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. |