PTE Academic Exam August 2025 Update: Two New Speaking Questions Explained and Scoring Guide

The PTE Academic New Questions Format will be rolled out on 7th August 2025, introducing two brand-new tasks in the Speaking section. These updates are designed to bring the exam closer to real-world academic and professional communication. So, if you're planning to take the exam after the update, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the new tasks, how they’ll be scored, and offer useful tips to help you succeed.

💡 Why Did Pearson Update the PTE Exam?

Pearson realized that language is more than just memorizing grammar rules or vocabulary. In real life, we engage in discussions, handle unexpected situations, and think on our feet. The aim of the new PTE Academic questions format is to mirror these real-world scenarios. By adding tasks that focus on active communication and critical thinking, Pearson wants to ensure the exam reflects the skills you’ll need to thrive in university, at work, and in daily life.The goal is simple: test your ability to think quickly, speak confidently, and react naturally—whether you’re in class, a meeting, or a casual conversation.

🔄 What’s Changing in the PTE Exam from August 2025?

Starting on 7th August 2025, the PTE exam will include two new Speaking tasks:

• Summarize Group Discussion
  
  
• Respond to a Situation
  
  

These tasks will assess how well you can listen, interpret, and respond in real-world situations. They’ll be based on academic discussions or everyday work-life scenarios, ensuring your English skills are tested in a practical context.

🗣️ Task 1 – Summarize Group Discussion

📌 Task Overview:

• Section: Speaking
  
  
• Audio Duration: 2–3 minutes
  
  
• Speakers: Multiple speakers in a group discussion style
  
  
• Prep Time: 10 seconds
  
  
• Speaking Time: 2 minutes (approximately)
  
  
• Word Limit: 50–70 words (recommended)
  
  
• Tone: Formal, Academic, Third-Person
  
  
• Attempts: Only 1
  
  

🎯 Key Skills Tested:

• Listening to multiple viewpoints: You’ll need to pay attention to different perspectives during the discussion.
  
  
• Identifying key ideas: Focus on the main points shared by each speaker.
  
  
• Summarizing concisely: You need to provide a clear, brief summary of the conversation.
  
  
• Using academic language: Make sure your response is formal and professional.
  
  

✅ How to Answer This Task Like a Pro:

• Take quick notes while listening. Use shorthand or symbols to jot down the most important ideas.
  
  
• Structure your response:
  
  
  • Intro: “The discussion focused on…”
    
    
  • Main points: Summarize each speaker’s contribution.
    
    
  • Conclusion: Wrap up with a general summary if you have time.
    
    
• Stay neutral and objective—do not add your personal opinions.
  
  

💡 Pro Tips:

• Use linking words like “However,” “Moreover,” and “On the other hand” to transition between ideas.
  
  
• Paraphrase to demonstrate your range of vocabulary.
  
  
• Listen to panel discussions or debates to practice summarizing various viewpoints.
  
  

🧏 Task 2 – Respond to a Situation

📌 Task Overview:

• Section: Speaking
  
  
• Audio Prompt: 20–30 seconds
  
  
• Written Scenario: Displayed after the audio prompt
  
  
• Prep Time: 10 seconds
  
  
• Speaking Time: 40 seconds
  
  
• Scoring: AI + Human (based on fluency, pronunciation, and context)
  
  

🎯 Scoring Criteria Breakdown:

• Appropriacy (6 Marks): Did you understand the situation and respond appropriately?
  
  
• Fluency (5 Marks): Was your speech smooth and natural?
  
  
• Pronunciation (5 Marks): Was your pronunciation clear and easy to understand?
  
  

🛠️ Skills Evaluated:

• Ability to respond naturally: Your ability to react appropriately to a given situation is key.
  
  
• Polite and professional tone: Being respectful and clear is essential.
  
  
• Context understanding: Make sure you interpret the situation correctly before responding.
  
  

✅ How to Respond Effectively:

• Pause and think: Take a moment to fully understand the scenario before speaking.
  
  
• Organize your answer:
  
  
  • Opening: Acknowledge the situation briefly.
    
    
  • Middle: Provide your response or action.
    
    
  • Closing: If time allows, close with a polite ending.
    
    

💡 Tips to Succeed:

• Keep your tone friendly yet professional.
  
  
• Practice speaking under pressure to improve your fluency and confidence.
  
  
• Use polite expressions common in professional and social settings, like “Could you please…” or “I’m sorry, but…”
  
  

🎯 Why These PTE Changes Matter

The PTE Academic New Questions Format shifts the focus from just testing theoretical knowledge to practical communication. These tasks assess how well you can communicate in real-world settings, whether in a group discussion, a classroom, or at work. The new format encourages you to think critically, react in real time, and convey your ideas clearly, which are all essential skills in everyday life.

📚 Preparation Tips for the Updated PTE

👂 Improve Active Listening

• Focus on the tone and meaning of what people are saying, not just the facts.
  
  
• Take notes using keywords or short phrases to save time and capture the essence of the discussion.
  
  
• Listen to talk shows, podcasts, and debates to practice identifying key ideas and summarizing them.
  
  

🗣️ Boost Speaking Fluency

• Read aloud articles or books to improve fluency and pronunciation.
  
  
• Try shadowing: Repeat after native speakers to improve your speech rate and accuracy.
  
  
• Use mock PTE tests to simulate the real exam and practice under timed conditions.
  
  

⏰ Manage Your Time Effectively

• Focus on delivering the key points rather than trying to be perfect.
  
  
• If you miss something, don’t freeze—keep speaking confidently and move on.
  
  
• Regularly practice with timed exercises to help manage your time efficiently during the exam.
  
  

📝 Key Phrases and Vocabulary to Practice

For the Respond to a Situation task, practicing common phrases will help you sound natural and professional:

• Apologizing: “I’m really sorry about that,” “Please accept my apology.”
  
  
• Making Requests: “Would it be alright if…,” “Could you possibly…?”
  
  
• Expressing Concern: “There seems to be an issue with…,” “I’m not satisfied with…”
  
  
• Seeking Help: “Could you assist me with…,” “I need help understanding…”
  
  
• Clarifying: “Could you repeat that, please?” “Sorry, I didn’t catch that.”
  
  

📌 Final Thoughts on the PTE August 2025 Update

The PTE Academic New Questions Format is a game-changer. With tasks that focus on real-world communication and practical English skills, Pearson is ensuring that you’re not just ready for the exam but for life in an English-speaking world. By practicing these new tasks and focusing on clarity, fluency, and appropriate responses, you’ll be well-prepared for success—both in your exam and in your future career.Start practicing today and get ready to ace the updated PTE exam!Source: Angel EduNext