Students who are preparing themselves for English language proficiency through PTE must know what’s gonna change now in the exam pattern. Millions of users attempt this exam and prove their language ability to study in English-speaking countries. Now, the PTE Academic test is undergoing significant changes, particularly in the Speaking & Writing sections, from August 7, 2025. These changes include new question types, updated scoring patterns, etc. In this guide, we will provide you with the details of the changes that will help you prepare accordingly. Read on!
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As per the latest official announcement, the PTE update states that two new question types will be added to the speaking & writing sections. Initially, the test had 7 task types, and now there will be a total of 9 questions in this section. Here is the detailed overview.
In the PTE exam, summarize group discussion is a new speaking task where you listen to a short conversation between three speakers and then summarize their discussion in your own words. The goal is to demonstrate your ability to understand, synthesize, and orally communicate key information from a group discussion, all within a time limit.
Key aspects of the task:
In this task, you will listen to an audio and read a prompt that describes an everyday situation. The prompt length will be up to 60 words. After reading and listening, you have to describe what you would respond in that situation based on the scenario. Each candidate will have 10 seconds to think about the answer and then 40 seconds to answer.
Key aspects of the task:
Mock tests in PTE must be updated to reflect the recent changes in the test format. This can help students know what new things they will experience. On this basis, they will be able to prepare their strategies. Here are some key areas you should know to be clear.
New mock tests should accurately reflect the updated question types in the PTE exam. It includes scoring guidelines and the overall test structure implemented in the PTE Academic test. In short, students who want to prepare for the PTE must have updated knowledge of the format so that they can prepare themselves accordingly.
Students who have already started their preparation for the PTE exam are only familiar with the old format. But they must familiarize themselves with the updated test pattern. This can happen through updated mock tests. When they practice with a new format, it will help them reduce anxiety and build confidence before the actual exam.
In the older format, many test takers have created their strategy, and they have started practicing accordingly. With updated mock tests, they can develop effective timing strategies for each section and the respective task type, a critical factor in PTE success. After adding new question types, solving questions in the old time duration is not possible. Therefore, mock tests need to be changed.
Updated PTE mock tests are one of the crucial ways to become familiar with the new test format. There are many other benefits of using mock tests, which combine an updated format. Let’s explore more reasons why mock tests can help you score better.
The biggest advantage is to get the opportunity to practice with new question types. As mentioned earlier, now there will be two task types; therefore, you require specific skills to attempt them. Mock tests help candidates to understand the format, question requirements, and expected responses for these new question types.
Updated PTE speaking mock tests are crucial for identifying areas of improvement by providing a realistic simulation of the actual exam. These tests can help you focus on your strengths and weaknesses and offer valuable feedback for targeted practice. In short, test-takers can pinpoint specific skills that need more attention.
You can’t just use old strategies and tricks to solve questions. After introducing new questions, you must develop your strategies according to the exam format. Mock tests can create a realistic exam environment that will help you focus on your skills and how you need to mold your strategies.
Another benefit is getting instant feedback on the question you have solved in the mock test. Especially, those incorporating AI can help you prepare by pinpointing areas needing improvement and providing targeted guidance. This also allows for focused practice and faster score improvement.
Mock tests are the only way to experience the real environment before the day of the exam. In short, these can boost your confidence by providing you with a realistic approach. When you become familiar with the exam, your anxiety reduces, and you focus on performing your best, which levels up your confidence.
When choosing mock tests for the PTE speaking section and writing as well, look for features that closely mimic the real exam environment. Your tests must combine all the required things significant for preparation. Let’s know what else must be included.
At first, check for the tasks that have been added to the Speaking & Writing section. Maintaining the same difficulty level, it must include questions. It should replicate the look and feel of the actual PTE exam, including the layout, navigation, and timing mechanisms.
The scoring system should be aligned with the official Pearson PTE scoring algorithm, which provides an accurate indication of your performance. Complete details of the scoring system reveal how each task is assessed, including the weightage of different elements, such as content, grammar, vocabulary, etc.
A real interface in PTE exam preparation can help students by familiarizing them with the test environment. By stimulating the actual exam conditions, students can become comfortable with the format, instructions, and timing, leading to better performance on the real exam.
To enhance your PTE preparation, finding suitable resources is crucial. Now that you are aware of the updates that are going to be added in the exam format, you must have study material that can simulate the exam conditions accordingly. Here is a more detailed breakdown that you can do next.
Enroll for the best PTE Coaching classes online and get desire score in your first Attempt
Book Free PTE MasterclassRemember not to just practice with outdated exam material because it may not accurately reflect the current format, question types, and difficulty level. Now, scoring criteria has change, so practice with old materials may lead to an inaccurate assessment of your performance. Using them is not effective for relevant preparation and may affect your PTE results. Therefore, utilize updated mock tests and resources that combine the latest question types and exam format, from reliable platforms like Gradding.com, and ace your targeted score to stay ahead.
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