Answering "Retell Lecture" effectively in PTE Academic

PTE Author
PTE Author
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Reading time: 4 minutes

With the right approach, you can answer the “Retell Lecture” question type in PTE Academic with confidence. Here are some essential tips to help you prepare: 

Dos 

1. Take effective notes 

  • As you listen, jot down key words and phrases. Use punctuation like ‘-, =, &, +, arrows’ and bullet points to show connections between ideas. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure you cover all important points. 

2. Highlight key points and relationships 

  • Discuss the main points, but also include characters, actions, aspects, and relationships between the information. This will make your response more comprehensive.

3. Speak for up to 40 seconds 

  • Aim to speak for up to 40 seconds. The longer you speak, the more likely you are to cover the content requirements for this question. Ensure your response is detailed and covers all necessary aspects. 

4. Use linking words and relative clauses 

  • Incorporate linking words (so, then) and relative clauses (which, who, that) to connect your ideas and show relationships between them. This will make your response more fluid. 

Don'ts 

1. Avoid memorized responses 

  • Do not use memorized responses or templated sentences. If there is a significant amount of pre-memorized content, a score of 0 will be given, and fluency and pronunciation will not be scored. 

2. Don't just mention key words

  • Avoid mentioning key words from the lecture (e.g., recipe, food, cook) in a disconnected way. You need to describe characters, aspects, actions, and their relationships to provide a coherent response. 

3. Don't try to mention everything 

  • It won’t be possible to mention everything the lecture covered in 40 seconds. Focus on the most important points to provide a concise and relevant summary. 

4. Avoid filler words 

  • Do not add filler words that do not connect to the lecture. Stick to the content of the lecture to ensure your response is relevant and focused. 

Need more advice? We have lots of official resources to help you prepare, including the chance to take a mock test with our scored practice tests. Visit our PTE Academic Preparation page to find out more. 

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