Top 6 PTE Listening Tips For Scoring 79+ In 2025
PTE (Pearson Test of English) is one of the key exams for non-natives to show their English knowledge. Speaking of the test sections, the Listening section is one of the hardest ones in the entire exam. Well, not to worry, since a 79 plus is more than attainable with the right strategy.
As the format of the test changes in 2025, learning the latest strategies to tackle the Listening section will give you the edge. Here are 6 pointers that you need to know to master the PTE Listening section and get the score you have aimed at.
Familiarize Yourself with the New Test Format
Sentence type: PTE Listening section: listen and writeable to check how many specific important information is given in description from topic. Here are some of the typical question types that you see:
Summarize Spoken Text
Pick One, Multiple Choice
Only one answer would be the right answer.
Fill in the Blanks
Highlight Correct Summary
Select Missing Word
Write from Dictation
Listening is the key, then the ability to interpret and respond to these different formats. As 2025 has introduced some tweaks to the way these questions are presented (including minor adjustments to time limits and the types of responses you can give), you should familiarize yourself with all of the new formats now with the most current practice materials.
Hone Your Active Listening Techniques
Active listening not only entails hearing the audio, but rather realizing, comprehending and responding to the information as well — a skill that is essential for the listening section of PTE. In 2025, the exam has a more real-life listening focus such as academic lectures, interviews and workplace situations. Here’s how to become a better active listener:
Listen to different accents: PTE includes people from various sizeable regions of the world — this ranges from American, British, Australian accents, etc. Get used to these different pronunciations by listening to podcasts, TED talks or audiobooks in different accents.
Look out for tone and intent: In many cases, the speaker’s tone can lead you to the meaning of the spectrum of the message. For instance, a rising tone could suggest a question, while a falling tone might signal a conclusion.
Example: When you start listening to an audio, try to paraphrase it. This helps you understand how well you grasped the content and also prepares you for tasks like Summarize Spoken Text.
Master Note-Taking Strategies
As the PTE Listening section is timing oriented so you don’t get the second chance of rewinding or replaying the audio. Taking good notes is essential for capturing important ideas and details that will allow you to answer questions correctly.
Some note-taking strategies are as follows:
Abbreviate: Note keywords in their abbreviated form (like “b/c” instead of “because;” “ex.” for “example”).
Concentrate on key points: Don’t aim to write everything. Instead, concentrate on the main ideas and supporting details that are likely to be tested.
Same keyword approach: In an audio, while listening, keep listening for keywords — such as names, dates, places, facts, and the like. Here are the key points to keep in mind.
If you’re reading this, you probably know you have to take the TOEFL or an IELTS, which is why you’re seeking great advice … now. In time, you’ll hone your ability to take fast, effective notes.
Listen for controlling ideas before hearing the text.
Before the audio starts, a good way to improve your listening comprehension is to predict what it will be about. So this helps contextualize it in your brain, so that, by the time you start listening, your brain is already ready to pick out all of the relevant details.
For example:
If the audio starts with an introduction about a business strategy, then you know it is going to talk about financial, marketing, or management terms.
If it’s a discussion about health, you might hear “treatment,” “symptoms,” or “diagnosis.”
When you have a prediction, you listen more for the audio, so you are more likely to nail the answers.
Listen to Different Types of Content
The Listening section of PTE has also undergone some changes with a new and improved content of listening like academic discussions, interviews, lectures, and conversational pattern dialogues. By 2025, you’ll see that the content is more varied and richer, so you should expand your listening practice.
Academic Content: Auditory university lectures, academic podcasts, or TED talks to acclimatise the formal academic language.
Another sign of casual dialogues: Listen to interviews, phone calls, or casual conversations. You need to be ready for the everyday English tested.
Discussion on business and workplace: Listening to the discussion on workplace-related discussions would prepare you for the nature of content you would listen to in some of the PTE Listening questions.
Diversify the sources you use for listening practice to make sure you encounter a variety of accents, topics and registers.
Don’t Waste a Minute on the Test
Time management is key in the PTE Listening section. Time management tactics are important to score 79+ in 2025. Here’s how you can make the best use of your time:
Don’t dwell on tough questions: If you don’t know the answer to a question, move on to the next. You can go back to the tough ones if you have time remaining at the end.
Organise your answer: Write neatly and time yourself while practicing. Be clear about the timing for every section so you don’t waste time on one question.
Timed practice tests: After preparing with diverse materials, take timed, practice tests to simulate the exam atmosphere and increase your time management capabilities under pressure.
Final Tip: Remain Calm and Collected
As far as test day goes, staying calm and focused is critical. Nervousness can cause you to make mistakes and not perform your best potential. How to keep calm in the PTE Listening section:
If you are experiencing stress, take deep breaths.
Concentrate on what you are hearing and do not overanalyze the questions.
If you don’t catch a detail, don’t panic — keep listening for the next key information.
Conclusion:
With the appropriate preparation and mentality, accomplishing 79+ in the PTE Listening section in 2025 is entirely reasonable. By learning the format, developing active listening strategies, refining your note-taking and keeping your cool under pressure, you’ll be on the fast track to the goal you want.
Become familiar with the techniques as, like training for an event, positive reinforcement takes time. Best of luck with your PTE prep—you can do this!
