Respond to a Situation | 2025 PTE Speaking Tips
Respond to a Situation | 2025 PTE Speaking Tips

Are you preparing for the updated PTE Academic exam? One of the new tasks introduced is the “Respond to a Situation” task in the Speaking section. It may seem tricky at first, but with the right PTE Preparation strategy and a proven template, you can master it easily. In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this task, including a working template that recently helped a candidate achieve a perfect 90 in Speaking using a Pearson mock test.

What is the “Respond to a Situation” Task?

This new task is part of the PTE Speaking module. In the actual exam, you can expect 2–3 prompts for this task. Importantly, it only affects your Speaking score—not listening.

Here’s how it works:

  • You will hear or read a prompt.
  • After the prompt ends, you get 10 seconds to prepare.
  • You must respond within 40 seconds.

Proven Template to Use

This template has been tested on the Pearson mock test and has delivered perfect results. It’s simple, easy to memorize, and suitable for almost all types of scenarios.

Template:

Hi_ name of the addressee
I would like to discuss about [main topic]
Additionally, I would like to highlight that [key point or detail]
I also want to mention that I will need / can you please [request based on context]
I’ll be looking forward to hear back from you.

How to Customize the Template

  • Name/Address: Use “Hi friend,” or insert the person’s name if given.
  • Main Topic: Pick the key idea of the prompt.
  • Key Detail: Paraphrase or copy a specific part of the scenario.
  • Request Statement:
    • Use “I will need…” for strong or direct needs.
    • Use “Can you please…” for polite requests.

Real Examples

Example 1: Farewell Gift for a Friend

Prompt: Your friend is going to university next week. She is excited but sad to say goodbye. You and others are planning a gift for her new apartment. What do you suggest?

Answer Using Template:

Hi friends,
I would like to discuss about our friend who is going away to start university next week.
Additionally, I would like to highlight that I want her to have something useful for her new apartment.
I want to mention that I think a bookcase would be a thoughtful and practical gift.
I’ll be looking forward to hear back from you about your ideas.

Example 2: Dropping a Course

Prompt: You’ve decided not to take Mechanical Engineering. Your friend has recently dropped a course. Ask your friend for the procedure and refund deadline.

Answer Using Template:

Hi friend,
I want to discuss about dropping from the mechanical engineering course.
Additionally, I would like to highlight that you know the correct procedure.
I also want to mention that I’ll need you to tell me the steps to follow and the tuition refund deadline.
I’ll be looking forward to hear back from you.

Tips to Score Better

  • Use First Person: Speak naturally using “I”, not “he” or “she”.
  • Tone Appropriately: Adjust your tone depending on who you're speaking to—formal for professors, informal for friends.
  • Use Polite Language: Switch between “Can you please…” and “I will need…” as per context.
  • Include All Key Points: Don’t skip any important details from the prompt.
  • Practice without Mic: The tutor shared he didn’t use any external microphone and still scored high—so don’t overthink the equipment!

Free Practice Opportunity

As part of their student support initiative, Vision Language Experts is offering 15 days of free access to their online PTE platform.
You can visit visionlanguageexperts.com.au to sign up and practice the “Respond to a Situation” task live.

Final Words

If you’re aiming for a high score in PTE Speaking, mastering this new task is essential. The template shared here has been tested and proven. Follow it closely, practice with real prompts, and keep adjusting your tone and language based on who you're addressing.

Subscribe to the Vision Language Experts YouTube channel for more updated templates, PTE mock test reviews, and real exam tips. Don’t forget to leave a comment if you have questions or share your experience with this method.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vishal Kapoor -Author

Vishal Kapoor

(PTE & NAATI Expert)

Vishal Kapoor is having 6+ years of expertise in instructing PTE and NAATI, both in Australia and internationally, with an impressive 100% success rate among students. As a certified expert by Pearson in PTE and NAATI, Vishal Kapoor has developed a comprehensive teaching approach derived from extensive research and a wealth of teaching experience. Tailoring coaching techniques to individual skill levels and target scores, Vishal's guidance has proven instrumental in helping numerous aspirants attain their desired scores. With a commitment to personalized tips and solutions, Vishal Kapoor is dedicated to facilitating the success of those preparing for PTE and NAATI examinations.

Introducing the AI PTE Portal , meticulously designed to closely simulate the actual PTE exam experience. Crafted by Vishal Kapoor, this innovative AI portal ensures an authentic and immersive preparation environment for PTE aspirants

Call us @
+91 7508409009

vision language experts whatsapp