Mistakes to Avoid in PTE Listening Section

The PTE Academic Listening section tests your ability to understand spoken English in academic settings. It includes a variety of tasks such as Summarize Spoken Text, Multiple Choice Questions, Fill in the Blanks, Highlight Correct Summary, Select Missing Word, Highlight Incorrect Words, and Write from Dictation. Each of these question types is designed to assess different aspects of your listening, comprehension, and note-taking skills.

Many test-takers assume listening is the easiest part of PTE, but in reality, it’s often the trickiest. Background noises, unfamiliar accents, fast-paced recordings, and strict timing make it challenging. To score high, you not only need strong listening skills but also effective strategies. Unfortunately, students often make avoidable mistakes that cost them valuable points.

In this guide, we’ll explore the biggest mistakes to avoid in the PTE Listening section—so you can approach it with confidence and accuracy.

1. Not Focusing on Keywords

In almost every Listening task, the ability to identify keywords makes a huge difference. Many candidates try to understand every single word in the audio, which is impossible under exam conditions.

Mistake: Trying to translate or process each word while listening.
How to Avoid:

• Focus on keywords like names, dates, numbers, and repeated terms.
  

• Pay attention to tone changes and emphasis—these usually signal important information.
  

• Practice active listening daily with podcasts and lectures.
  
  

2. Poor Note-Taking in Summarize Spoken Text

Note-taking is crucial for Summarize Spoken Text and Retell Lecture tasks. Candidates often write too much or too little, missing the main ideas.

Mistake: Writing every single word or failing to capture key points.
How to Avoid:

• Use abbreviations and symbols for faster note-taking.
  

• Capture main ideas (who, what, why, how).
  

• Don’t copy sentences word-for-word; focus on meaning.
  
  

3. Ignoring Spelling and Grammar in Write from Dictation

The Write from Dictation task is a high-weightage question. Even minor spelling or grammar mistakes can lower your score.

Mistake: Missing plurals, articles, or incorrect capitalization.
How to Avoid:

• Revise basic grammar and spelling rules.
  

• Practice dictation exercises daily.
  

• Double-check for missing words before submitting.
  

4. Not Using Elimination in Multiple Choice Questions

Multiple Choice (Single and Multiple Answers) can be confusing. Students often get stuck between two similar options and waste time.

Mistake: Guessing without analyzing or selecting too many options in multiple-answer questions (negative marking).
How to Avoid:

• Eliminate obviously wrong answers first.
  

• Choose only what the recording supports—don’t assume.
  

• Manage time: don’t spend more than 2 minutes on MCQs.
  
  

5. Losing Focus During Long Recordings

Listening tasks are presented only once. If your mind wanders even for a few seconds, you may lose crucial information.

Mistake: Daydreaming or getting distracted during audio.
How to Avoid:

• Stay alert from the very first second.
  

• Take notes continuously to maintain focus.
  

• Practice with long lectures to improve concentration.
  
  

6. Ignoring Accent Familiarity

The PTE exam includes various accents—British, American, Australian, and even non-native speakers. Candidates used to just one accent often struggle.

Mistake: Missing words due to unfamiliar pronunciation.
How to Avoid:

• Listen to global English sources: BBC (UK), CNN (US), ABC (Australia).

• Practice shadowing—repeat after the speaker to adapt to pronunciation.

• Expose yourself to different accents daily.
  

7. Overlooking Instructions

Every task comes with specific instructions—word limit, number of choices, or type of answer expected. Ignoring these reduces your score unnecessarily.

Mistake: Writing summaries that are too long or selecting more answers than required.
How to Avoid:

• Read task instructions carefully before answering.
  

• Stick to the format: SWT = 50–70 words, Write from Dictation = exact sentence.
  

8. Missing the Overall Context

Sometimes candidates focus too much on individual words and miss the bigger picture. For example, in Highlight Correct Summary, they choose an option with details but not the overall meaning.

Mistake: Choosing details over the main idea.
How to Avoid:

• First, understand the main idea of the recording.
  

• Match summaries to the central theme, not small details.
  
  

9. Not Reviewing Highlight Incorrect Words

This task requires you to click on incorrect words while listening. Many students either click too many or too few.

Mistake: Clicking in panic or missing obvious errors.
How to Avoid:

• Follow along with the transcript carefully.
  

• Don’t click unless you’re sure the word differs from the audio.
  

• Stay calm—accuracy matters more than speed here.
  

10. Weak Vocabulary and Collocations

In Fill in the Blanks tasks, vocabulary knowledge is key. Without familiarity with collocations, it’s easy to choose the wrong word.

Mistake: Guessing without understanding context.
How to Avoid:

• Build vocabulary daily with word lists and collocations.
  

• Learn academic phrases commonly used in lectures.
  

• Practice choosing the best-fit word instead of random guessing.
  

11. Relying Only on Memory in Write from Dictation

Some candidates try to memorize sentences in Write from Dictation without note-taking, leading to missed words.

Mistake: Forgetting the middle part of long sentences.
How to Avoid:

• Write keywords or initials while listening.
  

• Repeat the sentence quietly in your head to reinforce memory.
  

• Combine memory with quick notes for accuracy.
  

12. Skipping Practice Under Exam Conditions

Listening skills can’t be built overnight. Many students only practice casually and panic in the real exam.

Mistake: Practicing without time limits or skipping timed mock sessions.
How to Avoid:

• Take regular PTE Practice Tests to build stamina.
  

• Attempt full-length PTE Mock Tests to simulate exam stress.
  

• Analyze mistakes after practice and focus on weak areas.
  

Final Thoughts

The PTE Listening section isn’t just about hearing—it’s about understanding, processing, and responding strategically. Small mistakes like poor note-taking, ignoring spelling, or missing keywords can have a big impact on your score.

The good news is that these mistakes are avoidable with the right preparation. Regular practice, smart strategies, and exposure to different accents can sharpen your listening skills.

That’s where Gurully can support your journey. With AI-powered feedback, real exam simulations, and targeted practice, Gurully helps you build accuracy and confidence. Whether you want to improve your note-taking, spelling, or overall listening comprehension, Gurully provides everything you need.

Start today with a PTE Practice Test or a complete PTE Mock Test on Gurully—and avoid the mistakes that keep most test-takers from achieving their desired score.

Also Read:
Know Updated PTE Marks Distribution 2025 & Achieve Your Target Score