🧾 PTE — Re-tell Lecture
📋 Tutorial • Task • Model Answers • Language Review • Quiz
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🔶 Part 1 — Tutorial
How to Answer “Re-tell Lecture” (Step-by-Step Guide)
The Re-tell Lecture task in the PTE Academic Speaking test measures your ability to listen to academic content, identify key ideas, and present them clearly in a short oral summary. You will hear a lecture lasting 60–90 seconds, after which you have 10 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to speak. Follow the structured method below to achieve high scores.
Step 1 — Listen Actively
As the lecture plays, focus on understanding the main topic and the supporting points. Do not try to remember every single detail, but instead pay attention to the speaker’s tone, repetition, and signpost words such as firstly, however, and in conclusion. These words guide you to the important parts of the lecture.
Step 2 — Take Quick Notes
Use abbreviations, arrows, and symbols to capture information quickly. Write down keywords rather than full sentences. A clear note-taking strategy helps you recall the lecture logically during your response.
Step 3 — Use the Preparation Time
After the lecture ends, you will have 10 seconds to prepare. In this short time, glance at your notes, identify the main topic and select 2–3 supporting ideas. Mentally organize them into a beginning, middle, and ending so your response has a clear structure.
Step 4 — Deliver Your Response
When the microphone opens, speak confidently. Start by stating the main topic, then expand with supporting ideas in order. Use linking words such as firstly, in addition, as a result, and finally to make your answer smooth and coherent. Conclude with a short summary statement.
Step 5 — Apply the Universal Answer Template
To make your answer structured and fluent, you can use the universal sentence-by-sentence template below. Adjust the keywords to fit the lecture you hear.
1. The lecture was mainly about [main topic].
2. The speaker explained that [key point 1].
3. In addition, it was mentioned that [key point 2].
4. The lecture also highlighted [key point 3 / example].
5. As a result, [consequence/implication].
6. In conclusion, the talk provided valuable information about [main topic restated].
Step 6 — Practice and Improve
Regular practice helps you gain fluency and confidence. Record your answers, listen back, and check if you have included the main idea, supporting points, and a conclusion. Focus on clear pronunciation, smooth delivery, and grammatical accuracy. Remember, even if you miss some details, a logical and well-structured summary will still score highly.
🔷 Part 2 — Task
Task Set — Globalization & Cultural Identity
Listen to the lecture carefully and prepare to re-tell it in your own words. You will have 10 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to speak.
📖 Show/Hide Transcript of the Lecture
Globalization is often described as the accelerating flow of goods, information, and people across borders, but its most subtle influence is cultural. In many cities, teenagers stream the same music, wear similar brands, and use identical apps, which can create the impression that cultures are becoming uniform. Yet this similarity is only part of the story. Globalization also multiplies the number of cultural encounters: a cooking video from a rural region can go viral; a minority language can gain new learners; and artisans can sell traditional crafts to customers thousands of kilometres away.
The crucial point is that identity does not simply disappear; it adapts. Communities borrow global elements and remix them with local meanings, producing new hybrids—K-pop infused with traditional instruments, or street food that blends regional spices with international techniques. However, the speed of change can threaten small languages and fragile customs, especially when policy and education undervalue them. Therefore, the challenge for societies is balance: invest in cultural education, protect heritage through museums and festivals, and support creators who reinterpret traditions for modern audiences. Globalization, then, is not a one-way erasure but an ongoing negotiation over what we keep, what we change, and how we tell our stories to the world.
Standard: 10s preparation ➜ 40s recording.
Use the timed button above or control manually here:
🟣 Part 3 — Sample Answers
Model Answer — Globalization & Cultural Identity
Below is a model response for the lecture. Listen to the audio, read the transcript, and study the detailed explanation to understand why this answer is effective.
📖 Show/Hide Transcript of the Sample Answer
The lecture was mainly about globalization and cultural identity. The speaker explained that globalization connects economies and people but may weaken local cultures through similar brands, media, and lifestyles. In addition, it was mentioned that globalization also offers opportunities for minority traditions to spread through the internet and social media. The lecture also highlighted that communities can adapt by blending global and local elements, such as combining traditional instruments with modern music. As a result, the speaker emphasized that identity does not disappear but transforms, though smaller languages and customs may still be at risk. In conclusion, the talk provided valuable information about how societies must balance openness to global influences with the protection of cultural heritage.
Step-by-Step Explanation
🟢 Part 4 — Vocabularies
Key Words from the Lecture
Here are 10 important words you should learn from the lecture on Globalization & Cultural Identity. Study their meanings, usage, and common mistakes carefully.
Noun — [uncountable]
Pattern: globalization of + [noun]
Definition: the process by which businesses, cultures, and societies become connected internationally.
Example: “The globalization of technology has changed communication worldwide.”
(meaning: technology is now shared globally)
Synonyms: international integration, worldwide interconnectedness
Common Mistake: ❌ Saying “globalisation is a company” ➜ ✔ It is a process, not a single entity.
Noun — [countable/uncountable]
Pattern: cultural/national identity
Definition: the qualities and beliefs that make one culture or person different from others.
Example: “Language is a key part of cultural identity.”
(meaning: language expresses who a culture is)
Synonyms: individuality, uniqueness, character
Common Mistake: Confusing identity with “ID card.” ✔ Identity is broader than a document.
Noun — [countable/uncountable]
Pattern: keep/maintain a tradition; traditional + [noun]
Definition: a long-established custom or belief passed from generation to generation.
Example: “The festival is an important tradition in the community.”
Synonyms: custom, heritage, practice
Common Mistake: Using “tradition” for something new (e.g., “It’s a tradition to play a new app”). ✔ Must be long-established.
Noun — [uncountable]
Pattern: cultural/natural heritage
Definition: the history, traditions, and objects that a society values and passes on to future generations.
Example: “UNESCO protects world heritage sites.”
Synonyms: legacy, inheritance, patrimony
Common Mistake: Learners confuse “heritage” with “inheritance of money.” ✔ Heritage is culture, not personal property.
Noun — [uncountable]
Pattern: cultural/ethnic diversity
Definition: the state of having many different forms, types, or cultures.
Example: “Cultural diversity makes cities more vibrant.”
Synonyms: variety, multiplicity, mixture
Common Mistake: Learners say “diverse of” ➜ ✔ Correct: “diverse cultures” or “cultural diversity.”
Noun — [countable/uncountable]
Pattern: transformation of + noun; transformation into + noun
Definition: a complete change in form, appearance, or character.
Example: “Globalization has led to the transformation of local economies.”
Synonyms: change, conversion, revolution
Common Mistake: Learners confuse with “transportation.” ✔ Transformation = change, not movement.
Noun — [countable]
Pattern: ethnic minority; minority group
Definition: a smaller part of a population, often distinguished by culture, language, or ethnicity.
Example: “Minority groups can share their culture online.”
Synonyms: subgroup, smaller community
Common Mistake: Using “minority” to mean “young people.” ✔ It refers to numbers, not age.
Noun — [countable/uncountable]
Pattern: follow/observe a custom
Definition: a traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something.
Example: “It is a custom to greet guests with tea.”
Synonyms: practice, ritual, habit
Common Mistake: Confusing with “customer.” ✔ Custom ≠ a person who buys something.
Noun — [uncountable]
Pattern: sense/feeling of belonging
Definition: the feeling of being accepted and part of a group.
Example: “Global youth culture gives many teenagers a sense of belonging.”
Synonyms: acceptance, inclusion
Common Mistake: Learners confuse with “belongings” (personal items). ✔ Belonging = emotional connection.
Verb — transitive
Pattern: preserve + heritage/language/tradition
Definition: to keep something in its original state and protect it from harm.
Example: “Schools help preserve minority languages.”
Synonyms: maintain, safeguard, protect
Common Mistake: Learners say “reserve” instead of “preserve.” ✔ Preserve = protect; reserve = book/save.
🟠 Part 5 — Phrases & Expressions
Key Phrases & Expressions
These 10 expressions are useful for academic speaking and writing. Learn their meanings, pronunciation, and common errors.
Noun Phrase
Definition: The sense of belonging to a particular culture or group.
Example: “Traditional clothing is an expression of cultural identity.”
Synonyms: ethnic identity, social identity
Common Mistake: Learners confuse it with “cultural diversity.” ✔ Identity = who you are; diversity = variety.
Noun Phrase
Definition: The idea that all people worldwide are interconnected as part of one group.
Example: “Social media makes young people feel part of a global community.”
Synonyms: worldwide society, international network
Common Mistake: Using “global village” incorrectly. ✔ “Global community” is broader, not just technology.
Noun Phrase
Definition: Customs and practices unique to a particular community or area.
Example: “Festivals help preserve local traditions.”
Synonyms: native customs, regional practices
Common Mistake: Confusing with “traditional locals.” ✔ The focus is on customs, not the people.
Noun Phrase
Definition: The traditions, monuments, and values handed down from past generations.
Example: “Museums play a role in preserving cultural heritage.”
Synonyms: cultural inheritance, legacy
Common Mistake: Learners misuse “heritage” to mean “family property.” ✔ It refers to cultural treasures.
Noun Phrase
Definition: The worldwide availability and popularity of international companies and products.
Example: “The spread of global brands has influenced youth culture.”
Synonyms: worldwide marketing, brand expansion
Common Mistake: Learners confuse “brand” with “band.” ✔ Brand = company name/product.
Noun Phrase
Definition: The feeling of being accepted and included in a group.
Example: “Global youth culture gives teenagers a sense of belonging.”
Synonyms: inclusion, acceptance, affiliation
Common Mistake: Confusing with “belongings” (personal items). ✔ This refers to emotions, not objects.
Verb Phrase
Definition: To manage being open to change while also preserving what is important.
Example: “Governments must balance openness with protection of local cultures.”
Synonyms: manage trade-off, find equilibrium
Common Mistake: Learners forget “with.” ✔ Correct: balance A with B.
Noun Phrase
Definition: A culture created by mixing elements from different traditions.
Example: “Hip-hop in Asia is an example of hybrid culture.”
Synonyms: mixed culture, blended tradition
Common Mistake: Pronouncing “hybrid” incorrectly as /ˈhɪbrɪd/. ✔ Correct: /ˈhaɪbrɪd/.
Verb Phrase
Definition: To take action to keep traditions and values safe from being lost.
Example: “Schools help protect cultural heritage through education.”
Synonyms: safeguard traditions, preserve heritage
Common Mistake: Learners forget “cultural.” ✔ Just “protect heritage” may be unclear in global context.
Noun Phrase
Definition: The process of significant change in cultural practices or values.
Example: “Globalization can lead to cultural transformation rather than cultural loss.”
Synonyms: cultural shift, cultural change
Common Mistake: Learners use “transportation” by mistake. ✔ Transformation = change, not movement.
🔺 Part 6 — Vocabulary & Expressions Review Quiz
Interactive Review Quiz — Globalization & Cultural Identity
This quiz contains 30 multiple-choice questions. Each attempt gives you 10 random questions. After answering, read the detailed explanation to reinforce your learning.
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