The PTE (Pearson Test of English) Write from Dictation task is an integral part of the Listening module in the PTE Academic exam. In this section, a sentence is dictated to the test-taker, who is required to listen carefully and accurately reproduce the sentence in a text box. This task assesses your listening and writing skills simultaneously. To help you ace this crucial component of the PTE exam, we’ve compiled essential tips and strategies in this comprehensive guide.
Write From Dictation Format
The “Write from Dictation” task in PTE involves listening to a sentence and then typing it accurately into a provided text box.
As you will have a mere 3-5 seconds to listen to the dictated sentence, the “Write from Dictation” task demands exceptional concentration and effective writing skills. Your response should not only include all the words from the dictated sentence but should also be spelled correctly.
How Is It Scored?
To improve your performance in the Write From Dictation part of the PTE Listening test, Keep Mind These Scoring Factor –
Listening and Writing
- 1 Score: Each correct word spelled correctly
- 0 Score: Each incorrect or misspelled word
Always Remember
- You will have 7 seconds before the audio starts playing. Use this time to focus on the question.
- The audio begins to play automatically. You are only able to listen to the audio recording once.
- While the audio is playing, you can take notes on the erasable note board provided. Remember to check your spelling.
Write From Dictation Practice Tips
Accuracy Over Speed
It’s crucial to prioritize clear listening over typing during the “Write from Dictation” task.
In this task, accuracy is far more important than typing speed. Don’t rush to demonstrate your typing skills. Instead, focus on ensuring that you reproduce the dictated sentence accurately. Writing it down on your scratchpad before typing can help minimize errors.
Explore Shorthand
The provided scratchpad is a valuable tool for refining your response. Write down the dictated sentence, make any necessary adjustments, and proofread it before transferring it to the response box. The scratchpad allows you to fine-tune your answer before the final submission.
If you are familiar with shorthand writing, it can be a handy technique for efficient transcription. Use shorthand to capture the dictated sentence swiftly, and then type it into the response box. Even if you’re not an expert in shorthand, creating your own abbreviations for common words can help you transcribe the audio more efficiently.
Review Your Answer
Before clicking the submit button, take a moment to review your response. A brief review can help identify any potential errors or omissions, ensuring that your reproduced sentence aligns accurately with the dictated sentence.
Conclusion
The Write from Dictation task in the PTE Academic exam necessitates a strategic approach that combines effective listening and writing skills. By concentrating solely on listening, avoiding typing errors, utilizing the provided scratchpad, leveraging shorthand or abbreviations, and reviewing your final answer, you can significantly improve your performance in this task. Mastering the Write from Dictation task will not only enhance your test scores but also prepare you for success in real-world listening and transcription situations. Good luck in your PTE Academic journey!
