Manage Time Effectively in the PTE Listening Section
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The PTE Listening section is the final section of the PTE Academic exam and requires careful time management. Many test-takers feel rushed, especially toward the end, which often leads to mistakes in critical tasks like Write from Dictation.
At Benchmark, we focus on practical strategies to help candidates manage their time efficiently in PTE Listening. In this guide, we’ll cover time distribution for each task, provide strategies to complete all questions, and ensure that you finish Write from Dictation without feeling pressured.
If you want to refine your listening strategy with real exam simulations, check out Listening Practice.
Table of Contents
Understanding the PTE Listening Section Timing
- Total Time: 30–43 minutes
- Number of Tasks: 8
- Time Per Task: Varies depending on the question type
Since the PTE Listening section is integrated with reading and writing, it is crucial to balance accuracy with speed. Below is a breakdown of how time is distributed in the listening section.
PTE Listening Time Distribution per Task
| Task | Approx. Time per Question | Total Time (Varies by Number of Questions) | Time-Sensitive? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summarize Spoken Text | 10 minutes (fixed) | 10 minutes | No (timer controlled) |
| Multiple-Choice, Multiple Answers | 40–60 sec | 2–3 minutes | Yes |
| Fill in the Blanks | 30–45 sec | 2–3 minutes | Yes |
| Highlight Correct Summary | 30–60 sec | 1–2 minutes | Yes |
| Multiple-Choice, Single Answer | 30–45 sec | 1–2 minutes | Yes |
| Select Missing Word | 20–30 sec | 1 minute | Yes |
| Highlight Incorrect Words | 30–60 sec | 2–3 minutes | Yes |
| Write from Dictation | 30–40 sec | 3–4 minutes | Most time-sensitive |
Key Insight: Since Write from Dictation is at the end of the listening section, it’s crucial to reserve enough time to complete it properly. If you waste too much time on earlier questions, you may rush and lose valuable points in this high-scoring task.
How to Manage Time Effectively for Each Task
1. Summarize Spoken Text (10 minutes per question)
- Fixed timer—you must spend the entire 10 minutes on this task.
- Avoid writing more than 70 words—long responses waste time without increasing scores.
- Use 2 minutes for planning, 6 minutes for writing, and 2 minutes for proofreading.
For better structuring techniques, check PTE Summarize Spoken Text: Structuring Your Answer.
2. Multiple-Choice, Multiple Answers
- These questions have negative marking, so don’t waste time overthinking.
- If unsure, select 1-2 answers based on logic and move on.
- Ideal time per question: 40-60 seconds.
For better multiple-choice accuracy, read How to Improve Your Listening Skills for PTE Multiple Choice Questions. 
3. Fill in the Blanks
- Quickly read the sentence before the audio starts to predict missing words.
- Type as you listen—don’t wait until the end.
- If you miss a word, skip it and move on to avoid wasting time.
For vocabulary-building techniques, check How to Recognize and Use Signpost Words in PTE Listening.
4. Highlight Correct Summary
- Read all answer choices before the recording starts to know what to listen for.
- Don’t reread all summaries after the audio finishes—eliminate incorrect ones immediately.
- Ideal time per question: 30-60 seconds.
If accents make this task difficult, read Understanding Accents in the PTE Listening Section.
5. Multiple-Choice, Single Answer
- This only carries 1 mark, so don’t overthink it.
- Eliminate options that contain extra details not mentioned in the audio.
- Ideal time per question: 30-45 seconds.
For better listening comprehension, check How to Tackle Tricky Audio in the PTE Listening Section.
6. Select Missing Word
- Focus on the last few words before the beep.
- The correct answer is usually grammatically correct and contextually fitting.
- Don’t replay the entire audio in your mind—go with your best instinct.
- Ideal time per question: 20-30 seconds.
7. Highlight Incorrect Words
- Follow along as you listen, clicking incorrect words immediately.
- Don’t click too many words—negative marking applies.
- Speed is key—don’t spend time reviewing.
- Ideal time per question: 30-60 seconds.
8. Write from Dictation (Most Time-Sensitive Task)
Why It’s Critical:
- This is one of the highest-scoring tasks in PTE Listening.
- If you run out of time, you lose easy points.
Time-Saving Strategies:
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Listen Carefully | Repeat the sentence mentally before typing. |
| 2. Use Quick Abbreviations | Write first letters of each word (e.g., “T g c f m p”) and expand after. |
| 3. Type Quickly, Edit Later | Type the full sentence first, then correct spelling and punctuation. |
| 4. Prioritize Accuracy | Focus on word order and spelling rather than rushing. |
Time to Allocate: At least 3–4 minutes
For more Write from Dictation exercises, check
Mastering PTE Write from Dictation: Tips and Practice Exercises.
Common Time Management Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | How It Affects Score | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Spending too much time on Multiple-Choice questions | Not enough time for Write from Dictation | Set a time limit of 45 seconds per question |
| Over-analyzing answer choices | Increases stress and delays responses | Trust your first instinct and move on |
| Typing too slowly in Write from Dictation | Losing valuable points | Practice fast typing and use abbreviations |
| Not reading answer choices in Highlight Correct Summary before the recording starts | Harder to select the right answer quickly | Skim summaries before listening |
| Rushing through Fill in the Blanks | Increased spelling errors | Check spellings before moving forward |
For better focus, check How to Stay Focused During the PTE Listening Section.
Final Time Management Strategy
| Task | Max Time Per Question |
|---|---|
| Summarize Spoken Text | 10 minutes (fixed) |
| Multiple-Choice, Multiple Answers | 40–60 seconds |
| Fill in the Blanks | 30–45 seconds |
| Highlight Correct Summary | 30–60 seconds |
| Multiple-Choice, Single Answer | 30–45 seconds |
| Select Missing Word | 20–30 seconds |
| Highlight Incorrect Words | 30–60 seconds |
| Write from Dictation | 3–4 minutes (most important task) |
Conclusion
Effective time management in PTE Listening is crucial for maximizing your score. By spending less time on lower-weighted tasks and reserving enough time for Write from Dictation, you can avoid rushing and improve accuracy.
At Benchmark, we provide structured strategies to help candidates manage time effectively, improve listening comprehension, and handle difficult accents. With regular practice, strategic pacing, and a focus on accuracy, you can confidently complete the PTE Listening section and achieve your target score.
