Saturday, 8 November 2025

PTE Summarize Spoken Text Overview

PTE Summarize Spoken Text Overview

·         You’ll hear an audio (60–90 seconds) — a lecture or discussion.

·         You must write a summary (50–70 words) within 10 minutes.

·         Scoring areas:

o    Content (what you understood)

o    Form (word limit, one paragraph)

o    Grammar & Vocabulary

o    Spelling


PTE Summarize Spoken Text Template (Universal)

The lecture was mainly about [main topic].
The speaker explained that
[key idea 1], and also mentioned [key idea 2].
Furthermore, the lecturer highlighted
[key idea 3 or example].
In conclusion, the speaker emphasized that
[main conclusion or importance].

Length: 55–70 words
Structure: 1 paragraph only


Alternative Advanced Template (for higher score)

In the lecture, the speaker discussed [main topic], focusing on [main theme or problem].
He/She pointed out that
[key idea 1], while also explaining [key idea 2] and giving examples such as [example].
The lecture concluded by emphasizing
[final point or implication], suggesting that [main takeaway].


Example Answer

Lecture Topic:

The lecture talked about climate change and global warming.

The lecture was mainly about climate change and its effects on the environment.
The speaker explained that human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, have increased greenhouse gases.
He also mentioned that this leads to rising global temperatures and melting ice caps.
In conclusion, the lecturer emphasized the need for urgent action to protect the planet.

(Word count: 63 )


Another Example

Lecture Topic:

The talk was about the benefits of regular exercise.

In the lecture, the speaker discussed the benefits of regular exercise.
He explained that physical activity improves both physical and mental health by reducing stress and strengthening the body.
The lecturer also mentioned that regular exercise helps prevent diseases such as obesity and diabetes.
In conclusion, he emphasized that everyone should exercise regularly to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

(Word count: 67 )


Useful Vocabulary for Summarise Spoken Text

Function

Phrases

Introduce Topic

The lecture was mainly about..., The speaker discussed..., The talk focused on...

Add Key Points

Moreover..., Furthermore..., In addition..., The speaker also mentioned...

Give Examples

For example..., For instance..., The lecturer gave an example of...

Conclude

In conclusion..., To sum up..., Overall..., The speaker concluded that...


Top 10 Tips for High Score

Tip

Description

1. Note Key Points

Write keywords (topic, cause, effect, example, result). Not full sentences.

2. Keep One Paragraph

Writing more than one paragraph reduces your “Form” score.

3. Stick to 50–70 Words

55–65 is ideal for both fluency and grammar.

4. Use Your Own Words

Don’t copy phrases exactly from the audio. Paraphrase.

5. Avoid Repetition

Mention each idea once only.

 6. Check Spelling

One or two mistakes can reduce your score.

7. Use Simple Grammar

Compound sentences with “and,” “but,” “while,” “because” are perfect.

8. Manage Time

1 min note-taking + 7 min writing + 2 min checking.

9. Listen for Signal Words

“First,” “For example,” “In conclusion” — they reveal structure.

10. Don’t panic

Missed a sentence? Focus on next point; you only need 3–4 ideas.

 

PTE Describe Image Overview

PTE Describe Image Overview

·         You’ll see an image (graph, chart, map, table, process, picture, etc.).

·         You have 25 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to speak.

·         You must describe the key features — not every detail — clearly, fluently, and logically.


Universal Template for Describe Image

Template (Use for All Image Types)

The image shows [type of image: bar graph / pie chart / process / map / picture] about [main topic].
Overall, it gives information about
[what it represents].
From the image, it can be seen that
[main trend or highest point].
In contrast,
[lowest point or less significant detail].
Moreover,
[another key comparison or observation].
Finally, it can be concluded that
[main idea / trend / result].

Ideal Length: 35–40 seconds


Example 1 – Bar Graph

Image: Bar graph showing Smartphone usage by age group

The bar graph shows Smartphone usage among different age groups.
Overall, young people use smart phones more frequently than older people.
The highest usage is seen in the 18–25 age groups, while the lowest is in people over 60.
Moreover, usage gradually decreases with age.
In conclusion, the graph clearly shows that Smartphone use is more common among the younger generation.


Example 2 – Pie Chart

Image: Pie chart showing sources of electricity in 2020

The pie chart shows different sources of electricity production in 2020.
Overall, coal contributed the largest portion, followed by natural gas and renewable energy.
Nuclear power and oil made up smaller shares.
In conclusion, most electricity was generated from non-renewable sources, showing dependence on fossil fuels.


Example 3 – Map

Image: Map showing population density of countries

The map illustrates population density across various countries.
It can be seen that Asia has the highest population density, especially in India and China.
In contrast, regions like Australia and Canada have lower population density.
Overall, the map shows that population is concentrated mainly in Asia.


Example 4 – Process Diagram

The image shows the process of recycling plastic bottles.
It begins with collecting used bottles, followed by sorting and cleaning.
Then, the bottles are melted and remolded into new products.
Overall, the process demonstrates how plastic waste can be converted into useful materials.


Top 10 Tips for High Score

Tip

Description

1. Identify the type of image

Say: “The image shows a bar graph / line chart / process diagram…”

 2. Focus on the main idea

Don’t describe everything. Mention trends, extremes, and overall patterns.

 3. Use linking words

moreover, in contrast, overall, on the other hand

 4. Speak continuously

Avoid long pauses — keep talking even with general comments.

 5. Maintain structure

Always use: Introduction → Key Points → Conclusion

6. Don’t read numbers one by one

Say “slightly higher,” “around half,” “a large majority.”

7. Use comparative language

higher than, lower than, more than, less than

8. Use simple grammar

Avoid complex structures; fluency matters more than vocabulary.

9. Time control

Start speaking after the beep and finish just before 40 seconds.

 10. Practice with templates

It trains your brain to speak fluently under time pressure.


Useful Vocabulary for Describe Image

Function

Phrases

Introduction

The image shows..., The graph illustrates..., The diagram explains...

Comparison

higher than, lower than, similar to, almost equal to

Trend

increases gradually, declines sharply, remains stable

Emphasis

it is clear that, the most significant feature, notably

Conclusion

overall, in summary, to conclude, in general

 

PTE Retell Lecture template

PTE Retell Lecture Overview

·         You hear a lecture (30–90 seconds).

·         You have 10 seconds to prepare.

·         You must speak for 40 seconds.


PTE Retell Lecture Template (Universal Structure)

Template

The lecture was mainly about [main topic].
The speaker explained that
[key idea 1].
In addition, he/she mentioned
[key idea 2], which is very important in understanding the topic.
Furthermore, the lecturer highlighted
[key idea 3], giving an example of [example or case].
The speaker also emphasized that
[supporting detail].
Overall, the lecture provided valuable information about
[topic] and its importance in [field or area].


Simple Retell Lecture Example

Lecture Topic

The lecturer talked about renewable energy and its importance in reducing global warming.

Sample Retelling:

The lecture was mainly about renewable energy.
The speaker explained that renewable sources like solar and wind power can help reduce global warming.
He mentioned that using clean energy can lower carbon emissions.
Furthermore, the lecturer highlighted that many countries are investing in renewable technologies.
Overall, the lecture emphasized the importance of renewable energy in protecting the environment and ensuring sustainable development.


Alternative Short Template (for quick recall)

The speaker discussed [topic].
He/she talked about
[main idea 1] and [main idea 2].
An example of this was
[example].
Finally, the lecturer concluded that
[main conclusion].


Tips for High Score

Aspect

Strategy

Content

Focus on main ideas (3–4 points) rather than exact details.

Fluency

Speak smoothly and continuously. Avoid long pauses.

Pronunciation

Keep a steady pace. Don’t rush. Emphasize key words clearly.

Grammar

Use simple but complete sentences.

Note-taking

Note keywords (topic, cause/effect, examples, conclusion). Avoid full sentences.


Useful Phrases for Retell Lecture

Function

Phrases

Introducing topic

The lecture was mainly about..., The talk focused on..., The speaker discussed...

Adding information

In addition..., Furthermore..., Moreover..., Apart from that...

Giving example

For example..., For instance..., The lecturer mentioned...

Concluding

Overall..., In summary..., To conclude..., The speaker concluded that...

 

PTE Summarize Spoken Text Overview

PTE Summarize Spoken Text Overview ·          You’ll hear an audio (60–90 seconds) — a lecture or discussion. ·          You must write...