PTE Summarize Group Discussion (Speaking): Format, Scoring, High‑Score Strategy, and Template

PTE Summarize Group Discussion (Speaking): Format, Scoring, High‑Score Strategy, and Template

Looking to master the Summarize Group Discussion task in PTE Speaking? Here’s a complete, SEO-optimized guide tailored for PTE test takers. Learn the task format, scoring criteria, a ready-to-use template, timing strategy, and pro tips to boost both your Speaking and Listening scores.

What Is “Summarize Group Discussion” in PTE?

• Task: Listen to a group discussion between three speakers and summarize it in your own words.
• Prompt length: Up to 3 minutes of audio.
• Skills assessed: Listening and Speaking.
• Time to answer: 2 minutes of speaking (single attempt).

You can take notes on the erasable whiteboard while the audio plays. After the audio ends, you get 10 seconds to prepare. When the microphone opens (you’ll hear a tone), start speaking immediately and finish before the progress bar ends. Speak clearly and naturally—don’t rush.

PTE Summarize Group Discussion High-Score Strategy: Step-by-Step

1. Before the audio
   • Goal set: “What’s the topic? Who supports what? What’s the outcome?”
   • Prepare a simple note layout with three columns: Speaker A, Speaker B, Speaker C, plus a Conclusion line.
2. While listening (no planning yet—just capture)
   • Topic: Write the central issue/question.
   • Positions: For each speaker, jot 2–3 bullet points: opinion + reasons/examples.
   • Interactions: Note agreements/disagreements, comparisons, and any compromise/outcome.
   • Conclusion: Was there a decision, next step, or unresolved disagreement?
3. 10‑second prep window
   • Pick your structure: Topic → Speaker views → Comparisons → Conclusion/Outcome.
   • Choose linking phrases (see below) and a clear opening sentence.
4. During your 2‑minute response
   • Follow the structure; speak at a steady, natural pace.
   • Paraphrase—avoid copying exact phrases.
   • Explicitly compare perspectives: “While Speaker A emphasized…, Speaker B countered…”
   • Conclude with the outcome or state that no consensus was reached.

PTE Summarize Group Discussion Template

Use this simple, high-scoring template to stay organized and fluent:

• Introduction of the topic
  • “The discussion focused on [topic/issue].”
• Present key perspectives
  • “The first speaker argued that [main point + reason].”
  • “The second speaker highlighted [point + reason/example].”
  • “The third speaker added [point], emphasizing [evidence/constraint].”
• Compare and connect
  • “In contrast to the first view, the second speaker was concerned about…”
  • “Both the first and third speakers agreed on…, although they differed on…”
• Wrap up with an outcome
  • “They concluded that [decision/next step],” or “No final agreement was reached, but they proposed [pilot/further analysis].”

Sample response:
“The discussion was about implementing a recycling system on campus. One speaker supported the idea and suggested adding more bins to encourage participation. Another raised concerns about budget and logistics. The third proposed starting small to test adoption. They agreed to propose a pilot program before expanding it across the university.”

Powerful Linking Phrases for Fluency and Structure

• Opening: “The discussion focused on…”, “They debated whether…”
• Sequencing: “First…”, “Next…”, “Additionally…”
• Comparison: “By contrast…”, “However…”, “On the other hand…”
• Agreement: “Both speakers agreed that…”, “There was consensus on…”
• Evidence: “This was supported by…”, “They cited…”
• Conclusion: “They concluded that…”, “They decided to…”, “No consensus was reached.”

Timing Blueprint You Can Copy

• 0:00–0:10: Clear opening and topic statement.
• 0:10–1:10: Summarize each speaker (20–25 seconds per speaker).
• 1:10–1:35: Highlight key comparisons and areas of agreement/conflict.
• 1:35–1:55: State the outcome or proposed next steps.
• 1:55–2:00: Crisp closing line.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Starting before the mic opens or after the tone—your voice won’t be recorded earlier.
• Memorized, generic summaries that ignore the actual points.
• Listing details without comparisons or a conclusion.
• Speaking too fast or pausing excessively.
• Overrunning time—stop before the progress bar ends.

Practice Tips That Boost Scores Fast

• First, focus on listening: prioritize comprehension over planning during audio.
• Identify discussion structure: who supports what, and what’s the resolution?
• Build a phrase bank: keep ready-to-use openings, transitions, and comparison lines.
• Speak naturally: clarity beats speed; avoid long pauses and fillers.
• Simulate the test: use a 3‑column note method (A/B/C + Conclusion) with a 2‑minute timer.
• Train with varied accents: practice with different English accents and tones.

Quick Note-Taking Grid (copy this during your test)

• Topic:
• Speaker A: [opinion + 1–2 reasons]
• Speaker B: [opinion + 1–2 reasons]
• Speaker C: [opinion + 1–2 reasons]
• Agreement/Conflict:
• Conclusion/Next Step:

How Scoring Works: Content, Oral Fluency, Pronunciation

Your response contributes to both Speaking and Listening. Scores are given on partial credit across three areas:

• Content
  • 6: Accurate, complete, well-paraphrased summary of all main points; compares speakers; highly logical and fluent.
  • 5: Mostly accurate; minor slips; partial comparisons; good vocabulary and structure.
  • 4: Main ideas covered with some errors or focus on less relevant details; weak comparisons; basic vocabulary.
  • 3–0: Increasingly incomplete, repetitive, unclear, or too short/irrelevant.
• Oral Fluency
  • 5: Highly fluent; natural rhythm, no hesitations.
  • 4–3: Smooth with minor hesitations to generally understandable.
  • 2–0: Noticeable breaks, slow/hesitant, hard to follow, or diffluent.
• Pronunciation
  • 5: Native-like clarity.
  • 4–3: Mostly accurate to good but with errors.
  • 2–0: Many mispronunciations to very hard to understand.