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PTE Core · Speaking · SW2

PTE Core Speaking: Repeat Sentence

Repeat Sentence plays a short recorded sentence, usually 3 to 9 seconds long, and you repeat it exactly as you heard it. There is no text on screen. PTE Core has 10 to 12 of these in Part 1, so it is one of the most frequent speaking tasks in the test.

Items per test
10–12
Prompt length
About 3–9 seconds of audio
Plays
Once only
Response window
Up to 40 seconds
Silence rule
Recording stops after 3 seconds of silence

How it works

  1. 1The audio plays automatically once; nothing is written on screen.
  2. 2The microphone opens straight after the sentence ends.
  3. 3Repeat the sentence word for word in the same order.
  4. 4The recording ends after 3 seconds of silence or when the window closes.

Sample task

Original sample · not from an official test

You hear: "Please leave your parking permit on the dashboard where staff can see it."

Show a strong response

Outline: "Please leave your parking permit on the dashboard where staff can see it."

The sentence breaks into three chunks: "Please leave your parking permit" / "on the dashboard" / "where staff can see it". Remembering chunks rather than single words makes a 13-word sentence manageable.

Tips that work

  • Listen for meaning, not sounds. A sentence you understand is far easier to rebuild than a string of words.
  • Start repeating as soon as the microphone opens, while the rhythm is still fresh in your ear.
  • Copy the speaker's stress and intonation; a natural delivery helps even if you miss a word.
  • If a word escapes you, say the rest of the sentence smoothly instead of stopping to search for it.

Common mistakes

  • Waiting too long before speaking and losing the end of the sentence.
  • Stopping completely after a missed word, which can trigger the 3-second silence cut-off.

Questions candidates ask

Can I replay the audio in PTE Core Repeat Sentence?

No. Each sentence plays once, so your practice should always use a single listen.

Do I lose everything if I forget one word?

No. Partial answers still earn credit for the words you reproduce and for how clearly and fluently you speak.

What kind of sentences are used?

PTE Core uses everyday and workplace English, such as instructions, notices and remarks you might hear at work or in the community.

Other PTE Core Speaking tasks

PTE Core overviewPTE Core Speaking: all partsPTE Core full mock testsPTE Core articles on the blog