What Is PTE Retell Lecture?
Retell Lecture is a task in the PTE Academic Speaking section where you listen to a lecture, take brief notes, and summarize the main ideas in your own words. The Retell Lecture task is part of PTE Speaking and also contributes to Listening. In the Retell Lecture task, you will hear a short academic lecture. The recording may discuss topics related to science, education, history, technology, the environment, society, or other general academic subjects. After the audio finishes, you will have a short preparation time to organize your notes. You then need to retell the lecture using your own words.
Pattern: Listen to the lecture → Take notes → Prepare your response → Retell the lecture
1. Important points to remember
- The task is assessed through Content, Oral Fluency, and Pronunciation.
- You get around 10 seconds to prepare after the recording, and you have up to 40 seconds to speak.
- You can take notes while listening.
- Approximately 1 to 3 Retell Lecture questions.
2. Use abbreviations
For example:
- increase → ↑
- decrease → ↓
- important → imp
- government → govt
- environment → env
- education → edu
- technology → tech
- because → b/c
- development → dev
- people → ppl
3. Avoid unnecessary fillers
Try not to repeatedly say:
- um
- uh
- you know
- like
- actually
4. Use Linking Words
Linking words can make your response more organized.
- First
- In addition
- Furthermore
- Another important point
- The speaker also mentioned
- Moreover
- Finally
- Overall
5. Opening Expressions
- The speaker emphasizes…
- The lecture is about…
- The speaker discusses…
- The talk is mainly about…
- The lecturer explains…
- The speaker introduces…
- The lecture highlights…
6. Reporting Verbs
- Explains – The speaker explains the importance of renewable energy.
- Discusses – The lecture discusses the effects of climate change.
- Describes – The speaker describes the process of producing electricity.
- Mentions – The speaker mentions several advantages of online learning.
- Introduces – The lecturer introduces a new approach to solving the problem.
- Examines – The lecture examines the causes of population growth.
- Compares – The lecturer compares traditional and modern farming methods.
- Analyzes – The speaker analyzes the impact of social media on communication.
- Suggests – The lecturer suggests that governments should invest in renewable energy.
- Concludes – The speaker concludes that education plays an important role in society.
7. Describing Ideas
- The main point is… – The main point is that renewable energy can reduce pollution.
- One key aspect is… – One key aspect is the importance of regular exercise.
- The lecture also mentions… – The lecture also mentions the benefits of online learning.
- The speaker further explains… – The speaker further explains how population growth affects cities.
- The lecture provides an example of… – The lecture provides an example of how technology improves communication.
- The discussion focuses on… – The discussion focuses on the effects of social media on society.
8. Scoring Criteria
PTE Retell Lecture is assessed based on three main scoring criteria: Content, Oral Fluency, and Pronunciation. Each area plays an important role in determining the quality of your response.
Pronunciation (up to 5 points): This measures how clearly and accurately you pronounce words. Your speech should be easy for the computer to understand, with clear articulation, appropriate word stress, and natural rhythm.
Content (up to 6 points): This measures how well you communicate the main ideas and important details from the audio. Including relevant keywords and phrases from the recording can help demonstrate your understanding of the topic.
Oral Fluency (up to 5 points): This measures how smoothly and naturally you speak. Try to maintain a steady pace and avoid long pauses, unnecessary hesitations, repeated words, and frequent self-corrections.
9. Use Mixed Sentence Structures and Relative Clauses.
How to Use Relative Clauses
- Which: The topic is climate change, which affects agriculture.
- That: The lecture discusses methods that improve crop production.
- Who: It mentions scientists who developed new technology.
- Where: It discusses cities where pollution is increasing.
Mix of Sentences
- Simple: The topic is renewable energy.
- Compound: Solar power is clean, and it reduces pollution.
- Complex: Although it is expensive, solar energy is becoming popular.
10. Focus on Oral Fluency
- Speak continuously at a natural speed.
- If you forget a point, move to the next idea instead of stopping.
11. PTE Retell Lecture Template 1 (Simple)
- The lecture talked about ——- called ——-.
- Firstly, the lecture explained that ————–, which is ———-.
- Furthermore, the speaker states ———— and ————–.
- Moreover, the lecture addressed ————–, but ————–.
- In conclusion, the lecture mentioned that ———————–.
12. PTE Retell Lecture Template 2
- The lecture provided a comprehensive overview of [Main Topic].
- Initially, the speaker highlighted that [Key Idea 1 / Phrase 1———-].
- Furthermore, the discussion emphasized the importance of [Key Idea 2 / Phrase 2].
- In addition, the speaker mentioned [Key Idea 3 / Phrase 3————–], which plays a critical role in this context.
- Moreover, significant details were provided regarding [Key Idea 4 / Phrase 4——].
- In conclusion, the lecture offered valuable insights into [Main Topic / Summary Phrase———-].
13. PTE Retell Lecture Template 3 (Idea + Details)
- The speaker discusses [topic] and explains that [main idea 1].
- One key aspect is [idea 2], which is related to [supporting detail].
- Another important point is [idea 3].
- The speaker further explains [detail/example] and highlights [important information].
- Overall, the presentation emphasizes [main conclusion].
14. PTE Retell Lecture Template 4
- The speaker explains [topic] and presents several important points.
- The main point is [point 1]. Another significant idea is [point 2], while [point 3] is also mentioned.
- An interesting example is [example].
- The speaker further explains [detail] and emphasizes [key message].
- Overall, these points show the importance of [conclusion].
15. PTE Retell Lecture Template 5
- The topic is [topic], with several important points being discussed.
- The main point is [point 1]. One key aspect is [point 2], which is related to [supporting detail].
- Another important point is [point 3]. An interesting example is [example].
- Furthermore, [additional point] is mentioned, highlighting [important detail].
- Overall, these ideas emphasize [main conclusion].
16. 🎧 Lecture Script — About 1 Minute — Climate Change
Climate change is one of the major environmental challenges facing the world today. Scientists explain that human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, have increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These gases trap heat and contribute to rising global temperatures. Climate change can cause several serious consequences, including melting glaciers, rising sea levels, droughts, floods, and extreme weather events. It can also affect agriculture because changes in temperature and rainfall make it difficult for farmers to produce crops. Governments and individuals can reduce these effects by using renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, protecting forests, and reducing unnecessary consumption.
🗣️ Retell Lecture Response
The lecture focuses on climate change, which is largely associated with human activities such as burning fossil fuels. The speaker explains that greenhouse gases trap heat, resulting in rising temperatures and extreme weather conditions. Climate change also affects agriculture because changing rainfall and temperature can reduce crop production. Therefore, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and forest protection are important solutions.
17. 🎧 Lecture Script — About 1 Minute — Exercise and Health
Regular physical exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Exercise can improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles and bones, and help people maintain a healthy body weight. In addition to physical benefits, regular activity can also improve mental health by reducing stress and anxiety. Researchers suggest that people do not necessarily need to participate in intense activities to benefit from exercise. Walking, cycling, swimming, and other moderate activities can provide significant health benefits when performed regularly. However, many people find it difficult to exercise because of busy work schedules and sedentary lifestyles. Developing a consistent routine and choosing enjoyable activities can make it easier for people to remain physically active.
🗣️ Retell Lecture Response
The lecture focuses on the importance of regular exercise, which provides both physical and mental health benefits. The speaker states that exercise can improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and reduce stress. Moderate activities such as walking and cycling can also be effective when performed regularly. Although busy lifestyles can prevent exercise, developing a consistent routine can help people stay active.