Mastering the New PTE Speaking Format: August 2025 Exam Update Uncovered
Big update ahead for all PTE test-takers! Starting August 7th, 2025, the PTE Academic exam will include two new speaking tasks that aim to test your real-world English communication. These aren’t just about pronunciation—they challenge how you think, listen, and respond naturally under pressure. To help you get ready with ease, we’ve gathered the most effective PTE Academic New Speaking Tips that will guide you through these changes and help you perform at your best.
🆕 What’s New in PTE Speaking from August 2025?
Pearson is rolling out two brand-new tasks in the Speaking section:
Summarize Group Discussion
Respond to a Situation
These additions are designed to assess your ability to:
Understand conversations involving multiple speakers
Respond appropriately and clearly
Use an academic or professional tone when speaking
It’s a shift from traditional question-answer formats to more practical, real-life communication tasks.
🗣️ Task 1 – Summarize Group Discussion
🔍 What to Expect
You’ll hear a 2–3 minute conversation among several speakers discussing a specific topic. Your task is to deliver a summary in 50–70 words, presenting the speakers’ points in a neutral, formal tone.
🧠 What This Tests
Your skill in tracking different opinions
Identifying the main message and key ideas
Summarizing clearly without personal input
✅ Tips for Success
Take quick, structured notes using initials or arrows (e.g., “S1 → supports,” “S2 → disagrees”)
Listen for linking words like “however,” “furthermore,” “on the other hand”
Begin with: “The discussion focused on…”
Present each speaker’s viewpoint in order and end with a brief wrap-up
❌ What to Avoid
Don’t include your personal opinion
Don’t blend different views together
Avoid casual language or emotional expressions
🧏 Task 2 – Respond to a Situation
🎧 What You’ll Hear
You’ll listen to a short real-life scenario—it could be a complaint, a request, or a problem. After hearing it, you’ll get 10 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to speak.
🧠 What It Measures
Your ability to quickly understand the situation
Responding politely and clearly
Speaking fluently with appropriate tone
✅ Simple Strategy to Follow
Use a 3-step structure:
Acknowledge the issue: “I understand your concern…”
Offer a solution or next step: “I’ll check on that right away…”
Close politely: “Thank you for your patience.”
❌ Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t go off-topic or improvise irrelevant content
Avoid robotic or memorized phrasing
Don’t use overly complicated vocabulary that doesn’t fit the tone
🎯 Why These New Tasks Are Important
These speaking tasks help test your real-world communication skills—like those used in:
Group projects
Workplace discussions
Customer service or team coordination
Instead of relying on scripted answers, you’re now assessed on how naturally and effectively you speak in everyday situations.
📌 PTE Academic New Speaking Tips
Here are five actionable tips to help you prepare for the updated exam:
🎧 Tip 1: Practice Active Listening
Listen to group discussions, debates, or podcasts
Focus on how speakers agree, disagree, or transition between ideas
🧱 Tip 2: Use a Response Framework
Keep it simple:
Intro – What’s the situation or topic?
Main response – What’s your message or action?
Closure – End with a polite statement
⏱️ Tip 3: Time Your Speaking
Use timers while practicing to simulate exam pressure
Practice responding in 40 seconds and summarizing in under a minute
💬 Tip 4: Speak in a Clear, Formal Tone
Avoid slang or casual terms
Use formal connectors like “Therefore,” “However,” “In contrast”
🎤 Tip 5: Shadow Native Speakers
Listen to native speakers on platforms like TED, BBC, or YouTube
Repeat after them to develop rhythm, tone, and fluency
📚 Useful Language for the New Speaking Tasks
For Summarizing Discussions:
“The discussion centered on…”
“One participant highlighted…”
“In conclusion, the group expressed varied perspectives…”
For Situational Responses:
“I completely understand your concern.”
“Would it be okay if I follow up later today?”
“Let me look into this and get back to you.”
🛠️ Resources to Practice the New PTE Speaking Format
YouTube Channels:
E2 PTE
PTE Tutorials
Mobile Apps:
PTE Tools
AI Speaking Coach
Daily Practice Ideas:
Read the news aloud to improve fluency
Record your responses to mock prompts
Pair up with a friend to role-play conversations
✅ Final Thoughts: Ready for August 2025 PTE?
The August 2025 update marks an important shift toward testing meaningful communication. These new tasks challenge you to think on your feet, speak clearly, and adapt your tone—just like you would in a real academic or workplace setting.
By following these PTE Academic New Speaking Tips, you’ll not only prepare for the exam but also develop skills that truly matter beyond test day. Start practicing now and step into your exam with confidence and clarity.