You will learn about the format of this question type, its scoring guidelines, test-day methods, preparation advice, frequent errors to avoid, and helpful resources to help you succeed in this blog.

Understanding the Repeat Sentence Task

It is the second type of question in a speaking module. In this task, a short audio of a sentence plays automatically. Then recording will start without any short beep tone, so speak exactly what you hear into the microphone immediately when the recording bar color changes. You will have about 15 seconds record your answer.

It is the most important scoring question among all question types. It assesses Speaking and Listening skills. 

IMPORTANT:  If you remain silent for longer than 3 seconds, the recording will stop.

Task Format

In the Repeat Sentence task:

• Prompt Length: 3-9 Seconds
• Preparation Time: You will have 1-2 seconds to prepare before speaking.
• Speaking Time: Around 15 seconds to repeat exactly what you hear.
• Skills Assessed: Listening and Speaking
• Skills Profile: Reproducing Spoken or Written Information
• No. of Tasks: 10-12  

It carries the maximum weightage in scoring. It is considered to be the most important question type.

Scoring Criteria of Repeat Sentence

Repeat Sentence score is based on three factors:

Content: It is in the range of 0-3, score depends on the number of correct words spoken in sequence. If you repeat the whole sentence correctly, you get three points; if you repeat at least 50% of the sentence correctly, you get two points. If your response contains less than 50% of the correct words, you receive one point. If you have almost no words from the original sentence, you get zero points. Try to speak every word you heard but if you missed any word then say the word what you think you heard. There is no negative marking for extra spoken words.

Pronunciation: it is in the range of 0-5. Score depends on the clarity of the speech, the clarity in vowels and consonants and how well the stress has been words and phrases. Overall, the responses should understandable. The biggest advantage of PTE Academic is that it recognizes regional and national varieties of English pronunciation.

Oral fluency:  It is in the range of 0-5. Score depends on your rhythm, phrasing and stress which have to be smooth. The rate of speed has to be natural with appropriate phrasing. Repetitions and false start will reduce your score.

Repeat Sentence carries around 35-40 points in Speaking and 30-35 points in Listening skills. Points will depend on the range of questions comes in the test.

PTE Academic recognizes regional and national varieties of English pronunciation to the degree that they are understandable to most regular speakers of the language.

Tips & Tricks for Repeat Sentence

The audio of a sentence is played automatically and you have to repeat the sentence once you hear.

The microphone starts 2 seconds after the audio finishes. The audio starts automatically after 2-3 seconds. When the audio finishes, the microphone opens and, on the screen, you can notice the recording status box with a bar moving towards the right-hand side. Once the bar gets highlighted, try to speak exactly what you heard immediately into the microphone, as there is no beep before the recording starts.

Try to speak clearly and fluently.

Once the bar reaches the end, word “Recording” gets replaced with “Completed”.

The response will be recorded once only, there is no replay in it.

Test tips

Listen to the phrasing of the sentence

The best way to remember the sentence is to understand the sentence in 2-3 phrases, recall it when recording starts and speak it. It is easy to remember the whole sentence in the form of 2-3 phrases rather than concentrating on each particular word. For instance:

You will find the economics section/on the second floor/ of the library.

The given sentence is divided into 3 phrases conveying you the tree messages, the first one talks about the “economics section”, second phrases about “second floor” and the third one tells about the library. If you listen for meaningful phrases in the sentence, you have a better chance of repeating what you hear accurately.

Try to copy the stress and intonation patterns of the sentence you hear.

It’s better to remember the phrases mentally rather trying to write words on the notepad. Speak without any stress or anxiety. Emphasize the stressed words or syllables.

Notes: 

Partial credit is provided in Repeat Sentence so it is recommended to speak at least 70% of the content. There will be no score for no response or an irrelevant response. This question type has a huge impact on Listening and Speaking skills.
Listen to podcasts by the speakers of different English accents, it will make you familiar with the different accents and will help you to memorize the sentences.

Test-Day Strategies for Repeat Sentence 

Preparation Time

Relax: Take deep breaths and calm down. Anxiety can affect your ability to listen and remember.

Calm Your Mind: Clear out your mind with a clear mind, think of nothing but the task at hand. Concentration on this one thing alone will allow you to remember the sentence accurately.

During the Task

Listen Carefully: Listen carefully and clearly to the sentence spoken. Try to understand the meaning, it might help in retaining it in memory.

Use Short-term Memory Techniques:

• Chunking: The sentence has to be broken down into smaller parts on the risers. For example, "The economic situation / in the country / is improving steadily."
• Visualization: Create a mental picture of the sentence or its context.
• Repetition: Silently repeat the sentence to yourself immediately after you have heard it.

Try to imitate the speaker's rhythm and intonation by miming them. This will assist you in more accurately memorization of the sentence. 

Maintain Fluency and Pronunciation: Even if you miss the words, continue speaking smoothly. Pronounce words clearly and with confidence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mispronunciation: Pronouncing words incorrectly can lower your score. To get better at pronouncing words correctly, practise often.

Hesitation: Prevent extended pauses or intervals. Keep the flow going even if you're not sure about a word.

Ignoring Sentence Structure: Take note of the sentence's structure. Misplacing words can alter the meaning and affect your score.

Overthinking: Follow your gut and replicate it as precisely as you can. 
Rushing: Talking too rapidly can result in blunders and a loss of clarity. Keep your speed modest.

Repeat Sentence Practice

Now, practice the mock test on ptepanacea.com. You will realise your strengths and weaknesses in the four PTE skills: Speaking, Writing, Reading & Listening. We are here with real exam simulations and question-wise practices especially for Repeat Sentence to concentrate on weak areas. If you compare our material closely, it closely resembles actual PTE content. You get the same format and question types in time limits. Such comprehensive practice will help you to be very well prepared and confident enough to ace the Read Aloud test item and the whole PTE exam.

Click here for Free PTE Mock Test & Question Wise Practices