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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Pick any one to drill, or hit “Start practising” to go through them in order.
Hello, I recently ordered a laptop from your website, but the box I received contains a completely different model. I'd like to arrange a return and have the correct one sent to me. Could you tell me how to send this one back, and how long the replacement will take? I'd appreciate your help sorting this out quickly.
Respond to a Situation
Hi, I'm your neighbour from upstairs. I wanted to mention that the music in the evenings travels quite clearly into my flat, and it's been keeping me awake before work. I completely understand wanting to relax at night, so could we maybe agree to lower the volume after about ten o'clock? I'd really appreciate that, and please let me know if anything from my side ever bothers you.
Respond to a Situation
Excuse me, Professor. I'm sorry I wasn't in Tuesday's lecture; I was unwell and couldn't make it in. I understand we covered some key material, so I wanted to ask whether the slides are posted online, or if you could recommend a classmate I might borrow notes from. I'm happy to catch up in my own time and won't fall behind. Thank you for understanding.
Respond to a Situation
Thanks so much for inviting me; that trip sounds like a lot of fun. Unfortunately, I've already promised to help my family with something this weekend, so I won't be able to join you this time. I'd really hate to let them down. Could we plan something together the following weekend instead? I'd genuinely love to go if we can find another date that works.
Respond to a Situation
Hello, I bought this coffee machine from your shop about two weeks ago, but it has already stopped switching on. I've checked the plug and socket, so I think the machine itself is faulty. Since it's still well within the warranty period, I'd like either a repair or a replacement. Could you tell me which option is faster, and what details you need from me to process it?
Respond to a Situation
Excuse me, sorry to bother you. I've just moved to the city and I'm trying to find the central train station, but I seem to have got a little lost. Could you point me in the right direction, and let me know roughly how long it takes to walk there? If it's far, I'm happy to take a bus instead. Thank you so much for your help.
Respond to a Situation
Thanks for meeting, everyone. With the deadline so close, I think we should agree clearly on who does what for the final stretch. Some sections still need an owner, so I'd suggest we each take one part and check in tomorrow evening. That way the workload is shared fairly and nobody feels overloaded. Does that plan sound reasonable to you all, and is anyone free to cover the conclusion?
Respond to a Situation
Hello, thank you for the welcome. I've just gone up to my room, but it isn't the sea-view room I booked and paid for online. I'd really appreciate it if you could move me to the correct room type. If none is available tonight, perhaps you could arrange a switch tomorrow or offer a fair adjustment. Could you let me know what's possible? Thank you.
Respond to a Situation
Thanks for making time to chat. I've noticed the new rota has me on weekend shifts for several weeks running, and that clashes with some personal commitments I can't easily move. I'm very happy to keep covering weekends now and then, but could we possibly spread them out a bit more evenly? I'd also gladly swap with a colleague if that helps. I really appreciate your flexibility.
Respond to a Situation
Hi, I'm really sorry to call so last minute, but something urgent has just come up at work and I won't be able to make our lunch today. I feel bad cancelling on you like this. Could we reschedule for tomorrow or later this week instead? I'd still love to catch up properly. Let me know what suits you, and lunch will be on me to make up for it.
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.