PTE Academic Exam August 2025 Update: Two New Speaking Questions Explained and Scoring Guide
Starting 7th August 2025, the PTE Academic New Questions Format will introduce two brand-new tasks in the Speaking section. These updates are designed to make the exam more aligned with real-world academic and professional communication. If you plan to take the PTE after this update, this guide will help you get prepared. We’ll walk you through the details of the changes, how the new tasks will be scored, and provide practical tips so you can perform your best.
💡 Why Did Pearson Update the PTE Exam?
The goal behind this update is simple: language skills are about communication in real situations, not just memorizing grammar rules. Pearson recognized that language learners don’t just need to know English—they need to be able to use it effectively in everyday situations. The new PTE Academic questions format is focused on your ability to engage in real-time conversations, whether in academic discussions or in a professional setting.
The changes are designed to:
Test practical English skills that are used in group discussions, meetings, and work environments.
Evaluate your ability to think quickly and speak naturally, just like you would in real life.
Move away from rote memorization and instead test the skills you will need in the classroom, at work, and in your personal life.
🔄 What’s Changing in the PTE Exam from August 2025?
The PTE Academic will feature two new Speaking tasks starting in August 2025:
Summarize Group Discussion
Respond to a Situation
These changes are meant to reflect real-life scenarios that you might face in both academic and professional environments, allowing you to showcase your English communication skills in a more practical and authentic way.
🗣️ Task 1 – Summarize Group Discussion
📌 Task Overview:
Section: Speaking
Audio Duration: 2–3 minutes
Speakers: Multiple participants in a group discussion
Prep Time: 10 seconds
Speaking Time: 2 minutes (approximately)
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 different perspectives in the discussion.
Identifying key points: Focus on summarizing the most important ideas.
Clear and concise summarization: Deliver a focused summary without adding your personal opinions.
Using academic vocabulary: Your response should be professional and formal.
✅ How to Answer This Task Like a Pro:
Take notes: Use shorthand or abbreviations to jot down important points while listening.
Organize your response:
Introduction: “The discussion focused on…”
Main points: Summarize what each speaker contributed.
Conclusion: If time allows, wrap up with a final statement.
Keep it neutral—avoid offering your personal views or judgments.
💡 Pro Tips:
Use linking phrases like “However,” “In contrast,” and “Moreover” to structure your response effectively.
Paraphrase ideas instead of repeating exactly what was said to show your language range.
Listen to group discussions or debates to practice identifying key arguments and summarizing them effectively.
🧏 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 appropriateness)
🎯 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): Was your pronunciation clear and easy to understand?
🛠️ Skills Evaluated:
Quick, natural responses: Respond appropriately to real-world situations without hesitation.
Professional and polite tone: Use polite language in a clear, respectful way.
Context comprehension: Ensure your response fits the given scenario.
✅ How to Respond Effectively:
Pause and think: Take a moment to understand the situation before you speak.
Structure your answer:
Opening: Acknowledge the situation briefly.
Middle: Offer your response or action.
Closing: If time allows, conclude with a polite ending.
💡 Tips to Succeed:
Keep your tone friendly yet professional.
Practice under time pressure to boost fluency and confidence.
Use common expressions for professional and casual conversations, such as “Could you please…” or “I’m sorry, but…”
🎯 Why These PTE Changes Matter
The PTE Academic New Questions Format is a big shift towards testing practical English skills. Rather than focusing on memorized knowledge, these tasks evaluate your ability to communicate effectively and quickly in real-world scenarios. Pearson is making sure that the test mirrors situations you might face in university, work, and daily life, pushing you to think critically, react promptly, and speak naturally.
📚 Preparation Tips for the Updated PTE
👂 Improve Active Listening
Focus on tone, stress, and opinion while listening, not just the facts.
Take quick notes by writing down key ideas, not full sentences.
Listen to panel discussions or podcasts to improve your ability to summarize different viewpoints.
🗣️ Boost Speaking Fluency
Read aloud to improve fluency and pronunciation.
Try shadowing: Repeat what native speakers say to improve your speech speed and clarity.
Use mock PTE tests to practice and get used to the time constraints.
⏰ Manage Your Time Effectively
Focus on getting the key points across rather than aiming for perfection.
If you miss something, don’t freeze—move on and continue speaking confidently.
Practice under timed conditions to ensure you can complete each task on time.
📝 Key Phrases and Vocabulary to Practice
For the Respond to a Situation task, these phrases will help you sound natural and confident:
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 happy 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 marks a significant change in how the exam tests English. By focusing on practical communication and real-world scenarios, Pearson is ensuring that you’re not just prepared for the exam, but for life in an English-speaking world. These updates are a fantastic opportunity to showcase your ability to think quickly, speak clearly, and respond naturally—skills you’ll need for success both in and outside of the classroom.
Start practicing these new tasks, and you’ll not only be prepared for the PTE exam but ready for success in your academic career and professional life.
Source: Angel EduNext