PTE · Respond to a Situation

Automotive Repairs and Maintenance: PTE Respond to a Situation practice questions

5 original Respond to a Situation questions. Question 1 is free to record, play back and compare with a sample answer right here; log in free to practise the rest in the BandLadder app.
  • 5 questions
  • Question 1 free, no login
  • PTE Academic and PTE Core
1

Delaying a Tutorial Meeting

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Read and listen to the situation below. You have 10 seconds to prepare (20 in PTE Core), then 40 seconds to say what you would say. Answer as fully as you can.

Your car broke down on the motorway this morning because of an overheating engine, and it is currently at a garage for urgent repairs. You cannot attend your scheduled academic tutorial with your supervisor this afternoon. Phone your supervisor to explain the situation and reschedule the meeting. What would you say?

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Questions 2–5

Read and listen to the situation below. You have 10 seconds to prepare (20 in PTE Core), then 40 seconds to say what you would say. Answer as fully as you can.

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2

Negotiating Brake Repair Costs

You took your vehicle to a local garage for a routine brake pad replacement, but the mechanic has just phoned to say you need expensive new brake discs as well. You believe the quote is too high and want a second opinion. Politely decline the extra work. What would you say?

3

Borrowing Notes from Classmate

You missed an important engineering lecture this morning because you had to take your car for an emergency tyre puncture repair before driving home for the weekend. Phone your classmate to explain why you were absent and ask if you can borrow their lecture notes. What would you say?

4

Requesting Garage Parking Extension

Your car is stuck at a repair shop over the weekend awaiting a replacement alternator, so you cannot move it back to your university campus parking bay before your permit expires today. Call the campus accommodation office to explain the delay and request a temporary permit extension until Monday. What would you say?

5

Declining a Lift Offer

A colleague has offered to drive you home after work, but your car has just been serviced and you need to collect it from the dealership before it closes at six this evening. Politely decline your colleague's offer and explain your plans to take the bus there instead. What would you say?

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