🔶 Part 1 — Tutorial

How to answer “Re-tell Lecture” (Step-by-Step Tutorial)

Step 1 — Listen Actively and Take Notes

When the lecture begins, focus on listening for the main ideas rather than trying to write every single word. Most successful candidates note down keywords, numbers, names, and transitions. Your notes should act like a map of the lecture: short, clear, and easy to scan. Avoid full sentences because they waste time. Instead, use arrows, abbreviations, and symbols to connect ideas. Listening actively also means you pay attention to tone and emphasis, because speakers often highlight the most important points. Remember that missing one small detail is not critical, but missing the central theme of the lecture can seriously reduce your score. Try to capture what the lecture is about in a single phrase at the top of your notes. This phrase will later become the opening sentence of your answer. Practice listening for signal words such as “firstly,” “in addition,” “finally,” because these guide you to the lecture’s structure.

Example Note-taking:
Topic: Climate change impacts
Key points: ↑ temp, melting ice, sea rise, storms ↑, urgent action
Step 2 — Organize Your Notes into a Logical Flow

After listening, take a few seconds to quickly check your notes. Arrange them into a logical order: introduction, main points, and conclusion. Even if your notes are messy, underline or circle the key three to five ideas you want to mention. Examiners are not looking for every detail, but for your ability to summarize accurately and fluently. Try to reduce your notes into a simple mental map: opening → main ideas → ending. This structure will help you deliver your response without hesitation. If you only focus on listing facts without linking them, your speech will sound mechanical. Therefore, always include transitions such as “one important point,” “another significant factor,” or “to conclude.” Clear organization increases both your fluency and coherence scores in the PTE.

Example Organization:
Intro → Climate change affects earth
Point 1 → Higher temperatures
Point 2 → Ice melting & sea level
Point 3 → Extreme weather
Conclusion → Need urgent action
Step 3 — Deliver Your Answer with Fluency

When the recorder starts, begin confidently with an introduction sentence. Then explain each key point in one or two sentences, using linking words to show logical flow. Do not pause for long or restart your sentences, as this will reduce your fluency score. Keep your tone clear and natural, and try to speak at a moderate pace. Avoid rushing, but also avoid speaking too slowly. If you forget a word, use synonyms or rephrase; the exam does not test exact memorization. What matters is that your speech shows you understood the lecture and can re-express it smoothly. End with a short conclusion sentence that shows closure. Even if you did not mention every single point, a fluent and structured summary will earn you a high score. Always remember: quality of delivery is as important as accuracy of content in PTE.

Example Delivery:
“The lecture mainly discussed climate change. It highlighted that temperatures are rising, which causes ice sheets to melt and sea levels to rise. Another important point was the increase in extreme weather events. The speaker concluded that urgent action is required to protect the environment.”

Universal Fill-in-the-Gap Answer Template

This template helps you frame your answer even if you are unsure. Simply replace the gaps with your own keywords and ideas from the lecture.

“The lecture mainly focused on [topic]. The speaker explained that [main point 1]. In addition, it was mentioned that [main point 2]. Furthermore, the lecturer highlighted [main point 3]. The talk also emphasized [extra point or detail]. In conclusion, the lecture suggested that [final takeaway/implication].”

By practicing with this step-by-step strategy and applying the universal template, you can consistently deliver well-structured, fluent, and accurate summaries in the “Re-tell Lecture” task.

🔷 Part 2 — Task

Task Set — Re-tell Lecture

Listen carefully to the lecture and then re-tell it in your own words. You will have 10 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to record your answer.

🎧 Lecture Audio:

(Listen Carefully)

📜 Show/Hide Transcript of the Listening

The invention of the printing press in the fifteenth century transformed the world of knowledge and communication. Before this innovation, books were copied by hand, making them scarce and expensive. Johannes Gutenberg, a German inventor, revolutionized printing by creating movable metal type, which allowed texts to be reproduced quickly and with great accuracy. This advancement drastically reduced the cost of books, leading to a surge in literacy across Europe. Ideas could now spread faster than ever before, fueling scientific discoveries, religious debates, and cultural exchanges. For example, Martin Luther’s writings during the Reformation were widely distributed thanks to the press, challenging the authority of the Catholic Church. Similarly, the scientific works of Copernicus and Galileo reached a broader audience, encouraging critical thinking and questioning of long-held beliefs. The press not only democratized access to information but also laid the foundation for modern education systems. It bridged the gap between scholars and the public, ensuring that knowledge was no longer confined to elites. In many ways, the printing press set the stage for the Enlightenment and the eventual development of today’s information-driven societies.

⏳ Countdown Timer

Standard: 10 seconds preparation + 40 seconds recording.

00:00
🎤 Recorder

Prepare for 10 seconds, then record your 40-second response.

Preparation: 10s

Recording: 40s
📩 Submit Your Answer













WhatsApp
Email




⚠️ Submission includes: Exercise title, question, your details, and your recorded answer.

🟣 Part 3 — Sample Answers

Model Answer — Re-tell Lecture

🎧 Sample Answer (Audio)

Listen to the Sample Answer carefully.

📝 Written Model Answer

The lecture explained how the fifteenth‑century printing press reshaped knowledge and communication. It stated that Gutenberg introduced movable metal type, which made copying texts much faster and more accurate. As a result, books became cheaper and more widely available, and literacy increased across Europe. The speaker noted that ideas could spread rapidly, influencing religion, science, and culture. For instance, Luther’s Reformation writings circulated broadly, while works by Copernicus and Galileo reached larger audiences and encouraged critical inquiry. The talk emphasized that printing democratized information, bridging scholars and ordinary readers. Ultimately, it laid the groundwork for modern education and helped prepare the way for the Enlightenment and today’s information‑driven societies.

Why this answer is good (Step‑by‑step)
1) It opens with a concise main idea that mirrors the lecture’s central theme (the press reshaped knowledge).
2) It identifies the key innovation—movable metal type—showing accurate understanding of the mechanism.
3) It clearly links cause and effect: faster printing → cheaper books → wider access → rising literacy.
4) It includes well‑chosen examples (Luther, Copernicus, Galileo) to evidence impact across domains.
5) It uses sequencing language (“as a result,” “for instance,” “ultimately”) to guide the listener logically.
6) It paraphrases rather than copies the transcript, which aligns with PTE’s summarization expectation.
7) The content balance favors major points over minor details, maximizing relevance for Content scoring.
8) Sentences are compact and fluent, supporting Oral Fluency when read aloud within 40 seconds.
9) Vocabulary is academic but accessible (“democratized,” “critical inquiry”), boosting Lexical Resource without risk.
10) It maintains cohesion by consistently referring back to the printing press as the driving force of change.
11) Grammar varies (simple, compound, and complex forms) while avoiding fragments and false starts.
12) Proper noun references are precise and contextually appropriate, reducing ambiguity for listeners.
13) The conclusion provides closure by connecting historical impact to modern education and information societies.
14) No unsupported opinions or off‑topic details appear, preserving accuracy and task focus.
15) Transition density is appropriate—enough to guide flow without sounding formulaic or repetitive.
16) The answer mirrors the lecture’s structure (problem → innovation → consequences → examples → implications).
17) It avoids first‑person fillers and hesitations that can reduce fluency if read aloud as a model.
18) Overall length (≈100–120 words) fits comfortably into a 40‑second delivery at a clear, natural pace.
🟢 Part 4 — Vocabularies

Key Vocabulary

invention
BrE: /ɪnˈvɛnʃən/   AmE: /ɪnˈvɛnʃən/
Part of Speech: noun (countable/uncountable)
Patterns: invention of + noun; new invention
Definition: The act of creating something new, or the thing created.
Example: The invention of the printing press changed history. (= creation of the press transformed society)
Synonyms: creation, innovation, development
Common Mistakes: Learners confuse with “discovery” (finding something existing, not creating).
movable type
BrE: /ˈmuːvəbl taɪp/   AmE: /ˈmuːvəbəl taɪp/
Part of Speech: noun (uncountable)
Patterns: introduce + movable type; print with movable type
Definition: System of printing with separate metal letters that can be rearranged.
Example: Gutenberg developed movable type to speed up printing. (= separate letters allowed faster copying)
Synonyms: printing letters, type system
Common Mistakes: Often written incorrectly as “moveable”; both are correct but “movable” is standard.
literacy
BrE: /ˈlɪtərəsi/   AmE: /ˈlɪtərəsi/
Part of Speech: noun (uncountable)
Patterns: literacy rate, basic literacy, improve literacy
Definition: The ability to read and write.
Example: Literacy rose quickly after books became affordable. (= more people learned to read)
Synonyms: reading ability, education level
Common Mistakes: Do not confuse with “literature” (artistic writing).
circulate
BrE: /ˈsɜːkjʊleɪt/   AmE: /ˈsɜːrkjəleɪt/
Part of Speech: verb
Patterns: circulate + through/around; widely circulated
Definition: To move freely or spread widely.
Example: Luther’s writings circulated quickly thanks to the press. (= spread among people)
Synonyms: spread, distribute, disseminate
Common Mistakes: Learners sometimes confuse with “circle” (the shape).
reformation
BrE: /ˌrɛfəˈmeɪʃən/   AmE: /ˌrɛfərˈmeɪʃən/
Part of Speech: noun (countable/uncountable)
Patterns: the Reformation; call for reformation
Definition: Major sixteenth-century religious movement challenging Catholic authority.
Example: The printing press spread ideas that triggered the Reformation. (= new religious movement spread)
Synonyms: religious change, church reform
Common Mistakes: Capitalize “Reformation” when referring to the historical event.
scholar
BrE: /ˈskɒlə/   AmE: /ˈskɑːlər/
Part of Speech: noun (countable)
Patterns: a scholar of + subject; leading scholar
Definition: An educated person who studies and researches deeply.
Example: Scholars shared their findings with the wider public through printed works. (= educated experts shared knowledge)
Synonyms: academic, researcher, intellectual
Common Mistakes: Some learners confuse with “schooler” (not correct in English).
democratize
BrE: /dɪˈmɒkrətaɪz/   AmE: /dɪˈmɑːkrətaɪz/
Part of Speech: verb
Patterns: democratize + access; be democratized
Definition: To make something accessible to everyone, not just a few.
Example: Printing democratized knowledge by making books affordable. (= allowed everyone to access knowledge)
Synonyms: make accessible, open up, popularize
Common Mistakes: Avoid confusing with “democracy” (a system of government).
foundation
BrE: /faʊnˈdeɪʃən/   AmE: /faʊnˈdeɪʃən/
Part of Speech: noun (countable/uncountable)
Patterns: lay/establish a foundation for; the foundation of
Definition: The basic structure or base on which something is built.
Example: The press laid the foundation for modern education. (= created the basis for education)
Synonyms: basis, groundwork, root
Common Mistakes: Learners sometimes use “fundation” (not correct).
Enlightenment
BrE: /ɪnˈlaɪtənmənt/   AmE: /ɛnˈlaɪtənmənt/
Part of Speech: noun (singular, historical period)
Patterns: the Enlightenment; Enlightenment thinkers
Definition: Eighteenth-century intellectual movement emphasizing reason and science.
Example: The press helped prepare the way for the Enlightenment. (= movement of science and reason)
Synonyms: Age of Reason (historical term)
Common Mistakes: Must be capitalized when referring to the period.
information-driven
BrE: /ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃn ˌdrɪvn/   AmE: /ˌɪnfərˈmeɪʃn ˌdrɪvn/
Part of Speech: adjective
Patterns: information-driven + society/economy/process
Definition: Controlled or shaped by access to and use of information.
Example: We live in an information-driven world today. (= society shaped by information)
Synonyms: knowledge-based, data-oriented
Common Mistakes: Learners may incorrectly separate into “information drive”.
🟠 Part 5 — Phrases & Expressions

Key Phrases & Expressions

transform the world of
BrE: /trænsˈfɔːm ðə wɜːld əv/   AmE: /trænsˈfɔːrm ðə wɜːrld əv/
Part of Speech: verb phrase
Patterns: transform the world of + noun
Definition: To completely change the nature or state of something.
Example: The press transformed the world of communication. (= completely changed communication)
Synonyms: revolutionize, reshape, alter fundamentally
Common Mistakes: Learners sometimes use “change the world of” without emphasizing depth of change.
copy by hand
BrE: /ˈkɒpi baɪ hænd/   AmE: /ˈkɑːpi baɪ hænd/
Part of Speech: verb phrase
Patterns: books/documents copied by hand
Definition: To reproduce something manually with writing.
Example: Before printing, manuscripts were copied by hand. (= written manually)
Synonyms: handwrite, manually reproduce
Common Mistakes: Some learners incorrectly say “write by copy.”
fuel discoveries
BrE: /fjuːəl dɪˈskʌvəriz/   AmE: /fjuːəl dɪˈskʌvəriz/
Part of Speech: verb phrase
Patterns: fuel + discoveries/debates/development
Definition: To encourage or accelerate growth and innovation.
Example: Printing fueled scientific discoveries. (= accelerated discoveries)
Synonyms: drive, stimulate, boost
Common Mistakes: Learners may misuse “fuel” only literally (petrol).
challenge authority
BrE: /ˈʧælɪnʤ ɔːˈθɒrɪti/   AmE: /ˈʧælɪnʤ əˈθɔːrəti/
Part of Speech: verb phrase
Patterns: challenge the authority of + noun
Definition: To question or oppose the power of an institution or person.
Example: Luther challenged the authority of the Catholic Church. (= opposed church power)
Synonyms: oppose, resist, dispute
Common Mistakes: Some learners confuse with “challenge with authority” (incorrect).
reach a broader audience
BrE: /riːʧ ə ˈbrɔːdə ˈɔːdiəns/   AmE: /riːʧ ə ˈbrɔːdər ˈɔːdiəns/
Part of Speech: verb phrase
Patterns: reach + a/the broader audience
Definition: To communicate to more people than before.
Example: Galileo’s works reached a broader audience. (= more people accessed them)
Synonyms: expand readership, attract more listeners
Common Mistakes: Learners may misuse “board audience” (spelling error).
bridge the gap
BrE: /brɪʤ ðə ɡæp/   AmE: /brɪʤ ðə ɡæp/
Part of Speech: verb phrase
Patterns: bridge the gap between A and B
Definition: To reduce a difference or distance between groups.
Example: The press bridged the gap between scholars and the public. (= connected both groups)
Synonyms: connect, reconcile, link
Common Mistakes: Often wrongly said as “close the bridge.”
lay the foundation
BrE: /leɪ ðə faʊnˈdeɪʃən/   AmE: /leɪ ðə faʊnˈdeɪʃən/
Part of Speech: verb phrase
Patterns: lay the foundation for + noun
Definition: To create the basis for something to develop.
Example: The press laid the foundation for modern education. (= created a basis)
Synonyms: establish groundwork, set the stage
Common Mistakes: Wrongly used as “build the foundation” (less idiomatic).
set the stage for
BrE: /set ðə steɪʤ fɔː/   AmE: /set ðə steɪʤ fɔːr/
Part of Speech: verb phrase
Patterns: set the stage for + noun
Definition: To create conditions that allow something to happen.
Example: Printing set the stage for the Enlightenment. (= created conditions for it)
Synonyms: prepare the ground for, pave the way for
Common Mistakes: Learners often use “make the stage” (incorrect).
question long-held beliefs
BrE: /ˈkwɛstʃən lɒŋ hɛld bɪˈliːfs/   AmE: /ˈkwɛstʃən lɔːŋ hɛld bɪˈliːfs/
Part of Speech: verb phrase
Patterns: question + long-held beliefs
Definition: To doubt or challenge traditional ideas.
Example: People began to question long-held beliefs about the universe. (= doubt old ideas)
Synonyms: dispute traditions, challenge assumptions
Common Mistakes: Wrongly said as “ask long-held beliefs.”
democratize access to
BrE: /dɪˈmɒkrətaɪz ˈæksɛs tuː/   AmE: /dɪˈmɑːkrətaɪz ˈæksɛs tuː/
Part of Speech: verb phrase
Patterns: democratize access to + noun
Definition: To make something available to everyone.
Example: Printing democratized access to knowledge. (= gave everyone access)
Synonyms: open up, make available, popularize
Common Mistakes: Learners sometimes write “democracy access” (wrong).
🔺 Part 6 — Vocabulary & Expressions Review Quiz

Review Quiz — Vocabulary & Expressions

Test your understanding of the lecture by answering these interactive questions. Each attempt shows 10 random questions from a pool of 30. Read the explanations carefully to learn from your answers.