In the "Write from Dictation" task, you will hear a sentence and must transcribe it exactly as spoken. Typically, you can expect 3 to 4 sentences in PTE exam, though occasionally, there might be 5. Each word accurately transcribed earns you marks for both listening and writing. Your scoring is based on correct sequence of words, accurate spelling and grammar and proper punctuation. Mistakes in any of these areas can lower your score.
"Write from Dictation task" in PTE assesses listening and writing skills by requiring accurate copying of spoken sentences. For success, enhance your listening ability through a variety of English audio materials, improve typing speed and familiarize yourself with common phrases. During exam, pay attention to keywords, use shorthand for notes and type quickly but accurately. Avoid spelling, grammar mistakes, overthinking and omitting small words to maximize your score.
In PTE exam, Write from Dictation is not just a Listening Task; it also evaluates your writing skills. Each correctly transcribed word awards you one mark for listening and one mark for writing. In this task you can get somewhere around 3 to 4 marks. Therefore, accurately capturing every word in the dictated sentence can help you secure perfect scores in both sections. Successfully completing this task can contribute approximately 35 to 40 marks for listening and writing from this task alone.
To ensure accuracy, follow this two-step note-taking technique:
If unsure about a word, add variations. For instance, if unsure whether the word is "advice" or "advices," include both.
Before submitting your response, review your transcription for:
Use Vision Language Experts portal to practice Write from Dictation tasks. This portal offers real exam questions, increasing the likelihood of encountering similar or identical questions during your test. Register on the portal, access the practice materials, and focus on the monthly predictions section, which includes the most probable questions for upcoming exams. Practicing real exam questions increases the likelihood of encountering similar questions during your test.
Spend no more than 1 to 1.5 minutes on each Write from Dictation task. Quick and accurate note-taking is essential. Spending too much time on a single dictation can be detrimental. Efficient note-taking and typing within this time-frame are crucial for completing all dictations in the exam.
Improving your concentration and listening skills is vital. Pay close attention to the sentence’s meaning while taking notes. This dual focus helps reinforce memory and accuracy.
Many students miss small but critical elements like articles (a, an, the) or plural forms (s, es). Pay special attention to these details in your practice to avoid losing marks unnecessarily.
The strategies provided by PTE experts are based on proven success. Following their advice diligently can significantly enhance your performance.
Getting a perfect score in PTE Write from Dictation task is possible with the right strategy and constant practice. Use the free practice portal, follow the note-taking technique, manage your time effectively, and handle uncertainties by writing down multiple forms of questionable words. Regular practice and focus on listening skills will further improve your accuracy and confidence.
