From August 7, 2025, PTE Academic will introduce new speaking tasks, updated scoring methods, and improved test materials. If you’re planning to take the test, it’s important to understand these changes and prepare early.

1. New Speaking Tasks

Two brand-new speaking tasks will be added to the test format:

a) Summarize Group Discussion

You will listen to a 2–3 minute conversation between multiple speakers and provide a 50–70 word summary. This task tests your ability to capture the key points from different viewpoints while keeping your response clear and structured.

Preparation Tip:

• Practice listening to discussions or podcasts with multiple speakers.
• Take brief notes and structure your answer logically.
• Use connectors like in addition, however, and on the other hand.

b) Respond to a Situation

You will be given a real-life scenario (spoken or written) and will have 40 seconds to respond verbally. Scoring will be based on both AI and human evaluation, focusing on fluency, appropriacy, and clarity.

Preparation Tip:

• Practice responding to common situations, such as workplace conversations or customer interactions.
• Use polite and relevant phrases that fit the situation.

2. Scoring Changes Previously, PTE Academic relied on AI scoring alone.
From August 2025, seven speaking and writing tasks (including the two new ones) will be evaluated using a combination of AI and human review.

This will ensure fairer assessment, especially for tasks involving tone, intent, and content quality.

3. Updated Preparation Materials

Official PTE preparation resources have been updated to match the new format. These include:

• Practice questions for the new task types.
• Updated scoring guides.
• Refreshed test interface for a smoother exam experience.

4. Why These Changes Matter

These updates make the test more aligned with real-world communication skills.
The new tasks focus on:

• Understanding multiple perspectives in group conversations.
• Responding naturally to everyday or workplace situations.
• Speaking clearly and effectively under time pressure.

For students, this means preparation should now focus equally on fluency, comprehension, and contextual appropriateness—not just grammar.

5. How to Prepare Effectively

Polish your speaking — Practice everyday scenarios and use natural expressions.

Start early — Get familiar with the two new speaking tasks before August.

Join guided practice sessions — Our PTE classes at Maven cover these updates in detail.

Take mock tests — Practice with timed tests that simulate the actual exam environment.

Work on listening skills — Focus on conversations with multiple speakers.

Final Advice

The PTE Academic 2025 update is designed to better assess your ability to use English in real-life contexts.
By understanding the changes and adapting your preparation now, you can walk into your test with confidence.

If you need help preparing for the new PTE format, our PTE Preparation Classes provide personalized training, mock tests, and targeted strategies for the August 2025 update.