PTE SST & SWT High-Scoring Templates

Task Overview

• SST (Summarize Spoken Text): Listen to an audio recording (60-90s) and write a 50-70 word summary.
• SWT (Summarize Written Text): Read a long passage and write a single-sentence summary (5-75 words) limited to one period.

Although both involve summarizing, the strategies are completely different.

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1. Summarize Spoken Text (SST) Templates

SST assesses your ability to identify key points while listening and construct effective sentences for writing.

Universal SST Template

The lecture is mainly about [Topic/Keyword 1]. Firstly, the speaker mentions that [Point A]. Secondly, he discusses [Point B] and [Point C]. Finally, he suggests that [Point D]. In conclusion, the lecture is very informative.

Usage Instructions

1. Word Count Limit: Strictly control the length between 50-70 words. If you fall short, add more details at the [Point] spots; if you go over, remove some descriptive adjectives.
2. Grammar: Ensure the clauses following mentions that, discusses, and suggests that are grammatically correct.
3. Spelling: In SST, any spelling mistake will negatively impact both your Grammar and Spelling scores.

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2. Summarize Written Text (SWT) Techniques

SWT does not require complex templates because it mandates that the whole text can only contain a single period. Therefore, the core lies in proficient use of conjunctions (transition words).

SWT "Connect the Dots" Method

Structure Formula:

[Key Sentence 1] + , and/but/however + [Key Sentence 2] + , and/moreover + [Key Sentence 3] + .

Steps

1. Identify Main Idea: Quickly scan the passage to find the central sentence of the introduction, the summary sentence of the conclusion, and the core viewpoints in the body paragraphs.
2. Remove Modifiers: Delete examples (For example...), data, citations, and lengthy adjectives; keep only the Subject-Verb-Object structure.
3. Connect: Use , and or ; therefore, to weave the filtered 3-4 clauses together.
4. Review: Ensure the final sentence contains only one period . and falls within the 5-75 word range (30-50 words is recommended).

Common Transition Words

• Addition/Progression: and, moreover, furthermore, in addition
• Contrast: but, however, although, while
• Cause and Effect: therefore, thus, as a result, because

Summary

• SST: Listen for keywords -> Plug them into the 4-sentence template -> Check spelling.
• SWT: Find key sentences -> Connect them with conjunctions -> Ensure there is only one period.

With just 10-20 practice lists, you can build extremely stable muscle memory. These two question types are the cornerstone tasks that must be secured in the PTE exam.