Speaking
PTE Respond to a Situation practice
Read and listen to the situation. You have 10 seconds to prepare, then 40 seconds to give an appropriate spoken response.
10 questions · untimed · every question is free.
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You ordered a laptop online, but the package that arrived contains a different model. You call the store. What would you say to the customer service agent?
Respond to a Situation
Your downstairs neighbour plays loud music late at night, and it keeps you awake before work. You decide to speak to them. What would you say?
Respond to a Situation
You missed an important class because you were unwell, and now you need the notes. You approach your professor after the next lecture. What would you say?
Respond to a Situation
A friend invites you to a weekend trip, but you have already promised to help your family that day. What would you say to your friend?
Respond to a Situation
You bought a coffee machine two weeks ago, and it has already stopped working. You return to the shop. What would you say to the assistant?
Respond to a Situation
You are new to the city and cannot find the train station. You stop a passer-by on the street. What would you say?
Respond to a Situation
In a group assignment, one member has done almost no work, and the deadline is close. The group meets to discuss it. What would you say?
Respond to a Situation
You check into a hotel, but the room you were given is not the one you booked and has no view. You speak to the receptionist. What would you say?
Respond to a Situation
Your manager has scheduled you for several weekend shifts in a row, but you have personal commitments. You ask to talk. What would you say?
Respond to a Situation
You arranged to meet a colleague for lunch, but an urgent task means you must cancel at short notice. You phone them. What would you say?
Respond to a Situation
Practice sample modelled on the official PTE Academic format — not a real exam question, and not affiliated with or endorsed by Pearson. Confirm current rules at pearsonpte.com.
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Reusable framework
Respond to a Situation template
The reusable answer framework — structure, sentence starters, timing marks — that fits any Respond to a Situation prompt.
Read the template →Band 79 worked example
Respond to a Situation Band 79 sample
A verbatim Band 79 response scored against Pearson's rubric, with a Band 65 comparison.
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