Speak smart: hit Appropriacy, Pronunciation, and Fluency in one shot.

“Speak clearly, if you speak at all; carve every word before you let it fall.” — Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.

1 | What is “Respond to a Situation”?

In the Speaking & Writing section of PTE Core, you’ll hear and read a short real-life scenario (e.g., asking for a day off, handling a complaint). After 20 seconds of preparation, you must record a 40-second reply that solves the problem politely and clearly.

2 | Why this task is a score magnet

Pearson scores your answer on just three traits:

• 20 s prep → jot keywords on erasable board
• 40 s recording → finish before the countdown hits 00:05
• Microphone starts after the tone; speak right away, no dead air
• Each prompt appears only once—there’s no replay

4 | Mahmoud’s TRIP Strategy

T — Task function: Identify the goal (apologise, request, reassure).
R — Relevant points: Note two keywords for problem + two for action.
I — Intonation & clarity: Stress content words; keep pace 140-160 wpm.
P — Polite close: Soft modal + thanks (e.g., “Could you please… Thanks for your help.”).

1. Write down the function: REQUEST.
2. Bullet three prompts: “reason – solution – thanks.”
3. Mark ↑ and ↓ arrows over stressed words to guide intonation.

5 | Template You Can Personalise

Opening (5 s): “Good morning, [Name]. I’m calling about (issue).”
Body (25 s):
– State the situation quickly.
– Add one reason or apology.
– Offer a clear solution or request.
Close (5 s): “Thanks so much for understanding. I look forward to your reply.”

 Our caring, professional trainers make sure every learner understands exactly why they lost points and how to gain them back.