PTE TIPS FOR WRITE FROM DICTATION
The “Write from Dictation” task in the PTE Academic exam is designed to assess your listening, writing, and spelling abilities simultaneously. In this task, you will hear a sentence played through the speakers and your goal is to type the sentence as accurately as possible. Since this is one of the last tasks in the listening section, it’s crucial to stay focused, as this task is often considered a challenge for many test-takers.
Here are some essential tips to help you perform well in the “Write from Dictation” task:
PTE TIPS FOR WRITE FROM DICTATION
1. Focus on Listening
Active listening is the most important skill for this task. You need to catch every word, especially when sentences are fast or complex. The sentence will be read twice, but you need to start typing immediately after the first reading.
Tip: Concentrate on key words. When you listen to the sentence, identify the main subject, verb, and object. These words are the most important to get correct. Also, pay attention to connectors like “and,” “but,” “or,” “because,” etc.
PTE TIPS FOR WRITE FROM DICTATION
Tip: Don’t try to understand every word perfectly. Focus on grasping the overall meaning of the sentence rather than trying to transcribe each word exactly.
2. Memorization Techniques
While you hear the sentence, your brain processes the information in real-time. One way to improve your retention is to use short-term memory techniques to hold the sentence in your mind before typing it.
Tip: Break the sentence into chunks. If the sentence is long or complex, divide it mentally into small sections, such as phrases or clauses. Try to remember each chunk and type it as you recall it.
Tip: Focus on remembering key words (nouns, verbs, adjectives), and use them as your “anchors” when typing. When you hear a challenging word, try to focus on how it sounds (i.e., phonetics), not its spelling.
PTE TIPS FOR WRITE FROM DICTATION
3. Accurate Spelling
Since spelling is an important component of this task, ensure that you spell the words correctly. If you’re unsure about a word’s spelling, try to remember how it sounds or use a phonetic approximation.
Tip: Pay extra attention to commonly misspelled words in English (like “receive,” “separate,” or “definitely”) and frequent homophones (like “there,” “their,” and “they’re”).
Tip: If you hear a word that you are uncertain about, use phonetic spelling (based on how the word sounds), as long as it’s close to the actual spelling.
PTE TIPS FOR WRITE FROM DICTATION
4. Punctuation and Capitalization
The task doesn’t explicitly test punctuation, but using correct punctuation (commas, periods, etc.) and capitalization helps your overall writing and shows a better understanding of sentence structure.
Tip: For punctuation, pay attention to pauses in the spoken sentence. If you hear a slight pause, it’s likely a comma. A longer pause typically indicates a full stop (period).
Tip: The first word of the sentence is typically capitalized, and proper nouns should also be capitalized. If you’re unsure, you can leave it in lowercase, but a capitalized first letter makes your response look more accurate.
PTE TIPS FOR WRITE FROM DICTATION
5. Practice Typing Speed and Accuracy
Speed and accuracy are essential in this task. Typing speed can be the difference between successfully completing the sentence or leaving parts of it out.
Tip: Practice typing regularly to improve your speed. Aim for a minimum of 50 words per minute with high accuracy.
PTE TIPS FOR WRITE FROM DICTATION
6. Don’t Overthink
If you’re unsure about a word or phrase in the sentence, don’t overthink it. Keep typing what you believe sounds right and focus on getting as many words right as possible. Second-guessing yourself often leads to mistakes.
Tip: After the first hearing, when the sentence is repeated, you’ll have a chance to correct or verify some of your doubts. Try to be quick but accurate in the second round, as you’ll have a better chance to confirm what you might have missed.
Tip: If you are unsure about a specific word, leave a blank or use your best judgment based on the sounds you heard.
PTE TIPS FOR WRITE FROM DICTATION
7. Practice with Mock Tests
The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become with the “Write from Dictation” task.
Tip: Practice using PTE mock tests or other online listening exercises. Many practice tests will simulate real exam conditions and help you familiarize yourself with the test format and the types of sentences you might hear.
Tip: Try listening to different accents of English. Since the test could feature various native speakers (e.g., American, British, Australian), it helps to be familiar with diverse pronunciations and accents.
PTE TIPS FOR WRITE FROM DICTATION
8. Use Effective Study Materials
Using the right study materials can make a significant difference in your performance.
Tip: Use materials that focus on both listening comprehension and dictation exercises. Websites, apps, and books specifically tailored for the PTE exam will often have exercises designed for the “Write from Dictation” task.
Tip: You can also listen to podcasts, audiobooks, or news programs and practice writing down what you hear. This will help you improve both your listening skills and your ability to transcribe sentences.
PTE TIPS FOR WRITE FROM DICTATION
9. Stay Calm and Confident
During the test, stress and panic can affect your concentration and performance. Remember, this task is all about accuracy and focus.
Tip: Stay calm and confident. Take a deep breath, focus on what you’re hearing, and remember that you’ll have time to correct yourself during the second repetition of the sentence.
The “Write from Dictation” task in the PTE exam may seem intimidating, but with focused preparation and the right strategies, it is entirely manageable. By honing your listening skills, practicing typing, and using the tips outlined above, you can improve your chances of getting a high score. Consistent practice will build your confidence, helping you perform well in this crucial task of the PTE Academic exam.
Good luck!
PTE TIPS FOR WRITE FROM DICTATION
PTE TIPS FOR WRITE FROM DICTATION