PTE Listening Summarise Spoken Text: Expert Views and Methods

The PTE is a competence test in English that is one of the prerequisites for students planning to study overseas. However, out of its three modules, students are always scared of the PTE listening part. It's because the tasks in this part can be a bit tough. Especially the ones that test two skills at a time, like the summarize spoken text task. So, in this article, the mentors from PTE classes will provide you with tips that you can practice using a PTE mock test to enhance your progress level.

Overview of The Summarize Spoken Text Task

In the summarize spoken text task, you will hear an audio file. After that, you will have to write a summary of it, which should further contain the key details from the audio. The audio will be 60 to 90 seconds long, and the summary for it will be around 50 to 70 words. This task further aims to assess your skills of analysis and synthesis. Moreover, as per the PTE syllabus, the scoring method for this question is the partial credit type. However, for an irrelevant summary, you will not get any marks. So, let’s explore the ways to effectively write the summary.

Methods for Summarize Spoken Text

The task of summarizing spoken text will affect the scores for the writing and listening sections. Further, you will get 10 minutes to listen and formulate your summary. Other than that, the content of the gist and the quality of your writing will affect your score. Hence, it is crucial to follow the correct strategy to attempt this task. The following are some methods that you can use to improve your score:

Stay Focused

The recording for the PTE listening plays only once. So, you must give your full attention to it. In addition, stay focused on the details that you are hearing in the audio file.

Main Idea

When you are hearing the audio lecture, focus on the context of the text. In addition, try to find the main theme of the lecture so that you can add it to your summary.

Take Notes

While you are hearing the recording in PTE listening, take note of the information from the audio. However, make sure to note only the key details from the text. Also, try to write in shorthand so you can save your time.

Draft Response

Before you write down the summary, create a rough response for it. Check it for grammar errors and the main theme of the text. Further, include the other details that should be there in your summary.

Paraphrasing

When you are writing the summary in this PTE listening task, you should paraphrase the details from the text. Moreover, use simple words and sentences. This will further show that you have the skills to understand the text.

Time Management

Time is of the essence when you are attempting the task. It is because you will only get 10 minutes for listening and writing. Thus, it is crucial to divide your time wisely between the various steps.

Practice

You cannot ace an exam without practising for it before. So, a regular practice schedule involving a PTE mock test is vital for becoming familiar with the structure of the task.

Coherence

The summary that you draft needs to be clear in meaning. It should further have a smooth flow. Without proper coherence, you will not get good scores.

Word Count

The task for summarizing spoken text gives test takers a specific word limit to follow. That is why you need to stick to this count when you are writing your response.

Grammar

Grammar is one of the judging criteria for this question. So, after writing the summary, check for any errors in the sentence structure, grammar or spelling.

Since you know the methods, let’s see what problems you can come across while attempting this task.

Challenges in Summarizing Spoken Text

While solving the PTE mock test, some aspects can cause a problem. The following are some such examples:

Students are not able to identify the key theme and its supporting details.

Listening and writing at the same time can pose an issue. So, practice for it.

Writing less or more than the given word limit.

Paying attention to the details that are not relevant to the summary.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hope the above methods will help you when you are practicing for this task. In case, you want to know more about any of the tasks from the PTE syllabus, connect with experts at Gradding.com. It is an online coaching where you can get all the essential resources for test preparation. In addition, the mentors here will guide and resolve your doubts. You can also avail of a free mock test and classes from here.