PTE Academic · Task guide 18 · 3 min read
PTE Summarize Spoken Text: format, scoring and tips
PTE Academic Summarize Spoken Text explained: a short lecture, a 50–70 word summary in 10 minutes, scoring traits and a routine.
What you see and do
Summarize Spoken Text is the first item in the Listening part. You hear a short recording, usually part of a lecture, lasting about one to one and a half minutes. You take notes while you listen. Then you write a summary of 50 to 70 words in the text box.
You hear the recording once only. A word counter shows your total as you type. You can cut, copy and paste, but there is no spellchecker.
Timing
| Stage | About how long |
|---|---|
| Audio | about 60–90 seconds |
| Write the summary | 10 minutes per item, on its own timer |
This timer is separate from the main Listening timer, which starts after the Summarize Spoken Text items.
How it is scored
Summarize Spoken Text counts towards Listening and Writing. It is judged on:
| Trait | What it means |
|---|---|
| Content | You cover the main points of the recording accurately |
| Form | Your summary is within 50–70 words |
| Grammar | Correct grammatical structure |
| Vocabulary | Appropriate choice of words |
| Spelling | Correct spelling |
As with other writing items, form matters. A summary well outside the word range, or written as a list of notes, scores poorly or may score zero.
Common mistakes
- Writing down every word you hear. You will miss the structure. Note key words only.
- Leaving out the speaker's conclusion. The final point is often the most important one.
- Exceeding 70 words. Count before you finish; cut examples first.
- Writing in note form. Your answer must be connected sentences.
- Not checking spelling. Spelling is a separate trait here.
A short routine
- While listening, write the topic at the top of your noteboard, then key words for each main point. Use arrows and symbols.
- After the audio (1 minute): circle the main idea and two or three supporting points.
- Write (5–6 minutes): two or three sentences. Start with the topic, then the key points, then the conclusion.
- Count (1 minute): check that you are between 50 and 70 words.
- Proofread (2 minutes): spelling, verb forms, articles and full stops.
Exam tip: an opening such as "The speaker explains that…" or "The lecture discusses…" gets you started quickly. Keep it to a few words so that most of your 70 go on content.
Illustrative example
This lecture summary and answer were written for Fable Tests. They are not taken from any official material.
Imagine a lecture in which a speaker explains that many old office buildings now stand empty because more people work from home. The speaker says some cities are converting these offices into flats, which can help with housing shortages. However, the speaker adds that conversions are often expensive, because offices lack enough windows and plumbing for homes, so governments may need to offer support.
Notes:
- empty offices ← home working
- convert → flats → helps housing shortage
- BUT costly: few windows, plumbing
- govt support needed?
Summary (57 words):
The speaker explains that many office buildings are empty because more people now work from home. Some cities are converting them into flats, which could help to reduce housing shortages. However, conversions are often expensive, since offices usually lack enough windows and plumbing for homes, so the speaker suggests that governments may need to provide financial support.
Key points
- You hear a recording once and write a 50–70 word summary in 10 minutes.
- It counts towards Listening and Writing.
- Scoring traits are content, form, grammar, vocabulary and spelling.
- Take key-word notes and include the conclusion.
- Count your words and proofread before time runs out.
For the official current format, see pearsonpte.com. More guides are on the PTE hub.