PTE · Respond to a Situation

Workplace Shifts and Rotas: 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

Swapping a Weekend Shift

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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.

You work part-time in the campus library and have been scheduled for a shift this Saturday morning. However, you have an important family wedding to attend that day. You want to ask your co-worker, Sam, to swap shifts with you. What would you say to Sam?

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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

Requesting Rota Adjustments for Study

You work at a local cafe and your manager has scheduled you for three late-night closing shifts next week. You have your final chemistry exam on Thursday morning and need more time to revise. What would you say to your manager?

3

Addressing an Overlooked Day Off

You submitted an annual leave request two weeks ago for next Friday to visit your doctor, which was approved. However, the new rota shows you are scheduled to work all day. What would you say to your department supervisor?

4

Declining an Urgent Cover Request

Your supervisor calls to ask if you can cover an extra night shift this evening at short notice. You are exhausted after working three consecutive night shifts and have an early morning university seminar tomorrow. What would you say to your supervisor?

5

Rescheduling Laboratory Demonstration Duties

You are a graduate teaching assistant scheduled to lead a lab practical on Tuesday afternoon. You have contracted a severe sore throat and cannot speak clearly. You need your colleague, Elena, to cover your demonstration. What would you say to Elena?

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