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    PTE Retell Lecture

    Audio or video lecture up to 90 seconds. Learn what the task asks, why it matters, and how to practise it without turning a planning heuristic into a score promise.

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    Quick facts

    These format and scoring facts are paraphrased from Pearson sources. Keep them separate from PTEFlow’s practice advice.

    SectionSpeaking & Writing
    PromptAudio or video lecture up to 90 seconds.
    SkillsListening and Speaking.
    Timing10 seconds preparation after audio; 40 seconds speaking.
    ScoringContent, Pronunciation, and Oral Fluency with partial credit; Content is also reviewed by a human expert.

    Why this task matters

    It combines listening, note capture, and spoken organization, influencing both Listening and Speaking on an average test.

    Average contribution is contextual data for study priority. It is not a fixed allocation of PTE points.

    Pearson official

    Score contribution

    Average question-type weighting

    Overall

    ~6%

    Listening

    ~13%

    Speaking

    ~13%

    These percentages describe an average test and help explain relative study priority. They are not fixed PTE points, a score formula, or a guarantee for a particular test form.

    Relative context

    Where this task sits among related tasks

    The comparison uses the same average-weighting dataset as the contribution card. It explains relative importance, not a deterministic score conversion.

    Listening contribution

    1. Summarize Group Discussion~20%
    2. Repeat Sentence~17%
    3. Retell Lecture~13% · YOU ARE HERE
    4. Write from Dictation~13%
    5. Summarize Spoken Text~10%
    6. Fill in the Blanks (Type In)~8%
    7. Highlight Incorrect Words~8%
    8. Answer Short Question~4%
    9. Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers~3%
    10. Highlight Correct Summary~2%
    11. Multiple Choice, Single Answer~2%
    12. Select Missing Word~1%

    Speaking contribution

    1. Describe Image~31%
    2. Summarize Group Discussion~19%
    3. Repeat Sentence~16%
    4. Retell Lecture~13% · YOU ARE HERE
    5. Respond to a Situation~13%
    6. Read Aloud~9%
    Pearson official

    Pearson official tips

    • Use any accompanying image to predict the topic before listening.
    • Use the 40 seconds for main points instead of repeating or correcting yourself.
    • Take notes while the audio plays.
    PTEFlow strategy

    What the learner has to do

    It combines listening, note capture, and spoken organization, influencing both Listening and Speaking on an average test.

    PTEFlow strategy

    PTEFlow strategy

    1. 1Write a short topic label first.
    2. 2Capture 3–5 content anchors: main idea, points, and example or result.
    3. 3Speak from notes in logical order and paraphrase.
    4. 4Keep moving if one detail is missing.
    PTEFlow strategy

    Template or technique

    The lecture discusses [topic]. The speaker explains [main point]. First, [point 1]. In addition, [point 2]. The speaker also mentions [example/result]. Overall, [conclusion].

    Use a framework only when it fits the prompt. PTEFlow does not recommend irrelevant or unoriginal memorized responses.

    PTEFlow strategy

    Worked example

    If the lecture discusses sleep and memory, summarize the relationship, one study or result, and the conclusion rather than reproducing every detail.

    PTEFlow strategy

    PTE Retell Lecture template

    1. Topic: The lecture was about [topic].
    2. Main point: The speaker explained that [main idea].
    3. Supporting points: First, [point 1]. In addition, [point 2].
    4. Detail: For example, [a number, case or example you noted].
    5. Conclusion: Overall, the speaker concluded that [conclusion or implication].

    Fill each line with details from the prompt. A template that ignores the prompt scores poorly on content.

    PTE Retell Lecture sample answers

    Original PTE Flow practice examples, written to the official format. They are models to learn from, not answers to memorise.

    Example 1

    Prompt: A 75-second lecture on urban heat islands: cities are warmer than surrounding areas because concrete and asphalt absorb heat, there are fewer trees, and vehicles and air conditioners release waste heat. Green roofs have lowered rooftop temperatures in some cities, and the speaker argues that planting street trees is the cheapest response.

    The lecture was about urban heat islands, which means cities are often warmer than the areas around them. The speaker explained three main causes. First, materials like concrete and asphalt absorb heat during the day and release it at night. Second, cities have fewer trees to provide shade. In addition, vehicles and air conditioners produce waste heat. The speaker mentioned that green roofs have reduced rooftop temperatures in some cities. Overall, the speaker concluded that planting street trees is the cheapest way to reduce the problem.

    Why it works: It covers the topic, all three causes, one example and the conclusion, using simple linking words. At about 90 words it fits the 40-second response time.

    Example 2

    Prompt: A lecture on the forgetting curve: people forget much of what they learn within days unless they review it; reviewing at increasing intervals works better than cramming; the speaker recommends short, spaced reviews and self-testing.

    The lecture focused on how people forget new information and how to remember it better. According to the speaker, we lose a large part of what we learn within a few days if we don't review it, which is known as the forgetting curve. The speaker then compared two ways of studying. Cramming works poorly, while reviewing at gradually longer intervals is much more effective. Finally, the speaker recommended short, spaced review sessions and testing yourself instead of simply rereading notes.

    Why it works: It follows the lecture's own structure (problem, comparison, recommendation) and paraphrases instead of repeating sentences word for word.

    PTE Retell Lecture FAQ

    How long is Retell Lecture?

    The lecture lasts up to 90 seconds. After it finishes you have 10 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to speak, according to Pearson.

    How is Retell Lecture scored?

    On content, pronunciation and oral fluency. Covering the main points matters more than adding every detail.

    What should I write down while listening?

    The topic, two or three key points, one number or example, and the conclusion. Short keywords are enough; you will speak in full sentences from them.

    Should I correct myself if I make a mistake?

    No. Pearson advises you to keep talking rather than correcting yourself, because hesitation and restarts affect oral fluency.

    Review before test day

    Common mistakes

    • Writing full sentences while listening and missing later information.
    • Trying to include every detail.
    • Repeating notes without connecting them.
    • Stopping to correct grammar mid-response.

    Free tools

    Check your speaking voice

    Voice pitch testYour pitch in Hz, and whether you sound flatSpeaking speed testWords per minute and your pauses
    PTEFlow benchmark

    Target-score strategy

    Target 65

    Practice benchmark

    Consistent coverage of the main content with controlled fluency and grammar.

    Study emphasis

    Reduce omissions, disruptive hesitations, and avoidable errors.

    This is a PTEFlow planning heuristic. It changes study emphasis, not Pearson’s rules, and it does not convert correct answers into a guaranteed score.

    Personal notes

    Private notes are planned for a future authenticated persistence layer. This public guide intentionally does not write notes to anonymous browser storage or expose them in canonical HTML.

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    Source register

    Official sources and verification

    Last verified against Pearson: 2026-10-27