The New PTE Question Types 2025 are coming! Starting 7th August 2025, the Pearson Test of English (PTE) will introduce two new speaking tasks. These changes aim to test your real-world communication skills, not just your English knowledge. Whether you’re applying for universities or aiming to work abroad, these new question types will show how well you can communicate in everyday situations. In this guide, we’ll break down the changes, explain why they matter, and provide helpful tips to prepare with confidence.

🎯 Why Pearson Is Updating the PTE Exam

Pearson recognizes that language is more than just grammar—it's about communication. With these updates, they aim to assess how well candidates can:

• Understand and respond to conversations in real-life situations
  
  

• Speak clearly and naturally under pressure
  
  

• Engage effectively in academic, workplace, or casual conversations
  
  

These changes bring the exam closer to the way English is used in everyday settings like classroom discussions, meetings, and social interactions. It's no longer just about knowing English; it's about how well you can use English in real-world contexts.

🔍 Introducing the New PTE Question Types

Starting in August 2025, you will face two brand-new tasks in the Speaking section:

• Summarize Group Discussion
  
  

• Respond to a Situation
  
  

These tasks are designed to test your ability to listen, understand, and speak in a way that’s clear, fluent, and appropriate. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll encounter and how to tackle each task.

🧠 Task 1: Summarize Group Discussion

What You’ll Face:

You’ll listen to a 2–3 minute conversation between multiple speakers discussing a topic. After 10 seconds of preparation time, you’ll need to summarize the discussion in about 2 minutes.

Your Strategy:

• Take quick notes on key arguments, ideas, and any points of disagreement.
  
  

• Stay neutral and objective—this is about summarizing the discussion, not giving your own opinion.
  
  

• Begin with a simple statement: “The discussion focused on…” and then briefly outline the main points.
  
  

Pro Tips:

• Use phrases like: “One speaker pointed out…” or “Another speaker argued that…”
  
  

• Highlight contrasts between speakers’ views—this helps show that you understand the nuances of the conversation.
  
  

• Keep your tone formal and academic—avoid adding personal thoughts or opinions.
  
  

🎤 Task 2: Respond to a Situation

What You’ll Face:

You’ll hear a 20–30 second audio describing a real-world situation (like a complaint or a workplace issue). After 10 seconds to think, you’ll have 40 seconds to respond.

Your Strategy:

• Identify the issue quickly—what’s the problem or situation being described?
  
  

• Respond with empathy—acknowledge the issue and offer a clear, helpful solution.
  
  

• Close your response confidently with something like: “I’ll take care of that for you,” or “Here’s how we can resolve this.”
  
  

Pro Tips:

• Practice with role-playing—pretend to respond to scenarios like a customer complaint or a problem at work.
  
  

• Stay calm, polite, and clear—take your time to think and speak without rushing.
  
  

• Use polite, natural expressions such as: “I understand,” “Thank you for sharing that with me,” or “Let’s find a solution…”
  
  

📌 Task Format Breakdown

Summarize Group Discussion

• Audio: 2–3 minutes
  
  

• Prep Time: 10 seconds
  
  

• Speaking Time: 2 minutes
  
  

• Focus: Summarize the main arguments and viewpoints from the discussion.
  
  

Respond to a Situation

• Audio: 20–30 seconds
  
  

• Prep Time: 10 seconds
  
  

• Speaking Time: 40 seconds
  
  

• Focus: Respond clearly and empathetically to a real-world issue.
  
  

📚 How to Prepare for the New PTE Speaking Tasks

1. Practice Summarizing Group Discussions
   
   

• Listen to debates, podcasts, or discussions, and jot down the main points.
  
  

• Practice summarizing what you hear in a neutral, clear, and concise way.
  
  

2. Role-Play Real-Life Scenarios
   
   

• Act out common situations (e.g., handling a complaint or responding to a colleague’s concern) with a friend or tutor.
  
  

• Set a timer for 10 seconds of thinking and 40 seconds to respond, as you would in the exam.
  
  

3. Learn Phrases for Each Scenario
   
   

• For Summarizing Group Discussions:
  
  

• “The conversation centered around…”
  
  

• “One speaker highlighted…”
  
  

• “There was disagreement on…”
  
  

• For Responding to a Situation:
  
  

• “I understand your concern.”
  
  

• “Thank you for letting me know.”
  
  

• “Let me offer a solution…”
  
  

✅ Top Do’s for the New Format

• Do keep your tone professional, polite, and confident.
  
  

• Do use transition phrases to help guide your speech (e.g., “Firstly,” “On the other hand,” or “To summarize”).
  
  

• Do stick to the content of the audio—don’t add information that wasn’t mentioned.
  
  

• Do manage your time—make sure to finish with a clean, confident closing.
  
  

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t use slang or informal language—keep it professional.
  
  

• Don’t rush through your response or pause too long—keep a steady pace.
  
  

• Don’t add personal opinions in the Summarize Group Discussion—just focus on the discussion.
  
  

• Don’t go off-topic—always stay focused on the audio content.
  
  

💡 Extra Tips to Boost Your Score

• Practice reading news summaries aloud to work on fluency and pronunciation.
  
  

• Record yourself responding to different scenarios and listen back to identify areas for improvement.
  
  

• Shadow native speakers—repeat what they say to improve your speaking rhythm and natural flow.
  
  

• Listen to podcasts or interviews, and practice summarizing or responding to what you hear.
  
  

🎯 Final Thoughts

The New PTE Question Types 2025 mark a big shift in the way the exam tests your English skills. It’s not just about knowing grammar anymore—it’s about how well you can communicate in real-world situations. So, instead of stressing about these changes, use them as an opportunity to showcase your true speaking abilities.

With consistent practice, a clear strategy, and a calm mindset, you’ll be well on your way to acing the new tasks and making your mark on the PTE!

Source: Angel EduNext