FREE PTE Summarize Spoken Text Practice

The PTE Summarize Spoken Text task requires test-takers to listen to an audio recording and write a summary of between 50 and 70 words. However, you can only hear the recording once, and it will play automatically; therefore, staying focused is key.

The recording lasts between 60 to 90 seconds. Additionally, candidates will have to listen and answer within 10 minutes. There’s a word counter function under the writing area, so pay attention to avoid exceeding your word limit.

The test also provides copy, paste, and cut functions so test-takers can write more effectively.

Sample: You will hear a short audio. Write a summary for a fellow student who was not present at the Interview/Lecture. You should write 50-70 words. You have 10 minutes to finish this task. Your response will be judged on the quality of your writing and on how well your response presents the key points presented in the interview.

 

 

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Common Mistakes To Avoid

Having mistakes in the PTE Summarize Spoken Text task is why your score is low. Below, PTE Magic lists the most common mistakes so you can avoid them more easily:

• Not listening actively: Many test-takers don’t focus while the audio plays because they are distracted by minor details, leading to missing the key points or the main context. This will lead to wrong summaries that only mention unnecessary information.
• Taking long notes: Some test-takers believe writing full sentences will help them achieve higher scores because they include all the details. However, this is a wrong assumption because this method slows you down and wastes your time unnecessarily. Additionally, notes that contain too many details might confuse you when summarising.
• Copying words directly from the audio: Don’t repeat the audio word-by-word. The PTE Summarize Spoken Text task requires test-takers to use their own words, meaning you must paraphrase the content to your understanding. Finding a new approach to mention the recording is key to achieving high scores in this task.
• Not following word limits: This task will reduce points for summaries that aren’t 50 to 70 words. Test-takers who exceed this limit will have low scores, so pay attention to following the requirements accordingly.
• Having grammar mistakes: Many candidates encounter grammar mistakes, including verb tenses and subject-verb agreement. These minor errors can take away your PTE Summarize Spoken Text score easily. Moreover, don’t repeat words. Test-takers who use synonyms to express their points receive more points than others because their summaries sound less dull and robotic. 
• Not practising frequently: Practise makes perfect, however, not everyone understands and follows this guideline. Overconfident candidates think they can pass this task without practise, but they often face the risks of poor timing, lack of too much note-taking, and ineffective paraphrasing on the test day. Not doing mock tests beforehand is also dangerous because you will be unprepared and unfamiliar with the test format and conditions. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How To Summarise Spoken Text In PTE?

The PTE Listening Summarize Spoken Text task test requires strong listening skills and quick note-taking ability because the audio plays only once. Focus on the keywords and main ideas instead of noting full sentences to save time. This is the key to creating a clear and correct summary.

How Many Words Are In The PTE Summarize Spoken Text?

Candidates must write a 50 to 70-word summary for the Summarize Spoken Text task. They will encounter 2 to 3 questions for these tasks. Each question will last 1 to 2 minutes, beginning with either an audio or video format.

How Do You Summarize Text Quickly?

The PTE Summarize Spoken Text task requires critical thinking to understand the main context and keywords before creating your summary. Test-takers should aim to summarise about a third of the original content, meaning your answer must be shorter and include the key ideas.

How Can I Improve My Summarize Spoken Text In PTE?

Test-takers who focus, apply strategies, and control good timing have high PTE Summarize Spoken Text scores. Start by actively listening while the audio plays to capture important words. Then, take quick notes and structure them to avoid confusing yourself later. Paraphrase your answer to prove your understanding, and don’t exceed the word limit.

What Is The Difference Between Summarize Spoken Text And Retell Lecture?

Both tasks evaluate test-takers’ ability to understand spoken information. The Retell Lecture requires you to speak, while the Summarize Spoken Text requires you to write it down. The main difference between these tasks is your response format.

Conclusion

Some test-takers feel nervous because they think the PTE Summarize Spoken Text task is hard due to the writing pressure under a limited time. However, taking PTE Summarize Spoken Text practice questions frequently will help you resolve this issue. Staying confident is another important factor. Therefore, trust yourself, prepare well, and you will achieve your desired PTE goals. Good luck!

Last updated on 02/06/2025