PTE Academic Preparation Course – Day 13

Achieve Your Perfect Score of 90 in PTE Academic

Welcome to Day 13 of your comprehensive PTE Academic preparation journey. Today’s focus is on enhancing your Listening Skills, specifically the “Summarize Spoken Text” and “Select Missing Word” tasks. You will learn strategies to effectively listen for main ideas, supporting details, and anticipate what the speaker might say next. These skills will help you produce accurate summaries and identify missing words with confidence.

Objectives

Understand the “Summarize Spoken Text” and “Select Missing Word” Task Formats
Develop Skills for Note-taking, Identifying Key Points, and Anticipating Content
Practice Listening Comprehension and Summarizing Information
Expand Vocabulary with Words Commonly Used in Academic Lectures
Improve Predictive Listening and Concentration

Estimated Time: 2 Hours

Materials Needed

Device: Computer or smartphone with internet access
Headphones
Notebook and Pen
Access to PTE Practice Platforms or Websites
Dictionary or Thesaurus
Recording Device (optional for self-assessment)

Schedule and Activities

1. Understanding the “Summarize Spoken Text” and “Select Missing Word” Tasks (20 Minutes)

a. Task Formats Overview

Summarize Spoken Text:

Instructions:
You will hear a recording (60–90 seconds).
Write a summary of the recording in 50–70 words.
You have 10 minutes to complete this task.
Focus on main ideas, not minor details.
Scoring Criteria:
Content: Accuracy and completeness of main points.
Form: One sentence, 50–70 words.
Grammar and Vocabulary: Correct usage and range of words.
Coherence: Logical flow and clarity.

Select Missing Word:

Instructions:
You will hear a recording.
The final word or phrase in the recording is replaced by a beep sound.
You must select the correct option that completes the sentence logically.
Scoring Criteria:
Content: Correctly identifying the missing word or phrase.
Partial credit is not awarded; the choice must be correct.

b. Watch Instructional Videos

Summarize Spoken Text:
Video Title: “PTE Listening: Summarize Spoken Text Tips and Strategies”
Channel: E2 PTE Academic
Link: PTE Summarize Spoken Text Strategies (Replace with actual URL)
Duration: 15 minutes
Select Missing Word:
Video Title: “PTE Listening: Select Missing Word Techniques”
Channel: E2 PTE Academic
Link: PTE Select Missing Word Strategies (Replace with actual URL)
Duration: 10 minutes

Action: Take notes on key strategies, such as active note-taking, identifying main ideas quickly, and using context clues to predict the missing word.

2. Note-taking and Identifying Key Points (30 Minutes)

a. Active Listening Practice (15 Minutes)

Instructions:

Choose a Short Lecture:

TED Talks or short educational podcasts (2–3 minutes long).

First Listening (No Notes):

Listen to understand the main idea.

Second Listening (With Notes):

Focus on main points, important details, reasons, and conclusions.
Use abbreviations and symbols to write quickly.

Review Your Notes:

Ensure your notes capture the main points and structure of the talk.

b. Identifying Main Ideas and Supporting Details (15 Minutes)

Instructions:

Practice with Another Clip:

Listen to a different short lecture.

Break Down the Lecture:

Main Idea: The central theme of the talk.
Supporting Details: Facts, examples, statistics, reasons.

Highlighting Key Terms:

Underline or circle keywords that represent concepts or important data.

Summarize in One Sentence:

Try to produce a 50–70-word summary from your notes.

3. Practicing “Summarize Spoken Text” Task (40 Minutes)

a. Practice Exercises (30 Minutes)

Instructions:

Use PTE Practice Websites:

Select 3 Recordings (60–90 seconds each):

Listen carefully and take notes.
Identify the main point, key arguments, or conclusions.

Write a Summary (50–70 words):

Present the main idea and essential details.
Avoid minor information or repetition.
Ensure coherence and correct grammar.

Self-assessment:

Check word count.
Confirm that the summary captures the core message of the lecture.

Practice Example:

Recording Topic: The benefits of recycling and sustainable waste management.
Summary (Sample):
“The speaker emphasizes the importance of recycling to reduce environmental pollution and conserve resources. By encouraging proper waste management and supporting sustainable practices, communities can lower landfill usage, improve public health, and protect biodiversity, ultimately ensuring a cleaner and more resilient ecosystem for future generations.”

b. Review and Feedback (10 Minutes)

Compare with a Model Answer (If Available):
Identify differences in word choice and structure.
Improve Your Summary:
Check grammar and vocabulary.
Ensure the summary is concise and accurate.
Apply Feedback:
Incorporate improvements in the next attempt.

4. Practicing “Select Missing Word” Task (30 Minutes)

a. Predictive Listening Skills (15 Minutes)

Instructions:

Listen to a Short Audio Clip:

Pause before the last phrase.

Predict the Last Word:

Based on context, guess what the speaker is likely to say.

Check the Given Options:

Choose the one that logically completes the sentence.

Focus on Context and Tone:

Consider the speaker’s topic and direction.

Practice Example:

Audio Topic: A talk about the impact of technology on learning.
Sample Sentence: “As more educational resources move online, students have greater opportunities to learn at their own pace, ultimately improving their academic __.”
Options:
A. goals
B. performance
C. relaxation
D. schedule
Solution: B. performance (fits the context of improved learning outcomes)

b. Practice Exercises (15 Minutes)

Instructions:

Use PTE Practice Websites:

Select 5 “Select Missing Word” questions.

For Each Question:

Listen carefully to the entire recording.
Identify the topic and the direction of the content.
Anticipate what would logically follow.

Self-assessment:

Check answers against correct solutions.
Analyze any mistakes to understand why another option was better.

5. Vocabulary Building (20 Minutes)

a. Academic Words Used in Lectures

Word List with Examples:

1. Reinforce (verb)
Definition: To strengthen or support.
Sentence: “The speaker used examples to reinforce the main argument.”
2. Implications (noun)
Definition: The possible results or effects of an action or decision.
Sentence: “The lecturer discussed the implications of climate change.”
3. Underlying (adjective)
Definition: Lying beneath or at the basis; fundamental.
Sentence: “The underlying principle of the theory was not immediately evident.”
4. Disseminate (verb)
Definition: To spread or disperse widely.
Sentence: “The organization aims to disseminate information about health risks.”
5. Constrain (verb)
Definition: To severely restrict something.
Sentence: “Limited funding can constrain research opportunities.”
6. Integral (adjective)
Definition: Necessary to make a whole complete; essential.
Sentence: “Teamwork is integral to successful project outcomes.”
7. Paradigm (noun)
Definition: A typical example or model of something.
Sentence: “The lecture introduced a new paradigm in economic theory.”
8. Enhance (verb)
Definition: To intensify, increase, or further improve the quality.
Sentence: “Access to technology can enhance learning experiences.”
9. Viability (noun)
Definition: The ability to work successfully.
Sentence: “They questioned the viability of the proposed solution.”
10. Profound (adjective)
Definition: Very great or intense.
Sentence: “The speaker emphasized the profound impact of language on culture.”

b. Activities

Write Definitions in Your Own Words:

Paraphrase each definition.

Create Sentences:

Use each word in a sentence related to academic lectures.

Synonyms and Antonyms:

Find at least one synonym and one antonym for each word.

Flashcards:

Create flashcards for review.

6. Improving Predictive Listening and Concentration (20 Minutes)

a. Predictive Listening Exercises (10 Minutes)

Instructions:

Choose a Podcast or Lecture Segment:

Pause mid-sentence.
Predict the next word or phrase.
Continue playing to confirm.

Focus on Logical Flow:

Consider the speaker’s argument.
Use context clues from previous sentences.

Record Observations:

Note how often your predictions are accurate.

b. Concentration Techniques (10 Minutes)

Instructions:

Minimize Distractions:

Find a quiet environment.

Active Engagement:

Ask yourself questions as you listen: Who? What? Why? How?

Short Breaks:

If practicing for a long session, take brief breaks to maintain focus.

Progressive Difficulty:

Start with shorter clips and gradually increase length and complexity.

7. Reflection and Goal Setting (15 Minutes)

a. Self-Reflection Questions

How effective were your note-taking techniques in capturing main ideas?
What challenges did you face in summarizing spoken texts concisely?
How can you improve your predictive listening skills further?

b. Goal Setting for Tomorrow

Goal 1: “I will practice more ‘Summarize Spoken Text’ tasks to improve the clarity and coherence of my summaries.”
Goal 2: “I will focus on building my academic vocabulary to enhance comprehension.”

c. Journal Entry

Write About:
Your experiences with today’s listening tasks.
Any improvements or breakthroughs.
Areas you plan to focus on moving forward.

8. Optional Extension Activity (35 Minutes)

a. Additional Listening and Summarizing Practice

Use Educational Content:

TED-Ed videos or academic lectures.

Action:

Listen to a short lecture (3–5 minutes).
Write a one-sentence summary in 50–70 words.
Compare your summary with any official summary if available.

b. Vocabulary Quizzes

Use Vocabulary Apps:
Quizlet: Create quizzes with today’s words.
Action:
Test yourself on definitions and usage.
Aim for a high accuracy rate.

Summary of Day 13

Today, you have:

Understood the Formats and Requirements of the “Summarize Spoken Text” and “Select Missing Word” Tasks.
Developed Note-taking and Key Point Identification Skills.
Practiced Listening Comprehension, Summarizing, and Predictive Listening.
Expanded Your Vocabulary with Words Commonly Used in Academic Lectures.
Improved Concentration and Anticipation Techniques for Better Listening Performance.
Set Personal Goals for Continuous Improvement.

Preparation for Day 14

Focus: Writing Skills – Summarize Written Text and Essay Writing Review

Action Items:

Revisit Summarize Written Text and Essay Writing tasks.
Prepare to reinforce structuring, coherence, and vocabulary usage.

Additional Resources

Listening Practice:
PTE Academic Official Practice Tests: Practice Listening Tasks
Vocabulary Apps:
Magoosh Vocabulary Builder: Enhance academic vocabulary.
Note-taking Guides:
Cornell Method: How to Take Cornell Notes
TED Talks:
Practice summarizing talks from TED to improve clarity.

Tips for Success

Active Listening: Engage fully with the audio material.
Efficient Note-taking: Use abbreviations and symbols to write quickly.
Focus on Main Ideas: Capture the essence of the lecture or recording.
Predictive Skills: Anticipate what the speaker might say next to identify missing words.
Regular Review: Revisit vocabulary and strategies frequently.

Congratulations on Completing Day 13!

By dedicating time and effort today, you’ve significantly enhanced your listening comprehension, summarizing skills, and predictive listening abilities. Keep building on these strategies as you progress toward achieving a perfect score in the PTE Academic test.

Stay Tuned for Day 14!

Note: All external links are provided for educational purposes. Please ensure you have access to the internet to utilize these resources.

Share Your Progress

We encourage you to share your experiences and progress with others:

Join Our Community Forum: Connect with fellow learners to exchange tips and resources.
Feedback: Let us know how Day 13 went for you and any suggestions you have to improve the course.

Remember: Consistent practice and a proactive approach to learning are keys to success. Keep pushing forward, and don’t hesitate to revisit any sections as needed.

Best of luck on your journey to mastering the PTE Academic!