Respond to a Situation (New)
- Task: React
to a real-life scenario (e.g. “You missed class, leave a message for your
teacher”).
- Time: 40 sec
to respond.
- Tip:
- Use natural
phrases: “I’m really sorry …”, “I’ll make sure …”
- Think: Purpose
→ Action → Politeness.
- Practice voicemail-style tasks aloud.
PTE Respond to a Situation (New)
– FULL DETAILS
1. What is this
task?
Respond
to a Situation is a new PTE Speaking task where you must react to a real-life scenario,
usually like a voicemail
or a short message.
Example:
“You missed
class. Leave a message for your teacher explaining why.”
You must speak naturally and clearly, showing good communication
skills.
2. How many
questions?
You will get 1
to 2 questions in the exam.
Most test-takers receive 1
question, but 2
is also possible.
3. Preparation time
Preparation Time: 20 seconds
During these 20 seconds, you should:
·
Understand the scenario
·
Plan your main idea
·
Think about 2–3 sentences
·
Prepare polite closing phrases
4. Answering time
Speaking Time: 40 seconds
You must finish your response
within 40 seconds.
If you stop speaking for more
than 3 seconds, the microphone will automatically close.
5. What type of
situations is given?
Common real-life scenarios:
·
Missing class/meeting
·
Canceling or rescheduling
·
Apologizing for a mistake
·
Requesting information
·
Responding to a complaint
·
Thanking someone
·
Explaining a delay
These tasks test practical communication,
not academic English.
6. Scoring system
You are scored on:
1. Content
Did you address the situation
clearly?
Did your message make sense?
2. Fluency
Did you speak smoothly without
long pauses?
3. Pronunciation
Were your words clear and
understandable?
Grammar
and vocabulary matter, but content + fluency matter more.
7. Structure to follow
(HIGH-SCORING)
Use this easy 3-step PTE structure:
Step 1 → Purpose
State why you are
calling/speaking.
Step 2 → Action / Explanation
Provide the reason or details.
Step 3 → Politeness / Future Action
End with a polite closing
sentence.
8. Example using the
structure
Situation:
“You missed class. Leave a message for your teacher explaining
why.”
Answer (40 seconds)
Hello teacher, I’m really sorry I missed today’s class. I wasn’t
feeling well, so I couldn’t attend. I’ve already asked a friend for the notes,
and I will review everything tonight. If there is any homework or extra work,
please let me know. Thank you for understanding.
9. Tips to score 80+
·
Speak slowly
and naturally
·
Don’t memorize; speak like a voicemail
·
Use polite phrases:
o “I’m
sorry…”
o “I
appreciate your help…”
o “Please
let me know…”
·
Avoid long complex sentences
·
Fill the full 40 seconds
·
Avoid silence
·
Sound confident, calm, and friendly
10. Common mistakes
to avoid
❌ Speaking too fast
❌ Long pauses
❌ Forgetting to answer the actual scenario
❌ Using overly strong vocabulary (sounds unnatural)
❌ Ending too early
❌ Being rude or direct
Summary Table
|
Feature |
Details |
|
Task Type |
Respond to a real-life scenario |
|
Preparation Time |
20 seconds |
|
Speaking Time |
40 seconds |
|
Number of Questions |
1–2 |
|
Skills Scored |
Fluency, Pronunciation, Content |
|
Difficulty |
Easy to Moderate |
|
Best Structure |
Purpose → Explanation → Politeness |
A. High-Scoring Templates for All Situations
Below are 3 universal templates you can adapt for any PTE Respond-to-a-Situation task.
1. Apology Template (use for lateness, mistakes, missed class, etc.)
“Hi, I’m really sorry about ____. I didn’t mean to cause any trouble. The reason is ____. I’ll fix it by ____. Thank you for your understanding.”
2. Request Template (for asking information, rescheduling, etc.)
“Hello, I’m calling to request ____. I need this because ____. Please let me know if there’s anything else I should do. Thank you for your help.”
3. Gratitude Template (for thanking someone)
“Hi, I just wanted to thank you for ____. It really helped me, and I appreciate your support. Please tell me if I can help you in return. Thanks again.”
B. 40-Second Practice Versions (Slow, Clear PTE Style)
Use this rhythm
Intro → Purpose → Details → Action → Politeness
C. 10 More PTE Respond-to-a-Situation Sample Questions & Answers
11. Situation
Your colleague completed part of your work while you were absent.
Thank them.
Answer:
Hi, I just wanted to say thank you for helping with my work while I was away. I
really appreciate your support and teamwork. It helped me a lot, and I’ll make
sure to return the favor whenever you need. Thanks again for being so
considerate.
12. Situation:
Your internet stopped working. Leave a message for customer
service.
Answer
Hello, I’m calling to report an issue with my internet connection. It suddenly
stopped working this afternoon, and I’ve already tried restarting the modem,
but nothing changed. Could you please check it and arrange a technician if
necessary? Thank you for your help.
13. Situation
You forgot to submit a form on time. Apologize and request another
chance.
Answer:
Hi, I’m really sorry I couldn’t submit the form on time. I had a personal
situation that delayed me. If possible, could you please allow me to submit it
now or give me a short extension? I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again. Thank
you for understanding.
14. Situation
You ordered food online, but the wrong item was delivered. Leave a
message.
Answer
Hello, I’m calling about my recent order. Unfortunately, I received the wrong
item. I ordered a vegetarian meal, but something else was delivered. Could you
please replace it or arrange a refund? I’d appreciate quick assistance. Thank
you.
15. Situation
Your friend asked you for notes, but you forgot to bring them.
Inform them.
Answer:
Hi, I just realized I forgot to bring the notes you asked for. I’m really sorry
about that. I’ll send you clear pictures as soon as I get home, or I can give
you the notebook tomorrow morning. Thanks for your patience.
16. Situation:
You want to request a day off from work. Leave a message for your
supervisor.
Answer
Hello, I’d like to request a day off tomorrow due to a personal appointment.
I’ve completed today’s tasks, and I’ll make sure nothing is delayed. Please let
me know if approval is possible. Thank you for your understanding.
17. Situation
You accidentally spilled coffee on a coworker’s files. Apologize.
Answer:
Hi, I’m really sorry, but I accidentally spilled some coffee on your files. I
feel terrible about it. I’ll reprint everything and arrange the pages the same
way. Please accept my apologies, and I’ll make sure this doesn’t happen again.
18. Situation
Your friend is stressed about exams. Leave an encouraging message.
Answer
Hey, I heard you’re feeling stressed about the exams. I just wanted to remind
you that you’ve worked really hard, and you’re fully capable. Take short
breaks, stay calm, and do your best. I’m here if you need anything. You’ve got
this!
19. Situation
You want to join a volunteer event but need more details. Leave a
message.
Answer:
Hello, I’m interested in joining the upcoming volunteer event, but I need a few
more details. Could you please send me the schedule, location, and any
materials I should bring? I’d really appreciate it. Thank you.
20. Situation
You are returning a borrowed umbrella but want to thank the
person.
Answer:
Hi, I’m returning the umbrella you lent me yesterday. Thank you so much, it
really helped in the rain. I appreciate your kindness. Let me know if I can
help you anytime. Thanks again!
Practice Model 1
“Hello, I’m calling to let you know that I missed today’s class. I’m really sorry about that. I wasn’t feeling well and couldn’t attend. I’ve already asked a friend for the notes, and I’ll study everything tonight. If there’s anything else I need to do, please tell me. Thank you for understanding.”
Practice Model 2
“Hi, thank you for inviting me to your party. I really appreciate it, but I won’t be able to attend because I have a family event at the same time. I’m sorry for the inconvenience. I hope you have an amazing evening, and I’d love to hear about it later. Thanks again.”
Practice Model 3
“Hello, I’m calling to request a change in my interview schedule. Something urgent has come up, and I can’t attend at the original time. I’m still very interested in the position and would appreciate a new slot if possible. Please let me know. Thank you.”
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