MAJOR UPDATE FOR PTE ACADEMIC: ARE YOU READY FOR THE NEW SPEAKING TASKS?
- Joice M. Jose MSW, GDTAS, RMA, NZLIA
- Aug 8
- 2 min read
By Joice M. Jose MSW, GDTAS
Australian Registered Migration Agent (MARN: 2318264)
New Zealand Licensed Immigration Adviser since 2011 (NZLIA # 201100295)
📱 Mob/WhatsApp/BOTIM: +61 432 847 291
📧 Email: support@fortuneimmigration.com
Starting this August 2025, the PTE Academic test is undergoing a significant update to its Speaking section. Pearson, the organization behind the test, is introducing two brand-new question types: "Respond to a Situation" and "Summarise a Group Discussion." These changes are designed to better reflect real-world communication skills and will affect test takers worldwide. If you're planning on taking the PTE soon, here's what you need to know to prepare effectively.
What are the new tasks?
Respond to a Situation: This task is designed to assess your ability to react to real-world scenarios. You will be presented with a situation, and you will need to formulate a spontaneous response. Think of it as a role-play exercise where you might need to handle a complaint, offer advice, or express an opinion politely. This change moves the test beyond simply reading aloud and repeating sentences, pushing you to demonstrate practical, conversational English skills.
Summarise a Group Discussion: This new task focuses on your ability to comprehend and synthesize information from a multi-speaker conversation. You'll listen to a discussion and then need to present a concise summary of the key points. This tests your listening and note-taking skills, along with your ability to structure a clear and coherent oral summary. This is a vital skill for anyone planning to study or work in an English-speaking environment, where group projects and meetings are common.
Why are these changes happening?
Pearson is committed to ensuring the PTE Academic test accurately reflects the real-world English skills required for success in academic and professional settings. These new tasks are a clear move towards a more authentic assessment of a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in diverse situations. They are less about memorizing templates and more about demonstrating genuine language proficiency. This is a positive development that will make your PTE score a more reliable indicator of your communication skills.
The Australian and New Zealand governments require specific English test scores for various visa categories. These new PTE changes will not alter the score requirements, but they will change how you achieve them. It's more important than ever to prepare with a clear strategy and expert guidance.
If you have any questions about these changes, how they might affect your visa application, or how to prepare effectively, please don't hesitate to reach out. At Fortune Immigration, we are dedicated to helping you navigate every step of your journey.
📱 Mob/WhatsApp/BOTIM: +61 432 847 291
📧 Email: support@fortuneimmigration.com
Disclaimer: This article is valid only at the time of initial publication and is subject to change. The content does not constitute legal advice or recommendations and should not be relied upon as such. Always seek legal and professional immigration or education advice as your situation may differ from the general guidelines provided.
