PTE Highlight Correct Summary: Practice, Tips

PTE Highlight Correct Summary is the fourth task in the PTE Listening section that challenges test-takers to choose the most accurate summary of the spoken passage. To achieve the highest score in this section you need to be good at critical thinking, listening skills, and effective test-taking methods. Read this article to understand the structure of the PTE Listening Highlight Correct Summary task, followed by tips and tricks to improve your overall performance and score in the PTE exam. You can practice the test questions of this task given below.

What is the Structure of PTE Listening Highlight Correct Summary Task?

In the PTE Highlight Correct Summary task, you will listen to a recording that is 30-90 seconds long. Then, a few summarised answer options were given to choose from, you should select the one that best matches the recording. Each answer option can last up to 60 words. 

You can hear the audio recording only once. To choose the correct summary, comprehend and analyze the information in the recording. The scoring is given as either correct or incorrect (no credits for incorrect response or no response). This task mainly tests your listening and reading skills. 

What are the tips and tricks to Ace the Highlight Correct Summary Task?

Preparation Before Listening

• There is a 10-second countdown period in the audio status box. The status changes once the audio plays.
• Before the audio begins, quickly scan the summary options briefly. It will give you a basic overview of what the text is about.
• Avoid deducing the correct answer during this time.

While Listening

• Stay focused and take notes of main points and supporting points while you listen. Avoid writing word-for-word transcription.
• Do not read the answer options while listening. It will distract your attention.
• You can adjust the volume by moving the slider while hearing the audio if needed.
• Pay attention to the speaker’s repetition of words or phrases, any voice changes or intonation in the recording. It might include valuable hints, crucial points related to the content.
• Also notice any symbols, clues, or signals the speaker uses to highlight the important ideas. It will help you to spot the key information.
• Focus on the closing summary, which outlines the speaker’s main direction and message.

After Listening

• After listening, carefully read the provided summary options.
• Start by eliminating the answer options that are different from your notes. Do not get confused with vocabulary, synonyms, and antonyms.
• After that, survey the remaining answers and choose the one that best matches your notes and what you heard.
• Once decided and selected, click “Next” to attempt the next question.

General Listening Practice

The best way to enhance your performance in this task is practice test questions. Get yourself familiarized with the question format, and types of recordings you might face. 

You can explore various sources like podcasts, online radio stations, and international news websites that feature short audio news pieces. A TED Talks stands out as one of the top options for you. Listen to 30 to 90-second short segments in these talks, turn off the recording, and note down the main idea. Then, see the provided transcriptions and analyze your performance.

Check, Was it a good performance? Which portion is not so good? Why? Was it a vocabulary problem? Were you confused about the use of synonyms and antonyms? Or Pronunciation? Is it a vocabulary problem? Identify why and where you made a mistake and keep working on it.

PTE Highlight Correct Summary Practice Example 1

You will hear a recording. Click on the Paragraph that best relates to the recording.

A. If a certain person is predisposed with a natural talent for a certain thing, it means he/she is destined to succeed over everyone else. He/she does not require to put in hard work to
succeed.

B. You should follow your natural talents to be successful in life. If you don’t do this you will end up working hard without any success.

C. Effort and Hard work are the determining factor when it comes to success. Even if a person has a natural talent, it does not mean that the person will attain greatness unless he/she puts in the effort.

D. Naturally talented people are overrated. They do not tend to succeed in life. Stephen King a world renowned author also agrees to this statement.

Correct Answer: C

PTE Highlight Correct Summary Practice Example 2

You will hear a recording. Click on the Paragraph that best relates to the recording.

A. The speaker is voicing her fears in the hope it will be heard. She is scared of breathing, fishing in the rivers, starving children and going out in the sun.

B. The speaker is demonstrating how more importance is given to the elections and stock market. No one cares about the starving children and how she is no longer able to go fishing with her dad in Vancouver.

C. The speaker has heard about plants and animals going extinct. The fish have got cancers due to the ozone layer and chemicals and these factors are causing children around the world to starve.

D. The speaker is fighting for her future and is representing starving children, dying animals and all generations after her. She is raising concerns about the ozone layer, polluted air and water.

Correct Answer: D

If you haven’t been in an English-speaking environment, it takes time for you to learn these skills. To get used to different spoken English accents, listen to podcasts, news, etc.

And Practicing with the help of mock tests, study books, and real question banks available at our Kanan study platform will be very helpful to score well in the PTE Highlight Correct Summary task. 

FAQS

1. What is the purpose of PTE Highlight Correct Summary Task?

PTE Highlight Correct Summary task challenges test-takers to find the most accurate summary of a spoken passage. To achieve the highest score in this section, you need a combination of listening skills, critical thinking, and effective test-taking methods.

2. What should I avoid while taking the Highlight Correct Summary task in PTE?

Avoid misplacing your cursor. Before the audio starts, keep your cursor at the beginning of the text and be prepared. This helps to engage as soon as the recording begins.