PTE Listening Keywords and Phrases to Learn
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The PTE Listening section tests your ability to spot key details, main ideas, and specific information from spoken English. One of the best ways to boost your listening accuracy is to get familiar with high-frequency keywords and phrases that often show up in the test. Many test-takers have trouble with:
- Missing keywords because of rapid speech or unfamiliar accents.
- Not recognizing reworded information, which can lead to wrong answers.
- Failing to catch clue words that point to the speaker’s main idea, contrast, or conclusion.
By getting a good grasp of common PTE Listening keywords, you can predict correct answers, keep your focus, and improve your score.
At Benchmark PTE, we offer organized study materials pro advice, and complete practice exams to boost your PTE Listening abilities. This guide talks about 50 key words and phrases that often show up in the PTE Listening part.
To learn how to steer clear of listening errors, visit Listening Practice.
Table of Contents
Why Do Keywords Matter in PTE Listening?
Grasping important words and phrases in the PTE Listening section has an impact on:
- Guessing answers in Fill in the Blanks and Write from Dictation.
- Spotting summaries in Highlight Correct Summary.
- Catching wrong words in Highlight Incorrect Words.
- Picking the best options in Multiple-Choice Questions.
- Sticking to a clear structure in Summarize Spoken Text.
To get a full breakdown of listening task types, look at PTE Listening Scoring Criteria Breakdown: How to Get Your Best Score.
Top 50 Common Keywords and Phrases in PTE Listening
Below are high-frequency words and phrases you should be familiar with.
1. Connector Words (Help Link Ideas or Show Changes in Thought)
These words assist exam-takers spot main ideas, differences, and wrap-ups.
| S.no | Transition Word/Phrase | Meaning | Example |
| 1 | Firstly, Secondly, Lastly | Used to list ideas in order | Firstly, we must consider the economic impact; secondly, the social consequences. |
| 2 | However, On the other hand | Shows contrast | Many believe climate change is a hoax. However, scientific evidence proves otherwise. |
| 3 | Therefore, Thus, Consequently | Signals a conclusion | The company failed to adapt; therefore, it went bankrupt. |
| 4 | For example, For instance | Introduces an example | Many cities are adopting green policies. For example, Amsterdam has expanded cycling lanes. |
| 5 | In summary, To conclude | Indicates the end of an argument | To conclude, renewable energy is the best solution for the future. |
Tip: These words often appear in Summarize Spoken Text and Multiple-Choice Questions.
For more on recognizing transitional phrases, check How to Recognize and Use Signpost Words in PTE Listening.
2. Scholarly Words (Often heard in Lectures and Discussions)
You’ll often hear these terms in scholarly spaces, so they’re crucial for acing PTE Listening Module.
| S.No | Academic Word | Meaning | Example |
| 6 | Hypothesis | A proposed explanation | The scientist tested the hypothesis by conducting multiple experiments. |
| 7 | Paradigm | A model or framework | The internet changed the paradigm of global communication. |
| 8 | Empirical | Based on observation or experience | Empirical data supports the argument for climate change action. |
| 9 | Methodology | A system of methods used in research | The study used a qualitative methodology to collect data. |
| 10 | Significant | Important or noteworthy | There was a significant increase in urban population. |
Tip: Academic words frequently appear in Summarize Spoken Text and Multiple-Choice Questions.
For more academic word lists, check PTE Academic Listening Practice Test. 
3. Identifying Opinions and Arguments (Understanding the Speaker’s Stance)
These phrases are useful in pinpointing the speaker’s views, debates, and final thoughts.
| S.No | Phrase | Meaning | Example |
| 11 | In my view, From my perspective | Expresses a personal opinion | In my view, online education is more effective than traditional schooling. |
| 12 | It is widely believed that | Indicates a common belief | It is widely believed that AI will replace human jobs. |
| 13 | There is evidence to suggest that | Introduces research or findings | There is evidence to suggest that meditation improves mental health. |
| 14 | Some argue that, Others claim that | Introduces opposing viewpoints | Some argue that electric cars are too expensive, while others claim they are cost-effective in the long run. |
| 15 | A key factor is, A major reason is | Highlights important reasons | A major reason for climate change is deforestation. |
Tip: These phrases are critical in Multiple-Choice Questions and Highlight Correct Summary.
4. Words of Cause and Effect (Reveal link Between Events)
These expressions show the reason behind an event and the outcome that followed.
| S.No | Cause and Effect Word | Meaning | Example |
| 16 | Due to, Owing to, Because of | Introduces a cause | Due to budget cuts, the company had to lay off employees. |
| 17 | As a result, Therefore, Consequently | Introduces an effect | Consequently, the economy suffered a major downturn. |
| 18 | Leads to, Results in, Causes | Describes cause-effect relationships | High sugar consumption leads to obesity. |
| 19 | Plays a role in, Contributes to | Shows how something influences an outcome | Technology plays a role in the rapid development of businesses. |
Tip: Cause-effect words help in Summarize Spoken Text and Multiple-Choice Questions.
5. Words That Often Stick Together in English Tests
When you’re listening to a PTE question, you’ll hear collocations, which are just words that like to hang out together.
| S.No | Collocation | Incorrect Form | Example |
| 21 | Make a decision | Do a decision | She made a decision to move abroad. |
| 22 | Take responsibility | Have responsibility | The manager took responsibility for the mistake. |
| 23 | Highly recommended | Very recommended | This book is highly recommended for students. |
| 24 | Strong argument | Big argument | He presented a strong argument in favor of renewable energy. |
| 25 | Significant impact | Huge impact | Social media has a significant impact on communication. |
Tip: Learning collocations helps improve accuracy in Fill in the Blanks.
For more on collocations, check Mastering PTE Write from Dictation: Tips and Practice Exercises.
Final Tips for Recognizing Keywords in PTE Listening
- Look out for signpost words – They usually point you to where the answers are hiding.
- Keep an ear out for different wording – The recording might not use the exact same terms you heard.
- Jot down the big-deal verbs and quantity words – You’ll see these pop up in the choices a lot.
- Go ham with practice exams – Getting a feel for the real deal helps you get better at catching key terms.
For full listening test simulations, check PTE Listening Mock Test with Answers.
Conclusion
Looking to up your game in PTE Listening? Getting a grip on the essential keywords and phrases is where it’s at! Picking up on transition words scholarly terms, and usual word pairs can simplify tracking spoken English letting you guess responses and hit the mark with your answers.
We at Benchmark PTE streamline this for ya with top-notch advice organized word skill drills, and true-to-life test runs. Stick to the prime tactics and keep at it, and you’re gonna walk into that PTE Listening part with more swagger and notch up those scores. Time to turn that PTE dream into the real deal!
