PTE · Respond to a Situation

Calling in Sick: 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

Missed Lab Demonstration

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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 have caught severe flu and cannot attend Tuesday's compulsory chemistry laboratory session. You need to inform your laboratory supervisor, explain your absence, and ask if you can join the repeat practical on Thursday afternoon instead. What would you say to your supervisor?

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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

Retail Shift Cover

You work at a local bookshop and have developed sudden food poisoning before your Wednesday morning shift. You must phone your store manager, explain that you cannot work, and mention that your colleague Sarah has agreed to cover your hours. What would you say to your manager?

3

Postponing a Group Presentation

You have lost your voice due to a severe throat infection on the day of your seminar presentation. You need to call your project partner, explain why you cannot present today, and suggest asking the tutor for a postponement until Friday. What would you say to your classmate?

4

Kitchen Shift Resourcing

You are a university student working part-time as a line cook. You have a fever and cannot work your scheduled Friday evening shift. You must inform the head chef immediately, explain company hygiene rules prevent you from working, and offer a weekend replacement shift. What would you say?

5

Rescheduling Thesis Supervision

You are unwell with acute bronchitis and cannot attend your one-to-one dissertation meeting scheduled for tomorrow morning. You need to message your academic tutor to apologise, explain your condition, and ask to meet remotely next week once you have recovered. What would you say to your tutor?

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