Task Overview:
In the Write from Dictation task, you will hear a short sentence (typically 3–5 seconds long) and are required to type it exactly as spoken. This task assesses your listening and writing skills, particularly your ability to recall, spell, and sequence words correctly.
- Prompt Length: 3–5 seconds
- Skills Assessed: Listening and Writing
- Time to Answer: No specific time limit, but respond promptly after listening
Are you ready to test your skills?
How to Approach the Task:
- The sentence is played once only, and begins automatically.
- You must type the sentence exactly as heard, maintaining the correct spelling, grammar, and word order.
- You may take notes using the erasable notepad provided during the test.
Scoring Criteria:
- 1 point for each correct word spelled correctly and in the correct order.
- 0 points for each misspelled or missing word.
- Partial scoring is possible; the more correct words you write, the higher your score.
Effective Tips and Strategies
1. Improve Your Short-Term Memory
Practice repeating short sentences aloud and writing them down after a single hearing. Start with 5–6 word sentences, gradually increasing the length.
Example:
Audio: The lecture was canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.
Tip: Break this into chunks as you hear it: The lecture / was canceled / due to / unforeseen circumstances.
2. Focus on Keywords
While listening, identify and mentally note the key nouns, verbs, and adjectives. These words often carry the main meaning the sentence and make it easier to recall.
Example:
Audio: Economic growth is expected to slow next year.
Keywords: Economic, growth, slow, next year
3. Use the Notepad Wisely
Quickly jot down keywords or the sentence structure as the audio plays. Even partial notes can help you reconstruct the sentence afterwards.
Example Note Style:
Lecture / canceled / unforeseen / circumstances
4. Practice Active Listening
Train yourself to listen for meaning, not just words. Understanding the sentence as a whole will help you recall the structure and fill in missing parts using context and grammar.
5. Master Spelling and Grammar
Even a small spelling error can cost you points. Regularly practice commonly confused words, plurals, verb tenses, and articles. Pay attention to proper nouns and punctuation as well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- there vs. their
- affect vs. effect
- Incorrect article usage (e.g., “a” vs. “an”)
6. Simulate Real Test Conditions
Use online tools or software like Sumlingo to play short sentences once and write them down immediately.
7. Review and Self-Correct
After writing your answer, take a few seconds to review for:
- Spelling errors
- Missing or extra words
- Incorrect word order
Are you ready to test your skills?
Advanced Practice Tips
1. Simulate Test Conditions
Use online tools that matches with the PTE format:
- Listen to the audio only once
- Use a timer to replicate pressure
- Disable pause and replay features to build endurance
2. Build Vocabulary and Sentence Structures
Regular exposure to academic content helps you get used to common phrases and collocations.
Example phrases you’ll often hear:
- “The deadline for submission has been extended.”
- “Attendance is compulsory for all laboratory sessions.”
- “There will be a tutorial on quantitative research methods.” Familiarity helps you anticipate and reconstruct with ease.
3. Record and Self-Evaluate
Record yourself while doing dictation tasks. Listen to your own response and compare it with the original sentence. This will:
- Highlight specific memory gaps
- Improve your pronunciation (indirectly benefiting listening)
- Build confidence
4. Consistency is Key
The Write from Dictation task may seem simple, but it challenges a combination of high- level language skills. With frequent, focused practice, your ability to recall and write sentences accurately will improve significantly.
Approach each task methodically:
- Listen actively
- Take strategic notes
- Reconstruct using grammar rules
- Review carefully before submission
Join Sumlingo and start practicing for the PTE Exam.
