Respond to a Situation · #RTS1-016
Card Blocked Suddenly
Question #RTS1-016
The situation
You bought a laptop for your studies yesterday, and since then your debit card has been declined everywhere. You think the bank has blocked it as a suspicious transaction, and your rent is due tomorrow. Speak to a bank staff member: explain what happened, confirm the purchase was yours, and ask for the card to be unblocked today.
How to answer: structure and key points
How to answer
- Decide who you are speaking to, and choose a tone to match (friendly for friends, polite and more formal for staff or a teacher).
- Greet them and say why you are speaking.
- Cover each part of the situation in turn: the problem, what you need, and a suggestion.
- Close politely, for example with thanks or by agreeing a next step.
- Speak as you would in real life; there is no single correct answer.
Points to cover here
You are speaking to: a bank staff member. Tone: clear and urgent.
- Confirm that yesterday's laptop purchase was authorised by you.
- Describe the repeated card refusals and explain that rent must be paid tomorrow.
- Ask the bank to check for a security restriction and restore access today.
These are key points and a structure written by RealPTE, not a script to memorise: say or write it in your own words.
Questions about this question
How do I answer PTE Respond to a Situation #RTS1-016?
Decide who you are speaking to, and choose a tone to match (friendly for friends, polite and more formal for staff or a teacher). Greet them and say why you are speaking. The key points above cover 3 ideas from this question.
How do I get full marks on this Respond to a Situation question?
Answer every part of the situation in a tone that suits the listener, and speak naturally for the time you have.
Can I practise #RTS1-016 with scoring?
Yes. The practice button on this page opens question #RTS1-016 in the RealPTE practice screen, where your answer is scored when you finish.
Model answer
Good morning, I'm hoping you can help me with my debit card. Yesterday I bought a laptop for university, and since then the card has been declined every time I've tried to use it. I'm guessing the purchase was flagged as suspicious, which I understand, but I can confirm it was me. The problem is my rent comes out tomorrow, and I also need to buy groceries. Could you check the account and unblock the card today? I have my ID and the receipt with me if you need to verify anything. Thank you.