Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
The task
You hear a recording of 30–90 seconds, once, then pick the paragraph that best summarises it. Only one option is correct (Pearson).
Pearson notes it can be hard to read and listen at once. Its advice is to listen first, note the key ideas on the erasable noteboard, and then read the summaries and match the closest one.
How it is scored
Pearson judges how well you understand, analyse and combine information from the recording. The response is correct or incorrect, with no credit for no response or a wrong one, and it affects listening and reading (Pearson). The scoring rule and item counts are from Pearson's PTE Academic Test Taker Score Guide; task details are from Pearson's test format pages. Both read on 30 October 2026. The tips are our own, not Pearson's.
| Item | Per test | Audio | Scoring | Skills |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlight Correct Summary | 2–3 | 30–90 seconds | 1 correct, 0 incorrect | Listening and reading |
Know your target? Check where you stand
Take a free AI-scored PTE mock and see your score per skill before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
Take a free mock →Practise before you book: free PTE mock test, PTE predictions, PTE Core practice test and PTE to IELTS converter.
Practical points
A wrong choice costs nothing beyond the point you miss, so always pick one. Watch the clock: the Listening part is timed as a whole, and long summaries take time to read. These are our tips, not Pearson's rules.
Frequently asked questions
Is there negative marking in Highlight Correct Summary?+
No. A wrong answer scores 0.
Which skills does Highlight Correct Summary affect?+
Listening and reading.
How long is the recording?+
30–90 seconds, played once.
How many Highlight Correct Summary items are in PTE?+
Pearson's Score Guide lists 2–3 per test.
Keep reading
Related
- PTE Select Missing Word scoring
- PTE Multiple Choice, Single Answer scoring
- Practise Highlight Correct Summary
- PTE scoring criteria
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy