Summarise Group Discussion — Strategy Guide (Academic only)
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What is Summarise Group Discussion?
You hear a discussion between 2–3 speakers (60–90 seconds), then summarise the discussion in 40 seconds. PTE Academic only — added to the test in 2024.
Format & Timing
- Discussion audio: 60–90 seconds, plays once
- Preparation: 10 seconds
- Recording: 40 seconds
How It Is Scored
- Content (3): identify the topic and the main points each speaker made.
- Oral Fluency (5): smooth delivery.
- Pronunciation (5): intelligibility.
Note-Taking Framework
Draw a simple grid before audio plays:
Topic: ____________
Speaker A: stance? key word?
Speaker B: stance? key word?
Speaker C (if present): stance? key word?
Conclusion / agreement: ____________Speaking Template
"The discussion was about [topic]. Speaker A argued / suggested that [stance + key idea]. Speaker B held a different / similar view, stating that [stance + key idea]. Overall, the speakers [agreed / disagreed / reached a compromise] on [final point]."
Speaker Tracking Tips
- Voice cues — male/female alternation makes speakers easy to separate.
- Phrases like "I agree", "but", "however" signal a turn change.
- If you can't tell speakers apart, summarise the discussion as a whole — partial content score is still available.
Common Mistakes
- Summarising only one speaker — content score drops sharply.
- Long pause to "remember" — speak immediately using the template.
- Missing the conclusion — listen attentively to the LAST 15 seconds of audio.
Practice on ClearMyPTE
SGD is one of the newer types so corpus is limited. Practice with whatever is in Speaking practice and apply the template every time — consistency builds the habit.