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

Starting from 7th August 2025, the Pearson Test of English (PTE) is rolling out a major update—introducing two brand-new question types in the Speaking section. These changes are designed to enhance real-world academic readiness and boost the test’s fairness, authenticity, and relevance.

If you're planning to take the PTE exam after this date, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the updates and how to prepare for them.

Why Did Pearson Update the PTE Exam?

Pearson didn’t make these changes just for the sake of it—they’re aiming to make the PTE more real-world relevant.

Think about it: in a university or professional setting, you’re not just filling out tests. You’re engaging in group discussions, handling unexpected situations, and summarizing what others say—all in English.

These new tasks were introduced to mirror the way we actually use English in daily academic and workplace environments. So instead of just testing your grammar or vocabulary, the updated exam now checks how well you can listen, think, and respond on your feet—skills you’ll actually use in real life.

What’s Changing in the PTE Exam from August 2025?

Pearson is evolving the PTE format to offer a more practical and real-world testing experience. Pearson has officially confirmed the addition of two new Speaking tasks:

1. Summarize Group Discussion (PTE Academic)

This task simulates an academic group discussion where you must listen to multiple speakers and then deliver a concise, well-structured summary in your own words. This new speaking task evaluates your ability to listen to and accurately summarize group conversations.

2. Respond to a Situation (PTE Academic)

This task tests your ability to react appropriately to everyday scenarios in spoken English—similar to real-life speaking situations like customer service queries, workplace dilemmas, or polite conversations. You’ll hear a real-life scenario and be asked to respond as if you’re part of that situation.

Task 1: Summarize Group Discussion – New in PTE Academic

🔍 'Summarize Group Discussion' Task Overview:

🎯 Key Skills Tested in PTE’s 'Summarize Group Discussion':

• Listening comprehension

• Summarizing multiple viewpoints

• Fluent speech delivery

• Use of academic vocabulary and tone
  
  

✅ How to Answer the PTE ‘Summarize Group Discussion’ Like a Pro:

• Take smart notes using symbols and keywords while listening.

• Focus on main arguments and opinions of each speaker.

• Structure your response clearly:

  • Intro: "The discussion focused on..."

  • Key points: Briefly state what each speaker said.

  • End: Wrap up with an objective summary if time allows.

• Avoid personal opinions. Stay neutral and formal.
  
  

🧠 Top Tips to Master 'Summarize Group Discussion in PTE':

• Use linking words like “however,” “in addition,” or “on the other hand.”

• Paraphrase ideas instead of repeating exact words.

• Practice with simulated group discussions and time yourself.

Task 2: Respond to a Situation – New in PTE Academic

🔍 'Respond to a Situation' Task Overview:

🎯 Key Skills Tested in PTE’s 'Respond to a Situation':

• Speaking naturally and fluently

• Interpreting context accurately

• Giving appropriate responses to real-life situations
  
  

✅ Scoring Criteria Breakdown for 'Respond to a Situation':

• Appropriacy (6 Points): Did you fully understand and respond to the scenario?

• Fluency (5 Points): Did you speak at a steady pace without hesitation?

• Pronunciation (5 Points): Were your words clear and easily understood?
  
  

🧠 Top Tips to Master 'Respond to a Situation in PTE':

• Use keywords from the prompt in your response.

• Avoid long, complex phrases—clarity is more important.

• Prepare using practice scenarios covering:

• Workplace issues

• Product complaints

• Daily social interactions
  
  

Why These PTE Changes Matter?

These new question types make the PTE more realistic and practical. Instead of only testing academic English, it now evaluates how well you can use English in day-to-day and classroom scenarios—mirroring what students and professionals actually experience abroad.

• Summarize Group Discussion develops your ability to process information and report it clearly—crucial for classroom participation, seminars, and team work.

• Respond to a Situation prepares you for real-life communication in personal and professional settings.
  
  

Preparation Tips to Ace the New PTE Format

🔊 Improve Active Listening

• Focus on speaker tone, key phrases, and main ideas.

• Use a shorthand system to take quick notes.

• Don’t write everything—just the essentials.
  
  

🗣️ Boost Your Speaking Fluency

• Read aloud daily (articles, dialogues, podcasts).

• Use apps or PTE mock test portals to practice speaking tasks.

• Try “shadowing” by repeating native speakers in real-time.
  
  

📅 Master Time Management

• Quickly identify the purpose of each audio clip.

• Don’t panic if you miss one detail—move forward.

• Take smart guesses when in doubt (there’s no negative marking).
  
  

Key Vocabulary to Practice for “Respond to a Situation”

Final Thoughts on PTE August 2025 Exam Update

The PTE August 2025 update points a major shift toward assessing real-world English communication. It’s no longer just about grammar and vocabulary—it’s about your ability to understand, respond, and express ideas clearly and confidently in real academic or everyday settings.

Now is the best time to get ahead. Start by familiarizing yourself with the updated question types and test structure. Practice consistently, improve your speaking skills, and seek expert feedback to boost your performance.

At Angel EduNext, we’ve already updated our practice tools and mock test platform to reflect the exact environment you'll face on test day. Plus, we're offering an unbeatable deal:

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💡 This limited-time offer is perfect for serious aspirants who want to save on exam costs while preparing with the most accurate tools available.

FAQs for PTE Academic Exam August 2025 Update

1. What is the new PTE academic update?

From 7th August 2025, Pearson is introducing two new Speaking tasks: Summarize Group Discussion in PTE Academic and Respond to a Situation in PTE Core, to reflect more realistic, real-world communication.

2. What are the changes in the PTE exam format from August 2025?
The PTE exam will now include two new speaking tasks:

• Summarize Group Discussion
• Respond to a Situation

These are designed to better evaluate academic discussion skills and real-life communication abilities.

3. What is the Summarize Group Discussion task in PTE Academic?
This new task requires you to listen to a 2–3 minute group discussion and then summarize the key viewpoints in your own words using formal academic language. You will get 10 seconds to prepare and 2 minutes to speak.

4. How is Summarize Group Discussion different from Retell Lecture?
In Retell Lecture, you summarize a single speaker. In Summarize Group Discussion, you summarize a conversation between multiple speakers, requiring you to identify and report diverse opinions objectively.

5. What is the scoring criteria for Summarize Group Discussion?
You are scored on content relevance, grammar and vocabulary, fluency, pronunciation, and logical structure. Both AI and human evaluators assess your performance.

6. How much time do I get to prepare for the Summarize Group Discussion task?
You’ll have 10 seconds to organize your thoughts after the audio ends. That’s why quick note-taking and summary planning are essential.

7. What are the best strategies to prepare for Summarize Group Discussion?
Practice active listening, take quick notes using symbols or keywords, paraphrase key points, and use linking words for smoother transitions during your response.

8. Can I use informal language or personal opinions in Summarize Group Discussion?
No. Use formal, academic English and a third-person tone. Avoid slang, personal opinions, or casual phrases like “I think”.

9. What is the Respond to a Situation task in the new PTE Core exam?
This new task tests your ability to respond to real-life scenarios. You’ll hear a 20–30 second audio and then speak for 40 seconds, addressing the situation appropriately.

10. What skills are evaluated in Respond to a Situation?
You are scored on:

• Fluency (5 Points)
• Pronunciation (5 Points)
• Appropriacy or relevance (6 Points: split between AI and human)

11. Do I need perfect grammar in the Respond to a Situation task?
Not necessarily. Focus on clarity, fluency, and staying on-topic. Simple, natural responses often score better than overly complex or grammatically rigid ones.

12. What kind of situations are covered in Respond to a Situation?
Scenarios may include:

• Making a request
• Apologizing
• Reporting a complaint
• Giving workplace feedback
• Responding to customer inquiries
  
  

13. How can I improve fluency for these new PTE speaking tasks?
Daily speaking practice is key. Try reading aloud, shadowing native speakers, recording responses, and using updated PTE mock tests that include these new formats.

14. Is vocabulary still important in the new PTE tasks?
Yes, but focus on using natural and relevant vocabulary for the context. Prioritize clarity over complexity. Use words you’re comfortable pronouncing correctly.

15. Can I prepare for the new PTE format at home?

Absolutely! Use:

• Official Pearson materials
• Updated practice portals
• Coaching platforms like Angel EduNext, which offer mock tests for the new tasks
  
  

16. How long is the Summarize Group Discussion audio?
The group discussion audio is typically 2–3 minutes long and will be played only once, so active listening is critical.

17. What is the ideal length for the Summarize Group Discussion response?
You should speak for around 2 minutes, using about 50–70 words, depending on your fluency and coverage of key points.

18. When will the new PTE format be officially launched?
The updated PTE format will go live on 7th August 2025 and will be applicable to all test-takers worldwide from that date.

19. How can I prepare for the PTE changes if my exam is after August 2025?
Start practicing now with the new task formats, use timed mock tests, and get expert feedback on your responses. Consistency and structured practice are key.

20. Will the new PTE changes affect scoring difficulty?
The new tasks are designed to measure practical skills more accurately. With the right preparation strategy, many students may find them more intuitive and relevant than previous tasks.