PTE Academic: Re Tell Lecture — Sample Responses and Scoring Template (2026)

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Understanding the Re Tell Lecture Task

The Re Tell Lecture task in PTE Academic requires you to summarize a 90-120 second lecture in 40 seconds. This task assesses your ability to comprehend and convey key points accurately and coherently. The lecture will be played twice, and you will have 10 seconds to prepare after the second listening.

Sample Responses and Scoring Breakdown

Prompt

Lecture Topic: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

Lecture Summary: The lecture discusses how excessive use of social media can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. It highlights the role of comparison and validation-seeking behaviors, the impact of cyberbullying, and the importance of digital detox. The lecturer also mentions studies showing a correlation between high social media use and lower self-esteem.

Sample Response 1 (Score: 60)

Response:

"The lecture was about how social media affects our mental health. It said that people who use social media a lot can feel anxious and depressed. This is because they compare themselves to others and seek validation. Cyberbullying is also a big problem. The lecturer said that taking a break from social media can help. Studies show that using social media too much can make people feel worse about themselves."

Scoring Breakdown:

• Content: 60% (Covers main points but lacks detail and coherence)
• Oral Fluency: 60% (Some hesitations and unclear pronunciation)
• Pronunciation: 60% (Some words are mispronounced)
• Grammar: 60% (Some grammatical errors and awkward phrasing)

Sample Response 2 (Score: 70)

Response:

"The lecture addressed the negative impact of social media on mental health. It pointed out that excessive use can lead to anxiety and depression due to comparison and validation-seeking behaviors. Cyberbullying was mentioned as a significant issue. The lecturer recommended taking a digital detox to mitigate these effects. Research has shown a correlation between high social media use and lower self-esteem."

Scoring Breakdown:

• Content: 70% (Covers main points with some detail and coherence)
• Oral Fluency: 70% (Generally fluent with some hesitations)
• Pronunciation: 70% (Most words are pronounced clearly)
• Grammar: 70% (Some grammatical errors but generally accurate)

Sample Response 3 (Score: 80)

Response:

"The lecture discussed the detrimental effects of social media on mental health. It highlighted that excessive use can result in anxiety and depression, primarily due to comparison and the need for validation. Cyberbullying was identified as a major concern. The lecturer suggested that taking a break from social media could be beneficial. Studies have indicated a strong correlation between high social media usage and reduced self-esteem."

Scoring Breakdown:

• Content: 80% (Covers main points with detailed and coherent explanations)
• Oral Fluency: 80% (Fluent with minimal hesitations)
• Pronunciation: 80% (Clear pronunciation with minor errors)
• Grammar: 80% (Generally accurate grammar with few errors)

Sample Response 4 (Score: 90)

Response:

"The lecture explored the impact of social media on mental health, emphasizing that excessive use can lead to anxiety and depression. This is largely due to comparison and validation-seeking behaviors. Cyberbullying was noted as a significant issue. The lecturer recommended a digital detox to mitigate these effects. Research has shown a clear correlation between high social media use and lower self-esteem."

Scoring Breakdown:

• Content: 90% (Comprehensive and coherent coverage of all main points)
• Oral Fluency: 90% (Highly fluent with no hesitations)
• Pronunciation: 90% (Excellent pronunciation with no errors)
• Grammar: 90% (Accurate grammar with no errors)

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Detrimental: Harmful or damaging (e.g., "The detrimental effects of social media")
2. Excessive: More than is necessary or desirable (e.g., "Excessive use of social media")
3. Correlation: A mutual relationship or connection between two or more things (e.g., "A strong correlation between high social media usage and reduced self-esteem")
4. Mitigate: Make less severe, serious, or painful (e.g., "To mitigate these effects")
5. Validation: The action of checking or proving the validity or accuracy of something (e.g., "Validation-seeking behaviors")
6. Cyberbullying: The use of electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending messages of an intimidating or threatening nature (e.g., "Cyberbullying was noted as a significant issue")
7. Anxiety: A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome (e.g., "Excessive use can lead to anxiety")
8. Depression: A mental health disorder characterized by persistently low mood and a feeling of sadness and loss of interest (e.g., "Excessive use can lead to depression")
9. Self-esteem: Confidence in one's own worth or abilities (e.g., "Lower self-esteem")
10. Digital detox: A period of time during which a person refrains from using electronic devices such as smartphones and computers (e.g., "Taking a digital detox")

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incomplete Summaries: Failing to cover all key points of the lecture.
2. Poor Time Management: Not practicing to summarize within the 40-second limit.
3. Lack of Coherence: Presenting ideas in a disorganized manner.
4. Grammatical Errors: Using incorrect grammar and sentence structure.
5. Pronunciation Issues: Mispronouncing words and phrases.

Tips for a High Score

1. Practice Regularly: Use authentic lecture samples to practice summarizing within the time limit.
2. Focus on Key Points: Identify and highlight the main ideas of the lecture.
3. Use Academic Vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary to enhance your response.
4. Maintain Fluency: Speak clearly and confidently without hesitation.
5. Self-Assess: Use the official scoring rubric to evaluate your responses and identify areas for improvement.

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