The PTE Retell Lecture is one of the most challenging speaking tasks where test-takers must listen to a 60-90 second lecture and retell it in their own words within 40 seconds. This comprehensive guide covers proven note-taking strategies, response templates, and scoring techniques to help you achieve your target PTE score.
What is PTE retell lecture task?
This short section explains the task purpose, format, and what examiners expect.
The PTE Retell Lecture task tests your ability to comprehend, process, and reproduce academic content under time pressure. You'll listen to a lecture once, take notes during the audio, and then have 40 seconds to retell it in your own words. This task evaluates your listening comprehension, note-taking skills, and speaking fluency simultaneously.
Task format overview
The lectures cover various academic topics including science, history, psychology, business, technology, and social sciences. Each lecture runs for 60-90 seconds and is played only once. After the audio ends, you have 40 seconds to deliver your response based on your notes.
Consistent Format Across All Lectures:
- 60-90 seconds audio: Listen and take notes simultaneously
- 40 seconds response: Retell the lecture using your notes
- Goal: Capture and communicate the main ideas and supporting details
The LEAP strategy for success
A concise four-step approach to help you listen actively, take useful notes, plan quickly, and present clearly.
Follow this proven four-step approach adapted from successful PTE candidates:
L - Listen Actively (During Audio)
Focus on identifying the main topic, key points, and supporting details. Don't try to write everything - listen for structure and meaning.
E - Extract Key Information (Note-Taking)
Use abbreviations, symbols, and keywords to capture essential information quickly. Focus on content words (nouns, verbs, adjectives) rather than function words.
A - Arrange Your Response (10 seconds planning)
Quickly organize your notes into a logical sequence: introduction, main points, conclusion.
P - Present Fluently (30 seconds speaking)
Deliver your response smoothly, connecting ideas with appropriate linking words while maintaining natural speech flow.
Effective note-taking system
Practical note-taking frameworks to capture the lecture efficiently and organise key ideas.
The column method
Divide your note paper into three columns:
| Topic/Main Idea | Key Points | Details/Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Climate Change | - Rising temps | - Arctic ice melting |
| - Human impact | - CO2 emissions | |
| - Solutions | - Renewable energy |
Essential Abbreviations and Symbols
Common Abbreviations:
&= andw/= withw/o= withoutb/c= because→= leads to/causes↑= increase/rise↓= decrease/fall== equals/means
Academic Vocabulary Shortcuts:
govt= governmentecon= economy/economicenv= environmenttech= technologyres= researchdev= developmentimp= importantsig= significant
Note-taking strategy by lecture type
Scientific/research lectures
- Focus on: hypothesis, methodology, findings, implications
- Key phrases: "research shows", "scientists discovered", "the study indicates"
- Structure: problem → research → results → significance
Historical lectures
- Focus on: dates, key figures, causes, effects, significance
- Key phrases: "in the past", "led to", "as a result", "historically"
- Structure: context → events → consequences → legacy
Business/economics lectures
- Focus on: trends, factors, impacts, solutions
- Key phrases: "market trends", "economic factors", "business strategies"
- Structure: situation → analysis → implications → recommendations
Response templates by lecture type
Ready-to-use templates and example responses you can adapt during practice to build fluency and structure.
General template structure
Introduction (5-8 seconds): "The lecture discusses/explains/examines [main topic]..."
Body (25-30 seconds): "The speaker mentions/explains that [key point 1]. Additionally, [key point 2]. Furthermore, [key point 3]."
Conclusion (5-7 seconds): "In conclusion/Overall, the lecture highlights [main message]."
Scientific research template
Introduction: "The lecture presents research about [topic]..."
Body: "According to the speaker, scientists/researchers found that [finding 1]. The study also revealed [finding 2]. Moreover, the research indicates [finding 3]."
Conclusion: "Overall, this research contributes to our understanding of [topic]."
Example Response: "The lecture presents research about sleep patterns in teenagers. According to the speaker, scientists found that teenagers naturally stay awake later due to biological changes. The study also revealed that early school start times conflict with their natural sleep cycles. Moreover, the research indicates that insufficient sleep affects academic performance and mental health. Overall, this research contributes to our understanding of adolescent sleep needs."
Historical events template
Introduction: "The lecture examines the historical event of [event/period]..."
Body: "The speaker explains that [cause/context]. This led to [event/consequence]. Additionally, [key figure/factor] played a significant role."
Conclusion: "In summary, this event had lasting impacts on [area/society]."
Example Response: "The lecture examines the historical event of the Industrial Revolution. The speaker explains that technological innovations transformed manufacturing processes. This led to mass production and urbanization as people moved to cities for factory work. Additionally, this period created both economic opportunities and social challenges including poor working conditions. In summary, this event had lasting impacts on modern society and labor practices."
Business/economics template
Introduction: "The lecture analyzes [business concept/economic trend]..."
Body: "According to the speaker, [factor 1] influences [outcome]. The presentation also covers [factor 2] and its impact on [area]. Furthermore, [strategy/solution] is suggested."
Conclusion: "The lecture concludes that [main insight/recommendation]."
Example Response: "The lecture analyzes consumer behavior in digital marketing. According to the speaker, social media influences purchasing decisions significantly. The presentation also covers how personalized advertising increases engagement rates. Furthermore, companies should focus on authentic brand storytelling. The lecture concludes that successful digital marketing requires understanding consumer psychology and building genuine connections."
Technology/innovation template
Introduction: "The lecture explores [technological development/innovation]..."
Body: "The speaker describes how [technology] works by [process/mechanism]. The benefits include [advantage 1] and [advantage 2]. However, [challenge/limitation] remains a concern."
Conclusion: "Overall, this technology represents [significance/future impact]."
Example Response: "The lecture explores artificial intelligence in healthcare. The speaker describes how AI works by analyzing vast amounts of medical data to identify patterns. The benefits include faster diagnosis and personalized treatment plans. However, data privacy and accuracy concerns remain important issues. Overall, this technology represents a significant advancement in medical care delivery."
Critical success strategies
Practical techniques to maximise accuracy, clarity, and time management during the task.
During the audio
First 10 seconds: Identify the main topic and lecture type Middle section: Focus on key points and supporting details Last 10 seconds: Listen for conclusions and summary statements
Active Listening Techniques:
- Listen for signposting language ("first", "however", "in conclusion")
- Identify the speaker's tone and emphasis
- Note examples that illustrate main points
- Pay attention to repeated concepts
Note organization tips
Use Visual Hierarchy:
- Main topic (center/top)
- Key points (bullet points)
- Supporting details (sub-bullets or indented)
- Examples (in parentheses)
Effective Symbol Usage:
- Use arrows to show cause-effect relationships
- Circle important numbers or dates
- Underline key terms or concepts
- Use stars (*) for crucial information
Speaking delivery excellence
Fluency Techniques:
- Practice linking words to connect ideas smoothly
- Vary your sentence structure for natural flow
- Use appropriate pausing for emphasis
- Maintain consistent speaking pace
Key Linking Words:
- Addition: furthermore, additionally, moreover, also
- Contrast: however, nevertheless, on the other hand
- Cause-Effect: therefore, consequently, as a result
- Example: for instance, such as, specifically
- Sequence: first, then, finally, subsequently
Time management strategy
Preparation Phase:
- Organize notes immediately after audio ends (5 seconds)
- Plan your response structure (5 seconds)
- Begin speaking promptly
Response Phase:
- Introduction: 5-8 seconds
- Main content: 25-30 seconds
- Conclusion: 5-7 seconds
- Finish within 35-38 seconds to avoid cutoff
Common lecture topics and preparation
Typical academic themes that frequently appear in Retell Lecture tasks and how to prepare for them.
Science and research
- Climate change and environmental issues
- Medical breakthroughs and health studies
- Space exploration and astronomy
- Biology and genetics research
- Physics and chemistry discoveries
History and culture
- Historical events and their impacts
- Cultural movements and traditions
- Archaeological discoveries
- Social changes and revolutions
- Art and literature developments
Business and economics
- Market trends and economic theories
- Business strategies and case studies
- Globalization and trade
- Entrepreneurship and innovation
- Consumer behavior and marketing
Technology and innovation
- Artificial intelligence and automation
- Renewable energy technologies
- Communication and social media
- Transportation innovations
- Medical technology advances
Psychology and social sciences
- Human behavior studies
- Educational research
- Social psychology experiments
- Cognitive science findings
- Child development research
Critical mistakes to avoid
Common pitfalls candidates make and concise guidance on how to avoid them during note-taking and delivery.
Content Mistakes ❌
- Don't try to memorize the entire lecture word-for-word
- Don't focus on minor details and miss main points
- Don't panic if you miss some information - work with what you have
- Don't fabricate information that wasn't mentioned
- Don't spend too much time on one point
Note-Taking Mistakes ❌
- Don't write in complete sentences
- Don't use only one note-taking method
- Don't ignore the lecture structure and flow
- Don't write too small or illegibly
- Don't try to capture every single word
Speaking Mistakes ❌
- Don't exceed the 40-second time limit
- Don't speak too slowly and run out of time
- Don't use overly complex vocabulary unnecessarily
- Don't repeat the same information multiple times
- Don't pause for too long while thinking
Scoring breakdown
A brief overview of how the task is scored and which areas you should prioritise during preparation.
The task contributes 15 marks total to your Speaking score:
| Criterion | Score Range | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Content | 0-6 | Main ideas, supporting details, sequence, completeness |
| Pronunciation | 0-5 | Clarity, word stress, consonant sounds, intelligibility |
| Oral Fluency | 0-5 | Rhythm, phrasing, smooth delivery, natural pace |
Content Scoring Details: Higher scores require capturing the main theme, key supporting points, and logical sequence. The more relevant information you include accurately, the better your content score.
Advanced preparation techniques
Higher-level study methods and memory strategies to boost retention and recall during the task.
Memory enhancement strategies
The Story Method: Create a mental story connecting the lecture's main points Visual Association: Link concepts to memorable images or scenarios Acronym Creation: Use first letters of key points to create memorable words Chunking: Group related information together for easier recall
Practice progression
Week 1-2: Focus on note-taking without speaking Week 3-4: Practice retelling with unlimited time Week 5-6: Implement 40-second time constraint Week 7-8: Work on fluency and natural delivery
Self-assessment checklist
After each practice session, evaluate:
- Did I capture the main topic correctly?
- Did I include 3-4 key supporting points?
- Was my response logically organized?
- Did I speak fluently without long pauses?
- Did I finish within the time limit?
Sample lecture with response
Practice with this authentic example to understand how to apply the strategies discussed above.
Sample Lecture: Habitat Fragmentation and Conservation
Listen to this 60-second lecture about wildlife conservation. Take notes and practice your response.
Click play to load audio
Lecture transcript
"Habitat fragmentation is, well, it's probably the biggest threat facing wildlife today. When we build roads, cities, and farms, we're essentially creating islands of habitat surrounded by human development. Animals can't just, you know, hop over highways to reach food sources or mates. Conservation corridors are fascinating solutions to this problem. These are basically wildlife highways, strips of protected land that connect larger habitats. Bears in Montana, for example, use these corridors to move between national parks safely. It's quite remarkable, actually. But here's where it gets complicated. Conservation costs money, lots of it. Protecting land means compensating landowners, hiring rangers, and funding research. Many developing countries, understandably, prioritize immediate economic needs over long-term conservation goals. The success stories are encouraging, though. California condors went from just 27 birds in the 1980s to over 500 today. Gray whales recovered from near extinction. These victories show that, with sufficient commitment and resources, we can actually reverse species decline. The question is whether we'll act quickly enough for other endangered species."
High-Scoring Sample Response (38 seconds)
Analysis of the sample response
Why this response scores well:
✅ Content (5-6/6): Captures the main topic (fragmentation), the solution (corridors), the complication (cost), and the evidence of success (condors, whales).
✅ Oral Fluency (4-5/5): Uses natural linking words ("According to", "However") that create a smooth, logical flow between contrasting ideas.
✅ Pronunciation (4-5/5): Would demonstrate clear articulation of key terms like "habitat fragmentation", "conservation corridors", and "species decline".
Key techniques demonstrated:
- Opens with a clear summary of the topic and solution.
- Covers the problem, solution, challenge, and positive outcomes.
- Uses varied sentence structure and linking words.
- Includes specific examples mentioned in the lecture.
- Concludes by summarizing the main message about the effectiveness of conservation.
- Completes well within the time limit, allowing for natural pacing.
Practice approach
A structured practice routine, materials, and progression tips to improve steadily over time.
Effective training steps:
- Build listening stamina: Practice with various accents and speaking speeds
- Develop note-taking speed: Use academic podcasts and TED talks
- Master response templates: Practice with different lecture types
- Time yourself consistently: Always use actual test timing
- Record and review: Identify patterns in your mistakes
Recommended practice materials:
- Academic podcasts: BBC Radio 4, Scientific American
- Online lectures: Khan Academy, Coursera free lectures
- TED Talks: 3-5 minute educational presentations
- University lectures: Available on university websites
- PTE practice platforms: Specialized retell lecture exercises
Daily practice routine (30 minutes):
10 minutes: Note-taking practice with academic audio 10 minutes: Template practice with different lecture types 10 minutes: Timed responses with self-evaluation
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to common candidate questions about timing, note-taking, and exam conditions.
How long are PTE Retell Lecture recordings?
Lectures are typically 60-90 seconds long and are played only once. You cannot replay the audio.
Can I ask questions or clarify during the lecture?
No, this is a one-way listening task. You must rely entirely on what you hear during the single playback.
What if I miss the beginning of the lecture?
Focus on the information you can capture. Often, speakers repeat key points or summarize at the end. Don't panic - work with what you have.
How many Retell Lecture tasks are in the PTE test?
Typically 1-2 Retell Lecture tasks appear in the Speaking section of PTE Academic.
Should I use the exact words from the lecture?
While some key terms are necessary, try to paraphrase when possible to demonstrate your language skills. However, accuracy is more important than originality.
What if I can't finish my response in 40 seconds?
Practice pacing to complete your main points within 35-38 seconds. It's better to cover fewer points completely than to be cut off mid-sentence.
How important are minor details in scoring?
Focus on main ideas and key supporting points. Minor details are less important than capturing the overall theme and structure of the lecture.
Can I use abbreviations when taking notes?
Yes, use any abbreviation system that works for you. Your notes are only for your reference and won't be evaluated.
LearnPTE platform advantage
A short summary of how our platform supports targeted practice, feedback, and progress tracking.
Our Retell Lecture module provides extensive practice with lectures across all academic disciplines. The platform offers detailed feedback on content accuracy, pronunciation, and fluency, helping you identify specific areas for improvement. With our adaptive scoring system, you'll track your progress and build confidence across all possible lecture types you might encounter on test day.
