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.
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