PTE: Summarize Group Discussion (New Task) — Full Detailed Guide

 

PTE: Summarize Group Discussion (New Task) — Full Detailed Guide

1. What is this task?

In this task, you will listen to a group discussion (usually 2–4 speakers) and then summarize the key points in a spoken response.

You must capture the main ideas, agreements/disagreements, and conclusions.

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2. Number of Questions

• 1 or 2 questions in the PTE exam (usually 1).
• Appears in the Listening section.

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3. Timing & Duration

Audio Length

• 2 to 3 minutes long
  (conversation between 2–4 people)

Preparation Time

• ❌ No separate preparation time

Speaking Time

• 2 minutes to speak your summary.

Total task duration

• Around 4–5 minutes per question.

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4. What Skills Are Tested?

• Listening comprehension
• Identifying main ideas
• Organizing information logically
• Pronunciation
• Fluency
• Content accuracy

This task affects both Listening and Speaking scores.

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5. Scoring Criteria

You are scored on:

Criteria	Weight
Content – Main points from discussion	High
Oral Fluency	High
Pronunciation	High
Form – Correct format (summary 20–60 seconds ideally)	Medium

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6. How to Take Notes (Best Method)

Divide your notepad into 3–4 columns:

Speaker 1 | Speaker 2 | Speaker 3 | Speaker 4

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- Main point | - Opinion | - Example | - Suggestion

Note only:

✔ Main ideas
✔ Issues/problems
✔ Solutions/recommendations
✔ Agreements/disagreements
✔ Final conclusion

Do NOT write full sentences.

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7. Structure of an Ideal Summary

Use a simple, clear 4-line structure:

Template

"The discussion was about (main topic).
Speaker 1 mentioned that (main point).
Speaker 2 added that (key idea) and agreed/disagreed with the first speaker.
Overall, the speakers discussed (conclusion/solution/opinion)."

Optional ending:

"In summary, the discussion highlighted (final message)."

This is enough for full marks.

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8. Useful Phrases

Use these to sound natural and structured:

Starting

• "The discussion was about…"
• "The speakers talked about…"
• "The group discussed…"

Showing agreement/disagreement

• "The speakers agreed that…"
• "However, one speaker disagreed by saying…"

Summarizing

• "Overall, the main concern was…"
• "In conclusion, the group emphasized…"

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9. Strategy to Score 80+

⭐ Step-by-Step Strategy

1.      Listen actively
Identify topic + 2–3 main arguments.

2.      Note each speaker’s stand
Don’t write full sentences.

3.      Identify the conflict or agreement
This is crucial for content marks.

4.      Speak clearly for 50–70 seconds
(Even though you get 2 minutes, aim for 50–70 sec)

5.      Focus on fluency
No long hesitations, no restarts.

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10. Sample Answer (Model Summary)

Topic: Remote work advantages and disadvantages

Sample Response (60 sec):

"The discussion was about the advantages and disadvantages of working from home.
The first speaker mentioned that remote work saves time and offers a better work-life balance.
The second speaker argued that working from home reduces team communication and may lower productivity. A third speaker added that companies need clear policies to make remote work effective. Overall, the speakers agreed that although remote work provides flexibility, it also brings challenges that organizations must manage."

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11. Quick Tips

• Don’t memorize; use template + notes.
• Mention all speakers, even briefly.
• Speak at a natural pace.
• Skip minor details.
• Focus on big ideas: issue → opinions → agreement/disagreement → conclusion.