PTE Core · speaking · 12 real bank items

PTE Respond to a Situation Core practice: 12 situations with answers

Twelve real PTE Core Respond to a Situation items from the EdKnot bank, each with a model spoken response. The situation is shown and read to you, then you have 20 seconds to prepare and 40 to speak; the task is scored for Appropriacy, Content, Oral fluency and Pronunciation.

12 Respond to a Situation Core practice situations with answers

Real items from the EdKnot bank, in random order. Each one opens in the practice player with the timer, the recording and AI scoring. Format, scoring and technique are on the Respond to a Situation Core task page.

  1. Gym Spotting Conflict

    44 words

    You're at the gym, finishing up your workout, when your workout buddy asks if you're available to spot him for his heavy lifts tomorrow morning. However, you realize you have a doctor's appointment scheduled at the same time. What would you say to him?

    Model response · 69 words

    I would love to help you out, but unfortunately, I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow morning, so I won't be available to spot you at that time. How about we plan for later in the afternoon or another day this week? I'm definitely down to spot you, but l just need to work around this appointment. Let me know what works best for you, and let's do it together.

  2. Lost Bag At Restaurant

    50 words

    You and your friends had dinner at a restaurant yesterday. You think you left a bag at the restaurant. You sat at the table next to the window. You had college materials inside the bag. You call the manager of the restaurant and what would you say to the manager?

    Model response · 84 words

    Hi, I had dinner at your restaurant yesterday and I think I may have left my bag behind. We were sitting at the table next to the window. It's a dark blue backpack with my college notebooks and textbooks inside - they're really important for my classes. Could you check your lost and found or ask your staff if anyone turned it in? I can describe the bag in more detail if needed, and I can come by anytime today to pick it up.

  3. Feeling Unwell Cancellation

    48 words

    You and your colleague have plans to grab dinner and possibly catch a movie later, but at the moment you're feeling unwell—you have a headache and might be coming down with a cold. You spot your colleague enjoying a coffee in the lunch room. What should you say?

    Model response · 73 words

    Hi, I was so excited about our dinner and movie tonight, but I'm actually feeling quite sick right now. I've got this really bad headache and I'm worried I might be starting a cold. I'd hate to pass anything on to you, and I wouldn't be much fun to be around. Could we maybe push our plans to next week once I'm back on my feet? I'm really sorry for the short notice.

  4. Dining Out Food Preference

    36 words

    You are going to eat outside with your friends and they want to eat Italian food. You don't like Italian food, but you want to dine out with them. What would you say to your friends?

    Model response · 79 words

    Hey everyone, I'm really looking forward to dinner with you all tonight. I just want to be honest though - I'm not a big fan of Italian food. Would it be possible to check if the restaurant has other types of dishes on the menu that I could order instead? Or maybe for our next group dinner, we could try a different cuisine? I really want to come along and spend time with everyone regardless of where we eat.

  5. Presentation Visual Simplicity

    58 words

    You're preparing for a group presentation, and your team members suggest incorporating complex charts and graphs into the slides. However, you realize that these visuals might confuse the audience and distract from the main points. You need to gently steer the discussion towards simpler and clearer visuals that enhance understanding. What would you say to your team members?

    Model response · 61 words

    Hey guys, I appreciate the suggestion for the presentation slides. However, let's aim for simpler visuals to ensure our audience grasps the main points easily. How about we use straightforward charts and diagrams that highlight key information without overwhelming them? This way, we can enhance understanding and keep everyone engaged throughout the presentation. Let's prioritize clarity and effectiveness in our visuals.

  6. Late Night Noise Discussion

    48 words

    Your neighbor has been playing loud music late at night, making it difficult for you to sleep. You want to address the situation diplomatically to maintain a good relationship with your neighbor while ensuring the noise is reduced during late hours. What would you say to your neighbor?

    Model response · 74 words

    Hello, I hope you're doing well. But I wanted to chat about something that's been a bit tricky for me. I've noticed the music can get pretty loud at night. I totally get the need to unwind and enjoy your tunes, but it's been tough for me to get some rest. Would you mind turning it down a bit after 10 PM? I'd really appreciate it, and it would help me out a lot.

  7. Chemistry Exam Study Help

    48 words

    You’re studying for the upcoming chemistry final exam. You understand most topics, but the “organic chemistry reaction mechanisms” still confuse you. Your study partner got an A in last year’s chemistry class. Ask them to explain the key concepts and share their study notes. What would you say?

    Model response · 92 words

    Hey, I know you did really well in chemistry last year. I'm studying for the final now and I understand most of the topics, but the organic chemistry reaction mechanisms are still confusing me no matter how many times I go over them. Could you walk me through the key mechanisms and explain them in a way that actually makes sense? And if you still have your study notes from last year, would you mind sharing them? I think seeing how you organized the material would really help me connect the dots.

  8. Confronting Noncontributing Member

    36 words

    You are taking a university course with a group project. One of your group members has not been contributing, and the deadline is next week. You decide to talk to them directly. What would you say?

    Model response · 65 words

    Hey, I wanted to check in about the group project. We haven't seen your part yet, and the deadline is next week. Is everything okay? We could really use your input. If you're struggling with the topic or have too much on your plate, let's talk about how we can divide the work differently so everyone can contribute. I want us all to succeed together.

  9. Gym Equipment Reminder

    44 words

    You notice that the communal gym equipment at your apartment complex has been left in disarray with weights scattered all over the floor and machines left unattended. You decide to send a friendly reminder to your neighbors. What would you say to your neighbors?

    Model response · 79 words

    Hey neighbors, just a quick heads up about the gym. I noticed that things are a bit messy lately – weights all over, machines left hanging. Let's all pitch in to keep it tidy. I think that it's more enjoyable and convenient for everyone when it's clean and organized. So, if you see something out of place, please do your part and put it back where it belongs. Thanks for keeping our gym a great place to work out!

  10. Complaining About Service And Coffee

    51 words

    You have finished your dinner at a restaurant. The manager comes to ask you how the food was. You think the dishes were good, but you want to complain about the waiter's service and the fact that the coffee you ordered has not arrived. What would you say to the manager?

    Model response · 81 words

    Thanks for asking. The dishes were actually quite good and we enjoyed the food overall. But I do have a couple of concerns about the service tonight. Our waiter seemed a bit distracted and wasn't very attentive during the meal. Also, we ordered coffee quite a while ago and it still hasn't arrived at our table. Could you please follow up on that coffee order? And perhaps have a word with our server about being a bit more attentive to guests.

  11. Apartment Painting Approval

    54 words

    You've been in your apartment for several years and think a new layer of paint would make the rooms feel more lively. You'd like to get your landlord's approval to do the painting on your own. How do you start this discussion and what particular details do you mention to receive a favorable reply?

    Model response · 83 words

    Hello, I've been renting this apartment for a while now, and I was thinking that a fresh paint job could really liven up the place and give it a refreshed look. I'd like to request your permission to handle the painting myself. I'll pay for all the materials and use durable, washable paint in a subtle shade. I'm glad to share color swatches with you beforehand, and I'll ensure the work is done with care and precision. Would that be acceptable to you?

  12. Tight Software Deadline

    59 words

    You're tasked with leading a team to develop a new software feature within a tight deadline. The team is talented but new to working together, and progress has been slower than expected. To meet the deadline, you need to find ways to enhance collaboration and efficiency among team members without causing burnout. What would you say to your team?

    Model response · 76 words

    Hey team, I've noticed we're a bit behind on our project timeline. You're all doing great, but since we're a new team, it takes time to find our groove. Let's try a couple of things to boost our workflow: first, daily quick stand-up meetings to share updates and hurdles. Also, how about pairing up on trickier tasks? Two heads are often better than one, and it's a great way to speed things up without overworking anyone.

Frequently asked questions

How is Core Respond to a Situation different from Academic?

The situations are everyday rather than academic, and preparation time is 20 seconds instead of 10. Scoring is the same four traits.

What does Appropriacy score?

Whether the response fits the situation and the person you are speaking to: register, a greeting and a close, and the actions the prompt asks for.

Do I have to use all 40 seconds?

No. A complete response of 25 to 35 seconds that covers every point scores better than one that trails off.