Re-tell Lecture — Strategy Guide (Academic only)
1 min read
What is Re-tell Lecture?
You hear a 60–90 second lecture (audio or video), then describe it in your own words in 40 seconds. PTE Academic only — not present in PTE Core.
Format & Timing
- Lecture plays: once, 60–90 seconds
- Preparation: 10 seconds
- Recording: 40 seconds
- Number per exam: 1–2
How It Is Scored
- Content (3): hits 3+ key points from the lecture
- Oral Fluency (5): smooth speech
- Pronunciation (5): intelligibility
The 5-Slot Note Framework
While the lecture plays, jot ONE word in each slot:
- Topic — what is the lecture about? (1 word)
- Speaker stance — agree, disagree, neutral, warning?
- Point 1 — first key idea
- Point 2 — second key idea
- Conclusion — what does the speaker conclude?
Speaking Template
"The lecture was about [topic]. The speaker explained / argued that [stance]. Firstly, they mentioned [point 1]. Secondly, they discussed [point 2]. In conclusion, the speaker said [conclusion]."
This template fills 30 seconds even with sparse notes.
Common Mistakes
- Trying to write full sentences while listening — you miss the next 5 seconds of audio.
- Long silence at the start — speak immediately, even if the first sentence is just the topic.
- Saying "I don't remember" — never break frame; speak in the template even if details are weak.
- Whispering — fluency timer counts pauses; whispers register poorly.
Practice on ClearMyPTE
Re-tell Lecture is on the Speaking practice page for Academic students. After every attempt, listen to the audio again and note one key idea you missed — that is your training feedback loop.