PTE Repeat Sentence: template, tips & practice
Repeat Sentence is a high-value PTE Academic Speaking task: you hear a sentence once and must repeat it as accurately as you can. It contributes to both your Speaking and Listening scores, so it is one of the most score-dense tasks in the test. There is no preparation time, the audio plays and the recording opens.
How PTE Repeat Sentence is scored
Repeat Sentence is scored on content (how many words you reproduce in the correct order), oral fluency and pronunciation. You do not need every word; reproducing the sentence smoothly with most words in order scores well, while a halting attempt with all the words can score lower on fluency.
The PTE Repeat Sentence template
- 1Listen for meaning, not individual words; understanding the sentence helps you hold it.
- 2Silently "chunk" the sentence into 2-3 groups as you hear it.
- 3Begin repeating immediately while it is fresh; do not wait or analyse.
- 4Keep a smooth pace even if you miss a word; fluency counts, so do not stop and restart.
Worked example
For "The library will be closed during the public holiday next week," hold it as three chunks, "the library will be closed / during the public holiday / next week", and say it back smoothly in one go.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Pausing to recall the exact words; a smooth near-complete repeat beats a broken complete one.
- Trying to memorise word-by-word; remember the meaning and the chunks.
- Going silent if you miss the start; say what you have, fluently, right away.
- Mumbling the ending; pronounce the final words clearly.
PTE Repeat Sentence FAQ
Do I need to repeat every word exactly in Repeat Sentence?
No. Reproducing most of the words in the correct order, fluently, scores well. Fluency and pronunciation matter alongside content.
Why is Repeat Sentence important in PTE?
It contributes to both your Speaking and Listening scores, making it one of the highest-value tasks to practise.
Is there preparation time for Repeat Sentence?
No. The sentence plays once and the recording opens, so begin repeating immediately while it is fresh.