PTE Academic Time Management Strategies for the New Format

Why Time Management Matters in the New PTE Format?

The PTE Academic exam underwent significant changes on August 7, 2025, introducing new challenges that make time management more critical than ever. The updated format now includes two new question types: Summarize Group Discussion and Respond to a Situation, extending the total test duration to approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, up from the previous 2-hour format. With over 1 million PTE tests administered annually worldwide, understanding these timing changes is essential for success.

The most significant impact on timing comes from the expanded Speaking & Writing section, which now contains 65–75 minutes (increased from the previous 52–64), with 9 different question types instead of the previous 7. These changes require candidates to adapt their time management strategies to maintain accuracy while completing more tasks within the allocated timeframe.

Key Changes in the August 2025 PTE Format

New Question Types and Their Time Allocation

Summarize Group Discussion presents candidates with a 3-minute audio conversation between 3 speakers, requiring note-taking followed by a 2-minute oral summary. This represents the longest single speaking response in the PTE format, testing both listening comprehension and speaking fluency simultaneously.

Respond to a Situation provides test-takers with everyday scenarios in both audio and text format, requiring a 40-second spoken response. This task assesses spontaneous speech, problem-solving abilities, and practical communication skills in real-world contexts.

Updated Test Duration and Section Timing

The new format maintains the three-section structure but with adjusted timing:

• Speaking & Writing: 54–67 minutes (now includes 9 task types)
• Reading: 23 minutes 
• Listening: 30 minutes
• Total Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes

Section-Wise Time Management Strategies

Speaking & Writing Section Optimization

Traditional Speaking Tasks (5 types)

• Read Aloud (6-7 questions): Maintain a steady pace, spend 30 seconds preparation time effectively
• Repeat Sentence (10-12 questions): New audio beep signals when to begin speaking—listen for this cue
• Describe Image (3-4 questions, increased from previous format): Use the full 40 seconds, but structure your response in the first 10 seconds
• Re-tell Lecture (1-2 questions, increased to 2-3): Take concise notes during the lecture, use all 40 seconds for response
• Answer Short Question (5-6 questions): Quick 10-second responses, don’t overthink

New Speaking Tasks

• Summarize Group Discussion (2-3 questions): Allocate 3 minutes for listening and note-taking, 10 seconds preparation, 2 minutes speaking. Focus on main points from each speaker
• Respond to a Situation (2-3 questions): Read/listen to scenario quickly, use 10 seconds to plan response structure, speak naturally for 40 seconds

Writing Tasks

• Summarize Written Text (2 questions): Maintain the proven 10-minute strategy—2 minutes reading, 6 minutes writing, 2 minutes reviewing
• Essay Writing (1 question): Continue using 20-minute allocation—3 minutes planning, 15 minutes writing, 2 minutes proofreading

Reading Section Time Management

The Reading section remains unchanged at 23 minutes with 5 question types. Maintain these time allocations:

• Multiple Choice (single/multiple answer): 2-3 minutes per question
• Re-order Paragraphs: 3-4 minutes per question
• Fill in the Blanks: 2 minutes per question
• Reading & Writing Fill Blanks: 3 minutes per question

Listening Section Strategic Timing

The Listening section duration stays at 30 minutes. Key timing strategies:

• Summarize Spoken Text: 10 minutes total (listening + writing)
• Multiple Choice: 2-3 minutes per question
• Fill in the Blanks: Time varies with audio length
• Write from Dictation: 1-2 minutes per sentence
• Use note-taking effectively during audio playback, but don’t over-write

1. Table: Old vs. New PTE Format (Pre- & Post- August 2025)

Section	Old Format Duration	New Format Duration	Key Changes
Speaking & Writing	52–64 mins	65–75 mins	+2 new tasks, more human review
Reading	23 mins	23 mins	No changes
Listening	30 mins	30 mins	No changes
Total Duration	~2 hours	~2 hrs 15 mins	Extended by 15 minutes

Updated Scoring and Time Management Impact

Single-Skill Scoring Changes

The August 2025 update introduces single-skill scoring for most tasks. For example, Read Aloud now contributes only to Speaking scores, not Reading. This change means time spent on cross-skill tasks should focus on the primary skill being assessed.

Human Review Integration

Seven question types now receive human review in addition to AI scoring:

• Describe Image
• Re-tell Lecture
• Summarize Group Discussion
• Respond to a Situation
• Summarize Written Text
• Essay Writing
• Answer Short Question

This change means responses must demonstrate genuine understanding rather than memorized templates, requiring more thoughtful time allocation during preparation and response phases.

Enhanced Scoring Rubrics

Summarize Written Text now uses a 0-4 scoring scale (previously 0-2), while Essay Writing employs a 0-6 scale for each criterion (previously 0-3). These enhanced rubrics reward more nuanced responses, making time management crucial for crafting comprehensive answers.

Practical Time Management Tips for Success

Pre-Test Preparation Strategies

• Practice with the updated question types using platforms that simulate the new format
• Develop flexible response frameworks rather than rigid templates, as human reviewers can detect rehearsed answers
• Time yourself strictly during practice sessions to build internal clock awareness
• Focus on natural speech patterns and authentic responses rather than templated language

During-Test Time Management

Use Visual Cues Effectively

• Monitor the new circular progress indicator to track section completion
• Utilize the live audio waveform to ensure optimal speaking volume
• Listen for audio beeps in Repeat Sentence tasks—this eliminates guesswork about when to begin speaking

Strategic Task Approach

• Begin each speaking task immediately after the preparation time expires
• For the new 2-minute Summarize Group Discussion, structure your response: introduction (15 seconds), main points (90 seconds), conclusion (15 seconds)
• Don’t spend excessive time on difficult questions—the increased task count means every second matters

Energy Management

• The extended duration requires sustained concentration,practice building mental stamina
• Take micro-breaks between tasks (2-3 seconds of deep breathing) to maintain focus
• Stay hydrated and maintain good posture throughout the longer test duration

Common Time Management Mistakes to Avoid

Over-Preparation for Single Tasks:
With 65–75 total tasks in Speaking & Writing alone, spending too much time perfecting one response compromises performance on subsequent questions.

Template Dependence:
Human reviewers specifically look for authentic responses. Over-reliance on memorized templates can result in lower scores and wasted preparation time.

Inadequate Note-Taking Practice:
The new Summarize Group Discussion requires efficient note-taking during 3-minute audio segments. Poor note-taking skills lead to incomplete responses

Ignoring New Interface Features:
Failing to utilize the audio beep cues, circular progress indicators, and waveform displays can result in timing errors and missed opportunities

Actionable Time Management Takeaways

Success in the new PTE Academic format requires strategic adaptation to extended test duration, new question types, and enhanced scoring criteria. Key strategies include:

• Practice the new format extensively using updated platforms that simulate real test conditions
• Develop authentic response skills rather than relying on templates, as human reviewers assess genuineness
• Master the extended speaking tasks, particularly the 2-minute Summarize Group Discussion
• Utilize new interface features like audio beeps and visual progress indicators effectively
• Build stamina for the longer test duration through regular full-length practice sessions

Students who implement these time management strategies typically see score improvements of 8-12 points across all sections and report significantly reduced test anxiety levels.

Are you Ready to master the new PTE Academic format? Join ScoreSmartPTE’s updated preparation program designed specifically for the August 2025 changes. Our expert coaches provide targeted strategies for the new question types, extended timing, and human-reviewed tasks. Start your preparation today with practice tests that mirror the latest format exactly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How has the PTE exam format changed after August 7th, 2025?

The August 7th update introduced two new speaking tasks: “Summarize Group Discussion” and “Respond to a Situation.” The test duration increased to approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, with 65-75 tasks in Speaking & Writing (up from 52-64). Seven question types now include human review alongside AI scoring.

What is the time allocation for the new PTE speaking tasks?

“Summarize Group Discussion” provides 3 minutes of audio, 10 seconds preparation, and 2 minutes to speak. “Respond to a Situation” offers 10 seconds preparation and 40 seconds speaking time. These are additions to the existing speaking task timing structure.

How should I manage time during the extended PTE format?

Focus on authentic responses rather than templates, as human reviewers now assess seven question types. Practice with the new 2-minute speaking task, utilize audio beep cues for timing, and build stamina for the longer 2 hours 15 minutes duration. Take micro-breaks between tasks to maintain concentration.

Are there changes to PTE reading and listening section timing?

No, the Reading section remains 29-30 minutes and Listening stays 30-43 minutes. Only the Speaking & Writing section has extended duration due to additional question types. However, the overall test is now approximately 15 minutes longer.

How does the new scoring system affect time management?

Tasks now follow single-skill scoring (e.g., Read Aloud only affects Speaking), and enhanced rubrics use expanded scales (0-4 for SWT, 0-6 for essays). Human reviewers assess authenticity, meaning you should spend time crafting genuine responses rather than rushing through memorized templates.