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What is PTE Retell Lecture?
You listen to a lecture of up to about 90 seconds, then you have 10 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to retell it.
How it's scored
Content, oral fluency and pronunciation. It contributes to speaking and listening.
Tips for a higher score
- Take short notes: the topic, 3 or 4 key words and any conclusion.
- Use a simple template: 'The lecture was about… The speaker explained that… They also mentioned… In conclusion, …'
- Keep speaking smoothly for most of the 40 seconds. Fluency matters more than perfect detail.
- Use the speaker's key words, but join them in your own sentences.
Free Retell Lecture practice
Practise with real timers and instant feedback. Use a headset if you can.
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Keep practising
Take a full free PTE mock test, try daily PTE practice, or see how PTE is scored.
Answers, explanations and transcripts
Finish the test first, then open each section to check your answers. Every answer has an explanation.
Retell Lecture practice
Transcript: Retell Lecture
Let's consider why some cities are planting more trees. Trees provide shade that can lower street temperatures by several degrees during heatwaves. They also absorb some air pollution and slow down stormwater after heavy rain. Research has even linked green spaces to better mental health. The main challenges are the cost of planting and maintaining trees and the space they need underground for roots.
Model answer: Retell Lecture
Listen to the lecture, then retell it in your own words. You have 10 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to speak.
The lecture explained why cities are planting more trees. Trees lower street temperatures during heatwaves, absorb air pollution and slow stormwater, and green spaces are linked to better mental health. However, the speaker noted challenges, including the cost of planting and maintenance and the underground space roots need.
Transcript: Retell Lecture
Today's topic is the history of the bicycle. Early bicycles in the nineteenth century had no pedals; riders pushed themselves along with their feet. Later designs added pedals to a huge front wheel, which made riding fast but dangerous. The modern 'safety bicycle', with two equal wheels and a chain, appeared in the 1880s and quickly became popular, giving many people affordable personal transport for the first time.
Model answer: Retell Lecture
Listen to the lecture, then retell it in your own words. You have 10 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to speak.
The lecture described the history of the bicycle. Early nineteenth-century bicycles had no pedals, and later models added pedals to a very large front wheel, which was fast but dangerous. In the 1880s, the safety bicycle with equal wheels and a chain appeared, becoming popular and providing affordable personal transport.
Transcript: Retell Lecture
Why do we procrastinate? Psychologists suggest that procrastination is less about laziness and more about managing emotions. When a task feels boring, difficult or stressful, we delay it to feel better in the short term. Strategies that help include breaking tasks into small steps, setting specific times to start, and removing distractions such as phones.
Model answer: Retell Lecture
Listen to the lecture, then retell it in your own words. You have 10 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to speak.
The lecture explained that procrastination is mainly about managing emotions rather than laziness. People delay tasks that feel boring, difficult or stressful to feel better in the short term. Helpful strategies include breaking tasks into small steps, setting specific start times and removing distractions like phones.
Transcript: Retell Lecture
Let's talk about coral bleaching. Corals get much of their food and colour from tiny algae living inside them. When water becomes too warm for too long, corals expel these algae and turn white. If temperatures return to normal quickly, corals can recover, but repeated or long heatwaves can kill large areas of reef.
Model answer: Retell Lecture
Listen to the lecture, then retell it in your own words. You have 10 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to speak.
The lecture described coral bleaching. Corals rely on algae living inside them for food and colour. When water stays too warm, corals expel the algae and turn white. They can recover if temperatures quickly return to normal, but repeated or prolonged heatwaves can kill large areas of reef.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a template for PTE Retell Lecture?
Yes: 'The lecture was about [topic]. The speaker explained that [point 1]. They also mentioned [point 2] and [point 3]. In conclusion, [conclusion].'
How long should I speak in Retell Lecture?
Aim for most of the 40 seconds, at a steady pace without long pauses.
Should I write full sentences in my notes?
No. Write key words only, so you can keep listening.