PTE listening task guide

PTE Write from Dictation: format, scoring and practice

Write from Dictation is an integrated Listening and Writing task. You hear one short sentence and type it accurately, making recall, word order and spelling central to the response.

Practise Write from Dictation See all PTE tasks
Task overview

Write from Dictation at a glance

Prompt3-5 seconds of audio
PreparationListen once
ResponseNo separate item timer
Skills scoredListening and Writing
Test-day flow

How Write from Dictation works

  1. You hear a sentence lasting about 3-5 seconds.
  2. The recording plays once and there is no separate item timer.
  3. You type the sentence into the response box and check it before moving on.
Scoring

What your response is scored on

Correct words

Content receives partial credit for correctly spelled words from the sentence.

Spelling

A word must be spelled correctly to earn its content credit.

Integrated skills

The task contributes to both Listening and Writing performance.

Use scores as direction, not certainty

Pearson does not publish the complete scoring algorithm or raw-to-scale conversion. PrepEx feedback and 10-90 scores are practice estimates, not official PTE results.

Original example

Sample-style dictation task

Write from Dictation Sample task
Plays once
Reveal the sample sentence

Students should submit the completed application before the closing date.

This is an original PrepEx example designed to demonstrate the response format. It is not an official Pearson test item.

Practice method

How to improve at Write from Dictation

  1. Capture the sentence in phrase groups, then type immediately while the order is fresh.
  2. Use grammar to reconstruct small function words, but do not replace remembered content.
  3. Reserve a final check for spelling, singular/plural endings and omitted words.
Practice this task type

Learn the strategy here, then practise filtered Write from Dictation items in the Practice Hub.

Practise Write from Dictation Back to all PTE task types
Focused session

A 15-minute Write from Dictation practice loop

01

Preview the rules

Re-read the timing, scoring traits and common mistakes on this guide before opening practice.

02

Run focused attempts

Open the filtered Practice Hub view and complete several Write from Dictation attempts without switching task types.

03

Review and repeat

Use your activity history and target plan to decide whether to repeat this task or move to the next weak family.

Continue the loop

Stay on this task for a short focused set, then review whether it should remain your priority.

Run focused attempts Review attempts Update target plan
Avoidable errors

Common mistakes

  • Remembering the idea but paraphrasing the sentence
  • Ignoring articles, prepositions or word endings
  • Changing word order while typing
  • Submitting without a spelling check
Accuracy and source

Checked against Pearson's current format

Task format, timing and published scoring traits were checked against Pearson's current PTE Academic test-format guidance on June 23, 2026. Pearson remains the final authority and may update the test.

Primary source: Pearson PTE Academic test format.

All PTE task typesBrowse the complete 22-task library by section. How PTE scoring worksUnderstand partial credit, score traits and the 10-90 scale. Practise Write from DictationGo directly to matching items in the PTE Practice Hub.
PTE Academic is a trademark of Pearson Education Ltd. PrepEx is independent of Pearson. PrepEx scores are practice estimates, not official Pearson scores.