PTE · Respond to a Situation

Public Transport Delays: PTE Respond to a Situation practice questions

5 original Respond to a Situation questions. Question 1 is free to record, play back and compare with a sample answer right here; log in free to practise the rest in the BandLadder app.
  • 5 questions
  • Question 1 free, no login
  • PTE Academic and PTE Core
1

Late for Laboratory Session

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Read and listen to the situation below. You have 10 seconds to prepare (20 in PTE Core), then 40 seconds to say what you would say. Answer as fully as you can.

You are stuck on a commuter train due to severe signal failure and will miss the start of your chemistry practical. You need to call your laboratory supervisor to explain the disruption and ask if you can join the afternoon session instead. What would you say to your supervisor?

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Questions 2–5

Read and listen to the situation below. You have 10 seconds to prepare (20 in PTE Core), then 40 seconds to say what you would say. Answer as fully as you can.

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2

Missed Shift Handover

Your suburban bus service has been cancelled without warning because of roadworks, making you late for your shift at a local bookshop. Call your store manager to apologise, explain the travel disruption, and offer to make up the lost time at closing. What would you say to your manager?

3

Group Presentation Postponement

You and a classmate are scheduled to present your seminar project this morning, but all underground lines near your flat are suspended after a power cut. Leave a voicemail for your classmate explaining why you cannot make it and suggesting you present next Tuesday. What would you say?

4

Dinner Reservation Adjustment

You are travelling by regional coach to meet a friend for dinner, but severe motorway congestion has delayed your arrival by forty minutes. Phone the restaurant manager to apologise, explain the transport delay, and request holding your table. What would you say to the manager?

5

Delayed Campus Tour Guide

You work as a student ambassador giving campus tours. A mechanical breakdown on the tram network has left you stranded, and you cannot lead the eleven o'clock tour. Phone the admissions officer to explain the delay and arrange a substitute guide. What would you say?

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