Listening Guide
About
Summarize Spoken Text is actually a quite easy task in PTE. In exam, test takers will hear a lecture / dialogue（60s - 90s）and then they should write a summary of what they have heard. The word limit for the summary is 50 to 70 words. In exam, there are 1 to 2 SST questions.
Exam Tips
While listening, you should note down 5 - 6 key points, including topic phrase / sentence and 4 - 5 main points. Normally 1 main point in every 2 - 3 sentences. Then convert your notes into answers. If it is too difficult to determine the key points, note down as many sentences as possible (at least 5) that you can understand. Most importantly, do not make any grammar or spelling mistakes in your answer. Always remember to check your anwer before submitting
Time Span
The time allowed for each Summarize Spoken Text is 10 minutes. The audio time is included in the 10 minute limit. You can check how much time you are left with at the top right corner of computer screen. Finishing answering with less than 10 minutes would not bring you additional time to next question. Therefore there is no need to rush, and always leave at least 2 - 3 minutes to proofread your answer before submitting.
Be attentive and be ready to listen
The first of PTE Summarize spoken text tips and tricks is: Pay attention! You should be fully focused before the audio begins. You should put your cursor in the answer window if you are going to type your notes, or you should be ready to write with your hand if you will take the notes on your scratch pad.
Take good notes while listening to the audio
Note taking is an important skill for all questions in which you have to listen to an audio but it is very important here. It will be tough to construct a summary simply on the basis of what you remember. Your notes will provide you more assurance. It is worthwhile spending some time before your exam to work on your note taking technique.
Don't jump into writing immediately after the audio ends
We hope you have prepared well before the exam. That will give you the confidence to approach all questions in a systematic manner. Those who aren't confident or don't have a well-defined strategy jump into answering immediately. You shouldn't do that, there are other things to be done before that - such as reviewing your notes.
Stick to the word limit of 50 to 70 words
It's easy to make this mistake therefore a very simple but important tip is to stick to the word limit. If you see you are below the word limit then add some extra detail or repeat a point if needed. If you see you are above the word limit then try to combine some parts or remove a point that is not as important as others.
Don't make unnecessarily complex sentences
Your sentences should be academic in nature - should be linked properly and be free of spelling and grammar mistakes. That does not mean that you have to fill them with obscure words or make them unnecessarily long and complex. That will only increase the chances of making a mistake.
Review what you have written in the end
You have 10 minutes for one question of this type. Keep at least 2 minutes in the end for a review. Check the word limit, look for spelling and grammatical mistakes, and of course make sure that the key points are covered.