4 tips to crack Summarize Spoken Text

You can hear people talking in English when you go to a native English-speaking country. You will need strong listening skills to get acquainted with the place and get along with individuals.

PTE listening test will assess you on this aspect. We will discuss the Summarize Spoken Text task. In this task, you have to listen to a spoken audio and write a description of what you heard.  In other words, it tests your listening skills as well as communicating what you have experienced in writing. If you have not yet figured out, then it checks both your ability to listen and compose.

The directions specifically state that you have to write the description in 10 minutes and in about 50-70 words. There can be about 60-90 seconds of audio from everywhere. So, essentially, you need to extract the key audio data and present it in words.

Here are some tips and tricks to do well in this task:

Tips 1: Concentrate when listening

In listening, you have to pay attention to what is being said, understand it, and be able to convey what you have been listening to if necessary.

Do not, however, hurry to write each and every word you say. Doing so would result in you not knowing something that was said. As a result, you would have difficulty writing your review. Since you recognize that this is an integrated task, your writing skills score is also assessed by your response to this task. You will be given marks based on your content, grammar, spelling and vocab.

Often listen to the lecture in such a way that you have to explain it and give others a brief description of details about it. It’s out of the question to memorize the lecture as you have to present a brief on what you have learned. Try to find a link to the things you can recall or interactions you’ve had while you listen. You won’t have trouble understanding what the lecture revolved around this way, and you can also clearly understand the lecture.

All numbers or data or examples that you hear do not need to be strictly remembered, as you do not have to write that in your review. The key subject or idea of the lecture that the speaker is attempting to clarify is what you must know. The secret to success here is understanding the lecture.

Tip 2: Take noted by using the erasable notepad

During the exam, you have an erasable notepad with you to write down notes. Make use of it wisely. Do not write down every single word you say. Jot down the keywords that you can capture and believe are important. When you continue to listen to the audio, you can immediately understand what the topic is all about. So, it should be your goal to write down the correct terms. Be sure to write in a legible script as you go about writing. As soon as the lecture starts, start writing and you will not miss out on anything.

Tip 3: Note down the main idea of the lecture

It is important that you take note of the key idea of the lecture. Also, you instinctively recall the subject matter when you pay close attention to what is being said. After the lecture is done, just try to remember the basic details of the lecture while you are writing your rough draft. This does not mean that the supporting ideas are overlooked by you.

Tip 4: Write a rough response

Once the audio finishes your timer of 10 minutes to finish the task will start. Quickly write down what you are going to write in the rough answer. You’ve taken the notes already and your memory is new, so write down the description without first thinking about the word cap. You can remember what you’ve learned and link the dots together. You can build a simple image of what you want to write with the keywords listed. Make sure you paraphrase the passage.

Writing everything from word to word is the worst mistake you may make. You’re not expected to write the very same words spoken.

 Spend 2-3 minutes writing this rough draft for yourself. Have a subject sentence when writing your rough draft and describe the idea. Link the ideas together.

Practice SST on our PTE Platform.

Last updated on 01/09/2021

Moni PTE Magic

My name is Moni, and I am a seasoned PTE teacher with over 6 years of experience. I have helped thousands of students overcome their struggles and achieve their desired scores. My passion for teaching and dedication to my student’s success drives me to continually improve my teaching methods and provide the best possible support. Join me on this journey toward PTE success!