speaking & writing

Retell Lecture

What is this task?
Listen to a lecture, then retell it in your own words.
Skill being practised
Listening, summarising, oral fluency.
What you see or hear
60–90 second lecture audio (and often an image).
What you do
Speak for up to 40 seconds retelling the key ideas.
Step-by-step approach
  1. Take notes during audio.
  2. Group notes into topic + points + conclusion.
  3. Speak clearly with signal phrases.
Timing
10 s preparation, 40 s response.
Approach
Note main topic, 2–3 supporting points, conclusion. Use a structure phrase to open ('The lecturer discussed…').
Common mistakes
  • • Long silence at start.
  • • Only listing keywords.
  • • Speaking too quietly.
Useful tips
  • • Learn 5 opening signal phrases.
  • • Include one specific detail.
Start practice