Starting 7th August 2025, the PTE Academic exam will introduce a revised Speaking section featuring two new tasks that simulate real-life communication. If you're planning to take the test after this date, it’s crucial to understand the PTE Academic New Questions Format 2025 for a successful attempt.

This update emphasizes your ability to listen, understand, and speak clearly on the spot—just as you would in academic or professional environments. In this blog, we break down what’s new, why it matters, and how you can prepare with strategy and confidence.

Why Pearson Updated the Speaking Format

This isn’t just an update for the sake of change—it’s a shift toward real-world English usage. Pearson aims to evaluate your ability to:

• Respond spontaneously to practical scenarios
  
  

• Understand and summarize ideas from different speakers
  
  

• Communicate fluently, naturally, and with clarity
  
  

These new tasks reflect how English is used in university discussions, workplace interactions, and everyday situations—making the exam more practical and relevant.

Overview of the Two New Speaking Tasks

The PTE Academic New Questions Format 2025 introduces the following:

• Summarize Group Discussion
  
  

• Respond to a Situation
  
  

Both are assessed using a combination of AI technology and human review to ensure accuracy and fairness.

Task 1: Summarize Group Discussion

What to Expect

• A 2–3 minute audio featuring 3–4 speakers discussing a topic
  
  

• 10 seconds to plan your response
  
  

• 2 minutes to deliver a structured and neutral summary
  
  

How to Approach It

• Focus on who said what—identify the key viewpoints
  
  

• Highlight agreements and disagreements
  
  

• Use a formal tone; avoid sharing personal opinions
  
  

• Keep your summary clear, concise, and objective
  
  

Speaking Blueprint

• Introduction: “The discussion focused on the topic of…”
  
  

• Body: “One speaker stated…”, “Another disagreed, suggesting…”
  
  

• Conclusion: “In summary, the group expressed various perspectives on the issue.”

Task 2: Respond to a Situation

What to Expect

• A 20–30 second recording of a real-life scenario (e.g., a complaint, question, or workplace request)
  
  

• A role description on-screen
  
  

• 10 seconds to prepare
  
  

• 40 seconds to deliver your response
  
  

How to Approach It

• Respond naturally as if the situation is real
  
  

• Be clear, polite, and solution-oriented
  
  

• Avoid rambling—one solid response is more effective than multiple weak ones
  
  

Speaking Blueprint

• Start: “Thanks for informing me about this…”
  
  

• Middle: “Let me check that for you…”
  
  

• End: “I’ll make sure it’s handled promptly.”

How to Prepare Effectively for the 2025 Update

1. Practice Note-Taking While Listening

• Watch group interviews or debates online
  
  

• Note one key point from each speaker
  
  

• Practice summarizing the discussion in your own words
  
  

2. Simulate Real-Life Scenarios

• Role-play common situations like customer queries, classroom questions, or scheduling issues
  
  

• Use a timer: 10 seconds to plan, 40 seconds to speak
  
  

• Stay focused and use natural expressions
  
  

3. Use Clear Structure and Transitions

• Examples:
  “While one speaker believed…”
  “In addition to this…”
  “To conclude…”
  
  

4. Boost Fluency and Pronunciation

• Record your answers and review for clarity and pacing
  
  

• Read aloud from news articles or podcasts daily
  
  

• Shadow native English speakers by repeating after them in real-time

What to Do on Test Day

• Stay composed when the audio begins
  
  

• Take quick notes using symbols or shorthand
  
  

• Start speaking confidently, even if your answer isn’t perfect
  
  

• Maintain a steady pace and volume
  
  

• Conclude your response cleanly—avoid trailing off

What to Avoid

• Avoid memorized responses—they sound robotic
  
  

• Don’t speak too fast or too slow—find your rhythm
  
  

• Don’t insert personal opinions in summary tasks
  
  

• Don’t ignore the prompt’s role or scenario context
  
  

• Don’t panic over missed points—focus on what you understood

Useful Phrases to Practice

For Summarizing Group Discussions:

• “There were contrasting views on…”
  
  

• “One participant emphasized…”
  
  

• “Some agreed, while others raised concerns…”
  
  

For Responding to Situations:

• “I’ll do my best to resolve this issue.”
  
  

• “Would you mind holding for a moment?”
  
  

• “Thanks for your patience—I’ll follow up shortly.”

Final Thoughts

The PTE Academic New Questions Format 2025 is a step toward a more realistic and communication-focused testing experience. Instead of rehearsed responses, it emphasizes your ability to listen, process, and speak effectively—just like you would in a university or workplace abroad.

Don’t see these changes as obstacles—see them as opportunities to prove your real-life communication skills. With daily speaking practice, smart preparation strategies, and a calm test-day mindset, you’ll be more than ready to meet the new format head-on—and score higher.