Timing at a glance
| Audio | A short lecture of up to about 90 seconds |
|---|---|
| Preparation | About 10 seconds after the audio ends |
| Speaking time | About 40 seconds |
Timings are approximate and can vary slightly from question to question.
How it's scored
Scored onContentOral FluencyPronunciation
Content checks how accurately and completely you pass on the lecture's main idea and key supporting points. You are not expected to repeat it word for word; your own wording is fine. Oral Fluency and Pronunciation are judged as in the other speaking tasks.
Worked example
A practice lecture topic we wrote
Imagine a 60-second talk about why some cities are planting more trees: trees cool streets in summer, reduce flooding by absorbing rain, and improve residents' mental health, but they need years of care before the benefits appear.
A strong approach
Notes while listening: trees, cooler streets, less flooding (rain), mental health, BUT years of care. Retell: "The lecture explained why cities are planting more trees. The speaker said trees make streets cooler in summer and help reduce flooding because they absorb rainwater. They also improve people's mental health. However, the speaker pointed out that these benefits take years and need long-term care."
Common mistakes
- Trying to write down whole sentences and missing the next point.
- Retelling only the first half of the lecture.
- Filling the time with "umm" while searching notes for details.
- Adding opinions or facts that were not in the lecture.
Tips
- Note single keywords, arrows and symbols, never full sentences.
- Listen especially for the main idea in the first sentences and for contrast words such as but, however and although.
- Structure the retell: main idea → two or three supporting points → any contrast or conclusion.
- Use simple linking phrases: "The speaker explained…", "She also mentioned…", "Finally…".
- Keep speaking steadily; a fluent retell of the main points beats a hesitant one with every detail.
Re-tell Lecture FAQ
No. Re-tell Lecture is part of PTE Academic only.
Related guides
PTE Practice is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to Pearson. Our scores are a calibrated emulation, not official PTE scores.