PTE Speaking: Retell Lecture (RL)

PTE Speaking: Retell Lecture (RL)

Number of Questions in Exam

• 1–2 Retell Lecture questions
• Appears after Repeat Sentence in the Speaking section

➡This task contributes heavily to:

• Speaking
• Listening

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Time Details (Per Question)

Stage	Time
Lecture length	60–90 seconds
Preparation time	10 seconds
Speaking time	40 seconds

➡ The microphone opens automatically after preparation time.

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Skills Tested

• Listening comprehension
• Summarizing spoken information
• Oral fluency
• Pronunciation

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Scoring Criteria (Very Important)

1. Content – number of correct key points
2. Oral Fluency
3. Pronunciation

❌ Grammar & vocabulary accuracy are NOT directly marked.

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Most Important Rule

Do NOT try to remember everything
2–3 key points + smooth fluency = high score

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Useful Tips & Techniques

✍ Note-Taking Strategy (While Listening)

Write only:

• Keywords, not full sentences
• Symbols & abbreviations

Example notes:

cause → effect
research ↑
example: online edu

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Speaking Template (Highly Recommended)

Use this structure:

The lecture mainly discusses…
The speaker explains that…
He/She also mentions that…
In conclusion, the lecture highlights…

This keeps you fluent and organized.

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Content Strategy

Focus on:

• Topic of lecture
• 2–3 main ideas
• One example (if remembered)

❌ Avoid:

• Giving personal opinion
• Trying to repeat exact sentences

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Fluency & Pronunciation Tips

✔ Speak continuously for 35–40 seconds
✔ Pause naturally, don’t stop
✔ Stress key words

❌ Don’t stay silent
❌ Don’t say “uhh… umm…”

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If You Miss Some Points

✔ Paraphrase
✔ Generalize

Example:

The speaker talks about several factors that influence this process.

This still scores.

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Common Mistakes by Nepali Students

❌ Writing full sentences in notes
❌ Waiting too long to start speaking
❌ Speaking too fast
❌ Panicking if lecture is difficult

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High-Score Tricks (79+)

• Start speaking immediately
• Keep voice steady & confident
• Fill gaps using linking phrases:
• Moreover
• Additionally
• As a result

 

TEMPLATE 1: Academic & Structured (Most Reliable)

Best for: Clear, factual lectures (science, education, history)

Template:

The lecture mainly discusses [topic].
The speaker explains that [main idea 1].
Additionally, the lecture highlights [main idea 2].
The speaker also gives an example of [example / detail].
Overall, the lecture emphasizes [overall conclusion].

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TEMPLATE 2: Simple & Fluency-Based (Most Flexible)

Best for: Difficult lectures, fast speakers, unfamiliar topics

Template:

The lecture is about [topic].
The speaker talks about [key point 1] and explains [key point 2].
He/She also mentions [supporting idea or example].
In the end, the lecture focuses on [general conclusion].

LONG LECTURE PASSAGE (Practice)

Topic: Online Education

The lecture discusses the rapid growth of online education in recent years. The speaker explains that technological advancements, such as high-speed internet and digital platforms, have made education more accessible to students worldwide. Many universities now offer online courses to accommodate working professionals and international learners. However, the lecturer also mentions some challenges, including reduced face-to-face interaction and difficulties in maintaining student motivation. Research shows that students who manage their time effectively perform better in online learning environments. Overall, the speaker emphasizes that while online education cannot completely replace traditional classrooms, it plays a significant role in modern education systems.

SAMPLE ANSWER 1 (Using TEMPLATE 1 – Structured)

The lecture mainly discusses the growth of online education.
The speaker explains that technological advancements have made education more accessible worldwide.
Additionally, the lecture highlights that many universities provide online courses for working professionals and international students.
The speaker also mentions challenges such as limited interaction and low student motivation.
Overall, the lecture emphasizes that online education is an important part of modern education, although it cannot fully replace traditional classrooms.

✔ Why this scores well:

·         Clear structure

·         4–5 key points

·         Smooth fluency

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SAMPLE ANSWER 2 (Using TEMPLATE 2 – Fluency-Based)

The lecture is about online education.
The speaker talks about how technology has helped make learning more accessible for students around the world.
He also mentions that universities offer online courses for professionals, but there are some challenges like motivation and lack of interaction.
In the end, the lecture focuses on the importance of online education in modern learning systems.

✔ Why this scores well:

·         Simple language

·         Continuous speaking

·         Good content coverage

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EXAM STRATEGY (Very Important)

·         Use Template 1 when lecture is clear

·         Use Template 2 when lecture is difficult

·         Speak 35–40 seconds continuously

·         Never stay silent