The PTE Listening section is an essential component of the PTE Academic test, uniquely designed to evaluate a candidate's ability to understand spoken English, especially in an academic setting. This section is not only about testing one's basic comprehension but also involves analysing a speaker's tone, attitude, and the context of the spoken material. The PTE Listening section's dynamic format makes it a true test of a student's readiness to engage with English at an academic level. This blog will give you a comprehensive idea of the PTE listening test format, scoring and more. 

PTE Overview

PTE Listening Format

The PTE Listening section, lasting 30-43 minutes, consists of eight distinct question types, each testing different aspects of listening comprehension. The tasks include summarising spoken text, answering multiple-choice questions (with multiple or single answers), filling in blanks, highlighting the correct summary, selecting a missing word, highlighting incorrect words, and writing from dictation. Each audio clip is played once and candidates are allowed to take notes. Here are the different tasks and what to expect from them:

1. Summarise Spoken Text: Listen to a recording and write a 50-70 word summary in 10 minutes.
2. Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers:Choose more than one correct answer after listening to a recording.
3. Fill in the Blanks: Fill missing words in a transcript based on the audio.
4. Highlight Correct Summary: Select the summary that best matches the recording.
5. Multiple Choice, Single Answer: Choose one correct answer after listening to a recording.
6. Select Missing Word: Identify the correct word or phrase that completes a recording.
7. Highlight Incorrect Words:Find and select errors in a transcript while listening to the audio.
8. Write from Dictation: Type a sentence exactly as heard in the recording.

Each question type requires specific listening skills and strategies, making the PTE Listening section comprehensive and challenging.

Read More: PTE Exam Pattern and PTE Exam Syllabus

PTE Listening Band Score Chart

The PTE Listening test is scored on a scale from 10 to 90. These scores reflect a test-taker's ability to understand spoken English in an academic environment. The scoring takes into account various factors such as the correct identification of information, the ability to understand spoken text, and the accuracy of answers in tasks like filling in the blanks or writing from dictation. Each task type contributes differently to the overall listening score. Here is a complete overview: 

PTE Listening Test Preparation Tips

To prepare effectively for the PTE Listening section, consider these tips derived from the analysed links:

• Familiarise with Question Types: Understand the different task types in the listening section, like summarising spoken text, filling in the blanks, and multiple-choice questions.
• Practice Note-taking: Develop note-taking skills to capture key points during listening tasks, as this will help in answering questions more accurately.
• Improve Vocabulary: Enhance your academic vocabulary, as this section often includes complex language and technical terms.
• Regular Listening Practice: Listen to English in various accents and academic contexts to get used to different speech patterns and speeds.
• Test Strategies: Learn strategies for each task type, such as focusing on keywords in multiple-choice questions or understanding the context for filling in the blanks.
• Time Management: Practice managing your time effectively, especially for tasks like summarising spoken text, where you need to listen, take notes, and write your response within a limited time.
  

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