Part 3: Listening Test Introduction

PTE Author
PTE Author
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Reading time: 4 minutes

Part 3 of PTE Academic will take 45-57 minutes to test your listening skills.

This section is designed to test your ability to listen, read and write. PTE Academic is an integrated skills test, therefore, this test contains multiple question types that test up to 2 skills each.

There are eight question types in the listening section. A breakdown of these question types is as below.

Summarize Spoken Text

The first question type you will need to complete is Summarize Spoken Text, which will tests listening and writing skills.

To complete the task, a recording between 60-90 seconds long will be played for you to listen to. As you listen, try to use the Erasable Noteboard Booklet to take notes of key points to help you understand the context.

After the recording, you will have 10 minutes to write a summary of what you heard.

To answer this question type, you must write a minimum of 50 words but no more than 70 words.

You can receive a maximum of 2 points for content, 2 for form, 2 for grammar, 2 for vocabulary and 2 for spelling.

Multiple-choice, multiple answer

The second question type, Multiple-Choice, Multiple Answer will test listening skills.

First, you will be given information to help answer the question. You only have 7 seconds to read this. A recording will then play that is between 40-90 seconds long.

Select all the response options that you think are correct.

In this question type, you can receive 1 point for each correct option, but will lose -1 point for each incorrect option. You cannot score below 0.

Fill in the blanks

In the third question type, Fill in the Blanks, listening and writing skills will be tested.

Similar to the previous task, you will be given 7 seconds to read some information before hearing the recording.

A recording between 30-60 seconds will play. As you listen, type each word in the blank spaces as you hear them so that you do not miss any.

Do not leave any spaces blank, you can review them at the end.

You receive 1 point for each correct word which is spelled correctly.

Highlight correct summary

The fourth question type, Highlight Correct Summary, will test listening and reading skills.

You will be given 10 seconds before the recording starts to read the options. A recording will be played that is between 30-90 seconds long.

To complete the task, select only one correct response. If unsure, choose the one you think is correct as you cannot lose points in this question.

Your response will either be marked as correct or incorrect.

Multiple-choice, single answer

The fifth question type, Multiple-Choice, Single Answer will test listening skills.

To complete this task, you will be given information to read for context, you will then need to listen to a recording between 30-60 seconds long.

Choose the option that best suits.

Your response to this question type will be marked as correct or incorrect.

Select missing word

In the sixth question type, Select Missing Word, will test your listening skills.

A recording between 20-70 seconds long will be played and you will need to predict the last word or words of the text to complete the task.

You will be marked on this question type as either correct or incorrect.

Highlight incorrect words

In the seventh question type, Highlight Incorrect Words, your listening and reading skills will be tested.

In this question type, you will be shown information and have 10 seconds to read it before a recording starts.

A recording between 15-50 seconds will play and you will need to select the words that are incorrect and do not match the recording.

You can receive 1 point for each correct word and lose -1 point for each incorrect word. You cannot score below 0.

Write from dictation

The eighth and final question type, Write from Dictation, tests listening and writing skills.

You will have 7 seconds to read the instructions before the recording starts. The recording is between 3-5 seconds long and once it starts, listen and type the sentence in the response box.

You can receive 1 point for each correct word you write. Write the words in the right order and spell them correctly in order to receive 1 point. Points are not lost for incorrect words.

What's next?

We recommend reviewing the core listening skills required for PTE Academic.

Want more prep ideas?

Plus, explore Smart Prep, which combines all our practice materials in one place, so it's easier for you to stay on track with your PTE preparation.

  • Smart Prep is a clear path to test day, guiding you through the official paid and free resources available for your test

  • It can be accessed whether you’ve booked a test or not – just create, or sign in to your myPTE account

  • Preparation materials include guided practice tests, introductory videos, video courses and test tips.

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