Summarize Spoken Text(SST)

18% of WRITING10% of LISTENING10 minutes per question, including the audio time

A short lecture plays — you summarize it in 50–70 words. Marks in Writing AND Listening. The template makes it mechanical.

The Format

Audio: 60–90 second lecture, plays ONCE
Answer: 50–70 words — sweet spot: 65
Time: 10 minutes including the audio time

The Scoring (12 marks)

0–4

Content

Main idea + 2–3 key supporting points.

0–2

Form

50–70 words = 2 · 40–49 or 71–100 = 1 · else 0.

0–2

Grammar

0 errors = 2 · 1–2 minor = 1 · 2+ errors = 0.

0–2

Vocabulary

Academic tone, no slang.

0–2

Spelling

Same trap: 2+ errors = 0.

18% of Writing + 10% of Listening from one 10-minute task — notes + the SST template = marks in two modules at once.

The System

Notes → Template → 65 Words

NOTES

During the audio — it plays once

Main topic + 3 points + conclusion. Keywords only: nouns, verbs, numbers.

TEMPLATE

Drop your notes into the frame

Sentence 1 is always 'The lecture focused on (topic).' Points follow as 'The speaker first explained…', 'She/He then noted…', 'In addition…'. The last sentence always starts 'Overall, the speaker concluded…'

COUNT & PROOFREAD

50–70 words — aim 65

Check the counter, then proofread spelling word by word: the 2-error rule applies.

The Template

The SST Template

One frame, five slots. Take notes during the audio, then drop them straight in.

The Template

Topic + 3 points + conclusion

The lecture focused on (topic). The speaker first explained that (point 1). She/He then noted that (point 2). In addition, (point 3). Overall, the speaker concluded that (conclusion).

Structure complete in five sentences — everything else is your notes. Natural reporting verbs read better to raters than a rigid Firstly/Furthermore list.

Model Answer

The SST Template + Model Answer

Prompt: “Lecture on urban green spaces”

Model · 55 words

The lecture focused on urban green spaces. The speaker first explained that parks improve residents' physical and mental health. He then noted that green areas reduce city temperatures during summer. In addition, parks encourage community interaction and regular physical activity. Overall, the speaker concluded that city planners should prioritise green spaces in new residential developments.

55 words

✓ 50–70

Topic + 3 + 1

structure complete

“Overall, the speaker concluded…” ✓

last sentence locked

12/12

target marks

Memorise These

The 5 SST Rules

Notes DURING the audio

Main topic + 3 points + conclusion. It plays once.

Sentence 1 is always

'The lecture focused on (topic).'

Points use reporting verbs

'The speaker first explained…' · 'She/He then noted…' · 'In addition…'

The LAST sentence always starts

'Overall, the speaker concluded that …'

50–70 words (aim 65)

And proofread spelling: the 2-error rule applies.

Avoid

The 4 Traps That Cost You the Task

✕ Word count outside 50–70

40–49 or 71–100 = Form 1. Anything else = 0. Aim 65.

✕ Two spelling errors

Same trap as SWT and Essay: 2+ errors = all spelling marks gone.

✕ Complex sentences that break

Grammar: 0 errors = 2, 1–2 minor = 1, 2+ = 0. Simple correct sentences win.

✕ Slang or casual tone

Vocabulary wants academic tone — no slang, no contractions.

Daily Drills

→1–2 SST lectures daily: notes → SST template → 65 words.
→Practice note-taking on any podcast: topic + 3 points + conclusion in keywords.
→Type the template from memory until sentence 1 and the closing line are automatic.

Memory Hooks

Topic + 3 + 1'The lecture focused on (topic).''Overall, the speaker concluded…' locks the last sentenceAim 65 words