PTE Summarize Group Discussion Template
The PTE Academic exam continues to evolve every year, and one of the most talked-about additions in the PTE 2026 update is the Summarize Group Discussion task. This new task type has been designed to assess a candidate’s listening, comprehension, and summarization skills in real-time — skills that are essential for success in academic and professional environments.
If you’re preparing for the PTE exam this year, understanding this task and mastering a reliable template is crucial for achieving a high score. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about the PTE Summarize Group Discussion task, including structure, scoring, strategies, and the best template to use — along with how you can practice it on Gurully’s AI-powered mock test platform.
What Is PTE Summarize Group Discussion?
The Summarize Group Discussion (SGD) task is part of the Speaking & Listening section in the new PTE Academic pattern. In this task, you’ll listen to a short discussion among multiple speakers on a specific topic. After listening, you’ll have to summarize the discussion in your own words within a limited time.
The main goal of this task is to test how well you can capture key ideas, contrasting opinions, and conclusions from a group conversation — and express them clearly in a concise spoken summary.
Task Format (2026 Update)
Here’s how the Summarize Group Discussion task appears in the latest PTE format:
Audio Length: 60–90 seconds (3–4 speakers)
Preparation Time: 10 seconds
Recording Time: 40 seconds
Word Limit (Suggested): Around 50–60 words (spoken summary)
Scoring Parameters: Content, Oral Fluency, Pronunciation, and Coherence
The audio will contain a natural-sounding discussion — often between students or professionals — on topics like environment, technology, culture, or education. You need to focus on what each participant contributes and how the discussion concludes.
Why the Task Matters
The new Summarize Group Discussion is not just about repetition or grammar; it checks your active listening and analytical speaking ability. Many test-takers find this challenging because it requires multitasking — listening, understanding, and mentally structuring your response simultaneously.
This task impacts your Speaking and Listening scores, so even small improvements can significantly affect your overall PTE band.
Scoring Criteria Breakdown
Here’s what examiners and the AI scoring engine evaluate in your response:
Content (30%) – Have you covered the main points and opinions from the discussion?
Oral Fluency (30%) – Are you speaking smoothly without unnecessary pauses or hesitations?
Pronunciation (25%) – Are your words clear and easily understandable to a native English listener?
Coherence (15%) – Does your summary flow logically and sound natural?
Common Challenges in Summarize Group Discussion
Students often face these difficulties while attempting the SGD task:
Missing key ideas due to multiple speakers talking quickly
Losing track of who said what
Pausing too long while thinking of the next sentence
Repetition of the same point
Grammar slips under pressure
The key to overcoming these is using a proven template that provides structure and helps maintain fluency.
Perfect Template for PTE Summarize Group Discussion (2026)
Here’s an updated template you can use in 2026 based on current trends and Gurully’s test insights:
Template 1 (Balanced and Safe for All Topics)
“In the group discussion, the speakers talked about [main topic].
One of the speakers mentioned that [first key idea or opinion].
Another participant expressed a different viewpoint by saying that [second key idea].
Overall, the discussion highlighted [main conclusion or summary point], and most participants agreed that [final thought].”
Example:
Audio Topic: “Online education vs. traditional classroom learning.”
Your Answer:
“In the group discussion, the speakers talked about online and traditional learning methods.
One participant emphasized that online education provides flexibility and saves time.
Another speaker argued that classroom learning offers better interaction and discipline.
Overall, the discussion highlighted that both methods have advantages, but the choice depends on personal learning style.”
Template 2 (For Analytical Discussions)
“The discussion mainly focused on [topic].
The participants shared different perspectives, such as [first idea] and [second idea].
While some supported [viewpoint], others believed that [opposing view].
In conclusion, the conversation emphasized [final key message or solution].”
This structure is particularly useful when speakers debate or disagree on a topic.
How to Take Notes Efficiently
Since you only get 10 seconds before recording, your notes must be short and precise. Here’s a recommended note-taking method:
Avoid writing full sentences — focus on keywords that will help you recall ideas quickly.
Tips to Score 79+ in Summarize Group Discussion
Listen for Contrast Words: Words like however, but, on the other hand, whereas signal opposing opinions — note these carefully.
Maintain Neutral Tone: Avoid taking sides; simply summarize what was discussed.
Use Connectors: Smooth transitions like moreover, additionally, in contrast, finally improve coherence.
Don’t Rush: Speaking too fast affects pronunciation and clarity.
Practice Daily: Repetition builds confidence and automatic fluency.
Record Yourself: Self-evaluation helps you identify pronunciation or pacing issues.
Simulate Real Test Conditions: Time-bound practice improves reflexes.
Mistakes to Avoid
Starting without mentioning the topic
Including personal opinions
Repeating the same sentence structure
Speaking under 30 seconds or over 45 seconds
Pausing too often (“uh”, “um”, “you know”)
Sample Topics for Practice
Here are some topics you can use to prepare for the Summarize Group Discussion task:
The impact of social media on students
Renewable energy vs. fossil fuels
Should artificial intelligence replace teachers?
Importance of teamwork in organizations
Online shopping vs. in-store shopping
Effect of fast food on health
Remote work and productivity
Practicing these topics will expose you to common patterns of argument and conclusion in real PTE audios.
Why Practice Matters More Than Memorization
Many students focus too much on memorizing templates, but the PTE AI system scores based on natural delivery and content relevance. You can use a template to stay structured, but your success depends on how well you adapt it to different topics.
Consistent practice with real PTE-style questions helps you understand speaker patterns, predict key ideas, and build automatic response flow — all of which are crucial for a 79+ score.
How to Practice PTE Summarize Group Discussion
If you’re serious about improving your score, practice under real test-like conditions using AI-scored mock tests. This helps you get:
Instant feedback on pronunciation and fluency
Automated scores aligned with the latest Pearson algorithm
Section-wise analytics to track improvement
Realistic exam interface to reduce test anxiety
Final Thoughts
The PTE Summarize Group Discussion is a skill-based task that rewards structured thinking and clear communication. With the 2026 update, it’s more important than ever to train with authentic questions and practice consistently using a reliable platform.
If you want to master this task and achieve your target score, try the Free PTE Mock Test by Gurully. Gurully’s platform provides AI-evaluated speaking and listening practice, helping you analyze your weaknesses and improve faster — just like the real PTE exam environment.
Start your preparation today at Gurully.com and take your first step toward a high PTE score!
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