PTE Core Listening section is a crucial component of the Pearson Test of English Core exam. It evaluates your ability to comprehend spoken English in different contexts, including academic, social, and professional settings. This guide will walk you through the listening format, the different question types, and provide expert tips to maximize your score.

PTE Core Listening Format

·         Duration: 30 - 43 minutes

·         Number of Questions: 11-18

·         Audio Playbacks: Each recording is played only once

·         Note-taking: Allowed using the provided erasable notepad

·         Scoring: Some questions use partial credit scoring, while others are correct/incorrect

The Listening section contains seven distinct question types. Let's explore each in detail.

PTE Core Listening Question Types

1. Summarize Spoken Text

How to Answer

• The audio plays automatically and only once.
• Listen carefully and note the main idea and supporting points.
• Write a concise, well-structured summary within 20-30 words.
• Make sure grammar, spelling, and punctuations are correct.

Test Tips

• Use your erasable notepad to jot down key points.
  • Main Idea: The core topic of the lecture.
  • Supporting Points: Key facts, figures, causes, effects, or examples.
• Pay attention to the main ideas and not minor details.
• Avoid copying exact phrases; paraphrase in your own words.
• Maintain a logical flow to structure the summary:
  • Start: Introduce the topic concisely.
  • Middle: Include essential supporting points.
  • End: Conclude effectively without repetition.
• Type quickly and accurately to utilize the 8-minute time limit effectively.
• Avoid overcomplicating sentences; focus on clarity and conciseness.

Scoring Criteria

Your response is evaluated based on five key factors:

1. Content (Most Important Factor)

✅ Includes main idea + supporting points.
❌ No misinterpretation of the lecture’s purpose.
❌ Avoid adding extra/unrelated information.

2. Form

✅ Summary must be between 20-30 words.
❌ Less than 5 words or more than 40 words = Zero score.

3. Grammar

✅ Ensure correct sentence structure.
✅ Use concise sentences that clearly express ideas.
❌ Avoid fragmented or run-on sentences.

4. Vocabulary

✅ Use appropriate academic words and synonyms.
✅ Ensure words fit the context of the lecture.
❌ Avoid irrelevant or incorrect word choices.

5. Spelling

✅ Follow one consistent spelling convention (UK/US/AUS/CA English).
❌ Misspellings reduce the score.

Additional Key Points

• Partial Credit applies (you may get some points even if the summary is incomplete).
• No points for irrelevant responses or blank answers.
• This task affects scores in Listening, Writing, Grammar, Spelling, and Vocabulary.
• Speaking skills are NOT tested, and Reading is only used for instructions.

Final Exam Tips for Success

✅ Practice with real audio samples to develop note-taking speed.
✅ Always proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
✅ Stay within the word limit and focus on clear, accurate summaries.

2. Multiple Choice, Choose Multiple Answers

How to Answer

• Audio plays automatically and only once.
• Read the question before the recording starts (use the 7-second preparation time wisely).
• Take concise notes of the main idea, key details, and tone while listening.
• Click on the correct answers based on the meaning of the audio, not just word-matching.
• To change an answer, click on the box again to deselect.

Test Tips

• Read the question first to understand what to listen for.
• Take brief notes on key points mentioned in the recording. Use short forms and symbols to quickly capture:
  • Main idea (central theme of the recording).
  • Key details (names, dates, places, numbers, causes, effects).
  • Speaker’s tone (formal, neutral, concerned, persuasive, etc.).
• Don’t write full sentences. Focus on keywords.

• Comprehension is more than knowing the words.
  • Trap Alert! Some incorrect answers will include words directly from the recording, but the answer won't have the same meaning.
  • Selects answers that reflect the intended meaning, not just words that are similar.
  • Consider it as paraphrase: The recording might use different words than the answer choices.

·         Process of Elimination (POE)

o    First, eliminate obviously wrong answers.

o    Avoid distractors: Incorrect options that sound correct but are slightly misleading.

o    If unsure, select only the options you are most confident about.

·         Managing Time Wisely

o    Do not spend too much time on one question; move on if unsure.

o    Trust your first instinct; overthinking may lead to incorrect answers.

Scoring Criteria & How to Maximize Score

Your response is evaluated based on your ability to analyze, interpret, and evaluate the given recording.

Scoring System:

✅ Correct answers = Positive points
❌ Incorrect answers = Negative marking applies (points deducted for wrong selections).
⚠ Clicking all options = High chance of losing points.

How to Maximize Score:

• Focus on accuracy, not quantity (select only the answers you are sure about).
• Avoid guessing blindly as incorrect choices reduce the score.

Pay close attention to tone, context, and key facts to differentiate correct from incorrect options.

Additional Key Points

• Only listening skills are assessed (reading is used for understanding the question; speaking and writing are NOT evaluated).
• Partial credit applies: You still earn points for selecting some correct answers.
• Reinforce learning through practice: Listen to academic talks, news reports, and lectures to improve comprehension.

Final Exam Tips for Success

✅ Read the question first before the audio starts.
✅ Take structured notes (main ideas, key details, tone).
✅ Select answers based on meaning, not word-matching.
✅ Use the process of elimination to remove wrong choices.
✅ Avoid selecting all options (due to negative marking).
✅ Practice listening skills regularly for better comprehension.

3. Fill in the Blanks

How to Answer

• Audio plays automatically just once
• Listen carefully and type the missing words exactly.
• Use Tab key quickly move it to the right of the tabs
• Pay attention to grammar and context.
• Jot down on the erasable whiteboard for difficult words
• Check spelling carefully before submitting.

Test Tips

• Skim the text before the recording starts to understand the context (7-Second Preview Time).
  • Quickly scan the text (ignore blanks) to understand the overall topic.
  • Identify key words, proper nouns, locations, and repeated words to get context.
  • Recognizing the theme of the passage will help predict missing words.

·         Active Listening During the Audio

• Focus on missing words, not on understanding the entire passage.
• Pay attention to pronunciation, tone, and sentence structure.
• The speaker may emphasize or stress important words—listen carefully.
• Be prepared for connected speech (e.g., “going to” sounds like “gonna”).
• Use your erasable notepad to write down possible words.
  • If unsure, write the best guess phonetically and correct it after listening.
  • Do not focus on spelling while listening—fix it afterward.
• Double-check spelling and grammar before submitting.
  • Is the missing word a noun, verb, adjective, or number?
  • Does it fit with the surrounding articles, prepositions, or verbs?

·         Checking and Correcting Answers

• After the recording ends, review your answers before clicking Next.
• Check spelling carefully—incorrect spelling = no score for that word.
• Ensure that the words make sense in the sentence.

Scoring Criteria

Your response is judged on your ability to listen for specific words and accurately transcribe them.

Scoring System:

✅ Correct word with correct spelling = Full points
❌ Incorrect word OR incorrect spelling = No points
⚠ Partial scoring applies: If you get some words correct, you still earn points for them.

How to Maximize Score:

• Listen actively and type quickly.
• Prioritize spelling accuracy—use words you are confident in.
• Take smart guesses—if unsure, choose a word that fits grammatically.
• Avoid leaving blanks—attempt every blank even if uncertain.

Additional Key Points

• Only Listening & Writing skills are assessed (reading is used only for understanding instructions).
• Partial credit applies, so missing one blank does not mean losing all points.
• Practice regularly with different accents (British, American, Australian) to improve listening skills.

Final Exam Tips for Success

✅ Skim the text first to understand the context.
✅ Take fast notes while listening—write phonetically if needed.
✅ Type the exact words you hear—no synonyms!
✅ Check spelling and grammar before submitting.
✅ Stay focused and practice with sample PTE tests.

4. Multiple Choice, Choose Single Answer

How to Answer

• The audio plays automatically and only once.
• Read the question and options before the audio starts to understand the topic.
• Focus on the main idea and key supporting details.
• Choose the single correct answer.
• You can change your choice before moving to the next question.

Test Tips

·         Identify the Type of Information Needed

o    Main idea: What is the recording mainly about?

• Supporting details: What specific detail does the speaker mention?
• Inference: What does the speaker suggest or imply?
• Purpose/Tone: Why is the speaker talking about this?
• Identify keywords in the options to anticipate what to listen for.
• Focus on the speaker’s main point and key ideas.
• Eliminate incorrect options before choosing.
• Take quick notes if needed but stay focused.

Scoring Criteria

Your response is judged on your ability to analyze, interpret, and evaluate an audio recording.

Scoring System:

✅ Correct answer = Full marks
❌ Incorrect answer = 0 marks
? No partial credit is given.

How to Maximize Score:

• Listen for meaning, not just words—the answer may be paraphrased.
• Eliminate wrong options quickly to improve your chances.
• Stay focused and avoid distractions—since the audio plays only once.

5. Select Missing Word

How to Answer

• The audio plays automatically and only once.
• At the end of the recording, you’ll hear a beep sound, indicating the missing word/phrase.
• Predict the missing word based on context and tone.
• Choose the best match from the given options.

Test Tips

• As you listen, try to predict the missing word based on the flow of the sentence.
• Pay attention to intonation and sentence structure.
• Focus on Context & Meaning
• Remove options that do not make sense contextually.
• Listen for Clues in the Speaker’s Tone & Pacing

Scoring Criteria

Your response is judged on your ability to predict what a speaker will say based on contextual clues.

Scoring System:

✅ Correct answer = Full marks
❌ Incorrect answer = 0 marks
? No partial credit is given.

How to Maximize Score:

• Predict the missing word before seeing options—this prevents confusion.
• Choose the best logical option by considering meaning and grammar.
• Eliminate unlikely choices to narrow down the answer.
• Stay focused—since the audio plays only once.

Additional Key Points

• Answer quickly and accurately before clicking "Next".
• Practice active listening to get used to predicting words in spoken English.
• Get familiar with different English accents (British, American, Australian) to improve comprehension.

Final Exam Tips for Success

✅ Try to predict the missing word before looking at the options.
✅ Listen carefully for context clues, tone, and pauses.
✅ Eliminate incorrect choices to improve accuracy.
✅ Ensure the selected word fits logically & grammatically.
✅ Stay calm and focused, as the audio plays only once.

6. Highlight Incorrect Words

How to Answer

• The audio plays automatically and only once.
• Follow the text with your cursor while listening to identify incorrect words.
• Click to highlight words that do not match what you hear.
• Click again to deselect if you change your mind before submitting.

Test Tips

• Skim the Transcript Before the Audio Starts
• Use the cursor to follow along while listening.
• Be Cautious of Trick Words. Sometimes the word may sound similar but have a different meaning.
• Don’t rush—accuracy is key.
• Avoid Guessing to Minimize Negative Marking.

Scoring Criteria

Your response is judged on your ability to identify and highlight words that differ between the audio and transcript.

✅ Correctly highlighted word = +1 point
❌ Incorrectly highlighted word = -1 point
⚠ No partial credit for partially correct answers.

How to Maximize Score:

• Skim the transcript beforehand to anticipate content.
• Highlight incorrect words as soon as you notice them.
• Only click on words you are sure about to avoid negative marking.
• Keep your focus throughout the short audio clip to avoid missing mismatches.

7. Write From Dictation

How to Answer

• The audio plays automatically, and you can only hear it once.
• Type the sentence exactly as you hear it, including punctuation.
• Use the erasable notepad/whiteboard provided to quickly jot down words.
• Check spelling and grammar before submitting your response.

Test Tips

• Listen attentively and break the sentence into smaller chunks (phrases) to remember it better.
• Take Quick Notes on the Whiteboard
• Repeat the sentence in your head before typing.
• Type quickly and accurately.
• Ensure Correct Grammar, Spelling & Punctuation

Scoring Criteria

Scoring Breakdown

✅ Correct words & order → Full points
❌ Missing, extra, or incorrect words → Partial credit deducted
❌ Spelling mistakes → Points deducted

How to Achieve a High Score

✔ Write down all the words exactly as heard.
✔ Check for spelling & grammatical accuracy.
✔ Do NOT add extra words or change word order.
✔ Ensure correct punctuation (e.g., use a full stop).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Mishearing Words → Focus on clarity of pronunciation and listen carefully.
❌ Incorrect Spelling → Commonly confused words like "affect" vs. "effect".
❌ Changing the Sentence → Avoid paraphrasing. Write the exact words spoken.
❌ Ignoring Punctuation → Capitalization and punctuation errors can lower your score.
❌ Slow Typing → Practice fast and accurate typing to avoid missing words.

Final Exam Tips for Success

✅ Train your short-term memory → Practice listening to and repeating sentences.
✅ Write quickly & accurately → Develop muscle memory for common words.
✅ Improve typing speed → Practice typing full sentences without errors.
✅ Use the whiteboard effectively → Jot down key words/phrases quickly.
✅ Practice with different English accents → Get used to American, British, and Australian pronunciations.

Importance of the PTE Listening Section

• The Listening Section lasts 30–43 minutes and includes various question types.
• Your Listening score significantly impacts your overall PTE score, making it crucial to prepare well.
• Since audio clips play only once, active listening and note-taking are essential.
• With practice and good strategy, achieving a score of 79+ is possible.

Key General Tips for the Listening Section

A. Practice Regularly

✔ Consistent practice improves comprehension and familiarity with different question types.
✔ Work on listening to fast-paced audio to enhance focus and retention.
✔ Use PTE-specific practice tests to simulate exam conditions.

B. Improve Vocabulary

✔ A strong vocabulary helps in better understanding the content and answering correctly.
✔ Learn common academic words, synonyms, and idioms used in PTE listening materials.
✔ Read newspapers, articles, and books to expand your word bank.

C. Listen to Various Accents

✔ The PTE exam features diverse English accents (American, British, Australian, etc.).
✔ Practice listening to different accents using podcasts, news channels, TED Talks, and audiobooks.
✔ Train your ear to recognize pronunciation variations in words.

D. Manage Time Efficiently

✔ Time management is critical, as the listening section includes multiple question types.
✔ Avoid spending too much time on one question—move on quickly if unsure.
✔ Practice answering questions within the allotted time to ensure smooth performance.

E. Improve Typing Speed & Accuracy

✔ For tasks like Write from Dictation, fast and accurate typing is crucial.
✔ Practice listening and typing simultaneously to enhance performance.

F. Simulate Real Exam Conditions

✔ Take full-length PTE mock tests to experience the actual time pressure.
✔ Train your brain to focus for 30-43 minutes without losing concentration.

Smart Strategies for the Listening Section

A. Plan Your Time Effectively

✔ The Listening section contains multiple question types, so allocate time wisely for each.
✔ Prioritize high-scoring questions like Write from Dictation & Fill in the Blanks over lower-weighted ones.

B. Listen Carefully & Actively

✔ Since the audio plays only once, stay 100% focused from the beginning.
✔ Avoid daydreaming or getting distracted—every second counts!
✔ Use contextual clues (tone, emphasis, key words) to predict missing or incorrect words.

C. Take Notes Wisely

✔ Use the erasable note booklet provided in the test center for quick notes.
✔ Write only key points—don't try to transcribe the entire audio.
✔ Focus on important details like names, dates, numbers, and keywords.

D. Answer Accurately & Strategically

✔ Pay close attention to grammar and spelling while answering.
✔ Don't overthink—trust your first instinct and avoid unnecessary changes.
✔ For multiple-choice questions, eliminate incorrect options quickly.

E. Stay Calm & Focused

✔ Panic can lead to missing important details, so stay calm and confident.
✔ Use deep breathing or meditation techniques before the exam to reduce stress.
✔ If you miss a word or phrase, don't freeze—focus on understanding the next part of the audio.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Not Paying Full Attention → Since the audio plays once, missing key details lowers your score.
❌ Taking Too Many Notes → Writing everything down can make you lose focus. Write only key words.
❌ Overanalyzing Answers → Overthinking can lead to wrong choices—go with the most logical answer.
❌ Ignoring Grammar & Spelling → Incorrect spelling reduces marks in Write from Dictation & Fill in the Blanks.
❌ Not Practicing Different Accents → Difficulty understanding different English accents can affect comprehension.

Final Exam Day Checklist ?

✅ Sleep well the night before to stay sharp.
✅ Arrive at the test center early to stay relaxed.
✅ Do a quick warm-up: Listen to English podcasts or short news reports before the exam.
✅ Stay calm & trust your practice—you've got this! ?

By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can maximize your PTE Listening score and boost your overall performance in the exam! ?

Conclusion

The PTE Core Listening section requires focused listening, quick comprehension, and accurate responses. By understanding the format, practicing with mock tests, and using the test strategies outlined above, you can significantly boost your PTE Core score. Keep practicing, refine your skills, and ace the exam!

Looking for more PTE Core tips? Explore our other guides on PTE Writing, Reading, and Speaking for a complete preparation plan.