Summarize Spoken Text (SST)

What is Summarize Spoken Text (SST)?

SST is a task where you listen to a short lecture or talk and write a one-sentence summary of what you heard.

Task Format

• You hear an audio (60–90 seconds)
• You get 10 minutes to write.
• You must write only ONE sentence.
• Word limit: 5 to 75 words

What Skills are Tested

This task is an integrated skill assessment:

• Listening – understanding the lecture.
• Writing – forming a correct sentence.
• Note-taking – capturing key ideas.
• Summarizing – identifying main points

Scoring Criteria

Your response is evaluated based on:

1. Content – Did you include main ideas?
2. Form – Is it one sentence within word limit?
3. Grammar – Correct structure and punctuation.
4. Vocabulary – Appropriate word choice.
5. Spelling – Accurate spelling

Key Requirements

• Must be ONE complete sentence.
• Should include: Main idea (topic) + Key supporting points.
• Use connectors (e.g., and, while, which, because)

Common Mistakes

• Writing multiple sentences.
• Missing the main idea.
• Writing too short or too long.
• Using poor grammar or fragments.
• Copying notes without structure

Effective Strategy

1. Take structured notes (keywords, not full sentences).
2.  Identify the topic and 2–3 key points.
3. Combine ideas using connectors.
4. Write a complex sentence.
5. Quickly check grammar and word count

Ideal Sentence Structure (High Score)

• [Main Topic] + [Key Point 1] + [Key Point 2] + [Key Point 3].
• Example: The lecture explains climate change, highlighting its causes, impacts on ecosystems, and possible solutions.

Now, answer to the questions below.