PTE Summarize Spoken Text is a Listening task in which you listen to a short lecture and write a concise summary of the main ideas. This guide explains the PTE Summarize Spoken Text format, template, timing, scoring, and useful strategies for improving your score.
The PTE Summarize Spoken Text (SST) is a high-scoring integrated task that assesses both your Listening and Writing skills. The best way to improve SST performance is to combine active listening, effective note-taking, and regular writing practice. Do not try to remember the entire lecture. Instead, identify the main topic and select the most useful supporting points.
✔ In the PTE Academic exam, you can expect 1 SST questions. Each question provides a dedicated 10-minute time limit, meaning any unused time does not carry over to the next question.
✔ It is recommended to write 50–70 words to effectively summarize the lecture while maintaining clarity, grammar, and coherence.
✔ Each SST response is worth a maximum of 10 points, distributed equally across Content, Form, Grammar, Vocabulary, and Spelling. 18% to your overall Writing score and 17% to your overall Listening score.
✔ Most important and highest-weighted question types in the PTE Academic exam.
IELTS Interface SST Template
- The lecture talked about ——- called ——-.
- Firstly, the lecture explained that ————–, which is ———-.
- Furthermore, the speaker states ———— and ————–.
- Moreover, the lecture addressed ————–, but ————–.
- In conclusion, the lecture mentioned that ———————–.
What to Consider for PTE Summarize Spoken Text (SST)
✔ Listen Actively: Identify the main topic and note key facts, causes, effects, examples, and conclusions.
✔ Take Effective Notes: Write keywords only and organize them in the speaker’s order.
✔ Write One Paragraph: Ensure your summary is clear, logical, and well connected. Do not use bullet points.
✔ Use Simple Grammar: Write accurate sentences with correct grammar and punctuation.
✔ Use Linking Words: Use words such as Firstly, Furthermore, Moreover, Consequently, and In conclusion.
✔ Proofread: Check spelling, punctuation, subject-verb agreement, and logical flow before submitting.
Question 1: Melatonin
You will hear a short lecture. You should write 50-70 words. You have 10 minutes to finish this task. Your response will be judged on the quality of Your writing and on how well your response presents the key points presented in the lecture.
Sample Answer
The lecture talked about a hormone called Melatonin. Firstly, the lecture explained that Melatonin hormones are in the human brain at the pineal gland, which is small in size. Furthermore, the speaker states that it peaks at night and named darkness hormones. Moreover, the lecture addressed every species and human sleep because of Melatonin, but rodents awake. In conclusion, the lecture mentioned that it is related to darkness behavior. [Total words: 69]