Understanding the Summarize Group Discussion in PTE Academic / UKVI

Prior to its formal intro in the PTE Academic and UKVI editions on August 7, 2025, the Summarise Group Discussion task was a practical item in the PTE test. It is presently considered an essential part of the PTE Speaking section, despite being a newly added job.
This task considers your capacity to listen to a short group discussion and summarize the essential points clearly and accurately. It considers your listening awareness, analytical skills, and spoken fluency—all required for academic and real-world communication.
You’ll be required to deliver a well-organized summary that grabs the primary ideas given by different speakers, using clear and concise language.
Excelling in this task can seriously boost your Speaking and Listening scores. With constant practice and an attentive preparation strategy, you can develop the skills to respond confidently and actually on test day.

What is the Summarize Group Discussion?

In the Summarize Group Discussion task of the PTE Academic / UKVISpeaking section you will listen to a short conversation or group discussion between multiple speakers. Your goal is to summarize the main points discussed.
For the preparation, you’ll be given 10 seconds, followed by 2 minutes to speak. Once the microphone opens, you must deliver a clear, relevant, and structured summary based on what you heard.
This task assesses your listening awareness, capacity to determine main ideas, and spoken fluency. The challenge lies in grasping the importance of the discussion and showing it in a readable, concise manner, mirroring both understanding and communication skills.
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Types of Situations in the Summarize Group Discussion Task

In the Summarize Group Discussion task of thePTE Academic / UKVI Speaking section, you will listen to conversations on a variety of topics. You can more successfully understand and summarize the key concepts if you are aware with the prevalent debate themes.
Social or Everyday Topics
These conversations centre on common topics like planning, going to events, or discussing interests.
Example: Two friends are debating where to go for a weekend trip, considering various options.
Workplace or Professional Settings
These consist of meetings about team projects, work obligations, or difficulties encountered at work.
Example: Team members are talking about deadlines and delegating tasks for an upcoming project.
Academic or Educational Topics
You may hear teachers or students speaking about projects, learning objectives, or class activities.
Example: A group of students is preparing for a group presentation and debating who will cover which matter.
Public Services or Customer Interactions
These conversations focus on identifying a problem or reaching an agreement as a group.
Example: A group is deciding how to allocate funds for a community project, considering multiple viewpoints.
Conflict Resolution or Decision-Making
These conversations focus on resolving an issue or making a group decision through discussion and compromise.
Example: A group is deciding how to allocate funds for a community project, considering multiple viewpoints.

Length and Structure of the Summarize Group Discussion Task

The Summarize Group Discussion task follows a structured format, and understanding it will help you respond more effectively.
  • Discussion Prompt: You’ll hear a short conversation involving multiple speakers discussing a specific topic or issue. The dialogue is typically concise but informative.
  • Preparation Time: After the conversation ends, you will have 10 seconds to gather your thoughts and outline your main points mentally.
  • Speaking Time: You will then have 40 seconds to summarize the key ideas, opinions, or decisions discussed, using clear, well-structured language.
Tip: Focus on identifying the main viewpoints and presenting them logically within the time limit.
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Summarize Group Discussion

In this task, you will see a text displayed on the screen. You are required to read the text aloud clearly and naturally. You will have 35 seconds to complete your reading, so focus on maintaining clarity, proper pronunciation, and a natural flow.

Sample Question 1 | # 1000001

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Sample Question 2 | # 1000002

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Tips for Acing the Summarize Group Discussion Task

Focus on Essential Topics:
To determine the main concepts, agreements, disagreements, or decisions shared by the speakers, listen carefully to the conversation
Plan Your Response Fast:
Use the 10-second preparation time to mentally outline your summary. Focus on showing the general topic, key arguments, and final takeaway.
Be Accurate and Neutral:
Summarize without counting personal views. Keep your tone neutral and proficient, capturing the spirit of what was concerned.
Keep It Clear and Structured:
For speaking, you’ll have 2 minutes. Assure your answer has a logical flow — beginning with the topic, observed by the main discussion topics, and ending with a brief conclusion.
Speak Fluently and Confidently:
Avoid hesitation and fillers. Keep a nonstop pace, speak properly, and concentrate on summarizing the discussion accurately and concisely.
With constant practice and direction to different group discussions, you’ll build the confidence required to summarize actually - ultimately increasing your score in the PTE Academic / UKVI Speaking section.

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It’s a speaking task where you summarize the primary points of a group discussion clearly and highlighting key ideas or decisions.

You can expect 2 to 3 Summarize Group Discussion tasks in the Speaking section.

To prepare before the microphone opens, you’ll have 10 seconds

No. You must finish your response in one go, once the microphone starts recording,

Topics may involve everyday, academic, or professional discussions, such as meetings, group decisions, or problem-solving strategies.

Use exact and semi-formal language, specifically if the topic has a professional or academic context.

You’ll have 2 minutes to give your summary. Keep it structured and appropriate.

Yes. Begin by stating the topic, summarize the main points discussed, and end with a brief conclusion or outcome.

If you’re silent for more than 3 seconds, the microphone will close, and your response may be marked incomplete.

Absolutely. Speaking naturally, fluently, and with appropriate intonation will improve your pronunciation and fluency score.

Yes. It will directly contribute to your Speaking & Listening scores.