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

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic is about to undergo a significant transformation starting on 7th August 2025. This change brings a brand-new format to the Speaking section of the test, introducing two new tasks that are designed to make the exam more relevant to real-world situations. The PTE Academic New Questions Format will focus on more practical, everyday communication, reflecting the way language is used in academic and professional settings. If you’re preparing for the PTE after this update, this guide is exactly what you need to understand the changes, scoring criteria, and how to best prepare for success.

💡 Why Did Pearson Update the PTE Exam?

Language is not just about grammar and vocabulary—it’s about communication. In the real world, we engage in discussions, handle unexpected scenarios, and need to react in the moment. Pearson has recognized this and made updates to the PTE to reflect the way language is actually used in daily life. The new format focuses on:

• Simulating real academic and workplace conversations.
  
  

• Testing your ability to think and speak on the spot.
  
  

• Evaluating practical language skills rather than just memorization.
  
  

This update is designed to ensure that you can communicate effectively, not just pass a test.

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

Starting 7th August 2025, there will be two new Speaking tasks added to the exam:

• Summarize Group Discussion
  
  

• Respond to a Situation
  
  

These tasks are intended to test your listening, comprehension, and speaking skills in realistic scenarios—skills that are highly valued by universities and workplaces around the world.

🗣️ Task 1 – Summarize Group Discussion

📌 Task Overview

• Section: Speaking
  
  

• Audio Duration: 2–3 minutes
  
  

• Speakers: Multiple (group discussion style)
  
  

• Prep Time: 10 seconds
  
  

• Speaking Time: Approx. 2 minutes
  
  

• Word Limit: 50–70 words (suggested)
  
  

• Tone: Formal, Academic, Third-Person
  
  

• Attempts: Only 1
  
  

🎯 Key Skills Tested:

• Listening to multiple viewpoints: You'll need to understand a variety of opinions.
  
  

• Identifying key points: Summarize the main ideas, not every little detail.
  
  

• Summarizing clearly and concisely: Express ideas in a brief yet complete manner.
  
  

• Speaking fluently using academic vocabulary: Keep your language formal and appropriate for academic settings.
  
  

✅ How to Answer This Task Like a Pro:

• Take quick notes while listening. Use symbols and abbreviations to save time.
  
  

• Structure your response with a clear flow:
  
  

  • Introduction: "The discussion focused on..."
    
    

  • Main Points: Briefly mention what each speaker contributed.
    
    

  • Conclusion: End with a general summary if you have time.
    
    

• Stay neutral and objective—avoid adding your personal opinions.
  
  

💡 Pro Tips:

• Use connectors like “However,” “In contrast,” “Additionally,” and “Moreover” to add flow to your response.
  
  

• Paraphrase ideas to show your range of vocabulary.
  
  

• Practice by listening to panel discussions, podcasts, or debates to get a feel for the format.
  
  

🧏 Task 2 – Respond to a Situation

📌 Task Overview

• Section: Speaking
  
  

• Audio Prompt: 20–30 seconds
  
  

• Written Scenario: Displayed afterward
  
  

• 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 scenario and respond appropriately?
  
  

• Fluency (5 Marks): Was your response smooth and natural?
  
  

• Pronunciation (5 Marks): Were you clear and understandable?
  
  

🛠️ Skills Evaluated:

• Ability to respond naturally to real-life situations: The exam will test how well you handle real-world scenarios.
  
  

• Use of polite and effective expressions: You need to express yourself appropriately in different social contexts.
  
  

• Accurate interpretation of context: Respond accurately based on the situation presented.
  
  

✅ How to Respond Effectively:

• Understand the scenario: Take a moment to grasp the situation before speaking.
  
  

• Organize your response:
  
  

  • Opening line: Acknowledge the situation.
    
    

  • Middle: Provide your response or suggested action.
    
    

  • Closing: Add a polite close if you have time.
    
    

💡 Tips to Succeed:

• Keep your tone friendly but professional.
  
  

• Practice speaking under time pressure—don’t get stuck trying to find the perfect words.
  
  

• Use phrases common in everyday and professional conversations.
  
  

🎯 Why These PTE Changes Matter

These changes aren’t just about adding new tasks—they make the PTE exam much closer to how language is actually used in the world today. By emphasizing critical thinking, real-time reactions, and practical communication, the updated PTE format ensures that you’ll be able to thrive in both academic and professional environments after the exam. You’re not just being tested on your English knowledge—you’re being tested on how well you can use English in real life.

📚 Preparation Tips for the Updated PTE

👂 Improve Active Listening

• Focus on tone, stress, and opinions—don’t just listen for facts.
  
  

• Use keywords instead of writing full sentences when taking notes.
  
  

• Try listening to debates or discussions to mimic the format of the new task.
  
  

🗣️ Boost Speaking Fluency

• Read news articles out loud daily to build fluency.
  
  

• Try shadowing—repeat what native speakers say in real-time.
  
  

• Use PTE mock test platforms to simulate real situations and practice timing.
  
  

⏰ Manage Your Time Effectively

• Familiarize yourself with the time limits so you don’t feel rushed.
  
  

• Focus on delivering the key points rather than trying to be perfect.
  
  

• If you miss something, don’t freeze—keep going.
  
  

📝 Key Phrases and Vocabulary to Practice

Here are some phrases that will be useful in your Respond to a Situation task:

• 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 a problem with...,” “I’m not quite 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

This isn’t just a minor update—it’s a significant change that will make the PTE more realistic and relevant. Pearson has revamped the Speaking section to ensure that it evaluates your ability to communicate in real-world situations, both academically and professionally. Start preparing today by practicing these new tasks, getting comfortable with speaking under time pressure, and mastering the vocabulary you’ll need.