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Excel in PTE Listening with 24 free mock tests covering Summarize Spoken Text, Fill in the Blanks, Highlight Incorrect Words, Write from Dictation, and more. Learn PTE listening tips and keywords to score high. Practice dictation words for PTE 2025 with instant AI feedback — unlimited, completely free.
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Just wrapped up a listening mock? Perfect. Now's a good time to understand where most people lose marks – and how to avoid making the same mistakes. We've watched hundreds of students struggle (and succeed) with PTE Listening. Here's what actually matters.
Unlike Reading, you can't go back. The audio plays once, and that's it. Miss something? Too bad. This makes Listening feel like the most stressful section for many test-takers.
But here's the thing: the question types are predictable, and with the right note-taking system, you can capture what you need even when you don't understand every word. It's about strategy, not just "being good at English."
Listening has more question types than any other section. Let's break down the ones that matter most:
You listen to a lecture (60-90 seconds) and write a 50-70 word summary. This affects BOTH Listening AND Writing scores, making it one of the highest-value question types.
The note-taking system that works:
Afterward, structure your summary: "The speaker discussed [topic], explaining that [main point]. Furthermore, [supporting point]. The lecture concluded that [conclusion]."
You hear a sentence once and type it exactly. Each correct word = 1 point. This is considered the MOST important Listening question type for your overall score.
Most students struggle because they:
What actually works:
In our experience coaching students, WFD is the most "trainable" question type. Practice 10 sentences a day for two weeks and you'll see dramatic improvement.
You read a transcript with missing words while the audio plays. Type the missing words as you hear them.
Strategy:
This one rewards preparation. Before the audio plays, skim the transcript and identify blank locations. Then you're ready when they arrive.
Listen to a recording and select which written summary best matches it. The traps here are summaries that are partially correct or use words from the audio but change the meaning.
What works:
Listen and answer multiple choice (single or multiple answer). Similar strategy to Reading, but you're working from memory.
For multiple answer questions: Remember there's negative marking. If you're unsure, select fewer options rather than more.
The audio cuts off at the end. You select what word or phrase would logically complete it.
This tests comprehension more than memory. Focus on the topic and direction of the speaker's argument. If they're listing benefits, the missing word is probably another benefit or a conclusion about benefits.
You read along while listening and click on words that differ from what you hear.
The catch: Wrong clicks cost points (negative marking). Only click words you're SURE are different.
Tip: Follow along with your finger or cursor. Stay slightly ahead of the audio so you're ready to catch differences.
Here's something that separates 79+ scorers from everyone else: effective note-taking. You have an erasable booklet in the real test – use it.
For SST and longer recordings:
For WFD:
Go back up and try another mock. This time, focus specifically on your note-taking. For SST, try the Topic → Points → Conclusion structure. For WFD, practice the "abbreviate then expand" method. These techniques feel awkward at first but become natural with practice.