Highlight Correct Summary: Overview and Tips | Listening Section for PTE PDF Download

Learn all about the test

First and foremost, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the PTE listening test's format. While this may seem apparent, many individuals overlook the necessity to thoroughly examine its requirements. For instance, participants may grasp the general concept of listening to an audio recording and highlighting a summary, yet they might lack a precise understanding of the task.

Upon initiating the test on the computer, participants will be presented with an audio recording played only once, lasting between thirty and ninety seconds. Subsequently, they must choose the correct summary from the available options on the screen. Although multiple summaries are provided, only one of them is accurate.

Understand the purpose of the test

Every component of each English examination serves a specific purpose. In this instance, your listening skills are under scrutiny, albeit with a distinct set of skills compared to other sections of the test.
Here, the task demands both listening and reading concurrently. Even in your native language, this proves to be a challenging skill. Therefore, your goal should be to comprehend the main idea of the passage and subsequently identify relevant portions within the summaries. Following this, careful reading becomes essential to narrow down options and select the most fitting answer.
While you're not precisely engaging in simultaneous reading and listening, you must adeptly manage these skills to prevent feeling overwhelmed by information. One of the significant challenges in language tests is the tendency for individuals to believe they must comprehend everything, leading to panic when faced with unfamiliar content.

Improve your vocabulary

When tackling the PTE listening test for highlighting the correct summary, it's crucial to discern the closest match. This involves the ability to distinguish summaries that precisely relate to the listening passage from those strategically placed to divert your attention.
Acquiring this skill entails various competencies, with a primary emphasis on vocabulary proficiency. For instance, if the audio recording mentions "car," a summary containing the word "bus" might be related but not an exact match, leading to potential confusion. Recognizing such subtle distinctions is key.
Rather than focusing on words with close associations, it is advisable to listen for terms that share similar meanings. In this context, opting for a summary featuring "vehicle" or "automobile" is more appropriate, as these terms serve as synonyms for "car."

Go with your instincts… but double check your answers

When it comes to this sort of English test, one of the best pieces of advice is for people to go with their first instinct. This is because our brains work well on a sub-conscious level and draw connections that our conscious minds cannot really understand. This is why you often feel you know something even without proof.
In this type of test, your mind may detect a subtle hint that is not immediately clear. If you have a strong intuition about it, it's advisable to trust your instincts. However, relying on instincts should be complemented by thorough verification. Take the time to investigate and ensure that your initial choice was accurate. Naturally, if it turns out to be incorrect, make the necessary adjustment.

Practice writing summaries

Ultimately, a valuable tip for excelling in the PTE listening highlight the correct answer exam involves actively engaging in the practice of summarization. Adopting such a strategy can significantly enhance your skills as it allows you to observe and understand the process more effectively. For instance, consider listening to a brief TED talk and subsequently crafting a summary without replicating the speaker's language. It may prove challenging, but it serves as a beneficial exercise in recognizing varied vocabulary and grammatical structures, skills essential for success in your own PTE listening test.