Struggling with the PTE Listening section? You’re not alone — it’s one of the trickiest parts of the test. But with the right practice and a few smart strategies, you can absolutely nail it.
This guide breaks down the PTE Listening section clearly. You’ll find question types, tips, marking criteria, and — best of all — free websites where you can practise without spending a dollar.
Let’s jump in.
What Is the PTE Listening Section?
The PTE Listening section is the final part of the test. It lasts between 30 to 43 minutes and includes eight different question types.
You’ll listen to audio or video clips (played automatically), and each is played only once.
So yes, it’s a bit of pressure — but that’s why practice matters.
PTE Listening Question Types (All 8)
Here’s a quick overview of the tasks you’ll face:
1. Summarise Spoken Text
You’ll hear a short audio and write a summary of 50–70 words (10 minutes to do it).
Focus on the key ideas, not every little detail.
For PTE Core, the summary is shorter — 20–30 words in 8 minutes.
2. Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers
You’ll listen to a recording and choose more than one correct option.
Be careful — wrong picks can hurt your score.
3. Fill in the Blanks
An audio clip is played, and you fill missing words in a transcript.
Good typing speed helps here.
Spelling matters too.
4. Highlight Correct Summary
You’ll listen to an audio and pick the summary that best matches it.
Use elimination to rule out the wrong ones.
5. Multiple Choice, Single Answer
Pretty straightforward — one audio, one correct answer.
It’s shorter than the multi-answer version.
6. Select Missing Word
You’ll hear a recording with a “beep” where a word or phrase is missing.
Choose the best option to complete it.
7. Highlight Incorrect Words
You’ll see a transcript while hearing the audio.
Click on the words that don’t match.
Careful — one wrong click and you’ll miss others flying by.
8. Write from Dictation
Listen to a sentence and type exactly what you hear.
Spelling, grammar, and punctuation all count.
How Is It Scored?
Your Listening performance is mainly scored on:
- Grammar – Are your sentences clear and correct?
- Written Discourse – Do your ideas flow logically?
- Following Oral Sequencing – Can you catch key points, tone, and meaning?
Basically, they want to see if you can listen and understand — not just hear words.
Smart Strategies by Question Type
Here are quick tips to level up your PTE Listening skills:
- Summarise Spoken Text
- Jot down key phrases while listening.
- Stick to the word limit.
- Use cut, copy, and paste to clean up your response.
Multiple Choice (Both Types)
- Read the question and scan options before the audio starts.
- Don’t guess too wildly — there’s negative marking.
Fill in the Blanks
- Type while listening if you can.
- Double-check spelling.
- Click on blanks before you type — sounds silly, but people miss this.
Highlight Correct Summary
- Focus on the speaker’s tone and key message.
- Cross out the summaries that clearly don’t match.
Select Missing Word
- The beep usually comes at the end — don’t zone out before that.
Highlight Incorrect Words
- Keep your mouse ready.
- If you click the wrong word, don’t panic. You can unselect it after.
Write from Dictation
- Write what you hear, word for word.
- Good memory helps, but note-taking can be a lifesaver.
- Check grammar and punctuation before you hit next.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let’s be honest — we all slip up.
But here’s what to not do in the Listening test:
- Don’t rely on hearing every single word. Focus on the main ideas.
- Don’t try to rewind — it doesn’t exist here.
- Don’t zone out. Every second counts.
- Don’t ignore the timer or word count.
- Don’t forget: audio plays once only.
Tips for Self-Practice That Actually Work
Here’s how to train your ears and brain — without burning out:
- Listen to podcasts or TED Talks and summarise them out loud.
- Watch shows with English subtitles — then rewatch without them.
- Pause audio clips and write what you heard. Check accuracy.
- Use shorthand or symbols while listening. Helps during dictation tasks.
- Mix in different accents — Aussie, British, American — for variety.
Consistency beats cramming.
A few minutes daily is better than three hours once a week.
Free Websites for PTE Listening Practice
Here are some excellent places where you can practise without paying a cent:
Offers real test-style practice questions with instant feedback.
Includes full-length listening practice sets, updated regularly.
A trusted Australian-based provider with quality practice resources.
Bookmark these — they’ll be your best mates during prep!
Final Thoughts
The PTE Listening section can feel intense, but it’s not unbeatable.
Learn the format, practise smart, and know what to expect.
With the right tools — and a few free ones — you’re already on the right track.
Keep your ears sharp, your mind calm, and your spelling on point.
You’ve got this.