PTE Summarize Spoken Text Template and Tips

The PTE Summarize Spoken Text is one of several stumbling blocks to nearly every candidate, as it tests various language skills, especially listening and writing capabilities.

If you’re still afraid of this PTE test section, don’t worry.

In this short guide, LUME Test will share with you the secrets to pass this test section with ease.

Let’s take a look.

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Key Takeaways 

• You have a total of 10 minutes to listen and write your summary. 
• The PTE Summarize Spoken Text score is determined based on 5 factors, including content, form, grammar, vocabulary, and spelling. 
• Three ready-to-use answer templates for this PTE section are waiting for you to explore. 
• Keep your writing piece within the recommended word count if you don’t want to lose any points. 

Related:

• FREE PTE online practice
• PTE tips and tricks
• PTE Listening question types
• PTE Select Missing Word tips
• PTE Summarize Spoken Text science sample answers

What Is The PTE Summarize Spoken Text?

The General Format

For this section, you are required to hear 2 to 3 queries, and each lasts between 60 and 90 seconds. 

After listening, you have time to complete your written summary, which should ideally range from 50 to 70 words.

The total time for each question is roughly 10 minutes. 

You are allowed to hear the audio once, so when it starts, you won’t have a second chance to replay and capture information.

You can check the word count of your response by looking at the bottom. 

There are also 3 functional buttons, including “Cut,” “Copy,” and “Paste.” I hope you can utilize them properly. 

This integrated task is designed to evaluate both your listening and writing skills (especially your ability to sum up spoken content). 

The Scoring Criteria

You must remember the five scoring criteria below to avert point reduction: content, form, grammar, vocabulary, and spelling. 

The partial credit scoring system is applicable to the PTE Summarize Spoken Text. 

Besides, you won’t get any points if you leave the answer blank or provide an answer irrelevant to the topic.   

Content

The Content score is determined by whether your summary includes the recording’s main idea and supporting points. 

• 4 marks: Your summary covers all the main ideas of the recording, paraphrased clearly and concisely. 
• 1-3 marks: 3 for an adequate summary with minor omissions, 2 for a partial summary, 1 for disconnected ideas that show limited understanding.  
• 0 mark: You misunderstand and wrongly interpret the topic. 

Form

The Form score is given based on the length of your writing piece. 

• 2 marks: Your summary has 50-70 words. 
• 1 mark: Your response has 40-49 words or 71-100 words. 
• 0 mark: Your answer falls under 40 words and exceeds 100 words. 

Grammar

The Grammar criterion assesses the grammatical accuracy and diversity of your text. 

• 2 marks: All grammatical aspects, like the word order, verb tense, sentence structure, etc., are correct.
• 1 mark: There is 1 grammar mistake in your summary, yet it doesn’t affect the whole meaning. 
• 0 mark: There are many grammar errors affecting the summary’s communication.  

Vocabulary

The Vocabulary criterion examines candidates’ understanding and usage of vocabulary, 

• 2 marks: All vocabularies are contextually appropriate. 
• 1 mark: Your response contains a few minor lexical errors. 
• 0 mark: There are significant lexical errors that hinder the meaning conveyed in your writing piece. 

Spelling

As its name implies, the Spelling criterion evaluates the word spelling form. 

• 2 marks: All word spellings are accurate. 
• 1 mark: 1-2 spellings are incorrect. 
• 0 mark: Many incorrect spellings are present in the text. 

The PTE Summarize Spoken Text: Template & Answer 

A well-designed template serves as a guiding light in the PTE Summarize Spoken Text, which helps boost your performance well. 

Below is a thorough 3-part template that you can follow: 

Introduction

The introduction should be one sentence (many call it the topic sentence). 

This sentence must express what you are about to write and explain the main idea of the audio clearly. 

It’s unwise to use various intricate vocabularies or complicated grammar in the intro. 

Instead, keep everything concise and straight to the point. 

Here is an example: The audio was about/ discussed/ expressed the idea of [main idea].

Body

This is the most essential part that decides your final result. 

In this part, you are advised to do the following things: 

• Recognize the general essence shown in the recording. 
• Pay close attention to supporting points or examples that can highlight the main point; yet don’t over-focus on them, as you won’t have time to capture the main idea. 
• Include keywords or words that appear repetitively in the audio. 
• Make sure that your response is grammatically correct, logically structured, and coherent. 

It is highly recommended that you draw a tree map on your white noteboard. 

The highest position is the audio’s main idea, followed by supporting details and related examples. 

By doing so, you form an overall insight and plan what you are writing next, which saves much time. 

In addition, don’t forget connectors to enhance your summary’s coherence and cohesion. 

Here is an example: 

1. Firstly,… Secondly,… Thirdly,… Finally,…
2. The first viewpoint was [1st main point], which was clearly explained by the fact that [1st supporting detail]. The second outlook was [2nd main point]. Truly, [2nd supporting detail]…

Conclusion

The conclusion sums up what you are implying above.

Like the intro, your conclusion should be short (reasonably in one sentence). 

Note that you’d better not copy the exact sentence from the intro. 

Please paraphrase the main idea and make it more engaging to the audience (maybe you give advice afterward). 

Here is an example: In short, the audio highlighted the importance of [main idea].

3 Template Examples

Following are 3 common answer templates for this PTE task. Let’s check them now!

Template 1: 

• Introduction: The audio presented the information about [main idea].
• Body: Firstly, it revealed the fact that [1st main point]. Secondly, [1st main point]. Moreover, [3rd main point] was also highlighted in the recording… 
• Conclusion: In general, [main idea] + give advice if necessary. 

Template 2: 

• Introduction: The speaker provided the information about [main idea].
• Body: In the first place, [1st main point]. What’s more, [2nd main point]. In addition, [3rd main point]…
• Conclusion: In short, the audio clearly explained the fact that [main idea] + give advice if necessary.

Template 3: 

• Introduction: The lecture was mainly about [main idea].
• Body: The speaker talked about the [1st main point] first. Then, the [2nd main point] was also mentioned in the audio. Besides, [3rd main point].
• Conclusion: To sum up, [main idea] + give advice if necessary.

6 Important Tips & Tricks For The PTE Summarize Spoken Text Task 

Take Note

Note-taking plays a pivotal role in this PTE section. 

While listening, you stay focused and remember what you hear, yet you could forget all of the provided information instantly once the audio stops. 

The best way to retain your memory is by taking notes, which provide helpful clues for your written summary. 

Practice jotting down details quickly by using abbreviations.

Don’t aim to note everything, as you don’t have enough time; instead, concentrate on the outstanding points. 

Practice Industriously

Practice, practice, and practice!

The only path to success is industrious practice. 

In this digital era, you have no trouble searching for mock exams and ex-candidate reviews on the Internet. 

However, without continuous practice, all of those become futile. 

This is also a common phenomenon called “virtual effort.” 

Don’t fall into the trap of virtual effort; wake up, stay refreshed, and knuckle down to your practice journey. 

Write Enough

Writing enough means you should not write fewer or more than the recommended word count. 

In both cases, you lose your points. 

Practice keeping your written summary within 50-70 words. 

If the word total is fewer than 40 words, attempt to explain your idea in more detail and use longer connectors (such as “It is obvious that” replacing “Obviously”). 

If the word total is more than 100 words, eliminate phrases that don’t change the meaning. 

Improve Your Vocabulary Range

When you have vast vocabulary resources, writing and explaining details seem much easier. 

At home, aim to learn 5-10 new words daily. 

However, learning is not all it takes; you must comprehend those words’ usage and be able to create examples for each, as contextual appropriateness is one of the marking criteria. 

Additionally, it’s better to learn synonyms by engaging with foreign news, broadcasts, and books so you can enrich your idea expressions. 

Review Your Answer

Once you complete your summary, please review it carefully. 

Under time pressure, you might unconsciously make grammar, vocabulary, and spelling errors. 

Only a minor mistake could deduct your points and negatively affect your overall outcome. 

Hence, thorough reviewing helps you identify and solve these mistakes properly. 

Take 1-2 minutes for this step and attentively read each sentence. 

Calm Down

Before stepping into the testing room, you easily panic and get confused about everything. 

This kind of mental stress can lead to reduced performance and unfortunate point loss. 

Don’t worry; it’s just a normal exam. 

Breathe deeply, trust yourself, and confidently ace the test as a warrior. 

The Bottom Line 

After reading this article, you will get a well-structured PTE Summarize Spoken Text template in your pocket and a clear understanding of its scoring criteria, helping you target areas that need improving.

To get a higher score, implement the 6 tips and strategies outlined in this guide.

Surely, they won’t let you down! 

Want to FINALLY Pass the PTE Test And Achieve Your Goals? Get Your FREE Lume Account Today to Unlock… ✅ 10,000+ PRACTICE QUESTIONS with detailed answers ✅ FREE MOCK TESTS with fast & accurate AI scoring ✅ Get BETTER SCORES with a PERSONALIZED study plan GET YOUR FREE ACCOUNT NOW (Limited seats available!)