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

 

If you are planning to take the PTE Academic exam after 7th August 2025, there are some important changes you should know about. Pearson is introducing new PTE question types in the Speaking section that will focus more on real-world communication. These updates are designed to assess how well you can understand conversations and respond naturally, rather than just relying on memorized phrases.

Why Did Pearson Change the PTE?

The changes reflect a shift towards testing practical communication skills that are more relevant in academic and professional environments. In the real world, English isn’t just about repeating answers—it’s about understanding different perspectives, responding spontaneously, and engaging in conversations. Whether you’re studying at an international university or working abroad, communication requires you to think on your feet and respond in a way that’s both clear and natural. Pearson has updated the PTE to better evaluate how well you can handle these types of situations.

What’s New in the PTE Speaking Section?

Starting 7th August 2025, two new question types will be added to the Speaking section of the PTE. These changes aim to assess your ability to engage in more realistic, real-life conversations.

1. Summarize Group Discussion

This task simulates a group conversation in which multiple speakers discuss a topic. You will listen to the discussion and then summarize the key points in your own words.

What to Expect:

You’ll listen to a 2–3 minute group conversation.

You’ll have 10 seconds to prepare.

You will then speak for about 2 minutes to summarize the key points.

What It Tests:

Listening comprehension

Ability to summarize different viewpoints clearly

Fluency and clarity in speaking

Tips for Success:

Focus on identifying the main points each speaker makes.

Avoid inserting personal opinions—stick to summarizing what was discussed.

Use linking words like “however,” “for example,” and “on the other hand” to connect ideas clearly.

2. Respond to a Situation

In this task, you will be given a scenario where you need to respond naturally. The situation could involve someone asking for help or giving feedback, and you’ll need to respond appropriately and politely.

What to Expect:

You will hear an audio prompt and see a written scenario.

You’ll have 10 seconds to prepare.

You’ll speak for 40 seconds to give your response.

What It Tests:

Ability to understand the context of a situation

Fluency and appropriateness in responding

Use of polite and clear language

Tips for Success:

Stay calm and imagine yourself in the given situation.

Respond politely and clearly. Phrases like “I understand” or “How can I help you?” will help you sound natural.

Focus on delivering a clear and relevant answer without overcomplicating it.

Why These Changes Matter

The new PTE question types are important because they are designed to assess your ability to communicate effectively in real-world situations. Instead of testing how well you can memorize answers, Pearson now wants to know if you can think on your feet and speak naturally, as you would in a classroom, workplace, or everyday situation. These changes will give you an opportunity to show your true English skills, making the test a more accurate measure of your language proficiency.

How to Prepare for the Updated PTE

The new Speaking section might seem challenging at first, but with the right preparation, you’ll feel more confident on test day. Here are some tips to help you get ready:

1. Practice Active Listening

Listen to podcasts, debates, or group discussions on various topics.

Try to identify the main points each person is making.

After listening, practice summarizing the discussion in your own words. This will help you focus on key points rather than getting lost in details.

2. Build Speaking Confidence

Read aloud daily—whether it’s news articles, books, or blogs. This will help you improve your fluency and natural delivery.

Record yourself answering typical situational questions. Listen to your recordings and evaluate how clear and confident your responses are.

Take mock tests to familiarize yourself with the time limits and task formats.

3. Focus on Time Management

In the Summarize Group Discussion task, try to identify the most important points without getting sidetracked by less relevant information.

Practice speaking clearly and concisely in under 2 minutes. Focus on summarizing the key points effectively.

Prepare for common real-life situations, such as helping someone with a problem or responding to feedback.

Useful Vocabulary to Practice

Using the right vocabulary can help you sound more confident and natural in your responses. Here are some examples that can be useful in the new Speaking tasks:

Purpose: “The purpose of this discussion is to…”

Apologizing: “I’m sorry for the confusion.”

Making Requests: “Could you help me with…?”

Expressing Concern: “There seems to be a problem with…”

Clarifying: “Could you clarify what you mean by…?”

Responding: “Yes, I understand what you’re saying.”

Final Thoughts

These changes to the PTE Academic test are designed to make the exam more relevant to real-world situations. By assessing your ability to communicate naturally and spontaneously, Pearson is giving you the chance to demonstrate your actual English skills in environments you’ll encounter in daily life, whether at school or work. If you start preparing early and practice actively, you’ll find that these updates are manageable and will help you feel more confident. These new question types will not only prepare you for the exam but also equip you with the skills to communicate effectively in English outside of the test room.