PTE Exam 2025 Speaking Update: Get Ready for the New Task Types and Smarter Scoring

 

From August 7, 2025, the PTE Academic Speaking section is getting a smart and practical update. With the arrival of the New PTE Question Types 2025, the test will better match how English is used in real life—like in classrooms, jobs, or social situations. If you're planning to take the PTE after this date, it's important to understand what's changing and how to prepare for it.

Let’s make it simple: here’s what’s new, why it matters, and how you can succeed.

📌 Why the Speaking Format Is Changing

Pearson wants the PTE to reflect real English—not just textbook English. In real life, we don’t repeat sentences or describe random images all day. We listen to others, think fast, and speak with purpose.

That’s why the new speaking format focuses on:

Understanding others

Thinking clearly under pressure

Responding in real-time with the right tone and words

This change helps you show your actual communication skills, not just memorized lines.

🆕 Introducing the New Speaking Tasks

Starting in August 2025, these two new tasks will replace some of the old ones:

✅ 1. Summarize Group Discussion

✅ 2. Respond to a Situation

They are designed to feel more real and more like situations you’ll actually face—whether in university, work, or daily life.

🗣️ Task 1: Summarize Group Discussion

🔍 What Happens?

You’ll listen to a 2–3 minute conversation between 3–4 people discussing a topic. Your task is to summarize what each speaker says, using a formal and neutral tone.

🧠 Skills You’ll Need

Spotting the main ideas

Telling who said what

Summarizing clearly without giving your own opinion

✔️ Helpful Tips

Take quick notes while listening (use keywords only)

Start with: “The discussion focused on…”

Cover all speakers’ views briefly

End with a short, balanced summary if you can

❌ What to Avoid

Don’t include your own opinions

Don’t mix up the speakers’ views

Avoid informal words or slang

🎤 Task 2: Respond to a Situation

🔍 What Happens?

You’ll hear a short real-life situation—maybe someone asking for help or complaining about a service. Then you’ll see a visual prompt. You’ll get 10 seconds to think and 40 seconds to speak as if you’re part of that situation.

🧠 Skills You’ll Need

Responding quickly

Using polite and clear language

Staying calm and confident

✔️ Helpful Tips

Start with something kind: “I understand your concern…”

Suggest a solution or answer the question

End politely: “Let me help you with that.”

❌ What to Avoid

Don’t speak like a robot or read a script

Avoid general answers—make it sound real

Don’t use complex vocabulary if it makes you slow down

🎯 Why These Tasks Matter in the Real World

The New PTE Question Types 2025 help prepare you for situations that actually happen—whether you're studying abroad, attending meetings, or working with international teams.

These tasks help you:

Express yourself in discussions

Handle common challenges politely and professionally

Speak English the way people actually use it

Your performance on these tasks will show universities and employers how well you can truly communicate.

🔍 How You'll Be Scored

The updated speaking tasks will be scored by both AI and trained human raters, making the process fair and accurate.

Here’s what they’ll look at:

Fluency – Are you speaking smoothly and naturally?

Pronunciation – Are your words clear and understandable?

Content – Did you stay on topic and respond correctly?

Tone and Language – Did you use the right level of formality?

📚 How to Get Ready for the New Format

🎧 Practice Listening

Watch panel discussions, debates, or interviews

Try to catch key points and different opinions

🗣️ Practice Speaking Naturally

Use apps with speaking prompts

Record yourself speaking about everyday situations

Practice in front of a mirror to improve confidence

⏱️ Build Timing Skills

Practice summarizing audio clips in under 2 minutes

Use a stopwatch to get used to 40-second response windows

📘 Phrases That Can Help

For Summarizing Group Discussions:

“The discussion was centered on…”

“One speaker pointed out that…”

“Another participant believed…”

“In summary, the conversation covered…”

For Responding to Situations:

“I completely understand your concern…”

“Let me assist you with that…”

“Here’s what we can do…”

“Thanks for bringing this to our attention…”

📱 Best Tools to Prepare

Apps: PTE Tutorials, E2 Test Prep, PTE Master

YouTube Channels: E2Language, Alpha PTE, Angel EduNext

Mock Tests: Take one every week and review your mistakes

Flashcards: Create flashcards with useful words and phrases

💡 Final Thoughts: Be Ready, Be Real

The PTE Academic is evolving to focus on what really matters—your ability to use English in real conversations. The New PTE Question Types 2025 are your chance to prove that you’re not just a good test-taker—you’re a good communicator.

So practice listening, speak with confidence, and keep things simple and clear. With the right approach, you’ll not only pass the test—you’ll stand out.

Source: Angel EduNext