About

Task: retell what you have heard from the lecture

Audio length: normally 60-90 seconds

Preparation time: 10 seconds

Answer time: 40 seconds

Number of questions in the exam: 1 - 2

Exam Tips

There are 3 steps in answering a retell lecture question.

Step 1: Listen carefully and take notes.

When taking notes, write down as many content words or phrases as you can. And your notes need to be easy to read.

Step 2: Use the 10 seconds preparation time to select notes to read later.

Skip unrecognisable notes (poor handwriting / unrecognisable short forms)

Skip words that are hard to pronounce

Step 3: In your answer:

Try to mention at least 8 keywords or phrases.

Grammar doesn’t matter when you are answering.

The difference in marks often does NOT lie in the content you say. It’s often caused by the differences in fluency and pronunciation. So make sure you speak clearly and fluently.

Answer Time

Even though you're given maximum 40 seconds to speak, you don't need to use up all the time. 25 to 30 seconds is enough. Of course, if you have more than 8 keywords or phrases to retell, you can also speak a little longer. But please keep it within 35 seconds. If you speak too long and have not finished your speaking when 40 seconds is up, you will be penalized in fluency. It's not worth it.