PTE Summarize Group Discussion Template

Summarize Group Discussion is a PTE Academic speaking task added on 7 August 2025. You listen to three speakers discussing a topic for up to 3 minutes, get 10 seconds to prepare, then speak for 2 minutes summarising what they said. It is scored on listening and speaking. Two minutes is the longest single response in the whole test, and filling it is the real difficulty.

PTE Summarize Group Discussion at a glance

Detail	What Pearson specifies
Added to the test	7 August 2025, for PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI
Test part	Speaking and Writing (Part 1)
What you hear	A discussion between three speakers
Audio length	Up to 3 minutes
Preparation	10 seconds
Response time	2 minutes — the longest spoken response in PTE Academic
Skills scored	Listening and speaking
Practical rule	Note-taking is the whole task. Three speakers over 3 minutes is far more content than you can hold in memory, and you must then talk for 2 minutes. Build a note layout you use every time

Format details follow the official PTE Academic test format published by Pearson.

The note layout to use while you listen

Draw this on the noteboard before the audio starts. Three columns, one per speaker, plus a line for the topic.

Topic	One line: what the discussion is about
Speaker 1	Position	Reason	Example
Speaker 2	Agrees / disagrees with S1	Reason	Example
Speaker 3	Position	Reason	Example
Ending	Did they agree, disagree, or leave it open?

Write two or three words per cell, never sentences. Twelve short entries is enough raw material for a 2-minute summary once you run it through the template below.

The PTE Summarize Group Discussion template

Five blocks, each about 20 to 25 seconds. Together they fill the full 2 minutes without repetition.

Block	Seconds	What to say
1. Frame	0-20	The three speakers discussed [topic]. Overall, they considered [the main question at issue], and by the end they [agreed / disagreed / reached no firm conclusion].
2. Speaker 1	20-45	The first speaker argued that [position]. The reason given was [reason], and the example mentioned was [example].
3. Speaker 2	45-75	The second speaker [agreed / disagreed] with that view. According to this speaker, [position], mainly because [reason]. The point raised here was [example].
4. Speaker 3	75-100	The third speaker added that [position]. This speaker focused on [reason] and referred to [example].
5. Close	100-120	To summarise, the discussion moved from [first view] to [last view]. The strongest area of agreement was [common ground], while [the unresolved point] remained open.

The frames supply roughly 70 of the words. Your notes supply the rest. If you run out of content before 120 seconds, extend block 5 by restating each speaker in one clause rather than inventing new material.

Worked example with a model answer

Discussion heard: Three speakers debate whether universities should make attendance compulsory. Speaker 1 supports compulsory attendance, citing engagement. Speaker 2 disagrees, arguing adults should manage their own time and pointing to recorded lectures. Speaker 3 suggests a middle position, compulsory only for practical classes.

Notes taken: Topic = compulsory attendance at university · S1: for / engagement / students who attend do better · S2: against / adults manage own time / lectures recorded anyway · S3: middle / practical classes only / labs need presence · Ending = no firm conclusion

Model answer (2 minutes):

The three speakers discussed whether universities should make attendance compulsory. Overall, they considered how much control students should have over their own study time, and by the end they had not reached a firm conclusion.

The first speaker argued that attendance should be compulsory. The reason given was engagement, and the example mentioned was that students who attend classes regularly tend to perform better in assessments.

The second speaker disagreed with that view. According to this speaker, university students are adults who should manage their own time, mainly because they balance study with work and family commitments. The point raised here was that most lectures are recorded anyway, so attendance is no longer necessary to access the content.

The third speaker added that a middle position might work better. This speaker focused on the difference between types of class and referred to laboratory and practical sessions, where being physically present cannot be replaced by a recording.

To summarise, the discussion moved from a firm case for compulsory attendance to a more flexible position. The strongest area of agreement was that practical classes require attendance, while the question of lectures remained open.

That answer is 268 words, which is comfortable at a natural pace over 2 minutes. Twelve short notes produced all of it.

How to practise Summarize Group Discussion

1. Draw the note grid before the audio starts. Three speaker rows and four columns. Drawing it during the audio costs you the first speaker.
2. Label speakers by voice, not by name. Names are rarely given and are not needed. “First”, “second”, “third” is what the template uses.
3. Capture reason and example, not wording. The score rewards covering the content of the discussion, so one keyword per cell is enough.
4. Practise talking for the full 2 minutes. This is the single biggest failure point. Rehearse the five blocks until they fill 120 seconds without a long pause.
5. Use any 3-person podcast or panel clip to train. Play 3 minutes, take notes in the grid, then speak for 2 minutes from the notes. The task type is new so official practice material is limited, and the skill transfers from any panel discussion.
6. Do not try to reproduce the debate. You are summarising, not arguing. Adding your own opinion wastes seconds that carry no marks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Summarize Group Discussion in PTE?

A speaking task added to PTE Academic on 7 August 2025. You listen to three speakers discussing a topic for up to 3 minutes, prepare for 10 seconds, then speak for 2 minutes summarising the discussion.

How long do you speak in PTE Summarize Group Discussion?

2 minutes. It is the longest single spoken response in PTE Academic, which is why running out of content is the most common problem rather than running out of time.

How many speakers are in the PTE group discussion?

Three. The template above allocates one block to each, which is what makes 2 minutes manageable.

Can you take notes in Summarize Group Discussion?

Yes, and you must. The centre provides an erasable noteboard and pen. Three minutes of speech from three people is more than anyone can hold in memory before speaking for another two minutes.

Is Summarize Group Discussion scored on listening or speaking?

Both. Pearson scores it on listening and speaking, so it is one of the higher-value tasks in the test: a good response lifts two skill scores at once.

Should you give your own opinion in Summarize Group Discussion?

No. The task asks you to summarise what the speakers said. Your own view earns no marks and uses seconds you need for the three speakers.

What happens if you finish before 2 minutes?

The recording keeps running and the silence counts against oral fluency. Extend the closing block by restating each speaker in one clause rather than stopping early.

Is Summarize Group Discussion in PTE Core too?

The task was announced for PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI. Check the current PTE Core format on Pearson before assuming it applies to a Core booking.

Related PTE Speaking guides

• PTE Respond to a Situation Template
• PTE Retell Lecture: Format & Tips
• PTE Summarize Spoken Text Tips
• PTE Academic Exam Structure