PTE Academic · Task guide 25 · 3 min read

PTE Write from Dictation: format, scoring and tips

PTE Academic Write from Dictation explained: type a short sentence you hear once. One mark per correct word, spelling and a routine.

What you see and do

Write from Dictation is the last item type in PTE Academic. You hear a short sentence, then type it exactly as you heard it into a text box.

You hear each sentence once only. There is no transcript and no spellchecker.

Timing

Because this item comes at the very end, the time left on the Listening timer is shared across all the remaining sentences. Check it before you begin.

How it is scored

Write from Dictation counts towards Listening and Writing.

It uses partial credit: you earn one mark for each correct word, correctly spelt. Write the sentence in the order you heard it. There is no penalty for extra words, but there is also nothing to gain from them.

Write from Dictation is widely regarded as one of the most valuable items in the test for the Listening and Writing scores, because every word counts.

Common mistakes

• Spelling errors. A misspelt word scores nothing, even if you heard it.
• Missing small words. Articles ("a", "the"), plural "-s" and past tense "-ed" are easy to miss and each costs a mark.
• Trying to write while listening. Many candidates do better by listening first, then typing.
• Leaving it blank. Even a partial sentence earns marks for the words it gets right.
• Rushing at the end of the test. Tiredness leads to careless slips; check each sentence.

A short routine

1. Listen to the whole sentence without typing. Picture what it means.
2. Write the first letter of each word on your noteboard, or start typing immediately while it is fresh.
3. Type the full sentence, using the meaning to fill any gaps in your memory.
4. Check grammar: does every noun need "a" or "the"? Are the plurals and tenses consistent?
5. Check spelling of every word, then move on.

Exam tip: the sentences are usually about academic life or general knowledge, so the vocabulary often includes words such as "research", "laboratory", "assignment", "economic", "environment" and "significant". Make sure you can spell these confidently.

Illustrative example

These sentences were written for Fable Tests. They are not taken from any official material.

You hear:

"The library will extend its opening hours during the examination period."

A second sentence to try:

"Students must submit both parts of the assignment before the end of the month."

Practice by asking someone to read sentences like this aloud once, then typing them without replaying.

Practice ideas

• Keep a list of academic words you misspell and test yourself weekly.
• Practice with sentences of 8 to 15 words, which is a typical length.
• Type on a standard keyboard with autocorrect switched off, as in the test.

Key points

• Write from Dictation is the last item type in the test.
• You hear a short sentence once and type it.
• It counts towards Listening and Writing.
• One mark per correct, correctly spelt word.
• Listen for meaning, then type and check every small word and spelling.

For the official current format, see pearsonpte.com. More guides are on the PTE hub.