The Listening Section is the last part of the PTE Academic exam, lasting 31–39 minutes. You move into it directly after Reading — there is no optional break in the updated format.

• 🕒 Timings & number of questions
• 📊 Marks distribution
• 🎯 Proven tips
• 📝 Sample answers (includes a full 65‑word SST example)

🕒 Timing & Number of Questions

• Total Time: 31–39 minutes
• Total Items: 12–20 (varies per test form)
• Audio/Video Clips: Played once only

📌 PTE Listening Tasks (2025 Updated)

1️⃣ Summarize Spoken Text (SST)

• Items: 1
• Time: 10 minutes
• Task: Write a 50–70 word summary.
• Skills: Listening + Writing

Audio Topic (sample): A lecture about the benefits and challenges of online education.

Answer (65 words):
Online education has transformed learning by offering flexibility, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness, enabling students worldwide to access quality courses without geographical limitations; however, it also poses challenges such as reduced face-to-face interaction, reliance on technology, and the need for self-discipline, meaning that while it is highly beneficial for lifelong learning, it cannot completely replace traditional classroom experiences in fostering collaboration and personal connections.

2️⃣ Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers (MCMA)

• Items: 2–3
• Task: Choose all correct options.
• Scoring: Partial credit (+/–)
• Tip: Usually 1–2 answers are correct — avoid overselecting.

3️⃣ Fill in the Blanks (FIB)

• Items: 2–3
• Task: Type missing words while listening.
• Contribution: Moderate — only in Listening.
• Tip: Prioritize accuracy & spelling.

4️⃣ Highlight Correct Summary (HCS)

• Items: 2–3
• Task: Pick the best summary.
• Contribution: Low.
• Tip: Focus on capturing the overall idea, not small details.

5️⃣ Multiple Choice, Single Answer (MCSA)

• Items: 2–3
• Task: Pick the best single option.
• Contribution: Low.

6️⃣ Select Missing Word (SMW)

• Items: 1–2
• Task: Choose the missing ending word/phrase.
• Contribution: Low.

7️⃣ Highlight Incorrect Words (HIW)

• Items: 2–3
• Task: Click words in a transcript that differ from the audio.
• Contribution: High (affects Listening + Reading).

8️⃣ Write from Dictation (WFD)

• Items: 3–4
• Task: Type the sentence exactly as heard.
• Contribution: Very High (Listening + Writing)
• Tip: Practice spelling & word order daily.

📊 Marks Distribution (Updated 2025)

Task	Items	Contribution	Skills Affected
Summarize Spoken Text (SST)	1	High	Listening + Writing
Multiple Choice (MA + SA)	4–6	Low	Listening
Fill in the Blanks (FIB)	2–3	Moderate	Listening
Highlight Correct Summary	2–3	Low	Listening + Reading
Select Missing Word	1–2	Low	Listening
Highlight Incorrect Words	2–3	High	Listening + Reading
Write from Dictation (WFD)	3–4	Very High	Listening + Writing

👉 Key takeaway: The most scoring tasks are Write from Dictation, Summarize Spoken Text and Highlight Incorrect Words.

💡 Tips for Listening Success

• Prioritize big scorers: Focus on WFD & SST.
• Stay calm on MCQs: Low scoring — don’t waste time.
• Take smart notes: Capture keywords for SST & summaries.
• Type accurately: Spelling mistakes = lost marks.
• Daily dictation drills: Essential for WFD accuracy.

🚀 Final Thoughts

The PTE Listening Section (2025) tests not just hearing but also how accurately you process and reproduce information. With strong WFD practice, a clear SST strategy, and care in HIW, you can maximize your Listening score and push your overall band higher.

👉 Remember: Accuracy + focus = high Listening score.