What Is Re-tell Lecture?

You listen to (and sometimes watch) an academic lecture of up to 90 seconds, then have 10 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to re-tell the main points in your own words.

Scoring Criteria

Contributes to Speaking and Listening scores. Scored on Content, Oral Fluency, and Pronunciation.

What to Listen For

During the audio, capture:

• Topic — What is the lecture about?
• Main argument or finding — What is the speaker’s key point?
• 2–3 supporting details — Examples, causes, effects, or evidence.
• Conclusion or implication — What does the speaker conclude?

Note-Taking During Audio

• Use abbreviations: govt, edu, tech, +, ↑, ↓, → (leads to), ≈ (approximately).
• Write keywords, not full sentences.
• Circle or star the most important concept.

Response Template

“The lecture discusses [topic]. The speaker explains that [main point]. According to the speaker, [supporting detail 1]. Furthermore, [supporting detail 2]. In conclusion, [summary or implication].”

Key Strategies

• Do not try to recall every word — focus on meaning.
• Use academic connectors: “Furthermore,” “In addition,” “As a result,” “However.”
• Keep speaking for the full 40 seconds. Filler phrases like “The lecture also touches on…” buy time.

Quick Reference

Audio length	Up to 90 seconds
Preparation time	10 seconds
Response time	40 seconds
Number of items	3–4 per test
Skills assessed	Speaking + Listening