PTE Retell Lecture practice

A note plan and a short retell

Take short notes while the lecture plays, then speak from them in three moves: topic, key points and how they connect, conclusion.

Imaginary lecture, in brief

A speaker explains that city trees lower street temperatures, reduce flooding by absorbing rain, and are cheaper to plant than to replace drainage, but young trees need water for three years.

Notes

trees → cooler streets · absorb rain → less flooding · cheaper than drains · young trees: water 3 yrs

Example retell

The lecture was about the benefits of trees in cities. The speaker said trees make streets cooler and reduce flooding because they absorb rain, which makes them cheaper than new drainage. However, young trees need regular watering for three years. In conclusion, planting trees is a cost-effective way to improve cities if they are looked after.

Written by RealPTE as a teaching example; it is not an exam question and has no score.

Questions students ask

How long do I have for PTE Retell Lecture?

The lecture is recording up to 90 seconds; then you have 10 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to speak.

Can I take notes in Retell Lecture?

Yes. Pearson allows notes while you listen.

Does a template work for Retell Lecture?

Use the three moves as a plan, but say what the lecture said: content is judged against its key points.