Tips to tackle the retell lecture in PTE speaking section

The retell lecture comes under the speaking task during the PTE academic exam. Your listening as well as PTE speaking abilities will be checked by this question form. This task is challenging for the majority of students since it tests your overall speaking skills and speed to respond to the lecture within 10 seconds. In a retell lecture, you will need strong listening skills to score high.

PTE retell lecture task

In this task, you must retell the lecture in your own words after listening to PTE or watching the video. The audio length will be up to 90 seconds, and you will get 40 seconds to respond in your own words. Before the recorder begins, you are given 10 seconds to plan. For at least 38 seconds, you have to talk and complete your answer with key highlights from the lecture. Before the progress bar reaches its end, you must finish speaking. Note that the microphone will stop recording your voice if you are quiet for more than 3 seconds.

Score pattern for PTE retell lecture

The PTE academic will assess your response on how well you have answered and if you have covered all the key points. The scores are based on three criteria:

1. Content
2. Oral Fluency (Enabling Skills)
3. Pronunciation (Enabling Skills)

Content:

In terms of content, you will be assessed whether you have covered key points and shown the between objects, including consequences and conclusions. During the lecture, try to include numbers, dates, or significant points that the speaker stressed upon. Your score would be negatively influenced by listing a few disjointed thoughts.

Oral Fluency: By evaluating whether the rhythm, phrasing, and tension are smooth, oral fluency is graded. With suitable phrasing, the best answers are spoken at a steady and normal rate of speech. Your score can be negatively affected by hesitations, repetitions, and false starts.

Pronunciation: According to Pearson, pronunciation is judged on the basis of how well native speakers understand your voice. The vowels and the emphasis on words should be on words that are acceptable. If your pronunciation is close to native speakers, you will get a maximum of 5 points. Don't try to mimic other native speakers with an accent. Try to talk and respond to the lecture in a natural tone.

Tips to Improve PTE retell lecture score

Pay attention to the theme: Pay careful attention to the given image before the audio starts playing, so you can get an idea of the lecture theme. Be equipped with picture-related keywords, which will come in handy when you begin to answer the query.

Note down the important points: You will be given the erasable board and marker for this. Try to write as much data as you can when the audio plays. Jot down the times, locations, and numbers that are relevant to improve the content score, if possible. The symbol may also be used for recalling.

Use a template: You must be ready with a template in order to talk clearly. The template will assist you on the exam day to obtain the maximum marks and prevent any errors. You will just need to include the points you wrote down when the audio was playing. Here is a sample template you can follow:

• The speaker was discussing …… (The topic).
• He/she added… (Key point 1)
• He/she mentioned… (Key Point 2)
• He/she discussed… (Key point 3)
• Finally, He/she suggested that… (Last Key Point 4)

Do practice tests: PTE mock tests will help you prepare for the retell lecture question and help you improve your score.

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