Starting 7th August 2025, the PTE Speaking section is getting a makeover—and it’s something you should prepare for. Pearson has introduced two new tasks under the PTE Academic New Questions Format. These updates are designed to test not just your grammar, but your real-world communication skills. And with "" becoming more relevant in language learning and evaluation, the PTE is moving toward a format that mirrors everyday English use—whether in the classroom, workplace, or social situations.

Here’s what’s changing and how you can get ready confidently.

🔄 Why Did Pearson Make These Changes?

Let’s be real—memorizing grammar rules and canned phrases isn’t enough anymore. Today, effective English means:

• Understanding different viewpoints
  
  

• Responding on the spot
  
  

• Speaking clearly, confidently, and naturally
  
  

That’s the goal behind the PTE Academic New Questions Format. It tests how you actually use English in real-life situations—think study groups, office chats, or casual problem-solving.

🆕 What’s New in the Speaking Section?

Two new tasks are being introduced:

1. Summarize Group Discussion

2. Respond to a Situation

These are short, interactive, and mimic real conversations. You’ll need to listen carefully, think fast, and speak clearly—all skills you actually use in life.

🎙️ Task 1: Summarize Group Discussion

What Happens:

• You’ll hear a 2–3 minute recording of a group discussion
  
  

• You’ll get 10 seconds to prepare
  
  

• Then, you speak for 2 minutes to summarize the discussion
  
  

How to Handle It:

Listen for the big ideas. Don’t worry about remembering every detail. Focus on what each speaker says, especially differing viewpoints.

Structure your response like this:

“The discussion focused on…”
“Speaker A believed…, while Speaker B argued…”
“Overall, the conversation presented several perspectives.”

Quick Tips:

• Stay neutral—no personal opinions
  
  

• Mention at least two speakers
  
  

• Use academic language (avoid casual terms)
  
  

• Practice with YouTube panels or group interviews
  
  

🎤 Task 2: Respond to a Situation

What Happens:

• You’ll hear a 20–30 second audio describing a real-life situation
  
  

• You’ll have 10 seconds to prepare
  
  

• Then, speak for 40 seconds to give an appropriate response
  
  

How to Handle It:

Imagine yourself in that situation. How would you naturally respond? Keep it polite, calm, and practical.

A sample response flow:

“Thanks for letting me know.”
“Let me check into it and get back to you.”
“I’ll make sure this is handled quickly.”

Quick Tips:

• Use professional, natural language
  
  

• Don’t overthink—speak how you’d speak at work or school
  
  

• Record yourself practicing common daily situations
  
  

📌 Quick Recap of the New Format

Summarize Group Discussion

• Audio: 2–3 minutes
  
  

• Prep: 10 seconds
  
  

• Speak: 2 minutes
  
  

• Task: Summarize main points with neutral, formal tone
  
  

Respond to a Situation

• Audio: 20–30 seconds
  
  

• Prep: 10 seconds
  
  

• Speak: 40 seconds
  
  

• Task: Respond politely and appropriately to a scenario
  
  

📚 How to Prepare Effectively

1. Practice Active Listening

• Watch group discussions online
  
  

• Write short notes on each speaker’s view
  
  

• Try summarizing the discussion in under 2 minutes
  
  

2. Improve Spontaneous Speaking

Respond to real-life prompts like:

• “You received the wrong order.”
  
  

• “Your colleague is late to a meeting.”
  
  

• “A classmate asks for last-minute help.”
  
  

Set a timer and speak naturally.

3. Use a Solid Structure

Start with an intro, give key points, and wrap up smoothly.

Linking phrases that help:

• “In contrast…”
  
  

• “Furthermore…”
  
  

• “To sum up…”
  
  

4. Work on Pronunciation and Fluency

• Read articles aloud daily
  
  

• Use shadowing (repeat after native speakers)
  
  

• Use language tools or apps to track your clarity and pace
  
  

💬 Helpful Vocabulary and Phrases

For Summarizing:

• “The speakers had opposing views on…”
  
  

• “The conversation revolved around…”
  
  

• “There was agreement regarding…”
  
  

For Responding:

• “I completely understand your concern.”
  
  

• “Let me take care of that right away.”
  
  

• “Would you prefer a follow-up call or email?”
  
  

✅ Do’s and Don’ts

✅ Do:

• Use formal, clear language
  
  

• Practice under test-like conditions
  
  

• Keep answers structured and focused
  
  

• Mention multiple speakers in summaries
  
  

❌ Don’t:

• Share your own opinions in Task 1
  
  

• Use slang or overly casual expressions
  
  

• Waste time repeating the prompt
  
  

• Speak too fast or too slowly
  
  

🎯 Final Thoughts

The PTE Academic New Questions Format reflects how English is actually used—on campus, in meetings, or during casual conversations. With new tasks like Summarize Group Discussion and Respond to a Situation, this format doesn’t just test your English—it tests your communication skills in real time.

Start practicing today using these strategies. With regular effort, you’ll feel confident walking into the test—and even more confident using English in the real world.

Source: Angel EduNext