Mastering the PTE: Summarize Spoken Text
Learn key techniques to score high in PTE Academic’s "Summarize Spoken Text" listening task.
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Learn key techniques to score high in PTE Academic’s "Summarize Spoken Text" listening task.
In this blog, we will brief about the Listening: Summarize Spoken Text: its format, how to prepare it, what is the scoring criteria, test-day strategies, common mistakes to avoid, and useful resources to help you.
It is the first type of question in a speaking module. In this task, an audio or audio-visual is automatically played for 60 to 90 seconds after few seconds and you are required to write a summary in between 50 and 70 words. You will listen to the audio once and you will be provided 10 minutes to listen and write your summary within the given word limit
It assesses Listening and Writing skills.
Scores are based on FIVE parameters:
Content: Content score is out of 2 and to get full points, the main key points of the topic are to be addressed without misrepresenting the purpose or the opinion. The misinterpretation of the topic into summary will not be given any score points. The best responses are based on the following components of the Summary:
The main idea with the supporting points must be included.
The focus should be on the interpretation of the key information given in the paragraph.
Form: Form is out of 2, the summary should have the word limit between 50 and 70 words. If the summary is less than 50 words or more than 70 words, then the score in the FORM will reduce.
Grammar: Grammar score is out of 2, grammar score is based on the basic grammar structure, for instance, Punctuation and the proper usage of the verb form as per the sentence formation. The basic elements of the grammar are not to be ignored and the best response usually has the main clause and subordinate clause in it.
Vocabulary: Vocabulary is scored out of 2 and responses evaluation is based on the relevance, appropriateness in an academic context, and effective synonym use, demonstrating understanding and language variety while appropriately incorporating words from the passage.
Spelling: Spelling scores are out of 2, if there is only one spelling mistake then the score given is 1 and if more than one mistake then the score is ZERO, PTE Academic accepts English spelling conventions from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. However, it is necessary to use one spelling convention consistently within a given response.
The audio of a lecture automatically starts after few seconds. When the recording starts look at the image or visual you have on the screen to have an idea of the topic. Keep your notepad ready with you to make notes while listening to the lecture. You can change the volume using the slider. When the audio or audio-visual finishes, start typing the summary in the given space, you are given only 10 minutes for this task. Keep the word limit between 50 and 70 words or you will lose marks in the task. Save 2-3 minutes at the end to revise the written answer, check your grammar and spellings as both are crucial to score good otherwise you will lose marks in both if any mistake found.
Take notes as you listen
Try to write the main and supporting ideas of the topic.
Write only the keywords, abbreviations, symbols and use arrow to capture the most important ideas.
Organize the ideas in a way that you can use your notes to write.
When the recording stops, plan how to begin writing the topic and in which order to present the information.
Keep your notes in front you and include the examples as well as any implications and conclusions.
Write within the given word limit with no grammar or spelling mistakes. Use linking words to maintain the flow of the information.
Preparation
Try to develop your own strategies of note-taking by using the acronyms and symbols.
Always try to start your response with the topic sentence.
Your response should have the introductory information, significant data of the lecture and conclusion.
Find various topics in the form of podcast and lectures and practicing note-taking and writing the summary of those topics. For instance, BBC Podcasts, Ted talks.
Practice writing grammatically correct sentences. Try to write simple sentences to avoid grammar and spelling mistakes.
Note:
Partial credit is provided in Summarize Spoken Text, there will be no score for no response or an irrelevant response. This question type has an impact on Listening and Writing Skills.
Listen to podcasts by the speakers of different English accents, it will make you familiar with the different accents and will help you to memorize the sentences.
Now, practice the mock test on ptepanacea.com. You will realize your strengths and weaknesses in the four PTE skills: Speaking, Writing, Reading & Listening. We are here with real exam simulations and question-wise practices especially for Summarize Spoken Text to concentrate on weak areas. If you compare our tests closely, it closely resembles actual PTE content. You get the same format and question types in time limits. Such comprehensive practice will help you to be very well prepared and confident enough to ace the Read Aloud test item and the whole PTE exam.
