PTE Academic 2026 – Respond to a Situation
The "Respond to a
Situation" task is a new addition to the PTE Speaking section,
introduced in August 2025. It tests your ability to communicate
naturally and appropriately in everyday scenarios.
📝 Task Definition & Format
This task simulates a real-life
interaction where you must deliver a spoken response to a given scenario. You
will see a short text prompt (up to 60 words) describing a situation and
hear it played as an audio.
Here
is the key format information for 2026:
|
Feature |
Detail |
|
Task Type |
Speaking (new from August 2025) |
|
What you receive |
A written and audio scenario
describing a real-world situation |
|
Preparation Time |
10 seconds for PTE Academic and
UKVI; 20 seconds for PTE Core |
|
Response Time |
40 seconds to record your spoken
response |
|
Target Response Length |
Approximately 30–40 words (4–6
sentences) |
|
Number of Questions |
2 to 3 questions per exam |
|
Skills Assessed |
Speaking (Oral Fluency,
Pronunciation) |
|
Recording Attempts |
Only one recording is allowed |
💯 Scoring Criteria
The task is scored using a partial
credit system based on three key traits:
Appropriacy
(0–3 or 0–6)
Your ability to use language that is
relevant and appropriate to the situation and the person you are addressing.
This includes:
- Using the correct formal or informal register.
- Clearly and politely expressing the function of your
response (e.g., request, apology, suggestion).
Oral
Fluency (0–5)
The smoothness, rhythm, and natural
flow of your speech. You should minimize hesitations, repetitions, and false
starts.
Pronunciation
(0–5)
The clarity and understandability of
your speech, including proper word stress, intonation, and pronunciation of vowels
and consonants.
Note on 2026 Scoring: Starting in 2025, the Content component is
reviewed by both AI and a human examiner as part of a hybrid
scoring model. If the AI and human scores disagree, a second human examiner
makes the final judgment.
✨ Useful Tips for 2026
To excel in this task, follow these
strategies:
Read
and Listen Carefully
Understand:
- Who are
you speaking to?
- What
is the context?
- Why are
you being asked to respond?
Identify
the Tone
Determine whether the context is:
Formal
Examples:
- Manager
- Professor
- Client
Use phrases like:
- "I would appreciate it if..."
- "Would it be possible to..."
Informal
Examples:
- Friend
- Classmate
Use phrases like:
- "Hey, thanks for asking!"
- "No worries at all. How about we..."
Plan
Your Response in 3 Seconds
Use the short preparation time to
organize your response:
- Opening (acknowledge the situation)
- Main point (your response)
- Closing (polite ending)
Speak
Naturally
Your goal is to sound like you are
having a real conversation. Avoid robotic or memorized scripts, as the scoring
system can identify them.
Avoid
Long Pauses
If you remain silent for more
than 3 seconds, the microphone will automatically shut off.
📚 Sample Questions and Answers
Sample
Question 1: Academic Context
Prompt:
Your assignment is due this Friday,
but you have been unwell for the past three days and have not been able to
complete it. Speak to your professor and request an extension.
Model
Response
"Good morning, Professor
Williams. I wanted to speak with you about the assignment due this Friday.
Unfortunately, I've been quite unwell for the past three days, which has
significantly affected my ability to work on it. I have a medical certificate
that I can provide as evidence. Would it be possible to get an extension of
three or four days? I want to submit quality work, and I'm confident I can
complete it by early next week. Thank you for considering my request."
Why
this works
- The tone is appropriately formal for a professor.
- It explains the reason.
- It offers evidence.
- It suggests a specific timeframe.
- It remains polite throughout.
Sample
Question 2: Social Context
Prompt:
Your friend has invited you to a
birthday party this Saturday evening. However, you have already committed to
helping another friend move into a new apartment that same evening. Decline the
invitation politely.
Model
Response
"Hey, thanks so much for the
invite! I'd honestly love to come to your birthday party—it sounds like it's
going to be a great time. Unfortunately, I already promised another friend I'd
help them move into their new place on Saturday evening, and I can't really
back out of that commitment. I feel bad about missing it, but I hope you have
an amazing celebration. Let's definitely catch up soon!"
Why
this works
- The tone is appropriately informal for a friend.
- It acknowledges the invitation.
- It explains the scheduling conflict clearly.
- It ends on a positive and friendly note.
📚 Additional Sample Prompt
Prompt:
You are the captain of a community
sports team and have provided team equipment for everyone's use. After a few
weeks, you notice that the equipment is often left outside, not stored
properly, and some items are starting to show wear and tear much faster than
expected. What would you say to your team?
15 Highly Authentic, Exam-Style PTE "Respond to a
Situation" Tasks (2026)
These are designed to mirror the 2026
exam pattern (10 seconds prep, 40 seconds response, 30–40 words). Each
answer is crafted for a high score—demonstrating perfect appropriacy
(formal/informal register), oral fluency, and clear pronunciation.
Category 1: Academic & University Scenarios
(Formal)
Situation
1: Group Project Conflict
Prompt: You are working on a university group project. One member
has not been attending meetings or contributing to the work. The final
presentation is in two days. Speak to this student to address the issue.
High-Score
Answer:
"Hi, I’d like to discuss the
group project with you. We’ve noticed you haven’t been able to join our
meetings or contribute to the research yet. Since the presentation is on
Thursday, we are getting quite worried about our readiness. Could we set aside
an hour today to quickly get you up to speed? We really need everyone’s input
to make this work. Please let us know what time suits you."
Situation
2: Requesting a Deadline Extension
Prompt: Your final thesis draft is due tomorrow morning. Your
computer crashed yesterday, and you lost two chapters of your work. You have
recovered the files but need more time to rewrite the conclusion. Speak to your
thesis advisor.
High-Score
Answer:
"Good morning, Professor Chen.
I’m contacting you regarding my thesis submission deadline. Unfortunately, my
laptop crashed yesterday, and I lost a significant portion of my final
chapters. I have managed to recover the data, but I need an extra 48 hours to
properly reconstruct my conclusion and bibliography. I would be deeply grateful
if you could grant me a short extension until Monday morning."
Situation
3: Asking for a Reference Letter
Prompt: You are applying for a prestigious scholarship that
requires an academic reference. You took a professor's class last semester and
received an A. You need to ask them for a recommendation, but the deadline is
very soon.
High-Score
Answer:
"Professor Davis, I hope you
are well. I am applying for the Global Leaders Scholarship, and I was hoping
you might consider writing a recommendation letter for me. I really enjoyed
your Advanced Economics class last semester and valued your teaching. The
deadline is this Friday, so I understand it is quite urgent. I have attached my
CV and personal statement to this email for your convenience. Thank you for
your time."
Situation
4: Library Fine Dispute
Prompt: You returned a library book on time using the dropbox, but
you have just received a fine notice for an overdue book. You are sure you
returned it. Speak to the librarian.
High-Score
Answer:
"Excuse me, could you please
help me with a fine on my account? I received a notification about an overdue
book, but I am certain I returned it via the drop box last Tuesday, which was
before the due date. Would you mind checking the return records or the shelf
for that specific ISBN? I would really appreciate it if you could waive this
fine, as I am a very diligent student and have never had an overdue book
before."
Situation
5: Missing Lecture Material
Prompt: You missed an important guest lecture last week because you
were sick. The guest lecturer shared a specific case study that will be on the
final exam. Ask your classmate for their notes.
High-Score
Answer:
"Hey, I heard yesterday's guest
lecture was incredibly useful for the exam. I was unfortunately sick in bed
with the flu and completely missed it. I know the professor mentioned a
specific case study on artificial intelligence. Would you mind if I borrowed
your notes for just a day to copy down that case study? I can buy you a coffee
as a thank you."
Category 2: Workplace & Professional Scenarios
(Formal)
Situation
6: Rescheduling a Client Meeting
Prompt: You have a critical meeting with a client scheduled for 3
PM today. However, your CEO has just called an urgent all-staff meeting that
conflicts. You must reschedule with the client.
High-Score
Answer:
"Good afternoon, Mr. Thompson.
This is Sarah from your account team. I am calling regarding our 3 PM meeting
today. Unfortunately, an urgent internal matter has arisen, and I must
reschedule our appointment. I sincerely apologize for the last-minute change.
Would you be available tomorrow morning at 10 AM instead? I have already
prepared the proposal and can send it over via email right now for your
review."
Situation
7: Explaining a Mistake to Your Boss
Prompt: You accidentally sent a confidential internal report to a
major external supplier via email. You realized the mistake immediately and
recalled the email. Speak to your manager to explain.
High-Score
Answer:
"Hello, Mr. Henderson. I need
to inform you about an error I just made. I accidentally attached an internal
quarterly report to an email intended for our supplier. I realized it within
thirty seconds and used the recall function, but I’m not entirely sure if it
worked. I just wanted to be fully transparent with you about the situation and
take full responsibility. I am now double-checking all outgoing attachments
before hitting send."
Situation
8: Negotiating a Project Deadline
Prompt: Your team has been given a massive project with a two-week
deadline. You know from experience this project requires at least three weeks
to do quality work. Speak to your project manager.
High-Score
Answer:
"I would like to discuss the
timeline for the new marketing campaign. While we are very excited about this
project, our team is currently analyzing the scope, and we believe the two-week
deadline might compromise the data quality. We are confident we can deliver
exceptional results, but we would need a three-week timeframe to complete the
thorough market analysis. Would you be open to extending the deadline by just
one week to ensure the highest standard?"
Situation
9: Professional Networking
Prompt: You are at a business conference. You see a senior
executive from a company you really admire. You have 30 seconds to introduce
yourself and make a good impression.
High-Score
Answer:
"Excuse me, Ms. Foster? My name
is Alex Chen, and I’m a huge admirer of your work in sustainable energy. I'm a
recent graduate and just started at GreenTech Solutions. I actually read your
recent article on renewable grids, and it inspired our new internship program.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the current panel discussion if you have a
moment to chat later."
Situation
10: Requesting a Transfer
Prompt: You have been working in the accounting department for two
years. You want to move to the marketing department because it aligns better
with your skills. Speak to HR.
High-Score
Answer:
"Good morning. I’d like to
discuss a potential internal transfer opportunity. I've been with accounting
for two years and have learned a great deal, however, my passion truly lies in
digital marketing and content creation. I believe my skills in data analysis
combined with my creative side would be a valuable asset to the marketing team.
Could we explore the possibility of a cross-training program or a future
vacancy?"
Situation
11: Asking a Neighbor for a Favor
Prompt: You are going on vacation for a week. You forgot that you
have several potted plants on your balcony that need daily watering. Ask your
neighbor for help.
High-Score
Answer:
"Hi Maria, how are you? I have
a small favor to ask. I'm heading out of town for a week tomorrow, and I
completely forgot about my plants on the balcony. They are very fragile and need
water every morning. Would you possibly mind watering them for me while I'm
gone? I'll leave the balcony door unlocked for you. I'd be so grateful!"
Situation
12: Complimenting a Friend’s Food
Prompt: Your friend invited you over for dinner and cooked a new
recipe. You really love the dish. Show your appreciation.
High-Score
Answer:
"Oh wow, this is absolutely
delicious! Honestly, this is one of the best pasta dishes I've had in a long
time. The sauce is so rich and flavorful. You have to give me the recipe for
this. Thank you so much for inviting me over and going to all this trouble. You
are an incredible cook!"
Situation
13: Declining an Expensive Outing
Prompt: Your friends want to go to a very expensive restaurant for
dinner this weekend. You are currently saving money for a car and cannot afford
it. Suggest an alternative.
High-Score
Answer:
"Hey guys, that restaurant
looks amazing, but it's a bit out of my budget right now since I'm saving up
for a new car. I really don't want to miss out on hanging out, though. What if
we try that new burger place downtown instead? It’s way cheaper and has great
reviews. Or we could even do a potluck at my place!"
Situation
14: Apologizing to a Roommate
Prompt: You accidentally used your roommate's expensive shampoo and
finished the bottle. Your roommate is particular about their things. Apologize.
High-Score
Answer:
"Hey, I am so sorry. I ran out
of my own shampoo this morning and grabbed yours without thinking, and I ended
up using the last of it. That was really thoughtless of me, and I know you love
that brand. I already ordered a new bottle online for you. It should arrive
tomorrow. I'm really sorry about that."
Situation
15: Helping a Lost Tourist
Prompt: A lost tourist on the street asks you for directions to the
nearest train station. You know it is a 10-minute walk straight ahead. Give
clear directions.
High-Score
Answer:
"Of course, I can help you with
that. The train station isn't too far from here. Just go straight down this
main road for about ten minutes. You will pass a big supermarket on your left.
Keep walking until you see a large clock tower. The station entrance is right
underneath that clock tower. You really can't miss it. Have a safe trip!"
Category 1: Workplace & Professional (Formal
Register)
Situation
16: Handling an Overworked Employee
Prompt: You are a team leader. One of your best employees has been
working overtime for a month and looks exhausted. Their productivity is
dropping. You need to have a supportive conversation with them.
High-Score
Answer:
"Sarah, I wanted to check in
with you because I've noticed you've been staying very late for the past few
weeks. While I truly appreciate your dedication, I'm concerned about your
wellbeing and the quality of your work. You look exhausted. Let's discuss
redistributing some of your tasks to other team members so you can take a
proper break. Your health is our priority here."
Situation
17: Responding to a Customer Complaint
Prompt: A customer is furious because the product they received is
damaged. They are yelling on the phone. You must calm them down and offer a
solution.
High-Score
Answer:
"Sir, I completely understand
your frustration, and I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this has
caused. Receiving a damaged product is absolutely unacceptable. I am going to
escalate this immediately. I have already processed a replacement order for
you, which will be shipped via express delivery today. Additionally, I am
refunding your shipping costs. Is there anything else I can do to make this
right for you?"
Situation
18: Proposing a New Idea to Management
Prompt: You have an idea to implement a four-day workweek to boost
employee morale. You need to pitch this to your skeptical director.
High-Score
Answer:
"Good morning, Director. I'd
like to propose a trial for a four-day workweek model. Recent studies show that
this approach can actually increase productivity by up to twenty percent while
significantly reducing employee burnout. I suggest we run a three-month pilot
program in our department, tracking our output carefully. If the numbers don't
add up, we can revert immediately. Do we have your support to explore
this?"
Situation
19: Giving Constructive Feedback to a Junior
Prompt: A junior colleague just made a major error in a
presentation they gave to a client. The client was confused. You need to guide
them gently.
High-Score
Answer:
"I appreciate the effort you
put into today's presentation, but I noticed the client seemed confused about
the financial projections. The figures on slide ten didn't match the data we
agreed on. Let's sit down together and go over the calculations step by step. I
want to help you understand where the discrepancy came from so you can nail it
next time. Don't worry, mistakes are part of the learning process here."
Situation
20: Leaving a Professional Voicemail
Prompt: You need to call a client who is unavailable. You must
leave a clear, professional voicemail explaining why you called and what you
need from them.
High-Score
Answer:
"Hello Mr. Patel, this is James
from Apex Solutions calling. I am reaching out regarding the contract renewal
that is due next Friday. I have sent you the revised draft via email, but I
need your signature on page five before we can proceed. Could you please give
me a callback at your earliest convenience, preferably before noon tomorrow? My
number is 555-0199. I look forward to speaking with you."
Category 2: Academic & University (Formal
Register)
Situation
21: Disagreeing with a Professor’s Grade
Prompt: You received a lower grade than expected on an essay. You
believe the professor misinterpreted your argument. You want to request a
review, but respectfully.
High-Score
Answer:
"Professor, I hope you don't
mind me coming to see you about my recent essay grade. I was quite surprised by
the mark, and I believe there might have been a misunderstanding regarding my
main thesis in the third paragraph. I was not arguing against the theory, but
rather building upon it. Would you be willing to briefly review my argument
with me and perhaps consider a re-evaluation of that specific section?"
Situation
22: Resolving a Timetable Clash
Prompt: You have just realized that two of your core mandatory
classes are scheduled at the exact same time next semester. You cannot graduate
without both. Speak to the academic advisor.
High-Score
Answer:
"I'm facing a serious issue
with my enrollment for next semester. I've just discovered that Advanced
Physics and Modern Literature, both mandatory for my dual degree, are clashing
on Wednesdays at two PM. I cannot graduate without completing both. Is there
any possibility of a special permission waiver, or could you advise me on
whether one of them has an alternative self-study option available?"
Situation
23: Requesting a Room Change in Dormitories
Prompt: Your roommate plays loud music until 3 AM every night, and
you cannot sleep or study. You have tried talking to them, but nothing changed.
Speak to the housing officer.
High-Score
Answer:
"Good afternoon. I need to
request an urgent room transfer. My current roommate has a completely opposite
sleep schedule; he plays loud music throughout the night, which has severely
impacted my concentration and health. I have attempted to resolve this directly
with him twice, but the behavior continues. I cannot focus on my midterms in
this environment. Is there any single room or a quieter floor available?"
Situation
24: Declining an Internship Offer
Prompt: You applied to three internships. You received an offer
from Company A, but you are still waiting to hear back from Company B, which is
your dream company. You need to ask Company A for more time politely.
High-Score
Answer:
"Dear Hiring Manager, Thank you
so much for offering me this incredible internship opportunity at your firm. I
am genuinely honored. However, I am currently in the process of completing
interviews with another organization, and I would like to make a fully informed
decision. Would it be possible for you to grant me a one-week extension on my
acceptance deadline? I will get back to you by next Friday without fail."
Situation
25: Asking for Extra Tutorial Support
Prompt: You are struggling intensely with the statistics module.
The main lectures are too fast for you. You want to ask the professor for extra
help sessions.
High-Score
Answer:
"Professor Edwards, I'm finding
the statistical modeling module quite challenging, especially the regression
analysis part. The pace of the lectures is a bit fast for me to absorb all the
formulas. I was wondering if you or one of your teaching assistants might have
any spare time for a short one-on-one tutorial this week. I am willing to work
around your schedule. I just need a bit of extra guidance to catch up."
Category 3: Public Services & Civic Contexts
(Semi-Formal)
Situation
26: Reporting a Lost Passport at an Airport
Prompt: You have just arrived in a foreign country. You realized
you left your passport in the restroom of the arrival hall. Speak to the
airport security officer.
High-Score
Answer:
"Excuse me, officer. I need to
report a lost passport immediately. I just arrived on flight BA 308, and I
believe I left my blue British passport in the men's restroom near baggage
claim. I have my boarding pass and a photo of my passport on my phone as
identification. Could you please guide me to the lost and found department, or
help me file a report? I have a connecting flight in four hours."
Situation
27: Informing a Bank of a Fraudulent Transaction
Prompt: You checked your mobile banking app and saw a $500
transaction from a store you have never visited. You have your card with you.
Call the bank's fraud department.
High-Score
Answer:
"Hello, I'm calling to report a
fraudulent transaction on my debit card ending in 4201. I just noticed a charge
for five hundred dollars from an electronics store in Melbourne, which is
impossible because I live in Sydney and I have my card physically with me. I
need you to block this card immediately to prevent further charges. I would
also like to formally dispute this transaction and start an
investigation."
Situation
28: Requesting a Repair for Public Facilities
Prompt: The streetlight directly outside your house has been broken
for a week. The street is very dark and dangerous at night. You are calling the
local city council.
High-Score
Answer:
"Good morning, I'm calling to
report a broken streetlight on Elm Street, specifically the post directly in
front of number twenty-two. It has been completely dark for the past week,
which creates a significant safety hazard for pedestrians in the area. An
elderly neighbor almost tripped last night. Could you please log this as an
urgent maintenance request and let me know when a crew will be dispatched to
fix it?"
Situation
29: Enrolling a Child in a New School
Prompt: You have just moved to a new city and need to enroll your
10-year-old child in a local public school. You are visiting the school's
administration office.
High-Score
Answer:
"Hello, I'm here to inquire
about enrolling my daughter in your school for the fifth grade. We are new to
the area and have just moved into a house on Maple Avenue. I have brought her
birth certificate, our proof of address, and her vaccination records with me.
Could you please guide me through the registration process, and tell me if
there are any spots available for this semester?"
Situation
30: Informing a Doctor’s Office of Cancellation
Prompt: You have a specialist appointment tomorrow morning, but you
have developed a high fever today. You cannot leave the house. Call the clinic
to cancel and reschedule.
High-Score
Answer:
"Hello, this is Mrs. Anderson
calling. I have an appointment with Dr. Lee tomorrow at 9 AM, but
unfortunately, I've come down with a severe fever and chills today. I don't
want to risk coming into the clinic and spreading anything to other patients. I
need to cancel my slot. Could I please reschedule for next week, preferably on
Wednesday? Thank you for your understanding."
Category 4: Friends, Family & Social Contexts
(Informal Register)
Situation
31: Asking a Friend to Cat-Sit
Prompt: You have a business trip coming up for four days. Your cat
is very shy and doesn't like going to a kennel. You want to ask your best
friend to stay at your place.
High-Score
Answer:
"Hey Tom, I have a huge favor
to ask. I've got a last-minute business trip to Singapore next week, and I'm
desperate for someone to watch my cat, Mittens. She gets really stressed out in
kennels. Would you possibly be able to housesit for me for just four days? You
can help yourself to anything in the fridge, and I'll even leave you some
concert tickets as a thank you."
Situation
32: Comforting a Friend Who Failed a Test
Prompt: Your best friend is devastated because they just failed
their driving test for the third time. They are talking about giving up.
Motivate them.
High-Score
Answer:
"Listen to me, you are not
giving up. I know you're upset, and it totally sucks that this happened again,
but you are an excellent driver. You just get nervous in the test environment.
Let's practice together every single evening this week. I'll pretend to be the
examiner, and we'll focus on the parking maneuvers. You've got this. I believe
in you more than anyone."
Situation
33: Declining a Potluck Contribution Request
Prompt: Your friend is organizing a potluck and asks you to bring a
very difficult, time-consuming dish that you have no idea how to cook. Politely
suggest bringing something easier.
High-Score
Answer:
"To be honest, I would
absolutely love to bring that beef wellington, but I'm a complete disaster in
the kitchen, and I'd probably end up burning your house down! I'm much better
at desserts. Would it be okay if I brought a couple of store-bought gourmet
pizzas and a huge bowl of my famous tiramisu instead? I promise it will be
delicious."
Situation
34: Asking a Friend for a Lift
Prompt: Your car broke down this morning. You need to get to the
airport to pick up your parents, but the bus takes too long. Call a friend who
lives nearby.
High-Score
Answer:
"Hey, I'm in a bit of a pickle.
My car just died on me, and I need to get to the airport to pick up my parents
in an hour. I know it's a huge ask, but would you possibly be free to give me a
ride? I'll obviously pay for your gas and buy you dinner. I'm really desperate,
and you're the only one nearby!"
Situation
35: Setting a Boundary with an Overbearing Friend
Prompt: Your friend constantly criticizes your new haircut and
clothing style. It is starting to hurt your feelings. You need to tell them to
stop, but gently.
High-Score
Answer:
"Hey, I know you probably mean
well, but I need to be honest with you. It really hurts my feelings when you
constantly criticize my new haircut and clothes. I actually really like this
style, and it makes me feel confident. Could you please stop making negative
comments about my appearance? It would mean a lot to me if you just supported
my choices."
Expert Breakdown: Why These Answers Score 90/90
To help you internalize the
strategy, here is why the first answer (Situation 16 – Overworked Employee)
is a perfect response:
|
Criteria |
How
it's achieved in the answer |
|
Appropriacy (Tone) |
Uses formal/supportive register
("Sarah," "I wanted to check in," "I'm
concerned," "Let's discuss"). It addresses a subordinate with
respect. |
|
Fluency |
Short, connected clauses:
"While I truly appreciate... I'm concerned..." The punctuation acts
as natural breathing points. |
|
Pronunciation |
Uses stress on key emotional
words: "concerned," "exhausted," "priority."
This helps the AI recognize emphasis. |
|
Function |
Clearly fulfills the function: Support
+ Offer a solution. It doesn't just criticize; it offers help. |
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