About - Retell Lecture is the fourth question type in PTE Speaking. This question is designed in a such a way to test the test taker’s ability to listen and speak the content from the audio in a fluent manner. In most cases, the length of the audio varies from 60-90 seconds in most cases. The total of 3-4 questions will be asked in the exam. This section contributes marks for Speaking and Listening.
Scoring -
Scoring mainly depends on 3 main factors: Content, Pronunciation
and Fluency. Content score is based on the test takers ability
to present key points, their relationships, underlying
implications and conclusions. It is measured in the scale of
0-5.
5: when all the elements in the image is described in a logical
way by demonstrating their relationships, possible development,
conclusion or implications.
4: when
3: when explains most key elements from the image by referring
their implications or conclusion.
2: when explains only one key elements from the image by
referring its implication or conclusion.
1: when describes only basic elements of the image but does not
make clear interrelations or implications.
0: when almost nothing is explained.
Pronunciation:
The scoring for the pronunciation is measured in the scale of
0-5.
- 90 Points - Native-Like when all vowels and
consonants are pronounced in a manner that is easily understood
by regular speaker of the language.
- 79 Points - Advanced: A few minor errors on consonant, vowel or consonant sequences may be distorted but still all the words are easily understandable by the regular speaker of the language.
- 65 points – Good: Most vowels and consonants are spoken in a clear manner which is understandable, however, there might be the regular distortion, omission or mispronunciation of the certain words.
- 50 points - 2/3 of the speech is only understandable where there is consistent mispronunciation of the consonants and vowels. Some consonants are regularly omitted, and the stress is placed incorrectly on some words.
Fluency: The scoring for the pronunciation is measured in the scale of 0-5.
- 90 Points: Native-Like: Smooth rhythmic and phrasing pattern without any hesitation, repetitions
- 79 Points- Advanced: There is no more than one hesitation, one repetition or a false start. Must speak in an acceptable rhythmic pattern with appropriate phrasing and word emphasis.
- 65Points- Good : There may be more than one hesitation, one repetition or a false start with lack of phonological simplifications. Speech is at an acceptable speed; however, the phrasing may be uneven or lack of word emphasis.
- 50 Points- Average: Speech is uneven with unacceptable rhythmic pattern. There might be many hesitation and repetition or false starts. There may be long pauses in between the phrases or words. Lack of word emphasis.
Strategy: The key strategy for RETELL Lecture is divided into two areas: Note taking skills and Presentation.
- Note Taking Skills : Every audio follows the paragraph construction rule; hence, it is important to understand how the paragraph are constructed to figure out the main idea presented. In most cases, first sentence of the audio clearly demonstrated the main idea, which defines the layout of the entire length of the audio. Second important aspect is to note down all the supporting ideas. Evidences and Examples, they do not carry significant meaning when summarizing the audio. Conclusion always winds up the main idea, so taking key notes from the concluding parts is an important aspect to boost the marks.
- Presentation skills: Fluency and Pronunciation comes under the presentation skills. You must ensure that you speak with proper clarity by maintaining constant rhythmic pattern. Do not hesitate or repeat any word even though if you find it to be wrong. Keep the fluency going. Though you have 40 seconds time to retell the lecture, 25-30 seconds can summate all the points in the audio.
Time duration: 25 seconds is given to prepare before the recording starts. You have 40 seconds time to describe the entire elements of the image.