PTE Highlight Correct Summary is a task that challenges test-takers to identify the most accurate summary of a spoken passage.

Achieving the highest score in this section requires a combination of listening skills, critical thinking, and effective test-taking methods.

This short guide by PTE Magic will explore valuable tips and techniques to help you get the highest score possible in this task.

By understanding the structure and strategies of this task, you can improve your performance and overall score in the PTE exam.

(Read our Vietnamese version here)

Key Takeaways

• The Highlight Correct Summary task mainly assesses your listening and reading skills instead of your writing and speaking abilities.
• Before the audio starts, the 10-second initial period is your chance to scan the available summaries briefly.
• You can practice with mock tests and real question banks at the PTE Magic practice platform. All the questions are based on real tests.

Related:

• PTE preparation guide for newbies

Structure And Scoring System Of PTE Highlight Correct Summary 

The Highlight Correct Summary task is a section of the PTE Listening test. You will listen to a recording that lasts around 30 to 90 seconds. 

Afterward, you’re given a few summaries to choose from, and you need to pick the one that best matches what you heard. You can only listen to the recording once. 

Each answer option may last up to 60 words. Candidates will receive a score of either correct or incorrect (with no credit for wrong answers or no responses).

This task mainly assesses your listening and reading skills instead of writing and speaking abilities. You need to comprehend and analyze the information in the recording to choose the right summary.

Sample: You will hear a recording. Click on the paragraph that best relates to the recording.

• Money and financial activity are crucial in our life. Many companies purchase stocks to raise their values and generate more money for their business.
• Money and technology are both developing at a fast speed and both can be gained and lost at any time. This is the reason why more and more companies participate in stock exchange.
• Thanks to the development of technology and communication, people can be informed of the financial news, including the latest updates on stock exchange and stock markets.
• With the development of technology, news about stock exchange and bankruptcy are spread at a fast pace. Thus more and companies can buy stocks to raise their value.

 

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Tips And Tricks For Highlight Correct Summary

Pre-Listening Preparation

There is a 10-second period between each of the 2 sections in the PTE exam. Before the audio starts, this initial period is your chance to scan the available summaries briefly. It helps you gain a quick overview of what’s to come.

However, avoid trying to deduce the correct answer during this time, as it won’t make much sense until you’ve heard the entire passage.

During Listening

• Train your listening: Practicing your listening skills is important. You need to quickly grasp what the speaker is mainly talking about, what’s worrying them, and the examples or thoughts they use to explain their points. These can help you to choose the main point effectively.

• Repetition: Pay close attention to repetitions in the audio. When the speaker says the same words or phrases and expresses the same ideas more than once, it usually means those are crucial points.
• Symbols and clues: Besides the repetition, you should notice any symbols or signals the speaker uses to highlight important ideas. These cues can help you spot key information.
• Closing summary: Towards the end of the recording, it’s common for the speaker to summarize the main idea. Focus on this part is a wise choice, as it often outlines the intended direction and message of the speaker.
• Voice changes: Be alert to any changes in the speaker’s voice or intonation during the recording. These variations can provide valuable hints about the content.
• Focus: The most fundamental rule during a listening test is to stay focused. Clear your mind of distractions and concentrate solely on the audio.
• Take notes: While listening, it’s essential to jot down the main idea and the supporting points. However, remember that your notes should capture the essence of what’s being said, not a word-for-word transcription.

After Listening

• Carefully reading: After listening, read the summaries provided with care. This step allows you to compare your notes and understanding with the available options.
• Elimination: Start the selection process by eliminating any answer options that differ from your notes. However, be careful because there could be a trick in the vocabulary. Most English tests use synonyms and antonyms to confuse candidates.
• Survey and decide: Once you’ve narrowed down the options, survey the remaining answers. Choose the one that best aligns with your notes and overall understanding of the recording.
• Click “Next”: After making your selection, click “Next” to move on to the next question.

General Listening Practice

It’s best to practice with test questions to enhance your performance in this task. Familiarize yourself with the question format and types of recordings you might encounter.

You can explore various sources, such as podcasts, online radio stations, and international news websites. 

They often feature short audio news pieces. It’s best to choose stories that intrigue you, as this will keep you engaged and motivated.

TED talk is among the best options for you. Regularly listening to these talks and focusing on short segments of 30 to 90 sections could help.

After listening, turn off the recording and write down the main idea. Next, use the provided transcriptions to check your understanding and analyze your performance.

Otherwise, you can practice with mock tests and real question banks at the PTE Magic practice platform. All the questions are based on real tests.

Remember that consistency is key. The more you practice listening, the better you become. You can use study books as a source of listening texts, which can be very helpful.

What Not To Do In The PTE Highlight Correct Summary Section

Mistakes in the Highlight Correct Summary will drop your scores badly. However, once you understand the common mistakes, you can avoid them smartly.

• Focusing on small details: Many test-takers pay too much attention to small details such as a name, a statistic, or a side note. They might seem important, but they are not key information. Test-takers often lose the main idea of the audio by chasing these details, leading to choosing the wrong summary. These summaries may include the side details but miss the key message.
• Not taking note: Some candidates don’t write anything, while others try to write everything. Both approaches will reduce your scores. The audio will play quickly without replaying, so capture words like however, therefore, or in conclusion to follow it closely. These transition words are crucial to help you identify the message of the audio.
• Choose the misleading summary: Summaries that mimic the audio word-by-word might feel safe, but they’re misleading. They often borrow phrases from the recording, but their meanings are twisted, or they focus on small details. These summaries are traps for test-takers who don’t pay enough attention.
• Poor memory: Candidates with weak memory are disadvantaged in this task. The audio will only play once, so you might forget everything if you try to remember every word. This leads to creative answers that will not receive a good score from the test.
• Not eliminating wrong answers: Eliminating the wrong answers helps you increase your chance of choosing the correct one. Pay attention to summaries that only mention part of the audio or unrelated information. Cross them off immediately to focus on the correct summary.
• Not paying attention to the cursor: The cursor’s position is crucial. Candidates who spend time hunting for it risk their time and performance on the test. Place the cursor before the summary options so you won’t be confused when the audio starts. This small habit makes a big impact on your PTE Highlight Correct Summary score.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Take Notes Effectively In The PTE Highlight Correct Summary Section?

Writing smarter is better than writing more. Trying to write everything in your erasable board won’t help. Instead, catch transition words in the audio such as “however”, “in conclusion”, or “on the other hand”. Following these words will make it easier to track the audio.

Why Does My Cursor Matter So Much?

Because your time is limited. Misplacing your cursor at the start means you will hastily look for it when the audio ends, which is when you should focus on analyzing the options. Place it at the top of the screen near the summaries before the recording begins to stay on task.

What’s The Best Way To Choose The Right Summary?

Click the paragraph that most aligns with the audio. It sounds easy, but many test-takers trust their instinct and ignore the facts. Avoid this by scanning the options carefully.

Should I Pay Attention To Eliminating Wrong Answers?

Yes. Some summaries sound correct because they repeat phrases from the audio. Pay attention because they often twist the meaning or only mimic small details. Eliminating wrong options will increase your opportunity to find the correct one.

Conclusion 

In summary, doing well in the PTE Highlight Correct Summary task is important for success on the PTE exam. This part requires you to choose the best spoken or written passage summary quickly. To get better at it, you need to practice regularly.

Listen to various types of spoken English, like podcasts and news, to get used to different accents. Also, work on your reading to understand written summaries. These can help you improve your listening and overall English skills.