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After taking the new, enhanced PTE Academic, I can confidently say that this version is a significant upgrade over the older one. PTE Academic had changed before, back in 2019, but those updates mainly involved dropping a few questions here and there. This time, however, the changes are more substantial: two new question types, revised scoring for existing items, and adjustments to the number of questions within certain item sets.
Having worked with PTE Academic content for years, I was particularly interested in seeing how the enhancements translated into the actual test environment. From the very beginning, it is evident that the exam is now much closer to how English is genuinely applied in academic and workplace contexts.
The Reading section had 15 questions to be completed in just 23 minutes, so you really need to stay sharp. This is exactly the kind of challenge TCY's AI-scored practice tests replicate, ensuring that students walk into the exam prepared for both the content and the tempo, without any unwelcome surprises on test day.
A major highlight of the enhanced version is the introduction of new Speaking tasks. Summarize Group Discussion and Respond to a Situation were initially introduced as trial questions last year, but they are now permanent (and more prominent) features of the test. These tasks pushed me to listen actively, interpret context, and respond naturally, much as I would in a classroom discussion or a workplace meeting. In earlier versions, it sometimes felt like you were reciting memorized templates. Now, the test measures genuine spontaneity and clarity. This is partly because scoring has undergone an overhaul. Template responses are penalized, and there are many more detailed criteria for evaluating written and spoken responses. I think students will appreciate the chance to speak at length in Summarize Group Discussion, but success depends heavily on effective note-taking to provide enough content for a two-minute response.
I received my results the very next day, which was a huge relief for anyone short on time and needing scores quickly. And yes, it was a perfect 90: 90/90 across the board.
The number of questions across several item types has also increased. Here is a quick comparison:
|
Question Types |
Old PTE |
New PTE |
|
Describe Image |
3 - 4 |
5 - 6 |
|
Retell Lecture |
1 - 2 |
2 - 3 |
|
Summarize Written Text |
1 - 2 |
2 |
|
Write Essay |
1 - 2 |
1 |
|
Reading: Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers |
1 - 2 |
2 - 3 |
|
Reading: Multiple Choice, Single Answer |
1 - 2 |
2 - 3 |
|
Summarize Spoken Text |
1 - 2 |
1 |
|
Listening: Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers |
1 - 2 |
2 - 3 |
|
Highlight Correct Summary |
1 - 2 |
2 - 3 |
|
Listening: Multiple Choice, Single Answer |
1 - 2 |
2 - 3 |
Overall, my impression is that the enhanced PTE Academic is less about tricking test-takers and more about rewarding adaptability and clarity. Effective English use is not about rigid memorization but about responding thoughtfully in varied contexts. I will admit that I felt nervous after the test, but I also had a fair idea of the types of questions to expect and how students can improve their scores with the right preparation.
For anyone planning to take the exam, my advice is to shift your preparation towards active practice rather than rote learning. Engage with podcasts, discussions, and problem-solving exercises, because the new tasks reward those who can listen, think, and respond in real time. And yes, practice with materials that prepare you not only for the current test but also for potential updates. TCYonline provides AI-scored, fully simulated PTE mocks, sectional and item-wise tests for Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing, all equipped with performance analysis, accurate score prediction, and personalized remedial assignments to help you know exactly where you stand and what to do next to succeed.
