Mastering Summarize Spoken Text in PTE: A Complete Guide to Scoring 10/10

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In the PTE Listening module, one of the tasks where students often struggle is Summarize Spoken Text. According to Vishal from Vision Language Experts, the lack of proficiency in this task is generally due to three major reasons—poor note-taking, incorrect template usage, and ineffective proofreading. This blog will walk you through how to master this task, including insights on using the right template and tips that can help you get that perfect score. Whether you're preparing for the real test or taking a PTE Mock Test, these techniques are crucial.

Why Students Lose Marks in Summarize Spoken Text

There are many students who consistently score around 7 or 8 but fail to hit that perfect 10. Missing out on even two marks per question can cost you four total marks—two in listening and two in writing. For those struggling to even reach a score of 5 or 6, it’s often a deeper issue involving lack of strategy.

Step 1: Effective Note-Taking

Start by focusing only on the key nouns and meaningful phrases. Instead of writing repeated words, listen for:

  • Key topics (e.g., “Vitamin D”)
  • Supporting concepts (e.g., “sunshine vitamin”, “no dietary needs”, “equatorial regions”)
  • Contextual elements (e.g., “skin exposure”, “winter months”, “evolved humans”)

Tips for better note-taking:

  • Write in big, clear letters.
  • Use two-word phrases (e.g., “skin exposure”, “winter months”).
  • Focus on nouns and avoid repeating words.

This method not only helps during real exams but also enhances retention when practiced with PTE Mock Tests.

Step 2: Use a Proven Template

Here’s the recommended template to use:

"_____ was the main topic of the lecture. Initially, the lecture not only emphasizes the importance of _____ and _____ but also draws out the relevance of _____ and _____. Moreover, it caters to the summary of _____ and _____ followed by _____ and _____. To conclude, _____ and _____ play a vital role in the topic."

Simply fill in the blanks using the notes you’ve taken. Remember to:

  • Use correct grammar.
  • Add articles (“a”, “an”, “the”) where needed.
  • Make plural forms to avoid article confusion.

Example: Instead of writing sunshine vitamin, write sunshine vitamins to eliminate the need for an article.

Step 3: Proofread Like a Pro

Proofreading is a MUST. After inserting the keywords into the template, check your grammar, spelling, and word count (aim for 60-70 words). Don’t just read from top to bottom—read backward to catch any small mistakes you might have missed.

Use this checklist:

  • Are all proper nouns capitalized? (e.g., Vitamin D)
  • Have you added commas where necessary?
  • Are the words grammatically consistent with the sentence?
  • Did you avoid repeating the same keyword more than twice?

Quick Rules on Grammar & Articles

Some common grammar mistakes occur when using:

  • Uncountable nouns: Always add “a” (e.g., a few, a group, a range).
  • Specific adjectives: Use “the” (e.g., the latest, the biggest).

Example:

  • A certain climate (not just “certain climate”)
  • The winter months (specific time = requires “the”)

If you’re unsure about article usage, check out Vishal’s tutorial on articles and grammar rules.

Final Thoughts

Summarize Spoken Text can make or break your PTE Mock Test score. Losing marks here affects both your listening and writing scores. But with consistent practice, proper note-taking, an effective template, and thorough proofreading, getting a perfect score is absolutely achievable.

At Vision Language Experts, we recommend practicing at least 1–2 tasks daily and revisiting your mistakes. Don’t forget to check out our other tutorials for grammar and article usage to boost your performance.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vishal Kapoor -Author

Vishal Kapoor

(PTE & NAATI Expert)

Vishal Kapoor is having 6+ years of expertise in instructing PTE and NAATI, both in Australia and internationally, with an impressive 100% success rate among students. As a certified expert by Pearson in PTE and NAATI, Vishal Kapoor has developed a comprehensive teaching approach derived from extensive research and a wealth of teaching experience. Tailoring coaching techniques to individual skill levels and target scores, Vishal's guidance has proven instrumental in helping numerous aspirants attain their desired scores. With a commitment to personalized tips and solutions, Vishal Kapoor is dedicated to facilitating the success of those preparing for PTE and NAATI examinations.

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