PTE Summarize Group Discussion template
A sentence plan for each of the 5 shapes a discussion takes, with how to note three speakers and link their views.
執筆：Thanh Tran（共同創業者・PTE 講師）
更新：
What shape is the discussion?
Pick the kind of discussion you hear. Its template opens.
Blue: take it from your notes.Bold: a linking phrase.
- The topic
- A choiceThey are talking about where to live: a dorm or a private flat.
- A questionThe speakers are discussing whether to take a gap year.
- Speaker 1's view
- A clear viewThe first speaker prefers the dorm.
- Decides laterThe first speaker is unsure, but later loves the dorm.
- Their reason
- A reasonThis is because she enjoys the shared kitchen.
- An exampleFor example, she cooks with students from other cultures.
- Speaker 2, and the link
- The other sideIn contrast, the second speaker has chosen a private flat.
- DisagreesThe second speaker disagrees, and thinks the dorm is too noisy.
- Their reason
- A reasonThe dorm was noisy, so he thinks the extra cost is worth it.
- A bad experienceIn the dorm, people took food from his shelf.
- Speaker 3, and the link
- New reasonThe third speaker agrees, but for another reason: study groups.
- Same reasonThe third speaker also prefers the dorm, because it is cheaper.
- Agree or disagree
- Two against oneSo two speakers prefer the dorm, while one wants a flat.
- Common groundAll three agree that cost matters.
- How it ends
- What each valuesOverall, two value people, while one values privacy.
- One movesIn the end, the third speaker accepts it could work.
- The topic
- A ruleThe speakers are discussing whether to allow phones in lectures.
- A new planThe speakers are talking about a plan to allow pets in dorms.
- Speaker 1's view
- AgainstThe first speaker is against phones in lectures.
- ForThe first speaker is all for the idea of dorm pets.
- Their reason
- A reasonThis is because students get distracted.
- An exampleFor example, students chat with friends on their phones.
- Speaker 2, and the link
- DisagreesHowever, the second speaker is happy for students to use phones.
- Answers a pointThe second speaker replies that pets can smell.
- Their reason
- ReasonsSome record the lecture, and others check words to keep up.
- A bad experienceLast semester, a roommate's fish tank smelled.
- Speaker 3, and the link
- In betweenThe third speaker sees both sides, but does not want a ban.
- A middle wayThe third speaker suggests rules, such as only quiet pets.
- Agree or disagree
- Still splitSo one is against, one is for, and one is in between.
- Moving closerThe second speaker accepts the rules if someone checks.
- How it ends
- Next stepIn the end, they agree to meet on Tuesday to discuss it.
- A decisionIn the end, they decide to send a proposal to the union.
- The topic
- One personThey are talking about how Ben can do better in presentations.
- All of themThe speakers are discussing how to manage assignments.
- The problem
- The problemBen is struggling with presentations: his mind goes blank.
- A feelingThe first speaker feels under pressure when doing assignments.
- Why it's hard
- The detailHe relies on his notes, and fears missing a section.
- What they triedHe tries to plan, but still falls behind.
- Speaker 2's advice
- AdviceThe second speaker says the best thing is a lot of practice.
- An offerThe second speaker offers to listen and give feedback.
- More advice
- More adviceShe also suggests notes at first, and then using them less.
- Her experienceFrom her own experience, practice builds confidence.
- Speaker 3's advice
- Agrees and addsThe third speaker agrees, and adds a trick for nerves.
- A different ideaInstead, the third speaker suggests a study timetable.
- How they respond
- Not sure at firstBen is not sure at first, but David says it works.
- Likes itThe first speaker likes this idea, because it sounds easy.
- The plan
- A planIn the end, they agree on a plan: Ben will practise with Claire.
- Feels betterBy the end, Ben feels more confident.
- The topic
- What they planThe speakers are planning a party for their department.
- Two questionsThey need to decide where to hold it and who to invite.
- The first idea
- The first ideaThe first speaker wants to book a Greek restaurant downtown.
- A question firstThe first speaker asks where they should meet for the project.
- Its reason
- Its reasonThis is because it has excellent reviews.
- What it givesIt would make the day special after ten years of work.
- A problem with it
- A problemHowever, the second speaker thinks it is too expensive.
- Not suitableThe second speaker points out that it is far from campus.
- Another idea
- Another ideaInstead, the second speaker suggests a room on campus.
- Rules one outThe first speaker does not want the Maths Building room.
- The compromise
- The compromiseThen the third speaker suggests the Business Building room.
- Why it worksIt is a good compromise, because it is on campus but special.
- The next question
- The next questionNext, they talk about guests, and inviting first graduates.
- A detailThe second speaker says 15 staff is too small.
- What they decide
- A decisionIn the end, they agree on the Business Building.
- Next stepsFinally, they plan to start the guest list.
本番の問題で試してみよう
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How to use it
Before it starts, write a line for the topic and three columns: S1, S2, S3.
Under each speaker, write their view and one reason, in a few words.
Find the shape of the discussion in the table below. Pick one option for each sentence from your notes.
Say every speaker's view and how it links to the others. Leave out your own opinion.
Speak for up to 2 minutes. If you stop for 3 seconds, the recording ends.
An example answer
The two agree, one disagrees template, used on a real question. The PDF has an example answer for all 5 templates.
- The three students are talking about where to live next year: in university housing or in a private flat.
- The first speaker is unsure at the start, but later says she loves living in the dorm.
- This is because she enjoys the shared kitchen, where she cooks with students from other cultures and learns about their lives.
- In contrast, the second speaker has signed a contract for a studio flat in the city centre.
- The dorm was noisy and people took his food, so he thinks the extra cost is worth it for privacy.
- The third speaker agrees with the first, but for different reasons: the dorm is three minutes from class, and its study groups helped his grades.
- So two speakers prefer the dorm, while the second prefers to live alone.
- Overall, the first and third speakers value people and support, while the second values privacy more than money.
Also in the PDFNaming the speakersReporting verbsYour notesHow the views connectLinking wordsTwo minutes is long
よくある質問
Are templates allowed in PTE Summarize Group Discussion?
Pearson tells you not to use memorised answers or templated sentences, and an answer learned by heart can score 0 for content. The cheat sheet gives you sentence plans with gaps, and you fill every gap from your notes. Learn the shape, not the sentences, and every answer you give is about the question in front of you.
How do I take notes on three speakers?
Before it starts, write a line for the topic and three columns: S1, S2 and S3. Under each, write the speaker's view and one reason in a few words. When one speaker agrees or disagrees with another, draw an arrow between them.
Should I give my own opinion?
No. Say every speaker's view and how it links to the others, and leave out your own.
How long should I speak in Summarize Group Discussion?
Up to 2 minutes. That covers each view, its reason and how it links, not every point. If you stop for 3 seconds, the recording ends.
Is the PDF free?
Yes. Enter your email and it downloads at once. Your email also opens a free Leap English Pathways account, where you can practise with real exam questions. Every PDF on this site is open to that account. Pro adds feedback on every speaking and writing answer.
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