Are you preparing for the PTE Academic? Here's some important update! Pearson just updated the scoring for two of the speaking tasks in the test: Describe Image and Retell Lecture. This change combines Artificial Intelligence with human experts to help ensure more accurate and fair assessments. So, let's dive deeper into what this means and how it impacts your study.

Why is Pearson changing the scoring process?

This new test version is more fundamentally designed to ensure the integrity of the test. Although AI is excellent at assessing areas such as fluency and pronunciation, the research of Pearson shows that adding human judgment in terms of the assessment on content is where more reliability is observed. A combination of these elements: AI and human evaluation will ensure that students whose work comes from a template or pre-prepared responses are flagged, while original responses are awarded fairly.

What Has Changed in PTE Academic Scoring?

Starting November 4, 2024, a human reviewer will review the content of your answers in Describe Image and Retell Lecture questions. While your answers are still primarily scored by the AI system, if the system detects that your content may be pre-memorized, a human reviewer will check to ensure you haven't copied. That means your score will actually reflect your true level of English ability.

PTE Academic Old Scoring Process:

The earlier scoring process of PTE Academic analyzed all the 20 question types using a machine. The system would check through your answers, and if everything looked okay, then scores would automatically pop up. But in case there was an anomaly or something strange with responses, then a human reviewer would step in and ensure that scores were correct before letting you see the final results.

PTE Academic New Scoring Process:

Now, with this PTE Academic score update, Describe Image and Retell Lecture are a little different. The machine checks out all 20 question types and picks out anomalies, but human experts will be checking the content for these two tasks, respectively. Their focus is how well you communicated information; thus, the content of your answers will be looked by a human expert before releasing your final scores.

What Does This Mean for You?

You don't need to reinvent your preparation strategy, but one thing to remember: Avoid templates. Pearson's AI detects pre-prepared responses, and with human experts reviewing content, you will probably damage your score by using templates. You should instead follow a clear structure that will enable you to produce natural, original responses.

We at Panacea always suggest you to answer using structured response, rather than by templates. This will not only help you score good points but improves your overall language skills. Now, let's view at the task for Describe Image and Retell Lecture: in detail with changes happening lately.

PTE Speaking Task 3: Describe Image

In Describe Image task, you will get 25 seconds to prepare for an image for example a chart, graph or diagram, and you'll have 40 seconds to describe the image.

What you need to do?

• Speak clearly on the key elements of the image.
• Use your own words and say what you see using relevant content; do not use memorized sentences.
• Speak for about 30 seconds, ensuring fluency without rushing.
• Include numbers if given.
• Do not try to speak everything.
• Do not speak irrelevant content.
• Please, do not repeat the same sentence again and again.

Describe Image New Tips

• Fluency means going in a smooth flow, not too fast; avoid hesitations and self-corrections.
• Pronunciation means speaking clearly; not your accent.
• Content - Content should be relevant to the image, try to include number is available; there is no right or wrong answer.
• Do not stop. Speak for around 30 seconds.
• Use structures.

Suggested Describe Image Structure

First Sentence: Introduction (Any one)

• The visual presents insights into __________.
• The chart provides an overview of __________.
• The graphic demonstrates key information about __________.
• The image outlines details regarding __________.

Second Sentence: Main Feature (Any one)

• A notable feature of the image is __________.
• The central focus of the chart is __________.
• One key aspect highlighted in the visual is __________.
• An important focal point of the image is __________.

Third Sentence: First Detail (Any one)

• Initially, the data reveals information on __________ and __________.
• At first glance, it highlights __________ and __________.
• The image starts by indicating details about __________ and __________.
• Firstly, it showcases data related to __________ and __________.

Fourth Sentence: Further Detail (Any one)

• Additionally, the chart emphasizes data about __________ and __________.
• Moreover, it brings attention to __________ and __________.
• In addition, it conveys further details regarding __________ and __________.
• Furthermore, additional figures concerning __________ and __________ are highlighted.

Fifth Sentence: Comparative Data (Any one)

• Moreover, it compares the values of __________ and __________.
• Additionally, it contrasts the figures of __________ and __________.
• Furthermore, it depicts a comparison between __________ and __________.
• Also, a comparison of __________ and __________ is shown.

Sixth Sentence: Key Values (Any one)

• The highest figure is __________, while the lowest is __________.
• __________ stands as the largest element, whereas __________ is the smallest.
• The color __________ represents __________, while __________ represents __________.
• The peak value is __________, with the minimum being __________.

Seventh Sentence: Conclusion (Any one)

• Overall, the visual provides a comprehensive view of __________.
• In conclusion, the image summarizes key data related to __________.
• To conclude, it gives a detailed overview of __________.
• In summary, the chart captures significant details regarding __________.

This structure offers flexibility by combining different sentence options, allowing students to form diverse and natural-sounding responses at a C1 level for PTE Academic’s Describe Image task.

PTE Speaking Task 4: Retell Lecture

In the Retell Lecture task, you are going to listen to a recording of a lecture. The lecture will be up to 90 seconds long. You will have a preparation time of 10 seconds and then summarize the lecture you just heard into a time span of 40 seconds.

What You Need to Do

Listen carefully and take notes during the lecture. Avoid using templates. Only use key phrases and concepts. Use connectors in your response for smooth flow.

• Do not just speak the template, speak relevant phrases/content from the lecture.
• Avoid single-word keywords. Atleast 2-3 words phrase.
• Speak around 30-35 seconds and use connectors between the sentences.
• Do not try to speak everything.
• Do not speak irrelevant content.
• Please, do not repeat the same sentence again and again.
• Take the notes neatly.

Retell Lecture Tips

• Fluency means going in a smooth flow, not too fast; avoid hesitations and self-corrections.
• Pronunciation means speaking clearly, not your accent.
• Content - Content/phrases are important in Retell Lectures, there is no right or wrong answer. You do not need to focus on the meaning but keywords.
• Do not stop. Speak anywhere around 35 seconds.
• Use small phrases from the lecture to cover your keywords.
• Repeat the same phrases if less keywords.
• Use the structure, but do not repeat the same sentences again and again from the structure.
• Grammar/Repetition/Vocabulary important in PTE Speaking

Structure of Retell Lecture

Introduction Sentence (Any one)

• The lecture mainly focused on (Topic). 
• The speaker delivered an insightful lecture on (Topic). 
• The key topic discussed in the lecture was (Topic). 
• The speaker emphasized the subject of (Topic) during the lecture. 
• The lecture revolved around (Topic). 

First Key Point (Any one)

• Initially, the speaker discussed (Key point 1). 
• At the start, the speaker introduced the concept of (Key point 1). 
• In the beginning, the speaker elaborated on (Key point 1). 
• First, the speaker provided details about (Key point 1). 
• The lecture began with a focus on (Key point 1). 

Second and Third Key Points (Any two)

• He then moved on to talk about (Key point 2). 
• Next, the speaker highlighted (Key point 2) in greater detail. 
• Furthermore, the speaker explained the relevance of (Key point 3). 
• Additionally, the speaker focused on the importance of (Key point 3). 
• Moreover, the speaker analysed the relationship between (Key point 3) and (Topic). 

Fourth and Fifth Key Points (Any two)

• The speaker also mentioned some details about (Key point 4). 
• He highlighted further information regarding (Key point 4). 
• In addition, the speaker presented data about (Key point 5). 
• Furthermore, he clarified aspects related to (Key point 5). 
• The speaker shed light on critical information concerning (Key point 5). 

Closing Statement (Any one)

• Towards the end, the speaker focused on (Key point 6) as a concluding thought. 
• Towards the end, the speaker described (Key point 6) as a key takeaway. 
• Towards the conclusion, the speaker emphasized the importance of (Key point 6). 
• Lastly, the speaker provided detailed insights into (Key point 6). 

Final Sentence (Any one)

• Finally, the speaker wrapped up by stating that (Key point 7) is highly significant. 
• To conclude, the speaker stressed that (Key point 7) is essential. 
• In the end, the speaker summarized by stating that (Key point 7) plays a crucial role. 
• The lecture concluded with a focus on the importance of (Key point 7). 

This structure offers flexibility and variety in phrasing to ensure a well-rounded C1level response that avoids pattern detection by AI systems while delivering coherent, detailed content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my accent be judged by the human evaluator? 

No, the human evaluator will only grade the response. Fluency and pronunciation will continue to be graded by AI.

What information can the human expert listen?

The human expert doesn’t know anything about who recorded the response. They can’t see your picture or your details. They will only listen to the response and assess content.

Which PTE tests are impacted by this change?

This change only affects PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI for the Describe Image and Retell Lecture tasks.

Do I need to change my preparation method?

No, just make sure to speak relevant content, structured response rather than using memorized templates.

Is this change being applied to other question types?

Only two question types – Describe Image and Retell Lecture – are included, and it is only the Content element of these two question types that will get a human review.
 

How does the double scoring method work?

All question are AI-scored, and currently humans only review any exceptions or anomalies that the AI cannot confidently score. The double scoring method will apply to only two question types, and means that a human expert will always check the content scores given by the AI before the final scores are confirmed.

With these adaptations, not only will you drive your scores up on the PTE Academic but you can also strengthen your comprehension in the use of the language in general. Stay consistent with authentic order answers, and success is sure ahead!