# PTE Write from Dictation: scoring, examples and practice A 3-5 second sentence is played once and you type it. One point for each correct word spelled correctly, with no penalty, making it the densest scoring task in PTE listening. ## The short answer Write from Dictation plays a sentence of 3 to 5 seconds, once, and you type what you heard. There are 3 to 4 in a test, scored for both Listening and Writing. Every correct word spelled correctly scores a point, misspelled or wrong words score nothing, and nothing is deducted, so partial answers are always worth typing. ## Key facts - **Items per test:** 3-4 - **Prompt length:** 3-5 seconds - **Skills scored:** Listening and writing - **Scoring:** 1 point per correct word spelled correctly - **Penalty:** None for wrong words Timings and scoring rules come from Pearson's task pages and the July 2025 Score Guide, checked 28 September 2026. ## How it's scored Word-level scoring with no deduction makes this the most forgiving task in the listening section and one of the densest for marks: a sentence of ten words is ten scoring opportunities, and getting seven of them is worth seven points. Spelling counts, so words you can hear but not spell still cost you. The sentences use academic but ordinary vocabulary, which is why targeted spelling practice pays off here more than anywhere else in the test. > Type every word you caught, in order, even if the sentence is incomplete. Word order matters for sense, but each correct word is still scored. ## Write from Dictation examples Worked examples written for this page. Answer each one before you open the model response: memorizing a response is scored as an irrelevant answer in the real test. **Example 1 -- the full sentence** Recording (played once), transcript: > The lecture notes are available in the library. Prompt: Play it, then type what you heard. Answer: "The lecture notes are available in the library." Model response: "The lecture notes are available in the library." Why it scores: Eight words, eight points. These sentences reward fast, accurate typing more than comprehension. **Example 2 -- a partial answer** Recording (played once), transcript: > Students must submit their assignments before the deadline. Prompt: Play it once and type as much as you caught. Partial answers score. Answer: "Students must submit their assignments before the deadline." Model response: "Students must submit their assignments before the..." scores seven of eight. Why it scores: Every correct word scores. Deleting an incomplete answer because it looks unfinished throws those points away. **Example 3 -- a word you cannot spell** Recording (played once), transcript: > The bibliography must follow the departmental style guide. Prompt: Play it once. Type your best attempt at the hard word and keep the rest accurate. Answer: "The bibliography must follow the departmental style guide." Model response: Type the sentence with your best attempt at "bibliography"; the other six words still score. Why it scores: A misspelling loses that word only. Stopping to agonize over it costs the words after it as well. **Three questions is a warm-up, not practice** 20,000+ PTE practice questions across all 22 task types, 20+ full mocks and 20+ sectional tests, with instant AI scoring on speaking and writing. One full PTE mock and one sectional test per skill are free, with question-bank practice and 100 AI scoring coins a month. No card required. [Start practicing free](https://app.testmigo.com/register) ## Common mistakes | What costs marks | Do this instead | | --- | --- | | Deleting a partial sentence. | Leave it. Every correct word scores, and nothing is deducted. | | Writing notes by hand first. | Type straight into the box. Copying from paper wastes the seconds you need. | | Trying to perfect spelling mid-sentence. | Get the words down, then fix spelling with the time left. | | Treating it as the last, tired task. | It sits at the end of the test but carries dense marks. Save attention for it. | **Know the score you are aiming at** Put a target into the PTE score calculator to see the visa band it reaches, the points it is worth, and how far off you are. [Open the PTE score calculator](/pte/score-calculator) ## How to practice 1. Practice typing full sentences from audio at natural speed, daily. 2. Build typing speed: this task rewards it directly. 3. Keep a misspelling log and drill the words that recur. 4. Practice when tired, since these items come at the end of a two-hour test. ## Common questions ### How many Write from Dictation questions are in PTE? 3 to 4 in a test. ### Do I lose marks for wrong words in Write from Dictation? No. Each correct word spelled correctly scores a point, and incorrect or misspelled words simply score zero. ### Is Write from Dictation the highest-value listening task? It is among the densest: each item is worth as many points as it has words, and it counts toward both listening and writing. **Sources** - [Pearson: PTE Academic Listening task types (checked 28 September 2026)](https://www.pearsonpte.com/pte-academic/test-format/listening) - [Pearson: PTE Academic Test Taker Score Guide, July 2025 (PDF)](https://www.pearsonpte.com/ctf-assets/yqwtwibiobs4/WUcBAMkYCC9Dj5vs2HfVA/941d88d07ba7c2a5007f7ce1b18eedbf/Score_Guide__Test_Taker__-_PTE_Academic_-_July_2025__web_.pdf) [Practice Write from Dictation free](https://testmigo.com/pte)