PTE Academic Exam August 2025 Update: Two New Speaking Questions Explained and Scoring Guide

Starting 7th August 2025, the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic will introduce two brand-new tasks in the Speaking section. This marks a major shift in the PTE Academic New Questions Format, focusing on real-life communication skills instead of only textbook knowledge.

If you're planning to take the exam after this update, this guide will help you understand the changes, what skills are tested, how scoring works, and how you can prepare effectively.

Why Did Pearson Update the PTE Exam?

Language use in the real world goes far beyond grammar rules and vocabulary lists. In academic and professional settings, we participate in group discussions, respond to unexpected situations, and express ideas clearly and appropriately.

Pearson's goal with the PTE Academic New Questions Format is to reflect these real-life communication demands. The new Speaking tasks are designed to:

• Simulate academic and workplace communication
  
  
• Test your ability to think and speak in real time
  
  
• Shift focus from memorization to practical skills
  
  

These updates ensure that you're not only ready for the test—but also for real-world experiences abroad.

What’s Changing in the PTE Exam from August 2025?

From 7th August 2025, two new tasks will be introduced in the Speaking section of the exam:

• Summarize Group Discussion
  
  
• Respond to a Situation
  
  

These tasks are part of the PTE Academic New Questions Format, and they aim to test listening, speaking, and critical thinking skills in practical, real-life scenarios.

Task 1: Summarize Group Discussion

This new task presents an academic-style group discussion where you will listen to multiple speakers sharing different viewpoints. After the audio, you’ll need to deliver a concise summary of what was discussed.

What You Need to Know:

• You will hear a discussion lasting 2 to 3 minutes
  
  
• You get 10 seconds to prepare
  
  
• You have about 2 minutes to speak
  
  
• Your response should be in formal, academic language using a third-person tone
  
  
• You only get one attempt
  
  
• Scoring is based on both AI and human evaluation
  
  

Skills Tested:

• Listening to multiple viewpoints
  
  
• Identifying main arguments
  
  
• Summarizing clearly and fluently
  
  
• Using appropriate academic vocabulary
  
  

How to Answer Effectively:

• Take brief notes while listening—focus on keywords and speaker opinions
  
  
• Start your response with: “The discussion focused on…”
  
  
• Mention key points made by each speaker
  
  
• End with a brief, objective summary if time allows
  
  
• Stay neutral—don’t give your personal opinion
  
  

Tips:

• Use linking words such as “however,” “on the other hand,” “furthermore,” and “in addition.”
  
  
• Paraphrase ideas instead of repeating exactly what was said
  
  
• Practice with group discussion audio clips or podcasts6

Task 2: Respond to a Situation

This task tests your ability to respond appropriately to real-life situations in English. It could involve anything from customer service complaints to workplace challenges or everyday conversations.

What You Need to Know:

• You will hear a short scenario, lasting about 20 to 30 seconds
  
  
• A written prompt will appear after the audio
  
  
• You’ll have 10 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to speak
  
  
• The task is scored by both AI and human examiners
  
  

Scoring Criteria:

• Appropriacy: Did your response match the situation?
  
  
• Fluency: Did you speak smoothly without too many pauses?
  
  
• Pronunciation: Were your words clear and understandable?
  
  

Skills Tested:

• Interpreting and understanding real-life contexts
  
  
• Responding politely, clearly, and professionally
  
  
• Using common expressions naturally
  
  

How to Respond Well:

• First, quickly understand the scenario
  
  
• Start with a natural opening, like: “I understand your concern…” or “Thank you for letting me know…”
  
  
• Respond to the issue in a clear and polite manner
  
  
• Wrap up with a suitable closing, such as “I’ll take care of it right away.”
  
  

Tips:

• Keep your sentences short and to the point
  
  
• Practice with real-world situations—customer complaints, work dilemmas, or polite refusals
  
  
• Use phrases that are common in business or social English

Why These PTE Changes Matter

The PTE Academic New Questions Format is designed to better reflect how English is used in academic, social, and professional settings. Instead of focusing only on vocabulary lists and grammar drills, the exam now tests how well you understand, speak, and respond in real time. These new Speaking tasks will help prepare you for:

• Group discussions in university lectures or seminars
  
  
• Interactions in work environments and internships
  
  
• Every day communication in an English-speaking country
  
  

They don’t just help you pass the exam—they help you succeed abroad.

Preparation Tips for the Updated PTE Format

1. Improve Active Listening
 Listen to academic panels, podcasts, and group discussions. Focus on the tone, speaker opinions, and overall topic rather than trying to memorize everything. Take quick, shorthand notes using symbols or abbreviations.

2. Practice Speaking Fluently
 Read aloud every day. Use online PTE mock test tools that simulate the new Speaking tasks. Try “shadowing”—repeat after native speakers immediately as they speak.

3. Manage Your Time
 Learn to identify the purpose of each task quickly. Don’t freeze if you miss a detail—just move on and keep speaking. There’s no negative marking for errors, so stay calm and finish your response.

Useful Vocabulary for “Respond to a Situation”

Here are some functional phrases to use in different types of scenarios:Apologizing:
 “I’m really sorry about that.”
 “Please accept my apology.”Making Requests:
 “Would it be alright if…”
 “Could you possibly…”Expressing Concern:
 “There seems to be a problem with…”
 “I’m not quite satisfied with…”Seeking Help:
 “Could you assist me with…”
 “I need help understanding…”Clarifying:
 “Could you repeat that, please?”
 “Sorry, I didn’t catch that.”

Final Thoughts on the PTE Academic New Questions Format

The PTE Academic New Questions Format represents a shift from academic memorization to authentic communication. With the new Speaking tasks—Summarize Group Discussion and Respond to a Situation—Pearson is ensuring that test-takers are prepared for real life, not just exam conditions.

Start preparing today. Understand the new format. Practice regularly with real-life audio and scenarios. Focus on clarity, fluency, and purpose-driven communication.

With consistent effort and the right strategies, you’ll be more than ready to succeed in the updated PTE Academic exam—and beyond.