Ever zoned out during a recording and thought, “Wait, what did they just say?” You’re not alone.
The PTE Listening section can be tricky — fast talkers, unfamiliar accents, and one-shot audio clips don’t make it easy.
But don’t worry. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from question types to smart tips that’ll actually help.
A Closer Look at the PTE Listening Section
Posted by Ace Language Bangladesh on Thursday, June 19, 2025
The Listening section is the final part of the PTE Academic test.
It lasts 30 to 43 minutes and tests your ability to understand spoken English in academic and everyday settings. You’ll hear audio clips — some just a sentence, others over a minute long — and then respond in different formats like summaries, multiple choice, or typing what you hear.
You only get one shot to listen to each clip. There’s no replay button, so focus is key.
Duration & Structure at a Glance
The Listening section of the PTE exam takes around 30 to 43 minutes to complete, depending on the number of questions you receive. You can expect anywhere between 12 to 20 questions in total, spread across eight different task types.
These tasks are based on real-life academic content—things like lectures, interviews, presentations, or announcements. Some clips will be short and to the point, while others may be more complex or layered with background sounds.
This part of the test checks more than just your ability to hear English. It looks at how well you can understand the meaning, retain important details, spot errors, and summarise information accurately. You’ll also need to show that you can pick up key vocabulary and use it effectively.
So, it’s not just about listening—it’s about staying focused, understanding fast speech, and making smart decisions quickly.
All 8 Question Types Explained
1. Summarise Spoken Text
You’ll listen to a lecture lasting between 60 to 90 seconds. After that, your task is to write a short summary of 50 to 70 words. It needs to cover the main point and include key supporting details — not every little fact, just the essentials.
You’ll have 10 minutes for each of these, so there’s enough time to plan, write, and quickly check.
Tip: Focus on nouns, verbs, and repeated words — they usually hold the key message.
2. Multiple Choice – Multiple Answers
This task plays a recording, followed by a question and several answer options. It’s one of the listening multiple choice answers types where more than one option might be correct — and you’ll need to select all the right ones to score well.
But be careful. Wrong picks can reduce your score, so don’t just click everything that sounds kinda close. Listen with intention, pick only what you’re sure of, and stay focused till the end.
3. Fill in the Blanks
You’ll see a transcript with missing words and hear the audio version of that text. As the speaker talks, you’ll need to type the exact missing words into the blank spaces.
This checks your listening skills, spelling, and ability to process audio information quickly — all at the same time. So, if you tend to zone out, stay alert. Each word matters.
4. Highlight Correct Summary
Once the audio finishes, you’ll see several summary options. Only one summary accurately captures what the speaker said. The rest are close — but not quite right.
Your job is to pick the one that reflects the main idea and not just a few surface-level details. If you’re not sure, go with the one that feels most balanced and complete.
5. Multiple Choice – Single Answer
Here, you’ll hear a short audio and then answer a question by choosing just one correct option.
The tricky part is that some of the wrong answers might still contain phrases from the audio, which can trip you up. To get it right, you need to really understand the point the speaker is making — not just recognise familiar words.
6. Select Missing Word
Toward the end of the clip, the speaker will suddenly pause — and a word or phrase is missing. You need to pick the correct one from a list of options.
Context is everything here. Even if you don’t catch every word, following the tone, topic, and structure of the sentence can help you predict the missing part.
7. Highlight Incorrect Words
This one’s fast-paced. You’ll listen to an audio clip while reading a transcript at the same time. Some of the words on screen don’t match what’s being said — and you need to spot and click on them.
It’s a test of precision. You have to track the speaker word-for-word while scanning the text — not easy, but great for sharpening your ears.
8. Write from Dictation
You’ll hear a single sentence, just once. Then, you type it out exactly as you heard it — same words, correct spelling, and the right word order.
Simple in concept, but tricky in execution. If you miss even one small word, your score can drop. So, listen carefully and keep your fingers ready to type fast and accurately.
Why Is This Section So Tricky?
Three big reasons:
- Unfamiliar accents: Australian, British, American — you might hear all of them.
- Fast speech or background music: Some clips come with distractions.
- Single playback: No second chances.
Students often feel overwhelmed trying to keep up, especially when trying to write and listen at the same time.
But here’s the good news — you don’t need superhuman skills to do well. You just need practice, and the right methods.
Easy, Proven Strategies for a Higher Score
- Don’t focus on understanding every single word. Focus on the meaning.
- Take clean notes. Not full sentences — just key words and phrases.
- Highlight nouns and verbs. They’re the backbone of summaries.
- Listen for repetition. Important ideas are often repeated or rephrased.
- Don’t waste time on fancy words. Clear and correct beats complex.
These habits can make a huge difference.
Common Struggles – And How to Tackle Them
We know this part of the test can feel like the toughest.
At ACE Language, we’re here to help students just like you turn frustration into progress. Whether it’s accent confusion, messy note-taking, or a summary that doesn’t make sense — we know the fix. We help learners build real strategies that work in the actual test environment. If you’re looking for the best PTE coaching in Bangladesh, we’re ready to guide you every step of the way.
So if you’re stuck, don’t just hope for the best. Reach out — we’ll sort it.
Struggling to keep up with the audio or missing key details again and again?
You’re not the only one—ACE Language is here to guide you with smart strategies, real practice, and simple support.
Conclusion
The PTE Listening section isn’t about being perfect. It’s about staying calm, thinking smart, and using the right tools. Once you understand the structure and practice enough, the tricky parts start to feel easier.
Remember: each question type is testing a skill you already use in daily life. So trust yourself — and don’t forget, ACE Language is here to help if you need an extra hand.
FAQs – PTE Listening Section
Q: How many questions are in the PTE Listening section?
A: You’ll face between 12 to 20 questions, spread across 8 types. The number varies for each test-taker.
Q: Can I replay the audio clips?
A: No, each clip plays only once. Active listening is key.
Q: Do all questions carry equal marks?
A: No. Some questions, like Write from Dictation and Summarise Spoken Text, carry more weight than others.
Q: Is spelling important in Write from Dictation?
A: Absolutely. Even a small typo can cost you marks.
Q: Can I take notes during the Listening section?
A: Yes. In fact, you should. Use the erasable notepad on test day or digital note-taking tool on-screen.
Q: What’s a good strategy for summarising spoken text?
A: Focus on the structure. Mention the topic, main point, and 1–2 supporting ideas. Use simple grammar and correct punctuation.
Q: Will I hear accents from different countries?
A: Yes. Expect a mix of British, Australian, and American accents. Practising with varied audio clips can help.