Practise now
Lecture 1 of …. Press play and take notes, then write 50–70 words and press Mark my writing. The audio uses your device's built-in voice.
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Unofficial practice. We wrote these questions to match the official PTE Academic task types and timings. They are not real exam questions, and points shown are practice feedback, not a PTE score. For an official estimate, use Pearson's scored practice tests.
How it's scored
| Trait | Points | What top marks need |
|---|---|---|
| Content | 0–4 | The main idea and key supporting points, paraphrased and combined concisely |
| Form | 0–2 | 50–70 words (1 point for 40–49 or 71–100 words) |
| Grammar | 0–2 | Correct grammatical structures |
| Vocabulary | 0–2 | Appropriate word choice |
| Spelling | 0–2 | No errors (one error = 1 point; two or more = 0) |
Under 40 or over 100 words, all capitals, no punctuation or bullet points all score zero. It counts towards listening and writing. Source: Pearson's PTE Academic score guide (2025).
A note-taking method that works
- Draw three columns on your noteboard: topic, key points, conclusion.
- Write key words only, like nouns, numbers and verbs, not full sentences.
- Listen for signposts: "the main reason", "however", "as a result", "in conclusion".
- Write 2–3 sentences: the topic and main idea, then the key points, then the speaker's conclusion or recommendation.
A pattern you can adapt (don't memorise it word for word):
The speaker discusses [topic], explaining that [main idea]. They point out that [key point 1] and [key point 2]. Finally, they [conclude / recommend] that [conclusion].
Do's and don'ts
- Do aim for 55–65 words, safely inside the range.
- Do leave 1 minute to check spelling. Two spelling mistakes cost both spelling points.
- Don't try to write everything. Examples and numbers are usually details, not key points.
- Don't copy long chunks of the lecture. Paraphrasing shows understanding.
More practice: Write from Dictation also counts towards writing, and the free PTE essay checker can check any summary you write.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play the recording more than once?
No. In the real test it plays once. Our practice lets you replay it, but try to listen only once, as you would on test day.
Do I have to write in full sentences?
Yes. Bullet points or very short sentences score zero for form. Write 2–3 full sentences.