PTE Retell Lecture Template: a 40-second framework for any topic
Retell Lecture plays you a 60–90 second audio (sometimes with an image) and gives you 10 seconds to prepare before you speak for 40 seconds. The same three traits as Describe Image are scored: Content, Oral Fluency and Pronunciation. The key difference is that you are summarising spoken input, not visual. This means your note-taking in those 60–90 seconds determines everything. The template below gives you a note-taking grid AND a spoken structure to deliver from your notes.
The note-taking grid (use during the audio)
Draw this mentally (or on your notepad if allowed): TOPIC: _______________ MAIN POINT 1: _______________ MAIN POINT 2: _______________ CONCLUSION / SO WHAT: _______________ Four rows. Fill in keywords only — not sentences. Abbreviate: 'env' for environment, 'pop' for population, '+' for increase, '-' for decrease, '→' for leads to. You will never capture every word; capture the spine.
The 5-part spoken structure (40 seconds)
Part 1 — Topic (5 sec): "The lecture was about [topic from your note]." Part 2 — Main point 1 (8 sec): "The speaker explained that [main point 1], noting that [key detail or figure]." Part 3 — Main point 2 (8 sec): "A second key point was that [main point 2], which [impact or relationship]." Part 4 — Connection or contrast (8 sec): "The lecturer also highlighted that [third point or contrast between the two], suggesting that [implication]." Part 5 — Conclusion (6–8 sec): "In conclusion, the lecture argued that [main takeaway], which has implications for [broader field or audience]." If you only captured two main points, stretch Part 2 and Part 3 slightly and use Part 4 to add a link between them: 'These two factors are connected because...'
Openers for different lecture types
Scientific / research: "The lecture discussed a study examining [topic], which found that..." Historical: "The speaker outlined the history of [topic], beginning with [period/event] and concluding with..." Environmental: "The lecture explored the relationship between [factor 1] and [factor 2], arguing that..." Business / economics: "The speaker analysed [trend or issue] in the context of [industry/market], explaining that..." Social / cultural: "The lecture examined how [group or society] [behaviour/change], with particular focus on..."
What to do in the 10-second prep window
You have 10 seconds between the audio ending and the microphone opening. Use it to: 1. Glance at your notes and confirm your Part 1 (topic) sentence in your head. 2. Decide which main point comes first. 3. Take one breath — slow speaking is better than rushed speaking. Do NOT try to add extra notes in these 10 seconds. Your job now is to speak, not write.
What Pearson scores on Retell Lecture
• Content (5 marks): did you retell the main points of the lecture accurately? You do not need to repeat it word for word — capturing the topic and two or three key points is enough for full Content marks. • Oral Fluency (5 marks): smooth, connected speech with natural rhythm. Avoid long pauses between sentences. Use linking phrases ('Furthermore...', 'The speaker also noted...') to bridge gaps. • Pronunciation (5 marks): clear, recognisable word sounds and stress. Accuracy beats speed — it is better to speak at a slightly slower pace and be understood than to rush and slur words.
The two traps to avoid
Trap 1 — Repeating one point: some candidates retell the opening sentence of the lecture three different ways because they did not note anything else. Use the grid: if you only have one row filled, you needed to note more aggressively. Trap 2 — Inventing content: if you missed a point, do not guess or make something up. Invented facts that contradict the lecture hurt Content marks. If you missed something, say 'The speaker also touched on aspects I was unable to fully note' and move on. Silence or invention are both worse than honest acknowledgement.