🔶 Part 1 — Tutorial

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

The Re-tell Lecture task in PTE Academic assesses your ability to listen carefully, understand the main ideas, and then speak clearly and coherently. You will hear a lecture that lasts around 60–90 seconds. After listening, you will be given 10 seconds to prepare and then 40 seconds to speak. The key is not to repeat every single detail, but to summarize the most important information using clear English, correct grammar, and natural intonation.

Step 1: Listen Actively and Take Notes

As the lecture plays, focus on capturing the main idea, supporting points, and any examples or data. Write keywords, not full sentences, to save time. Effective note-taking helps you structure your answer quickly and reduces hesitation.

Example Notes:
“Climate change – rising temp – melting ice caps – sea levels – solution: renewable energy.”
Step 2: Organize Your Ideas

Once the lecture ends, use your 10 seconds to group your notes into a clear order. Start with the main topic, then add 2–3 supporting points, and finish with a short conclusion. Avoid pausing too much; fluency is more important than including every detail.

Tip: Think “Introduction → Key Points → Conclusion.”
Step 3: Begin with a General Introduction

Start your answer by introducing the topic in general terms. This gives you time to gain confidence and ensures the examiner understands what you are speaking about. Do not copy sentences word-for-word; paraphrase instead.

Example Sentence:
“The lecture mainly talked about the impact of climate change on the environment.”
Step 4: Add Supporting Details

Next, expand your response by explaining the main points you noted. Connect ideas with linking words such as firstly, moreover, in addition, as a result. Always try to show relationships between points, not just list them.

Example Sentences:
“Firstly, the speaker mentioned that melting ice caps are raising sea levels. In addition, renewable energy was suggested as an effective solution to reduce carbon emissions.”
Step 5: Conclude Smoothly

End your response with a short conclusion. This makes your answer feel complete and shows examiners that you can summarize logically. A conclusion should be one sentence that ties everything together.

Example Sentence:
“In conclusion, the lecture highlighted serious environmental issues but also suggested practical solutions.”
Step 6: Practice with a Universal Template

Using a template helps you remain fluent even if the topic is difficult. Below is a universal sentence-by-sentence “fill-in-the-gap” template you can memorize and adapt during the test.

Universal Template for Re-tell Lecture:

1. The lecture was mainly about [main topic].
2. The speaker explained that [first key point].
3. Moreover, it was mentioned that [second key point].
4. In addition, the lecture highlighted [supporting detail or example].
5. Finally, the speaker suggested that [solution/conclusion point].
6. Overall, the lecture emphasized the importance of [general conclusion idea].

Practice using this template with different lectures. Over time, you will speak more fluently and confidently, while still adapting your words to the actual content you hear.

🔷 Part 2 — Task

Re-tell Lecture Task

Listen to the lecture carefully. You will have 10 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to record your response. Summarize the lecture in your own words.

⏳ Countdown Timer

Ready

🎤 Record Your Answer

You will have 10 seconds to prepare and then 40 seconds to speak. Press start to record.

Not recording

📤 Submit Your Answer








Send via WhatsApp
🟣 Part 3 — Sample Answers

Model Sample Answer

Below is a model answer to the sea turtle lecture. Listen to the audio and review the written script. Then read the explanations carefully to understand why this answer is effective.

Sample Answer:

The lecture was mainly about the migration of sea turtles and the threats they face. The speaker explained that these animals travel thousands of kilometers and return to their birth beaches using environmental and magnetic cues. Moreover, the lecture highlighted that human activity, such as plastic waste and fishing nets, has endangered their survival. In addition, conservation efforts including marine protection zones, education, and satellite tracking have been developed to help turtle populations recover. Finally, the speaker suggested that sustainable human behavior is essential to protect these species for the future. Overall, the lecture emphasized both the extraordinary resilience of sea turtles and the urgent need for conservation.
Why this is a good answer (Step-by-Step Analysis)
1. The answer begins with a clear main idea — “The lecture was mainly about…” This ensures the examiner immediately knows the candidate understood the overall topic.
2. The candidate summarized key points (long migration, return to birth beaches, navigation methods) instead of repeating minor details. This shows the ability to filter information effectively.
3. Vocabulary is academic and topic-specific — words like “environmental cues,” “endangered,” and “conservation efforts” demonstrate lexical range.
4. Linking words such as Moreover, In addition, Finally, Overall create logical flow. Fluency and coherence are key scoring criteria in PTE Speaking.
5. The candidate avoids unnecessary pauses or fillers (“um, uh, you know”), which improves fluency and pronunciation scores.
6. Grammar is accurate and varied: the answer uses present tense (“is essential”), present perfect (“have been developed”), and modal verbs (“can travel”), showing control of structures.
7. Sentences are concise but not too short. Each carries one main idea, making the response easy to follow.
8. The conclusion — “Overall, the lecture emphasized…” — neatly summarizes the content and gives closure. Examiners look for a clear beginning and ending.
9. The sample stays within the 40-second speaking limit. PTE penalizes answers that are too short or too long.
10. Pronunciation (in the audio model) stresses important words like “migration,” “conservation,” and “survival,” making the delivery impactful.
11. The answer demonstrates paraphrasing — instead of repeating “plastic bags mistaken for jellyfish,” it says “plastic waste…endangered their survival.” Paraphrasing boosts vocabulary and content scores.
12. The structure exactly follows the universal template taught in Part 1: Introduction → Key Points → Supporting Detail → Conclusion.
13. The content is factually consistent with the lecture but not overloaded with numbers or dates. Examiners prefer clarity over too much memorized detail.
14. Tone and register are academic yet natural. The answer does not sound like reading from notes, which is crucial for oral fluency.
15. Overall, this model demonstrates the balance PTE expects: clear main idea, organized points, correct grammar, academic vocabulary, and confident delivery.
🟢 Part 4 — Vocabularies

Key Vocabulary from the Lecture

Here are 10 essential words from the Sea Turtle lecture. Review pronunciation, meaning, usage, and common mistakes to strengthen your academic vocabulary.

1. Migration /maɪˈɡreɪʃən/ (BrE & AmE)
(noun) • Pattern: migration + of/from/to
Definition: The seasonal movement of animals or people from one place to another.
Example: “The migration of sea turtles covers thousands of kilometers.” (movement)
Synonyms: journey, movement, relocation
Common Mistakes: Learners often confuse with “immigration” (entering a country) or “emigration” (leaving a country).
2. Navigate /ˈnævɪɡeɪt/ (BrE & AmE)
(verb) • Pattern: navigate + through/by/with
Definition: To find the way, especially when traveling across the sea or unfamiliar areas.
Example: “Sea turtles navigate using magnetic fields.” (find direction)
Synonyms: steer, guide, travel
Common Mistakes: Students sometimes say “navigate to” when they mean “navigate through.”
3. Endangered /ɪnˈdeɪndʒəd/ (BrE) • /ɪnˈdeɪndʒɚd/ (AmE)
(adjective) • Pattern: endangered + species/animal
Definition: At serious risk of disappearing forever.
Example: “Sea turtles are endangered due to pollution.” (at risk)
Synonyms: threatened, at risk, vulnerable
Common Mistakes: Learners may use “dangerous” instead of “endangered” — but “endangered” refers to being in danger, not causing danger.
4. Pollution /pəˈluːʃən/ (BrE & AmE)
(noun) • Pattern: pollution + of/in/from
Definition: Harmful substances in the air, water, or land.
Example: “Plastic pollution threatens marine life.” (contamination)
Synonyms: contamination, waste, toxicity
Common Mistakes: Students sometimes use “pollutions” (plural). It is usually uncountable.
5. Conservation /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃən/ (BrE) • /ˌkɑːnsɚˈveɪʃən/ (AmE)
(noun) • Pattern: conservation + of/for
Definition: The protection of nature, animals, or resources.
Example: “Conservation programs protect sea turtles.” (protection)
Synonyms: protection, preservation, safeguarding
Common Mistakes: Learners confuse with “conversation.” Pay attention to pronunciation.
6. Satellite /ˈsætəlaɪt/ (BrE) • /ˈsætəˌlaɪt/ (AmE)
(noun) • Pattern: satellite + tracking/data/technology
Definition: An object in space that provides communication or data.
Example: “Researchers use satellite tracking to study turtles.” (orbiting device)
Synonyms: orbiter, transmitter
Common Mistakes: Some learners mispronounce it as “satelight.”
7. Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/ (BrE & AmE)
(noun) • Pattern: resilience + of/in
Definition: The ability to recover quickly from difficulties.
Example: “Sea turtles show resilience by surviving long migrations.” (strength to recover)
Synonyms: toughness, endurance, strength
Common Mistakes: Learners confuse with “resistance” (fighting against something).
8. Sustainable /səˈsteɪnəbl/ (BrE & AmE)
(adjective) • Pattern: sustainable + development/practices
Definition: Able to continue without causing harm to the environment.
Example: “Sustainable practices are needed to protect wildlife.” (eco-friendly)
Synonyms: eco-friendly, renewable, viable
Common Mistakes: Often confused with “sustaining” (to keep something going).
9. Threaten /ˈθretən/ (BrE & AmE)
(verb) • Pattern: threaten + to/with
Definition: To put in danger or risk of harm.
Example: “Fishing nets threaten the survival of sea turtles.” (endanger)
Synonyms: endanger, jeopardize, risk
Common Mistakes: Learners misuse as “make threat” instead of “threaten.”
10. Species /ˈspiːʃiːz/ (BrE & AmE)
(noun) • Pattern: species + of
Definition: A group of living organisms that share the same characteristics.
Example: “The loggerhead turtle is one species of sea turtle.” (biological group)
Synonyms: kind, type, category
Common Mistakes: Learners wrongly pronounce as “speshees” or “spees.”
🟠 Part 5 — Phrases & Expressions

Key Phrases & Expressions from the Lecture

Here are 10 essential expressions that appeared in, or are useful for, the sea turtle lecture topic. Learn their pronunciation, meaning, usage, and avoid common learner errors.

1. Return to their birthplace /rɪˈtɜːn tə ðeə ˈbɜːθpleɪs/ (BrE) • /rɪˈtɝːn tʊ ðer ˈbɝːθpleɪs/ (AmE)
(verb phrase) • Pattern: return + to + birthplace
Definition: To go back to the location where one was born.
Example: “Sea turtles return to their birthplace to lay eggs.”
Synonyms: go back to origins, come back home
Common Mistakes: Learners sometimes say “return back” (redundant).
2. At risk of extinction /æt rɪsk əv ɪkˈstɪŋkʃən/ (BrE & AmE)
(prepositional phrase) • Pattern: be + at risk of + noun/verb-ing
Definition: In danger of disappearing forever.
Example: “Many marine animals are at risk of extinction due to pollution.”
Synonyms: threatened with disappearance, in danger
Common Mistakes: Learners incorrectly say “on risk” instead of “at risk.”
3. Mistake A for B /mɪˈsteɪk eɪ fə biː/ (BrE) • /mɪˈsteɪk eɪ fɚ biː/ (AmE)
(verb phrase) • Pattern: mistake + object + for + object
Definition: To wrongly identify something as something else.
Example: “Turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish.”
Synonyms: confuse with, misidentify
Common Mistakes: Students often omit “for” and say “mistake as.”
4. Human activity /ˈhjuːmən ækˈtɪvəti/ (BrE) • /ˈhjuːmən ækˈtɪvɪti/ (AmE)
(noun phrase) • Pattern: human activity + causes/leads to
Definition: Actions carried out by people, often affecting the environment.
Example: “Human activity has reduced nesting areas.”
Synonyms: human behavior, human impact
Common Mistakes: Learners confuse with “physical activity.”
5. Marine life /məˈriːn laɪf/ (BrE & AmE)
(noun phrase) • Pattern: marine life + depends on
Definition: Plants and animals that live in the sea.
Example: “Plastic pollution threatens marine life.”
Synonyms: ocean life, sea creatures
Common Mistakes: Students wrongly say “marin life” (missing /ə/ sound).
6. Global agreement /ˈɡləʊbəl əˈɡriːmənt/ (BrE) • /ˈɡloʊbəl əˈɡriːmənt/ (AmE)
(noun phrase) • Pattern: global agreement + on/about
Definition: An international decision accepted by many countries.
Example: “Global agreements on plastic waste are essential.”
Synonyms: international treaty, worldwide pact
Common Mistakes: Learners confuse with “general agreement.”
7. Valuable insights /ˈvæljʊəbl ˈɪnsaɪts/ (BrE) • /ˈvæljuəbəl ˈɪnsaɪts/ (AmE)
(noun phrase) • Pattern: valuable insights + into
Definition: Very useful understanding of a subject.
Example: “Tagging provides valuable insights into turtle migration.”
Synonyms: useful knowledge, important information
Common Mistakes: Learners overuse “good information” instead of academic collocations.
8. Urgent need /ˈɜːdʒənt niːd/ (BrE) • /ˈɝːdʒənt niːd/ (AmE)
(noun phrase) • Pattern: urgent need + for/to
Definition: Something very important and immediate.
Example: “There is an urgent need for sustainable practices.”
Synonyms: critical necessity, pressing demand
Common Mistakes: Students often confuse with “emergency,” which means a sudden crisis.
9. Long-term survival /lɒŋ tɜːm səˈvaɪvəl/ (BrE) • /lɔːŋ tɝːm sərˈvaɪvəl/ (AmE)
(noun phrase) • Pattern: long-term survival + depends on
Definition: The ability of something to continue existing for a long period.
Example: “Long-term survival of turtles depends on conservation.”
Synonyms: lasting existence, continued survival
Common Mistakes: Learners wrongly say “long survive” instead of survival.
10. Practical solutions /ˈpræktɪkl səˈluːʃənz/ (BrE & AmE)
(noun phrase) • Pattern: practical solutions + to/for
Definition: Realistic ways to solve a problem.
Example: “The lecture suggested practical solutions like education and marine zones.”
Synonyms: realistic answers, workable methods
Common Mistakes: Learners sometimes confuse “practical” (realistic) with “practice” (repetition).
🔺 Part 6 — Vocabulary & Expressions Review Quiz

Vocabulary & Expressions Review Quiz

This interactive quiz reviews the vocabulary and expressions from the Sea Turtle lecture. Each time you attempt it, 10 questions will be drawn randomly from a pool of 30. After choosing an answer, read the explanation carefully to understand the reasoning.