Listening - PTE Academic / UKVI, PTE Core
Write From Dictation
Write From Dictation practice improves exact listening recall, spelling, grammar, and sentence transcription.
Task facts at a glance
| Appears in | PTE Academic / UKVI and PTE Core — Listening part |
|---|---|
| Items per test | 3–4 |
| Audio length | 3–5 seconds, plays once |
| Scoring | 1 point per correct word — spelling counts |
| Negative marking | None |
| Why it matters | The highest-leverage listening task — every word scores in two skills |
| Skills credited | Listening and Writing |
Worked example
You hear (once, 3–5 seconds): “Many diseases that were once serious have now been eradicated.” Type the sentence exactly. (Real bank question — shown in the player below.)
Many diseases that were once serious have now been eradicated.
Why this scores well: Ten words, each worth a point into both Listening and Writing — spelling counts.
Scoring traits to watch
ListeningWriting
Key takeaways
Listen for the whole sentence and hold it in chunks.
Write the exact words in the correct order.
Check spelling, plurals, articles, and verb endings before submitting.
How to practise Write From Dictation
This task is high value because small word-level errors matter. Practise exact recall and final proofreading together.
- Listen once and repeat the sentence silently in chunks.
- Type the sentence in full.
- Check grammar words and spelling.
Practice framework
- Listen once and repeat the sentence silently in chunks.
- Type the sentence in full.
- Check grammar words and spelling.
- Review errors by missing, changed, or misspelled words.
Common mistakes
- Missing articles, plurals, or verb endings.
- Changing word order after listening.
- Submitting without checking spelling.
Frequently asked questions
Does spelling matter in Write From Dictation?
Yes. You score one point per correctly spelled word, so accurate spelling is essential.
Why is Write From Dictation so important?
It is the highest-leverage listening task because every word you type correctly converts to points across both Listening and Writing.
How many Write From Dictation questions are there?
There are three to four items; each sentence audio lasts 3–5 seconds and plays once only, and you type the sentence exactly.
This task inside EdKnot
