SpeakingPTE Academic

PTE Re-tell Lecture: template, tips & scoring

You hear a short lecture, then re-tell it in 40 seconds. Good note-taking during the audio is what makes a fluent, high-content answer possible.

Skill
Speaking + Listening
Lecture
Up to 90 sec
Prep
10 sec
Response
40 sec

How it's scored

Scored on content (key points and their relationships), oral fluency, and pronunciation. Mentioning the main idea plus two or three supporting points, fluently, is the target.

Strategy & template

  1. 1Note keywords, not full sentences, while listening — nouns, numbers, and linking ideas.
  2. 2Use a template opening: "The lecture was about …".
  3. 3Deliver the main idea first, then two or three supporting points using your keywords.
  4. 4Finish with a short closing line to avoid trailing off.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Writing too much and missing later parts of the lecture.
  • Repeating one point for 40 seconds instead of covering several.
  • Silence at the start while organising notes.

Frequently asked questions

How do I take notes for Re-tell Lecture?

Jot keywords only — main topic, key nouns, numbers, and how ideas connect. You have just 10 seconds of prep, so short keywords beat full sentences.

What should my Re-tell Lecture answer include?

The main idea followed by two or three supporting points, delivered fluently. Coverage of relationships between ideas scores well.

Practise Re-tell Lecture

Real questions with instant AI scoring and feedback.

Practice PTE Re-tell Lecture
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