If you’re planning to take the PTE Academic exam on or after August 7, 2025, it’s important to understand the key updates that Pearson has introduced. These changes are aimed at making the test more practical and reflective of how English is used in real life, not just how well you can memorize.

Let’s break down what’s new and how you can prepare effectively.

What’s New in PTE Academic 2025?

1. Two New Speaking Tasks

Pearson has introduced two new tasks designed to assess how you communicate in everyday situations:

• Respond to a Situation
  You will hear a short scenario and respond politely. For example, you may need to apologize, offer advice, or decline an invitation.
  
  

• Summarize a Group Discussion
  You’ll listen to a brief conversation among a group of people and then summarize the main points in your own words within 20–30 seconds.
  
  

These tasks test your ability to use English naturally and spontaneously.

2. Beep Sound in “Repeat Sentence”

To make the task clearer, a beep sound will now signal exactly when you should start speaking. This small but helpful change removes any guesswork and ensures better timing.

3. Updated Test Interface

The redesigned test screen is built for better usability and a more relaxed testing experience. Key updates include:

• Double mic check for audio clarity
  
  

• No keyboard check required
  
  

• Circular progress bar to track test progress
  
  

• Adjustable font size for easier reading
  
  

• Audio waveform to monitor your voice levels
  
  

These enhancements help reduce stress and keep you focused.

4. Slightly Longer Exam Duration

The test is now about 2 hours and 15 minutes long—15 minutes more than before. The additional time accommodates the two new speaking tasks, giving you more room to perform without feeling rushed.

5. Human Scoring for Key Tasks

Seven specific tasks will now be scored by trained human examiners instead of just AI. These include:

• Describe Image
  
  

• Retell Lecture
  
  

• Respond to a Situation
  
  

• Summarize Group Discussion
  
  

• Write Essay
  
  

• Summarize Written Text
  
  

• Summarize Spoken Text
  
  

This shift ensures more accurate and fair evaluation, especially for tasks where natural tone and clarity matter. Be aware: Relying too much on pre-learned templates can hurt your score.

How to Prepare for the New Format

To do well in the updated PTE Academic, focus on building real-world English skills:

• Practice speaking in everyday situations such as giving advice, refusing offers, or explaining something clearly.
  
  

• Listen and summarize conversations, podcasts, or group discussions to sharpen your comprehension and note-taking.
  
  

• Speak naturally and clearly. Don’t memorize answers—focus on being fluent and authentic.
  
  

• Avoid overusing templates. Let your own words and understanding guide your responses.

Final Words

The PTE Academic 2025 update is a move toward fairer and more practical assessment. If you understand the format and prepare with real communication in mind, these changes can actually work in your favor.

Stay confident, be natural, and take the time to practice with the new format. With the right preparation, you’ll be ready to perform at your best and reach your target score.

Source: PTE New August Update 2025