PTE Summarise GD: Complete Tutorial, Proven Template & Examples

The Summarise Spoken Text task—commonly referred to by students as Summarise Group Discussion—is a key part of the PTE Listening section. If you're enrolled in a good PTE Course, you already know how important this task is for improving both your Listening and Writing scores. With the right strategy and practice, you can easily master it.

In this blog, you’ll learn a step-by-step approach, a proven template, and clear examples that will help you write perfect summaries every time.

What is PTE Summarise Spoken Text?

In this task, you will hear an audio clip (usually a lecture or group discussion) that lasts 60–90 seconds. After the audio ends, you’ll have 10 minutes to write a summary of what you heard. Your response should be 50–70 words long and typed into the text box on the screen.

✅ What Are the Scoring Criteria?

Your score is based on:

• Content – Did you include all key ideas?
• Form – Is your summary within the 50–70 word limit?
• Grammar – Is your sentence structure correct?
• Vocabulary – Did you use appropriate academic language?
• Spelling – Are all words spelled correctly?

🧠 Proven Template You Can Use

Here’s a simple and effective template that works for almost every Summarise Spoken Text task:

“The speaker discusses [main topic]. He/She mentions that [first key idea]. Additionally, the speaker points out that [second key idea]. Moreover, it is highlighted that [third key idea]. In conclusion, the speaker emphasizes [final point or summary].”

This format helps you organize your thoughts and include all important information in one clear paragraph.

How to Take Notes during the Audio

Use these quick tips to take better notes:

• Write down main topic, names, numbers, and keywords.
• Listen for examples, causes, effects, and opinions.
• Don’t try to write everything—just the key points.

Your notes will help you build accurate summaries using the template.

🧾 Example 1: Lecture on Climate Change

Your Notes:

• Topic: Climate change impact on Arctic
• Ice melting rapidly
• Threat to wildlife
• Human activity increasing global temperature
• Solutions: Renewable energy, policy change

Sample Summary:

The speaker discusses the impact of climate change on the Arctic. He mentions that ice is melting rapidly, which poses a threat to wildlife. Moreover, human activities are increasing global temperatures. In conclusion, the speaker emphasizes the need for renewable energy and policy changes to address the issue.

🧾 Example 2: Group Discussion on Online Education

Your Notes:

• Students and teachers discussed pros and cons
• Flexible and accessible
• Lacks personal interaction
• Tech issues
• Future of blended learning

Sample Summary:

The group discusses the advantages and disadvantages of online education. They mention that it is flexible and accessible, but lacks personal interaction. Additionally, they point out technical difficulties faced by students. In conclusion, the group emphasizes that blended learning may become the future of education.

Final Tips for Success

• Practice with real audio clips (use podcasts, lectures, etc.)
• Stick to the 50–70 word limit
• Avoid spelling and grammar mistakes
• Always proofread before submitting
• Use a PTE mock test platform to simulate the real exam

Conclusion

The Summarise Group Discussion task in PTE may seem difficult at first, but with regular practice, good note-taking, and a clear template, it becomes much easier. If you're enrolled in a structured PTE Online Course, make sure to ask for feedback on your summaries.

At Vision Language Experts, we provide expert guidance, daily practice, and proven templates to help you master every task in the PTE exam. With the right support and strategy, scoring high becomes simple.