Read and listen to the situation below. After the recording, you have 20 seconds to prepare, then 40 seconds to say what you would say in the situation.
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A sample answer from this practice set
Try the task first, then compare your response with this example. This is an authored sample, not a score for your response.
Show item 1: Requesting a shift swap — sample answer
You work in a grocery shop. Your sister is arriving on Friday afternoon, when you are scheduled to work from three until seven. A colleague works on Saturday from nine until one. Ask your colleague to exchange these shifts, explaining that you will check with the manager first. What would you say?
Why: This response makes the requested exchange clear and preserves the approval condition. Other natural responses can achieve the same purpose.
Sample answer (72 words, about 40 seconds spoken)
Hi, could I ask you about swapping shifts this week? My sister is arriving on Friday afternoon, but I'm scheduled to work from three until seven. Would you be able to cover that shift if I worked your Saturday shift from nine until one instead? I'll check with the manager first, and we can only swap if they approve. Please let me know if that works for you. Thanks for considering it.
Key points
- Ask the colleague directly for an exchange, rather than only explaining your problem.
- Keep both days and shift times accurate: Friday three to seven; Saturday nine to one.
- Use a friendly, polite tone and make manager approval a condition, not an accomplished fact.
PTE Core gives 20 seconds to prepare after the prompt and 40 seconds to speak. Focus on a relevant, appropriately polite response, fluent delivery and clear pronunciation. These original practice questions let you replay and retry; the exam allows one listen and one recording. Model answers illustrate possible responses, not guaranteed scores. Pearson’s Core task instructions.
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