PTE Core Listening is an important part of testing, and evaluating the candidates’ ability to understand spoken English.
Various question types are featured in this section, from gap-filling exercises to summarizing academic talking.
To get a higher score, you should not miss our article.
In this short guide by PTE Magic, you’ll find a complete format and effective test-taking strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Seven PTE Core Listening modules provide a comprehensive overview of your ability to understand spoken English.
- Put into action the strategies suggested by Pearson to maximize your test score.
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PTE Core Listening Format
Summarize Spoken Test
The core “Summarize Spoken Test” exercise in PTE evaluates both listening comprehension and written expression.
You’ll listen to a brief auto clip and write a 20-30 word summary.
Pearson provides a 45 – 75-second audio and an 8-minute response window.
To successfully complete this task, you need a deep understanding of spoken language.
In addition, you need the ability to identify the main points and topics and express them concisely in writing.
This is a benchmark test of practical communication skills, mirroring real-life scenarios that require listening and summarizing abilities.
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers
You will be presented with a short audio recording (50-90 seconds) in this section, followed by a multiple-choice question.
To answer correctly, you’ll need to demonstrate your understanding of the audio’s context and content. This section specially evaluates your listening comprehension.
Listen carefully to the recording from the start. When the recording finishes, select ALL the correct answers.
Don’t miss any details because there may be more than one correct answer.
Click on the box next to your chosen answer. To change your selection, click on the box again.
Candidates will receive the highest score if all selected answers are correct. Choosing one or more incorrect options will result in a partial score.
While you do this exercise, you only need to focus on listening. Reading is only used to understand the task requirements. Speaking and writing skills will not be assessed.
Fill in The Blanks
The format of Fill in the Blanks involves completing a short audio recording (30-60 seconds) by filling in the missing words.
The audio will automatically play just once, so test takers must listen quickly and accurately to understand.
When you hear the word to fill in, click on the blank box and type the word in.
To move to the next blank, press the Tab key. Pearson also offers a whiteboard for you to note down the words you hear.
Your score for the Fill in the Blanks section will depend on the words you fill in.
If you fill in the correct words with accurate spelling, you will get points.
This section helps to test whether you can understand and write correctly what you hear.
Multiple Choice, Single Answer
You’ll hear a brief audio clip and choose the best summary. Listen closely, as the clip will play only once.
Compare the summary options to what you heard in the audio clip and select the right match.
To change your answer, click on the choice box. You can change your answer as many times as you like.
The system will grade you based on your choice. You will receive full marks if you provide the correct answer.
A binary scoring system means you will either get full marks or no marks for your answer.
Show off your listening skills in this part. Combine with your reading to understand the question and choose the best answer.
Select Missing Word
The task is to listen to a short audio and complete the dialogue by selecting the correct word or phrase.
With each audio clip lasting from 20 to 70 seconds, the listening section will test your ability to quickly grasp information.
Because you only listen once and the answer options appear immediately afterward, you must focus.
Choose the correct answer as soon as you see it. If you decide to change your answer, simply click again and continue clicking the new option.
The PTE Core Select Missing Word will assess your ability to predict the content of a spoken passage and select the appropriate word or phrase.
The test uses a binary system, so ensure you choose the right answer to get the maximum score.
Highlight Incorrect Words
Applicants will be required to listen to an audio clip (15-50 seconds) and cross-reference it with a transcript.
Their task is to click on the words that do not match between the two sources.
The audio will be played just one time, so focus on what you listen to. Whether you hear a word that doesn’t match the text, click on it.
The system will automatically highlight the word you select in yellow.
If you need to revise your answer, you can click on the same word again.
Your final score will be determined by the accuracy of your selections. For each word you correctly identify, you will receive one point.
However, for each incorrect selection, one point will be deducted from your total score.
To achieve a perfect score, all of your selections must be correct.
The “Highlight Incorrect Words” task directly impacts your Listening and Reading scores.
Your performance on this task will not affect your Speaking or Writing scores.
Write From Dictation
You’ll listen to a short sentence (3-5 seconds) once and type exactly what you hear.
You’ll be provided with a whiteboard to take notes during the test. We suggest that you write down all words you hear to avoid forgetting.
After entering your answer, please check your spelling and grammar.
Your score will be based on how accurately you can rewrite the sentence.
You’ll receive the highest marks if you write all the words correctly. Adding extra words, using the wrong words, or misspelling words will result in a lower score.
Concentrate on listening and writing precisely, as your score will depend on these two skills.
There is no speaking component, but make sure you read the instructions carefully before starting.
Strategies to Conquer The PTE Core Listening Section
In addition to providing a comprehensive format, we offer extra PTE Core Listening tips to help you maximize your score.
Use a Reusable Whiteboard for Note-Taking
It’s crucial that you take notes on supporting points and main ideas as you listen to the recording. Use your whiteboard to jot down these notes.
Then, based on your notes, summarize the main point and briefly reference any supporting points as needed.
This will contribute to a higher content score.
Verify the Spelling, Grammar, and Punctuation
Your grammar, spelling, and vocabulary will directly affect your score.
Therefore, after you write a 20-30 word summary, let’s spend some time reviewing the subject-verb agreement, word order, and tense.
It’s best to use grammatical structures and vocabulary that you feel confident using.
Then, carefully check your punctuation, including periods, commas, and capitalization, to ensure a free-error piece of writing.
Know How the Questions Are Scored
To evaluate your assignment, Pearson will base on the following factors:
Content will be graded based on the accuracy of grasping and presenting completely all the main points of the lecture.
Misunderstanding the topic will result in a zero score for the entire assignment.
Format will be graded based on the number of words. You will receive full marks if your response is between 20 and 30 words.
Writing fewer than 20 words or more than 30 words will result in a lower score.
Vocabulary will be scored based on accuracy, suitability for the academic context, and demonstration of deep understanding of the topic.
American, British, Australian, or Canadian spelling is accepted, but ensure you use one system consistently throughout the test.
Conclusion
Your successful completion of the seven PTE Core Listening tasks, combined with the implementation of our strategies, is a major step forward in your PTE journey.
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