Mastering PTE 'Write from Dictation': Tips, Tricks & Strategies

Unlocking Success in PTE's 'Write from Dictation' Module

For many PTE aspirants, the 'Write from Dictation' section proves to be a tough nut to crack. With its significant contribution of approximately 100 marks towards both listening and writing scores, mastering this module is crucial. Today, we dive deep into strategies, tips, and an ultimate hack that can transform your approach and results in this challenging module.

Understanding 'Write from Dictation'

In the 'Write from Dictation' task, test-takers listen to a recording and are required to type the sentence exactly as heard. The complexity arises when sentences exceed six or seven words, making accurate transcription challenging. However, with the right approach and practice, overcoming these difficulties is possible.

The Calculation of Marks

Each correct word transcribed in this module earns you marks towards both listening and writing components. For instance, if the audio mentions ten words, and you transcribe them accurately, you receive 20 marks in total - ten for listening and ten for writing. Hence, accuracy in transcription directly impacts your overall PTE score.

Effective Strategies and Hacks

1. Sequence Doesn't Matter: Surprisingly, the order in which you write the words does not affect your score as long as all the correct words are present. This flexibility can be particularly useful in sentences with lists or sequences that are difficult to remember.

2. Adding Extra Words: You're allowed to add extra words without penalty, which can be a strategic advantage. However, this doesn't mean you should overdo it. The focus should be on capturing all the required words correctly.

3. Focus on Listening Skills: The core of excelling in 'Write from Dictation' lies in your listening abilities. Enhancing your listening skills by engaging with English content daily, such as podcasts or TV series, can significantly improve your performance.

4. Divide and Conquer: Break down the sentence into smaller phrases or chunks. This method allows you to capture and remember parts of the sentence more effectively, especially when dealing with longer sentences.

5. Practice with a Purpose: Instead of mindlessly practicing, focus on understanding and improving your listening skills. Reading extensively and exposing yourself to a variety of English content can also help sharpen these skills.

Practice Session Insights

A practice session highlighted the importance of attention to detail, such as the accurate spelling of words and the allowance for singular and plural forms. It also demonstrated how adding variations of a word (singular, plural, different verb forms) could ensure that the correct version is captured.

Moreover, the session emphasized the significance of understanding over memorization. The ability to comprehend and transcribe longer sentences without relying solely on memory plays a crucial role in achieving high scores in 'Write from Dictation'.

Final Thoughts

'Mastering the 'Write from Dictation' module requires a combination of strategic practice, focused listening skill improvement, and a deep understanding of the task's requirements. By adopting the strategies discussed, test-takers can enhance their performance and move closer to achieving their desired PTE scores.

Remember, consistent practice, coupled with a strategic approach, can significantly improve your transcription accuracy and, consequently, your scores in both listening and writing components of the PTE.

For more detailed insights and a practical demonstration of these strategies, make sure to watch the full video here.