PTE Listening Comprehension 3

Question 1

In PTE Academic, which listening task specifically tests your ability to identify words that differ between audio and written text?

Accepted Answer

Highlight Incorrect Words

Answer

Highlight Incorrect Words presents a transcript on screen while an audio plays. Test takers click on words in the text that differ from what is spoken. It tests the ability to match spoken and written language simultaneously.

Question 2

What does "gist" mean in the context of listening comprehension?

Accepted Answer

The main point or general meaning of what was said

Answer

The "gist" is the main idea or general essence of a spoken passage. Listening for gist (global understanding) is distinct from listening for detail (specific information) and is assessed in PTE Highlight Correct Summary tasks.

Question 3

In academic listening, "discourse markers" help listeners by:

Accepted Answer

Signaling the structure and direction of the speaker's argument

Answer

Discourse markers (e.g., "firstly," "in contrast," "to summarize," "however") signal the structure of spoken argument — introducing new points, showing contrast, or indicating conclusions. Recognizing them aids comprehension of academic lectures.

Question 4

In PTE Academic Write from Dictation, what is penalized?

Accepted Answer

Both spelling errors and omitted or added words reduce the score

Answer

Write from Dictation scores one point per correctly spelled word in the correct position. Misspelled, omitted, or extra words all reduce the score. Accurate spelling and complete capture of all words are both essential.

Question 5

Which of the following would be considered a signal phrase indicating the main point in a spoken lecture?

Accepted Answer

"The key takeaway from this is..."

Answer

"The key takeaway from this is..." is a signal phrase that explicitly introduces the main point. Recognizing signal phrases helps in Summarize Spoken Text and Highlight Correct Summary tasks where identifying the central idea is critical.

PTE Practice Test

PTE Practice Test

PTE Listening Comprehension 3