This is the final part of the PTE Academic test and aims to evaluate how well you understand spoken English in academic settings. Here’s what to expect:
Format Breakdown
- Duration: The Listening module takes between 45-57 minutes to complete.
- Question Types: Prepare for eight different question types designed to test your listening comprehension, note-taking ability, and writing skills.
The Eight Question Types
- Summarize Spoken Text: Listen to an audio recording (60-90 seconds) and then have 10 minutes to provide a written summary (50-70 words) that captures the main points.
- Multiple Choice, Choose Multiple Answers: After listening to an audio clip, you’ll be asked a question and provided with multiple answer choices. You’ll need to select all the correct answers.
- Fill in the Blanks: This task combines listening and writing. You’ll hear a recording with missing words and need to fill those blanks with the words you heard.
- Highlight Correct Summary: You’ll hear a short audio clip and be presented with several written summaries. Select the one that most accurately reflects the content of the audio.
- Multiple Choice, Choose Single Answer: After listening to a recording, select the single correct answer from the choices presented, based on your understanding of the audio.
- Select Missing Word: Listen to a short audio clip with one word missing. You’ll see a few options on the screen and need to pick the correct word to complete the recording.
- Highlight Incorrect Words: This one tests your attention to detail. You’ll listen to a short passage and see its corresponding transcript. Identify and highlight any words in the transcription that differ from what you heard.
- Write from Dictation: This is designed to test your short-term memory and spelling accuracy. Listen to a sentence and type it precisely as you heard it.
Key Tips:
- Note-taking is crucial: You’re provided with an erasable noteboard during the exam. Jot down key points and phrases to help you process the audio content.
- Active Listening: Don’t just passively listen. Focus on understanding the main ideas, supporting details, and the speaker’s tone.
- Get familiar with different accents: The PTE exam may include audio from both native and non-native English speakers to reflect real-world academic settings.