PTE Listening: Mastering the Write from Dictation Task

One of the most crucial and high-scoring tasks in the PTE Academic Listening section is the Write from Dictation task. Although it might look deceptively simple, this task requires sharp concentration, quick memory recall, and accurate typing skills. It directly contributes to both your Listening and Writing scores, which makes mastering it even more essential if you’re aiming for a high overall PTE band.

In this detailed blog, we’ll explore what this task is all about, why it’s so important, and how to develop the skills and strategies needed to excel in it.

What is Write from Dictation?

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In the "Write from Dictation" task, you’ll listen to a short sentence (usually 8–15 words long), and your job is to type it out exactly as you hear it. This means correct spelling, punctuation, grammar, and word order are vital. Even a minor mistake can impact your score.

There are usually 3 to 4 Write from Dictation questions at the end of the Listening section. Since each question affects two skill categories, it’s one of the most impactful tasks in your test.

Why is It So Important?

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Many PTE aspirants ignore this task or treat it lightly. But the truth is, Write from Dictation is a score amplifier. Here’s why:

• Contributes to Both Listening and Writing Modules
• High Accuracy = High Score: Just one sentence done perfectly can push your marks up significantly.
• Tests Multiple Skills: Listening, short-term memory, grammar, vocabulary, and typing speed—all at once.

In short, this task is a must-master if you are targeting a 79+ or even 90 score.

How is it Scored?

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Each word in your typed sentence is scored individually:

• Correct Word = 1 point
• Incorrect Word or Missing Word = 0 points
• Incorrect Word Order = 0 points for misplaced word

That’s why you must ensure:

• No missing or extra words
• Correct spelling
• Exact word order

Common Challenges in Write from Dictation

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1. Missing Words – Due to fast speech or accent unfamiliarity
2. Spelling Errors – Simple typos or misheard words
3. Wrong Word Order – Caused by poor memory or rushing
4. Punctuation Confusion – Even though not always scored, can affect clarity

Proven Strategies to Master the Task

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1. Train Your Short-Term Memory
   Write from Dictation is not just about hearing; it’s about retaining and reconstructing. Practice memory drills:
   • Repeat back long sentences
   • Use mobile apps like “Brain Training” or “Peak” for memory games
   • Challenge yourself to recall and write 10–12 word phrases
2. Use Chunking Technique
   Break the sentence into meaningful chunks as you hear it. For example:
   "The manager decided to reschedule the meeting until next week."
   Chunk it as:
   • The manager decided
   • to reschedule the meeting
   • until next week
3. Take Shorthand Notes
   Use a shorthand system or abbreviations to capture key words:
   • bcz = because
   • mg = meeting
   • tmrw = tomorrow
   Then expand these notes into full-form sentences during typing.
4. Shadow Listening
   Shadowing means repeating exactly what you hear as you hear it. This improves active listening and speech memory. Try it with TED Talks, PTE listening samples, or audiobooks.
5. Practice Typing Speed
   Fast and accurate typing is crucial. Aim for at least 40–50 words per minute. Use free tools like:
   • 10FastFingers
   • Keybr

Example Practice Exercise

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Audio Sentence: "All students must submit their assignments by the end of the week."
Your Note: all st submit assignmnts end wk
Reconstructed Sentence: All students must submit their assignments by the end of the week.

This approach uses shorthand, memory, and structure.

Tools to Use for Practice

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1. Dictation Apps: Apps like Dictanote, Voice Notebook, and Speechling help you practice transcription daily.
2. YouTube Practice Channels: Search for “PTE Write from Dictation practice” for real-time audio examples.
3. AI-Based Scoring Tools: Use platforms like PTE Magic, E2Language, or PTE Tutorials to evaluate your typing accuracy, grammar, and word order.

Bonus Tips for Exam Day

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• Use the Erasable Notepad Wisely: Quickly jot down the sentence structure or keywords.
• Don’t Panic if You Miss a Word: Focus on capturing the rest of the sentence correctly.
• Use Grammar Knowledge: Sometimes your grammar instinct can help you reconstruct parts you missed.
• Stay Focused: Listening is at the end of the test—stay mentally sharp!

Final Thoughts

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The "Write from Dictation" task might only last a few seconds—but its impact on your PTE score can be massive. With the right techniques and consistent practice, you can easily turn this challenge into one of your strengths.

To recap:

• Practice memory and chunking daily
• Use dictation apps and mock tools
• Improve your typing speed
• Develop your own note-taking system

Every mark counts in PTE. Master this task—and you'll be one step closer to your dream score.