PTE Summarize Spoken Text

Summarize Spoken Text (SST) is one of the most scoring tasks in the PTE Listening section. You’ll listen to an academic audio lecture and write a concise 50–70-word summary covering the main idea and key supporting points. This task tests both your Listening and Writing skills.

🎯 Quick Overview

• Task: Write a summary of an academic lecture (50–70 words)
• Skills assessed: Listening & Writing
• Audio length: 60–90 seconds
• Time limit: 10 minutes per question
• Word limit: Minimum 50 – Maximum 70
• Partial credit: Yes
• Modules affected: Listening, Writing, Grammar, Vocabulary, Spelling

🎧 What happens in the exam

• The audio plays automatically — only once.
• You’ll get an empty box to type your summary.
• A word counter below tracks your word count in real time.
• You can cut, copy, paste, and edit your text before submitting.
• You must write between 50 and 70 words — less or more will reduce your score.

🧠 What PTE is testing

This task evaluates your ability to:

• Understand the main idea and supporting details
• Combine key points logically
• Paraphrase effectively
• Write accurately with correct grammar, spelling, and vocabulary
• Stay within the word limit

🪶 Scoring Breakdown

⚠️ If your summary misrepresents the topic or goes below 40 words / above 100 words → score = 0.

🧾 Step-by-Step Strategy

🕐 Step 1: Before the Audio (Preparation – 7 seconds)

• Read the instructions.
• Prepare your erasable noteboard for note-taking.
• Focus your mind — you only get one listen.

🎧 Step 2: While Listening

✅ Listen for structure:

• Introduction/Main Idea
• Supporting details
• Conclusion or effect

✅ Note-taking shortcuts:

• Use arrows (→) for cause/effect
• Use abbreviations (govt = government, env = environment)
• Highlight key names, dates, and examples
• Focus on what and why, not small data points

✍️ Step 3: After the Audio (Writing)

• Combine the main idea + 2–3 key points.
• Paraphrase — don’t copy exact words.
• Maintain a logical flow (cohesion).

Template for Summarize Spoken Text (50–70 words):

The lecture discussed [main idea], explaining that [supporting point 1]. The speaker also highlighted [supporting point 2], emphasizing [result or conclusion]. Overall, the talk focused on [main message].

✅ Example:

The lecture explained how climate change affects coral reefs, noting that rising ocean temperatures lead to coral bleaching. The speaker mentioned that human activities such as pollution and overfishing worsen the situation. Overall, the talk emphasized the need for conservation and global cooperation to protect marine biodiversity.

(Word Count: 65)

🔍 Step 4: Review (2 minutes)

• ✅ Check grammar: subject–verb agreement
• ✅ Check spelling: stick to one standard (UK/US)
• ✅ Check word count: 50–70
• ✅ Check punctuation: Capital letters and full stops

💡 PTEson Expert Tips

🧭 1. Take Smart Notes

Write only the main ideas and transitions (e.g., “firstly,” “as a result”). Don’t write word-for-word.

✏️ 2. Use Your Own Shortcuts

Develop your own note system — arrows (→), symbols, and abbreviations save time.

⏱️ 3. Time Management Formula

• Listening & note-taking: 2 minutes
• Planning & writing: 6 minutes
• Proofreading: 2 minutes

🧩 4. Write Structured Sentences

Start with an overview → add 2–3 key ideas → conclude.

❌ 5. Avoid

• Repetition
• Long examples or dates
• Off-topic ideas
• Complex grammar you’re unsure of

📈 6. Practice Daily

Listen to short lectures or TED Talks. Write 50–70-word summaries and compare them with transcripts. Use tools like Bloomberg or BBC Learning English to improve accuracy.

📊 Scoring Example (How Marks Are Distributed)

🧠 Practice Exercise (Sample)

Audio summary topic: Artificial Intelligence in Education
Your task: Write a 50–70 word summary after listening.

✅ Ideal response:

The lecture focused on how artificial intelligence is transforming education by offering personalized learning experiences. The speaker discussed how AI tools analyze student performance, provide feedback, and assist teachers in creating adaptive learning paths. Overall, the talk emphasized AI’s potential to make education more inclusive and effective worldwide.
(Word Count: 67)

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1. What is PTE Summarize Spoken Text?
2. How long should the summary be?
3. How is Summarize Spoken Text scored?
4. What is the best template for SST?