New PTE Update Alert: Pearson Adds Two New Tasks to the Exam

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If you are planning to take PTE Academic exam after 7th August, take note of the new PTE update. Pearson’s test of English has just made some changes and added two new question types. Along with these two changes in the task, there are other minor changes too that you need to go through. Read & know what these changes are and strategies for your preparation for PTE Academic.

Two New Question Types Added in New PTE Update:

In the new PTE update 2025, Pearson has added two new question types to the Speaking section of the exam:

Respond to a Situation:

In this task, you will be given real-life scenarios that might be related to academic intentions. To answer the question, you have to respond to the situation exactly as you would do in real life. Earlier, this question type was only in the PTE core.

For example:

“You’re running late to meet a friend. What would you say in a voicemail?”

So in this you have to explain clearly and appropriately about that moment, tone, reaction and everything that matters.

Summarize Group Discussion:

In this task, you will listen to an audio of a short group conversation (like 2-4 people talking and after hearing, you have to summarize the main points in your own words. It’s basically like sitting in on a team meeting and then quickly explaining to someone else what everyone said. Super practical and a skill you probably use way more than you think.

“Beep” in Repeat Sentence Now

Earlier, there was no sound after the audio ends of the repeat sentence, but according to the new PTE update, you will hear a “beep” sound, which will tell you when to begin speaking. No more second-guessing your timing. You just listen, wait for the beep, and start talking. Simple and clear—exactly how a test should be.

Other PTE updates That You’ll See:

Aside from the new tasks, Pearson has made a few behind-the-scenes improvements that do make the test experience a bit smoother. Let’s run through them quickly:

Changes in Checks Before You Start:

No more keyboard check.
Mic check will be done two times before the exam.

Progress Bar:

From Straight to Circular, this one is a visual change. The linear progress bar is being replaced with a circular one. It will feel less countdown like so that you will not be pressurized.

Font Sizes Are Smaller

Texts on-screen will now appear in a slightly smaller font. Although this change is almost negligible, as some are noticing it and some are not. Just make sure to get comfortable with it if you have been practicing with bigger fonts till now.

Audio Waves in Speaking Tasks

In speaking questions, you will see live audio waveforms. You will be able to see the clarity of your volume of speaking.

What Does All This PTE Update Mean for Your Preparation?

These PTE exam changes aim to make the test feel more like real real-life exam. To excel in this exam, you must streamline your preparation according to the new changes. Here is how you can do it:

Start Practicing Situational Responses

You don’t need fancy software for this. Just take any common situation—“Apologizing for being late,” “Declining an invite,” “Asking for help”—and speak out loud like you’re on the test. Record yourself if you can.

Practice Summarizing Conversations

Watch a short group conversation on YouTube. Pause it. Then explain in 20–30 seconds what each person said. That’s the exact skill you’ll need in the new task.

Practice With Mock Test:

Take real-exam like full-length mock test and get familiar with the new questions added. It will help you in knowing how to prepare for these questions to score high.

Practice On Gurully:

Gurully provides a real exam-like platform for PTE practice. You will get all the updated questions that will help you do accurate practice. With instant AI scoring, you will be able to evaluate your performance and practice accordingly.

Changes In Nutshell:

Gurully’s online platform guides students to deeply understand the exam format and provides a thorough analysis. With the latest updates, you now receive detailed feedback on your performance to help you reach your desired score. Enjoy unlimited free question-wise practice to improve each section. Along with full-length mock tests, you can also focus on section-wise tests and move closer to your target score

FAQ:

Will the PTE test be longer after the new PTE update?

Yes, since two new question types have been added, the overall test duration has been extended. It will now take approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.

How much is 6 each in PTE?

When someone says “6 each” in PTE, they’re talking about scoring at least 50 in every section—Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening. It doesn’t mean just getting an overall score of 50. You need 50 or more in all four skills individually. That’s the benchmark many people aim for when applying for visas or studying abroad.

Is PTE harder than IELTS?

Not really—it just depends on what suits you better. PTE is computer-based and fully automated, while IELTS often has a human examiner, especially for speaking. If you’re more comfortable with tech and prefer typing and AI scoring, you might find PTE easier. But if you prefer face-to-face interaction, IELTS could feel more natural. It all comes down to your comfort zone.

What are the new changes in PTE?

Starting from 7th August 2025, PTE has introduced two new question types in the Speaking section. One is called Respond to a Situation, where you'll be asked to speak naturally in response to real-life scenarios, like leaving a voicemail. The other is Summarize Group Discussion, where you listen to a short conversation among a few people and briefly explain what was discussed. These tasks are designed to make the exam feel more realistic and practical.

Does Canada accept PTE?

Yes, Canada now accepts PTE! PTE Core is approved for PR and citizenship, and PTE Academic works for student visas. So, whether you're planning to study or settle in Canada, PTE is a valid and recognized option now. Just make sure to check which version you need based on your application.

New PTE Update Alert: Pearson Adds Two New Tasks to the Exam