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PTE Repeat Sentence: format, scoring and tips

You hear one sentence, once. As soon as it ends, you repeat it back exactly as you heard it: the same words in the same order. There is no preparation time and no second play, so this task tests listening, short-term memory and speaking together.

Practise Repeat Sentence free

Timing at a glance

AudioOne sentence, about 3–9 seconds long, played once
PreparationNone. The microphone opens when the audio ends
Speaking timeUp to about 15 seconds

Timings are approximate and can vary slightly from question to question.

How it's scored

Scored onContentOral FluencyPronunciation

Content compares your words with the original sentence: every word you repeat correctly, in order, counts. Oral Fluency rewards an even, natural delivery without long gaps, and Pronunciation rewards clear, recognisable words. A complete sentence with one or two small gaps usually scores far better than silence.

Worked example

A practice sentence we wrote

The library will close early on Friday because the staff are attending a training session.

A strong approach

Hold it in three chunks as you listen: "The library will close early on Friday" / "because the staff" / "are attending a training session." Then say the chunks back in one smooth line, copying the speaker's rhythm.

Common mistakes

  • Paraphrasing ("The library closes early on Friday for training") instead of repeating the exact words.
  • Staying silent after missing a word, when a full attempt with a guess would still earn credit.
  • Waiting too long before starting, so the opening words fade from memory.
  • Speaking in a flat monotone that makes word boundaries hard to hear.

Tips

  • Listen for meaning, not just sounds: a sentence you understand is far easier to remember.
  • Split long sentences into two or three chunks while you listen.
  • Start speaking within a second of the audio ending.
  • Copy the speaker's stress and rhythm. It helps both memory and fluency.
  • If a word is gone, keep the rest of the sentence flowing and fill the gap with your best guess.

Repeat Sentence FAQ

No. Each sentence plays once, which is why practising under the real conditions, one play only, matters so much.

Related guides

PTE Read AloudSpeakingPTE Answer Short QuestionSpeakingPTE speaking tipsAll speaking tasks

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