PTE Listening highlight correct summary overview

A very interesting question type in the PTE Listening section is the Highlight Correct Summary. In this question, you will hear an audio and select the correct summary from a number of options given to you. The key skills tested in this are your listening ability as well your reading ability.

By listening properly, you should be able to identify what is the key information and the theme of the audio. Then you should be able to match it with the options provided.

Use the time before the audio starts to have a quick glance at the options given. You will not be able to read the full summaries, but you can definitely catch a few words from each option. This has two benefits – it will give you a better idea of what you are about to listen to, and it will also help you shortlist options while listening.

When the audio starts, try to understand the main idea – the theme of the audio. Take some notes and at the same time visualize what you are listening to. This will help you remember the main points of the audio. When you are listening, keep an eye on the options in front of you. Often, you can eliminate or shortlist couple of options at the same time as you listen to the audio.

How you are scored

In PTE highlight Correct Summary, you are tested for your reading & Listening skills. This item contributes towards your reading & listening score.

This item is marked correct or incorrect. There is no negative marking. If you answer the question right you get 1 mark, otherwise you get zero.

How to preapre PTE Listening highlight correct summary for high score?

Utilize 10 seconds preparation time

You will see an audio status box which will count down from 10 seconds, then the status will change to ‘playing’ and the recording will begin.

Use the time before the audio starts to have a quick glance at the options given. You will not be able to read the full summaries, but you can definitely catch a few words from each option. This has two benefits – it will give you a better idea of the audio that you are going to listen to, and it will also help you shortlist options while listening.

Listen to audios with a purpose in mind

Do not listen to just catch some words. When you listen to the audio, you should try to understand the theme and the main ideas in the audio. This will make it easier for you to remember what you have just heard.

Note taking is essential

When you hear the recording, you should take notes which helps to visualise what you are listening to. You should practice effective note taking, as this helps to identify the main idea in the recording as well as the points that support the main idea.

Use elimination method to rule out wrong answers

Once the audio ends, read the summary options in detail and look for the option that covered main ideas from what you can remember and what are written in your notes.

The option that includes all or most of the key points mentioned in the audio is the one that is correct. For example, if Option 1 has 2 correct key points whereas Option 2 has 3 correct key points then Option 2 is the correct one. So, if there is Option 3 which has 3 points but one of them was not mentioned in the audio, it is not the correct summary.

The correct summary should consist of the main idea and the supporting points.

• Exclude summary or summaries which focus on minor ideas in the recording.
• Exclude summary which contains information not given in the recording.
• Exclude summary which contains opposite information of what is said in the recording.

Keep the options in mind when listening

When you are listening to the audio, keep an eye on the options in front of you. Often you can eliminate an option or two at the same time as you are listening to the audio. In the end, you will only have to confirm your decision. For e.g. if an option says, “Only 10% of the people pay taxes on time…”, but you hear in the audio “Majority of the people pay their taxes on time…”, then you can eliminate the option right away.

Confirm each option in the end

In the end, when you finalize an option, make sure you have looked at each and every option given. Don’t be too confident and go with the first option you feel is right. You should have a definite reason for why you are ruling out other options. This way you can avoid losing marks from making silly mistakes.

General Listening Practice

The best way to get good at this task is to do lots of listening practice.

The beauty of working hard to achieve your target PTE results is that it isn’t only the ticket to your next goal, it is also an excellent way to improve your language skills and your ability to communicate effectively in English. So all the hard work will pay off in the PTE result you need and in easier, more effective communication in English.