Pearson has introduced major updates to the PTE Academic exam, effective 7 August 2025. These changes affect how tasks are scored, the structure of the Speaking & Writing section, and how human evaluation impacts your final results.
If you’re preparing for PTE in Pakistan, it’s crucial to understand what’s new — and how it might influence your preparation. Many students in Lahore have already started retraining at the best PTE academy in Lahore to adjust to these updates and ensure they’re using the latest materials.
1. Two New Question Types in the Speaking & Writing Section
- Respond to a Situation: Listen or read a scenario, then speak a response (around 40 seconds).
- Summarise a Group Discussion: Listen to a discussion between three people, then give a summary (around 2 minutes).
2. Changes in How Some Tasks Contribute to Individual Skills
- Read Aloud: Now counts toward Speaking only (previously Speaking + Reading).
- Answer Short Question: Now counts toward Listening only (previously Listening + Speaking).
3. Human Review Introduced for Certain Tasks
Some tasks that were previously machine-scored are now reviewed by human markers for content and coherence, especially in writing and speaking tasks.
4. Updated Score Report & Transparency
The updated score report provides more detailed breakdowns, rubric descriptions, and skill profiles, offering greater insight into performance.
5. Impacts on Visa & Immigration Requirements
These changes may affect PTE score requirements for visa and immigration purposes — especially for destinations like Australia. Always check the updated requirements before applying.
⚠️ What Hasn’t Changed
- The overall scoring scale remains 10–90.
- The test still covers the four core skills: Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening.
- If you took the exam before 7 August 2025, the previous format still applies.
Why These Changes Matter (Especially for Test Takers in Pakistan)
- The new tasks require stronger spontaneous speaking and summarising/listening skills.
- Since some tasks now count toward one skill only, focus on targeted preparation for each area.
- With human review, memorised templates may be penalised for lacking natural content.
- If you’re using PTE for visa or immigration, check the latest minimum score requirements.
- Use updated study materials and mock tests (post-August 2025) to prepare for the new format.
Preparing for the New PTE Format
To succeed in the 2025 version of PTE Academic:
- Use updated study materials aligned with the new question types.
- Focus on real-time speaking and listening practice.
- Develop content-based writing rather than memorized templates.
- Take mock tests that reflect the post-August 2025 structure.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 updates to the PTE scoring system make the test fairer but also more demanding. The inclusion of human review means you’ll need both accuracy and authenticity in your responses.
Looking for the best PTE institute in Lahore?
Hallmark Education System is your top choice for PTE preparation in Lahore. We are the registration center of PTE exam in Lahore and the pioneer institute for offering PTE classes in Lahore . This recognition proves Hallmark’s excellence as the best PTE academy in Lahore. if you need further information regarding PTE course in Lahore or PTE registration process contact our helpline.
If you’re planning to join an academy close to your location, simply search “best PTE academy near me” on Google.
