PTE Retell Lecture
In PTE Retell Lecture (PTE Academic only) you listen to a short academic lecture and then retell it in your own words in 40 seconds. It is scored on content, oral fluency and pronunciation, and contributes to both Speaking and Listening. The skill being tested is note-taking under pressure: you cannot retell what you did not capture.
- Timing
- Listen to the lecture, then about 10 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to speak.
- Contributes to
- Speaking and Listening scores
How PTE Retell Lecture is scored
- Content
- Oral fluency
- Pronunciation
How to score higher in Retell Lecture
- 1
Take notes in keywords, not sentences. Aim for the topic, three or four main points, and any names or numbers.
- 2
Open with a fixed frame — 'The lecture discussed…' — so you start speaking instantly and buy thinking time.
- 3
Reuse the speaker's own key terms. They are almost certainly the content words the scorer is listening for.
- 4
Cover a few points properly rather than every point badly; content credit is partial.
- 5
Keep speaking for the full 40 seconds even if your notes run out — restate the main idea in different words.
PTE Retell Lecture template
A three-move structure keeps you speaking for the full response while covering the lecture's key points, which is where the content marks are.
Frame
“The lecture was about [topic].”
Key points
“The speaker explained [point 1] and [point 2]” — include as many real points as you noted.
Close
“In conclusion, [the speaker's main takeaway].”
The marks are in the specific points you recall, so prioritise real content over a polished opening. Take quick notes during the audio.
Common mistakes in Retell Lecture
- Writing full sentences during the lecture and missing the next point while doing it.
- Giving a long, polished introduction and then having no time for the actual content.
- Falling silent as soon as the notes are exhausted.
Retell Lecture — frequently asked questions
Is Retell Lecture in PTE Core?
No. Retell Lecture appears in PTE Academic only. PTE Core uses different speaking tasks, including Respond to a Situation.
How long do you speak in Retell Lecture?
You have around 10 seconds to prepare after the lecture ends, and then 40 seconds to give your retelling.
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