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PTE Write from Dictation: format, scoring and tips

You hear a short sentence once and type it exactly as spoken. It is usually the last task of the test. It's simple to understand and very practisable: memory, spelling and grammar all come together in one sentence.

Practise Write from Dictation free

Timing at a glance

AudioOne short sentence, played once
Our practice paceAbout 1 minute per sentence

Timings are approximate and can vary slightly from question to question.

How it's scored

Scored on1 mark per correct word

You earn one mark for each word of the sentence you write correctly and in the right order. Extra words cost nothing, and a misspelled word doesn't earn its mark.

Worked example

A practice sentence we wrote

"The results of the survey will be published on the university website next week."

A strong approach

Hold it in chunks: "The results of the survey" / "will be published" / "on the university website next week." Type the first words straight away, then check spelling and endings (results, published) before moving on.

Common mistakes

  • Waiting until the sentence ends to start typing.
  • Dropping small words (the, of, will) or plural endings.
  • Spelling errors in common academic words.

Tips

  • Start typing the first chunk as soon as the sentence ends.
  • Use grammar to rebuild missing small words: articles, prepositions and auxiliaries.
  • Check plural -s and past -ed endings.
  • Practise spelling common academic words: environment, government, research, significant.

Write from Dictation FAQ

One mark for each word written correctly and in the right order. Extra words cost nothing.

Related guides

PTE Listening: Fill in the BlanksListeningPTE Summarize Spoken TextListening

PTE Practice is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to Pearson. Our scores are a calibrated emulation, not official PTE scores.