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

 

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic is undergoing some big changes starting on 7th August 2025. With the introduction of the PTE Academic New Questions Format, the exam is set to better reflect how English is used in real-life academic and professional situations. Two new tasks are being added to the Speaking section, designed to test your ability to respond quickly and effectively in realistic scenarios. If you're planning to take the PTE after this update, this guide will help you understand what’s changing and how to prepare.

💡 Why Did Pearson Update the PTE Exam?

Pearson’s goal with these changes is simple: to make the exam more reflective of the way we actually use language in everyday situations. Language is not just about memorizing rules; it’s about communicating effectively in real-world contexts. The new format is focused on:

Simulating real academic and workplace interactions.

Testing your ability to think and speak on the spot.

Focusing on practical skills rather than just theoretical knowledge.

In short, Pearson wants to ensure that the PTE not only tests your English but also helps you prove that you can thrive in an English-speaking environment.

🔄 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 will assess your ability to listen, comprehend, and communicate effectively in situations you’re likely to encounter in a classroom or workplace. It’s not just about knowing the language; it’s about using it to interact naturally and professionally.

🗣️ Task 1 – Summarize Group Discussion

📌 Task Overview

Section: Speaking

Audio Duration: 2–3 minutes

Speakers: Multiple (group discussion style)

Prep Time: 10 seconds

Speaking Time: Approx. 2 minutes

Word Limit: 50–70 words (suggested)

Tone: Formal, Academic, Third-Person

Attempts: Only 1

🎯 Key Skills Tested:

Listening to different perspectives: You’ll need to absorb various points of view.

Identifying main points: Focus on the core ideas being discussed.

Summarizing clearly: Condense the information into a concise and accurate summary.

Using academic vocabulary: Speak professionally and clearly, but keep it natural.

✅ How to Answer This Task Like a Pro:

Take effective notes while listening. Use abbreviations or symbols to jot down important points quickly.

Structure your response:

Introduction: Start with, “The discussion focused on…”

Main Points: Highlight the key arguments from each speaker.

Closing: If time allows, finish with a brief summary of the main takeaway.

Stay neutral—avoid adding your own opinion.

💡 Pro Tips:

Use connecting words like “However,” “In contrast,” “Additionally,” and “Moreover” to link ideas together.

Practice paraphrasing, so you can express the same idea in different ways, showcasing your language skills.

Listen to panel discussions or podcasts for practice in summarizing multiple viewpoints.

🧏 Task 2 – Respond to a Situation

📌 Task Overview

Section: Speaking

Audio Prompt: 20–30 seconds

Written Scenario: Displayed afterward

Prep Time: 10 seconds

Speaking Time: 40 seconds

Scoring: AI + Human (based on fluency, pronunciation, and context)

🎯 Scoring Criteria Breakdown:

Appropriacy (6 Marks): Did you understand the situation and respond appropriately?

Fluency (5 Marks): Was your speech natural and smooth?

Pronunciation (5 Marks): Was your pronunciation clear and easy to understand?

🛠️ Skills Evaluated:

Reacting to real-life situations: This task simulates everyday conversations you might have at work or in social settings.

Using polite expressions: Make sure your tone is professional and courteous.

Understanding the context: It’s essential to grasp the scenario and respond in a fitting manner.

✅ How to Respond Effectively:

Take a moment to understand the scenario before speaking.

Organize your response:

Opening: Acknowledge the situation.

Middle: Provide your response or suggested action.

Closing: End with a polite and professional note if time permits.

💡 Tips to Succeed:

Keep your tone friendly but professional. It’s about sounding natural and clear, not overly formal or stiff.

Don’t try to be perfect—focus on delivering a clear and relevant response.

Practice under time pressure so that you can stay calm and organized during the exam.

🎯 Why These PTE Changes Matter

The new Speaking tasks make the PTE exam more relevant to how we communicate in real life. Instead of simply assessing your ability to recall facts, these tasks evaluate your ability to think critically, react appropriately, and speak fluently—skills you’ll need in academic settings and beyond. Whether you're in a classroom discussion, a job interview, or a social conversation, these changes help you prove that you can handle English in any situation.

📚 Preparation Tips for the Updated PTE

👂 Improve Active Listening

Focus on tone, stress, and opinions during your listening practice. This will help you identify key points in discussions.

Use keywords instead of writing full sentences when taking notes.

Listen to debates, panel discussions, or talk shows to get used to hearing multiple viewpoints.

🗣️ Boost Speaking Fluency

Read news articles or short stories out loud to improve fluency and pronunciation.

Shadow native speakers—repeat what they say to mimic their tone and rhythm.

Use PTE mock test platforms to simulate the exam and get used to the timing and task structure.

⏰ Manage Your Time Effectively

Don’t try to be perfect. Focus on delivering clear, concise ideas instead.

Practice managing your time so that you don’t feel rushed during the exam.

If you miss a point or make a mistake, don’t stop—keep going with your response.

📝 Key Phrases and Vocabulary to Practice

Here are some useful phrases to incorporate into the Respond to a Situation task:

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 an issue with…,” “I’m not quite happy 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 August 2025 Update

These changes to the PTE exam are more than just a small update—they represent a shift toward testing real-world communication skills. Pearson is ensuring that the PTE not only measures your English proficiency but also helps you develop the language skills you’ll need to thrive in academic, professional, and social settings.

The key to success is practice. Start familiarizing yourself with the new tasks, practice consistently, and remember—you’re not just preparing for an exam, you’re preparing to succeed in an English-speaking world.

Source: Angel EduNext