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If you’re planning to take the PTE after August 7th, 2025, then you're in for a big shift. The PTE August Update 2025 introduces some important changes — especially to the speaking section — along with tweaks to the user interface and how your answers are scored. Whether you're looking to study abroad or planning to migrate, these updates will have a direct impact on how you should prepare. Let’s break down the changes, so you’re fully prepared for the new format!
🆕 What’s New in the PTE August Update 2025?
Pearson has revamped the PTE Academic to reflect more real-world communication. Instead of just focusing on structured answers or memorized templates, the new test format emphasizes fluency, natural tone, and clarity — all the things that matter in everyday conversations. These changes come from feedback collected from thousands of test-takers, as well as data from global educational trends and pilot tests. The goal is simple: reward actual communication skills rather than rote memorization.
🗣️ Two New Speaking Tasks
🔊 Respond to a Situation
This new task is all about reacting to real-life scenarios in a natural way. You’ll hear a situation — for example, being invited to a party while you’re feeling sick — and then need to respond as if you were in the situation.
Preparation Time: 10 seconds
Speaking Time: 30-40 seconds
What’s Assessed: Fluency, tone, clarity, and appropriateness of response
Sample Scenarios:
“Your boss asks you to work late, but you already have family plans.”
“A friend invites you to a party, but you’re not feeling well.”
What matters here is how you express yourself naturally — not memorized lines.
🧑🤝🧑 Summarize a Group Discussion
In this task, you’ll listen to a conversation between 2 to 4 people discussing a topic. Then, you’ll summarize the key points in your own words. Think of it like reporting a team discussion, highlighting the main ideas clearly.
Speaking Time: 20-30 seconds
What’s Assessed: Listening comprehension, summary clarity, and logical structure
Be concise, clear, and stick to the main points. Avoid adding unnecessary details.
🔁 The New “Beep” Cue in Repeat Sentence
To make the Repeat Sentence task easier, Pearson has introduced a helpful “beep” cue. When you hear the beep, that’s your cue to start speaking — no more guessing when to begin!
Pro Tip: Start speaking immediately after the beep. Pausing too long can hurt your fluency score.
🖥️ Smarter User Interface (UI) Updates
It’s not just the questions that have changed; the PTE August Update 2025 also improves the overall test-taking experience. Here are the UI updates to look out for:
Mic Check Now Happens Twice: A second mic check ensures your microphone is working properly, so no unexpected issues during the test.
No More Keyboard Check: You won’t be distracted by a keyboard check before the test begins. This helps you start more smoothly.
Circular Progress Indicator: The old linear progress bar is replaced by a circular one, making it easier to track your time in a more intuitive way.
Smaller Fonts and Layout Changes: Expect slightly smaller fonts, allowing more info to be displayed on the screen, but this could take a little getting used to.
Live Audio Waveform: As you speak, you’ll see a real-time waveform of your voice, helping you track your speaking volume and clarity.
⏱️ Exam Duration and Structure Changes
The structure and timing of the exam have been updated as well:
Tasks Increased: From 20 to 22 tasks (thanks to the addition of two new speaking tasks).
Total Duration: The exam now lasts 2 hours and 15 minutes — that’s 15 extra minutes compared to the old version.
Faster Setup: Despite the longer duration, the updated interface ensures a quicker and smoother setup process.
👩🏫 Human Evaluation for 7 Key Tasks
Here’s the big change: seven key tasks in the PTE will now be reviewed by human examiners. This move is designed to discourage robotic, memorized answers and encourage test-takers to give more genuine, thoughtful responses.
Tasks Now Scored by Humans:
Describe Image
Retell Lecture
Respond to a Situation (new)
Summarize Group Discussion (new)
Summarize Written Text
Write Essay
Summarize Spoken Text
With human evaluation, fluency, creativity, and structure matter more than ever.
📚 Smart Preparation for PTE 2025
🗨️ Practicing Situational Speaking
For the Respond to a Situation task, it’s important to practice real-life conversations. Think about how you’d respond to situations like:
A teacher asking about your missed assignment.
A friend canceling plans at the last minute.
A neighbor complaining about noise.
Follow this structure for your answers:
Opening → Main Point → Polite Closure
Record your responses, listen to them, and work on improving your fluency and tone.
🧠 Mastering Group Discussion Summaries
To prepare for Summarize a Group Discussion, try listening to podcasts or debates with multiple speakers. Pay attention to how opinions shift and how speakers use transitions like:
“On the other hand…”
“However…”
“In contrast…”
Practice summarizing discussions in under 30 seconds. Keep your summary clear, concise, and logical.
🧪 Use Updated Mock Tests
To prepare effectively, use mock tests that are aligned with the PTE August Update 2025. Look for:
The new beep cue for Repeat Sentence
Updated question formats and task types
Real-time feedback that simulates human scoring
Simulated user interface with progress circle and live waveform
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Relying on Templates: Avoid using memorized answers. The human evaluators will spot them, and they’ll hurt your score.
Ignoring the Beep Cue: Don’t miss the beep in the Repeat Sentence task. Start speaking immediately to score better.
Using Old Materials: Practice with updated materials that reflect the new test structure and tasks.
🛠️ Tools to Make Preparation Easier
To ensure your preparation is up to date, use tools and platforms that reflect the PTE August Update 2025:
Angel EduNext Platform (fully updated with 2025-specific content)
E2 Test Prep / PTE Tutorials / PTE Practice Apps
Voice recording tools to track your speaking progress
Mock test platforms that simulate the updated interface and real-time scoring
📌 Quick Recap: What’s Changed in 2025
The speaking section now includes 9 tasks, with two new tasks
The beep cue is now part of Repeat Sentence
New user interface with a progress circle and live waveform
Test duration is now 2 hours and 15 minutes
Seven tasks are now scored by human evaluators
💡 Final Thoughts: Be Real, Be Ready
The PTE August Update 2025 is all about testing real communication skills. If you want to succeed, move away from memorized responses and focus on natural, fluent speaking. This is your chance to show how well you can communicate in real-world situations. To make sure you're fully prepared for the updated PTE, Angel EduNext offers the right tools and resources to help you succeed.
Source: Angel EduNext
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