between 20 and 30 words?

Form is scored by counting the number of words in your response. You will receive full credit if your response is between 20 and 30 words. Writing fewer than 20 words or more than 30 words will decrease your score. If your summary contains fewer than 5 words or more than 40 words, you will not receive any score points for your summary on any of the five factors.

Grammar: Does your response show you can use grammar correctly?

Grammar is scored by assessing if the basic structure of your sentences is correct. The best responses use concise sentences that clearly communicate your intended meaning.

Vocabulary: Does your response show you can choose and use words correctly?

Your vocabulary is scored according to its relevance to the lecture and its appropriateness in an academic environment. The appropriate use of synonyms is also scored. The best responses use words from the lecture appropriately, demonstrate an understanding of the context and use synonyms effectively to show variety in language use.

Spelling: Does your response show you can use a single spelling convention correctly and consistently?

PTE recognizes English spelling conventions from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. However, you should use one spelling convention consistently in each response you give.

Please note:

Partial credit scoring applies. No credit is given for no response or an irrelevant response.

This question type affects the scoring of the following: listening; writing; grammar; spelling and vocabulary

Your speaking skills are not tested by this question type, and your reading skills are only used to read the instructions

For more information download the PTE Core Score Guide (PDF, 2.16mb).