If you're planning to take the PTE Academic after August 7th, 2025, there's something important you need to know: the exam is getting a major update. Pearson has introduced New PTE Question Types in the Speaking section, aiming to assess your real-world communication skills rather than just memorized responses. These new tasks are designed to feel more natural and practical—just like how you’d speak in a classroom, workplace, or everyday conversation.

This blog will guide you through the changes, help you understand why they matter, and show you how to prepare effectively using simple, human-friendly strategies.

🆕 What’s Changing in the Speaking Section?

The updated format introduces two new speaking tasks:

1. Summarize Group Discussion
   
   

2. Respond to a Situation
   
   

These additions shift the focus from mechanical repetition to real communication. You’ll now need to listen carefully, process what you hear, and respond in your own words—much like real-life interaction.

🎯 Why the Change?

Pearson’s aim with these updates is clear:

• Encourage natural and structured responses
  
  

• Evaluate on-the-spot thinking and speaking
  
  

• Reflect real academic and workplace situations
  
  

• Reduce the need for memorized answers
  
  

The good news? If you're someone who’s more comfortable having real conversations than reciting scripts, these new tasks are made for you.

🗣️ Understanding the New Tasks

1. Summarize Group Discussion

What to Expect:

• A 2–3 minute recording of a group conversation (with 3–4 speakers)
  
  

• 10 seconds to plan your response
  
  

• 2 minutes to summarize the discussion
  
  

How to Answer:

• Focus on the key points each speaker makes
  
  

• Use phrases like “The participants discussed…” or “One speaker highlighted…”
  
  

• Cover both sides of any disagreement
  
  

• Conclude with a neutral summary, such as “In conclusion, the group shared a range of views.”
  
  

Pro Tip: Keep your summary objective—don’t include your personal opinion.

2. Respond to a Situation

What to Expect:

• A short real-life scenario (20–30 seconds of audio)
  
  

• 10 seconds to think
  
  

• 40 seconds to respond as if you’re in that situation
  
  

How to Answer:

• Start with empathy: “I completely understand your concern…”
  
  

• Offer one clear and polite solution
  
  

• Wrap it up with something helpful: “Please let me know if I can assist further.”
  
  

Pro Tip: Keep it calm, professional, and to the point—avoid overthinking.

📌 Summary at a Glance (No Tables)

• Summarize Group Discussion
  
  

• Listen: 2–3 minutes
  
  

• Plan: 10 seconds
  
  

• Speak: 2 minutes
  
  

• Task: Objectively summarize the speakers’ opinions and discussion points
  
  

• Respond to a Situation
  
  

• Listen: 20–30 seconds
  
  

• Plan: 10 seconds
  
  

• Speak: 40 seconds
  
  

• Task: Respond naturally, politely, and effectively to a real-world scenario
  
  

📚 How to Prepare for the New PTE Question Types

1. Practice Listening with Purpose

• Watch panel discussions, group interviews, or podcasts
  
  

• Take note of who said what, and their tone or stance
  
  

• Practice summarizing conversations out loud
  
  

2. Work on Speaking Fluency

• Imitate native speakers on YouTube or podcasts (shadowing)
  
  

• Practice speaking smoothly without filler words like “um” or “like”
  
  

• Record yourself and listen back to improve
  
  

3. Simulate Real-Life Scenarios

• Practice responding to common situations like solving a problem or helping someone
  
  

• Role-play with a friend, tutor, or even by yourself
  
  

• Use polite, professional language
  
  

4. Learn Useful Phrases

For Discussions:

• “The group discussion focused on…”
  
  

• “There were differing views on…”
  
  

• “One participant emphasized…”
  
  

For Situations:

• “Thanks for raising that concern.”
  
  

• “Here’s what I recommend we do…”
  
  

• “Would you be open to another option?”
  
  

✅ Tips to Succeed

• Practice thinking and speaking quickly with only 10 seconds of prep
  
  

• Keep answers focused and relevant
  
  

• Be formal in summaries, and polite but natural in situations
  
  

• Record your answers and review for clarity and flow
  
  

• Prioritize clear communication over complicated words
  
  

❌ What to Avoid

• Rushing your speech or speaking too slowly
  
  

• Using slang or overly casual language
  
  

• Sharing personal opinions during summaries
  
  

• Getting off-topic due to nerves
  
  

• Ignoring the tone of the prompt (formal vs. conversational)
  
  

🧠 Final Thoughts

The New PTE Question Types added in August 2025 are a welcome change for many test-takers. They focus on how well you can understand, think, and speak in real-life situations—skills that truly matter in the classroom and beyond.

Instead of stressing about perfection, aim for progress. Practice regularly, stay calm, and speak clearly. With a little effort and the right preparation, these new tasks can become your strength—not your stumbling block.

Source: Angel EduNext