PTE Listening Scoring Criteria Breakdown How to Maximize Your Score
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The PTE Listening section is one of the most challenging parts of the PTE Academic test, as it requires quick comprehension, strong vocabulary, and accurate spelling. Understanding the scoring criteria is crucial to achieving a high score—whether you’re aiming for 79+ or a perfect 90.
At Benchmark, we focus on practical strategies to help test-takers maximize their PTE Listening scores. In this guide, we will break down the PTE Listening scoring criteria, explain how marks are awarded, and provide strategies to boost your score.
If you’re looking for mock tests to improve your listening performance, check out Listening Practice.
Table of Contents
How the PTE Listening Section is Scored
The PTE Listening section is automatically scored by AI and evaluates your performance based on
- Content Accuracy – Understanding and responding to the question correctly.
- Fluency & Comprehension – Following speech patterns, accents, and sentence structure.
- Spelling & Grammar – Ensuring error-free responses.
Each PTE Listening task contributes to your total score, but some questions carry more weight than others. Below is a detailed marks distribution table to help you understand how scores are calculated.
PTE Listening Score Breakdown by Task Type
| Sr. No. | Solution | How It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Write shorthand notes and expand them afterward | Prevents errors from fast typing. |
| 2 | Double-check spelling before moving on | Ensures correct word formation. |
| 3 | Review commonly misspelled words in PTE listening | Reduces spelling mistakes. |
How to Score High in Each PTE Listening Task
Each task type requires a different strategy to maximize your PTE Listening score. Below, we break down how you should approach each question type for the best results.
1. Summarize Spoken Text
How It’s Scored
- Content accuracy (how well you capture key points).
- Grammar and spelling.
- Logical sentence structure.
How to Get a High Score
- Focus on the main idea and key details.
- Use correct grammar and punctuation.
- Avoid unnecessary words—stick to the 50-70 word limit.
To improve structuring your response, check PTE Summarize Spoken Text Structuring Your Answer.
2. Multiple-Choice (Multiple Answers)
How It’s Scored
- +1 for each correct answer
- -1 for each incorrect answer (negative marking applies)
How to Get a High Score
- Select only the answers you are confident about—guessing can lower your score.
- Look for paraphrased answers, as the correct choice is rarely a word-for-word match.
For additional strategies, check How to Improve Your Listening Skills for PTE Multiple Choice Questions. 
3. Fill in the Blanks
How It’s Scored
- Spelling accuracy is critical—one letter mistake results in zero points.
How to Get a High Score
- Predict the missing word before the audio plays.
- Listen for collocations and common phrases.
For more vocabulary-building techniques, read How to Recognize and Use Signpost Words in PTE Listening.
4. Highlight Correct Summary
How It’s Scored
- Your ability to identify the main idea of the spoken passage.
How to Get a High Score
- Eliminate summaries that add extra details not mentioned in the recording.
- Look for summaries that match your notes.
If you struggle with accents, read Understanding Accents in the PTE Listening Section.
5. Multiple-Choice (Single Answer)
How It’s Scored
- +1 for a correct answer
- No penalty for incorrect answers
How to Get a High Score
- Read the question before the recording starts—this helps you focus on key points.
- Look for synonyms and paraphrases instead of exact word matches.
For more tips on handling tricky audio, check How to Tackle Tricky Audio in the PTE Listening Section.
6. Select Missing Word
How It’s Scored
- Full points if correct, zero if incorrect.
How to Get a High Score
- Predict the missing word before the audio ends.
- Pay attention to the tone and structure of the sentence—formal or informal.
7. Highlight Incorrect Words
How It’s Scored
- +1 for each correctly spotted incorrect word.
- -1 for each wrong selection (negative marking applies).
How to Get a High Score
- Read along while listening and focus on small word changes.
- Pay special attention to verbs and prepositions, as they are commonly altered.
For additional listening exercises, check Free PTE Listening Practice Test with Answers.
8. Write from Dictation
How It’s Scored
- Points are awarded for correct spelling, word order, and grammar.
How to Get a High Score
- Write down abbreviations or first letters and expand them after the audio finishes.
- Practice with real PTE dictation sentences to improve retention.
For more dictation exercises, check Mastering PTE Write from Dictation Tips and Practice Exercises.
How to Increase Your PTE Listening Score
| Sr. No. | Tip | How It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Take Notes Effectively | Helps capture key points in Summarize Spoken Text & Multiple-Choice questions. |
| 2 | Listen for Synonyms & Paraphrases | Improves accuracy in Multiple-Choice & Fill in the Blanks. |
| 3 | Improve Spelling & Typing Speed | Essential for Write from Dictation & Fill in the Blanks. |
| 4 | Use Mock Tests Regularly | Builds confidence and improves timing. |
| 5 | Stay Focused Throughout the Test | Reduces errors in long recordings. |
For more tips on staying focused, read How to Stay Focused During the PTE Listening Section.
Conclusion
Understanding PTE Listening scoring criteria is essential to improving your performance. By knowing how each question type is scored, focusing on fluency, spelling, and comprehension accuracy, and using proven strategies, you can maximize your score and reach 79+ or even 90.
At Benchmark, we provide structured study plans and expert guidance to help you succeed in PTE Listening. With regular mock tests, note-taking strategies, and listening comprehension exercises, you can confidently tackle this section and boost your overall PTE score.
