FURTHER PRACTICE AND GUIDANCE

SUMMARIZE SPOKEN TEXT

WHAT'S TESTED
The purpose of this task is to assess your ability to write a summary of a spoken academic lecture. Both
listening and writing skills are assessed. There are either two or three lectures; the number depends
on which form of the PTE Academic you are given. There will always be at least two. The lectures are
between 60 and 90 seconds long. After each lecture ends, you will have 10 minutes to write a summary
of what you have heard. Your summary must be between 50 and 70 words. The test automatically
advances to the next lecture after 10 minutes.
TIPS
The aim of the task is to write a summary for a fellow student who was absent from the lecture.
Your summary should convey the key points.
Pay careful attention to the on-screen word counter. Write between SO and 70 words only. If you
write either fewer or more, your score will be decreased. If you write fewer than 40 or more than
100, your score will be zero.
Take notes. Use the Erasable Noteboard Booklet and pen provided. Do not try to write down every
word you hear. Unless you are able to write quickly and accurately, you will probably fall behind
and miss important information. Instead, focus on key words.

Writing quickly is a key skill to master. Use abbreviations whenever possible. Ignore articles (e.g., a,
an, the) unless they are necessary. Omitting the vowels from words is one way to increase writing

speed.
Key words include names, numbers, dates, times, and words and phrases that are stressed. Words
and phrases that are repeated are usually central to the main idea.
Focus on understanding the main idea of the lecture and the key points that support it. If the
speaker draws a conclusion, be sure you have identified it. Try to identify the overall purpose of the
lecture.
Begin to review your notes and organize your summary as soon as the lecture ends. You will have
10 minutes to complete your summary. Pay attention to the on-screen timer, and manage your time
wisely.
Because you are limited to no more than 70 words, your summary must focus on key concepts and
their supporting points. Avoid adding irrelevant details.
Use standard spelling and punctuation. Do not use Internet or texting abbreviations (e.g., LOL) or
emoticons (;-)) in your summary. Do not write everything in capital letters.
A DETAILED STUDY
The exercise below will help you take notes and summarize spoken text. Listen to each of the following
extracts from a lecture in turn. Make notes as you listen. At the end of each extract, pause the CD and
use your notes to summarize the extract in your own words.

() 1.12 Play the CD to listen to the recording that goes with this item.
Extract 1: