Master the PTE Speaking Update 2025: What’s New and How to Prepare

 

Starting from 7th August 2025, the PTE Speaking section is getting an important update that every test taker should know about. Two PTE Academic New Questions Format are being introduced, aimed at assessing not just your grammar skills but how well you can use English in real-world situations. These changes even consider modern communication challenges like "", making it more relevant to today’s global environment.

If you're preparing for the test after this date, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—clearly, simply, and practically.

🔄 Why Is the PTE Speaking Format Changing?

In the real world, English is used for solving problems, sharing ideas, and communicating with people from all backgrounds. It’s not about perfect grammar—it's about effective communication.

Pearson’s new format reflects that. They want to see how well you can:

Understand different perspectives

Think quickly and respond clearly

Use English naturally in everyday situations

This is especially useful for students and professionals planning to study or work in English-speaking environments.

🆕 What’s New in the Speaking Section?

There are two brand-new tasks designed to be more practical and life-like:

1. Summarize Group Discussion

2. Respond to a Situation

These tasks will test your listening, thinking, and speaking skills—just like how you use English in a real conversation.

📘 Task 1: Summarize Group Discussion

What You'll Hear:

A 2–3 minute audio of a group of people discussing a topic

You get 10 seconds to prepare

Then, you have 2 minutes to speak and summarize the discussion

How to Handle It:

Focus on what each speaker says. Take quick notes—just a few words or symbols will help you remember key points.

Use this simple structure:

“The discussion was about…”

 “Speaker A believed… while Speaker B disagreed, saying…”

 “Overall, the group shared a variety of viewpoints.”

Tips to Do Well:

Don’t share your opinion—just report what you heard

Keep your language formal but clear

Mention at least two different speakers

Practice by listening to group podcasts or interviews and summarizing them out loud

🎤 Task 2: Respond to a Situation

What You'll Hear:

A 20–30 second recording describing a real-life issue or request

You get 10 seconds to think

Then, you’ll have 40 seconds to respond

How to Handle It:

Listen carefully to understand the problem. Then respond as if you're helping someone in real life.

Use this structure:

“Thanks for letting me know…”

 “Here’s what I’ll do to help…”

 “I’ll follow up with you shortly.”

Tips to Do Well:

Be polite and stay calm

Keep it simple—don’t over-explain

Practice responding to everyday situations, like customer complaints or colleague requests

📌 Format Summary

Summarize Group Discussion

Audio: 2–3 minutes

Prep Time: 10 seconds

Response Time: 2 minutes

Goal: Summarize what each speaker said in a formal, organized way

Respond to a Situation

Audio: 20–30 seconds

Prep Time: 10 seconds

Response Time: 40 seconds

Goal: Give a polite, practical response to a real-life problem or question

📚 How to Prepare for the New Speaking Tasks

1. Practice Active Listening

Watch videos of group discussions or panels

Write down the main point each person makes

Try summarizing the conversation out loud

2. Get Comfortable Thinking on Your Feet

Use everyday prompts like:

“You got the wrong delivery.”

“Your classmate is asking for help.”

“A customer is unhappy with a service.”

Time yourself to get used to the pressure

3. Use a Simple Structure

For any task, stick to:

 Introduction → Key Details → Conclusion

Use phrases like:

“On the one hand…”

“In contrast…”

“To wrap up…”

4. Boost Your Fluency and Pronunciation

Read aloud every day

Mimic native speakers using shadowing techniques

Use apps that help improve pronunciation and speech speed

💡 Handy Vocabulary and Phrases

For Group Summaries:

“The discussion centered on…”

“Speaker A raised the point that…”

“There were differing views regarding…”

For Situation Responses:

“I understand how frustrating that can be.”

“Let me help resolve this for you.”

“Would you prefer a follow-up by phone or email?”

✅ Do’s and Don’ts

✅ Do:

Stay polite and professional

Use a timer during practice

Focus on the task—not perfection

Speak clearly and with purpose

❌ Don’t:

Give your opinion in summaries

Use slang or overly casual language

Repeat the prompt unnecessarily

Rush through your response

🎯 Final Thoughts

The PTE Academic New Questions Format is designed to test how well you can use English in real-life situations, not just how much you’ve memorized. It’s more natural, more relevant, and a great opportunity to show what you can really do.

Start preparing today. Practice listening actively, speak confidently, and get comfortable with quick thinking. With steady practice, you’ll be more than ready to take on the new speaking section—and succeed.

Source: Angel EduNext