E-commerce and Traditional Retail Coexistence: Sample Summarize Written Text for PTE

In the PTE Speaking & Writing section, the Summarize Written Text task assesses your ability to comprehend and concisely convey the main ideas of a given passage. A prevalent topic within this task is the coexistence of e-commerce and traditional retail. Understanding this subject not only prepares you for the exam but also enhances your grasp of current retail dynamics.

Sample Summarize Written Text Tasks

Sample Task 1

Summarize the following text in one sentence (no more than 75 words).

The rise of e-commerce has significantly transformed the retail landscape over the past decade. Online platforms offer consumers unparalleled convenience, a wider selection of products, and competitive pricing, which have accelerated their growth. However, traditional brick-and-mortar stores continue to thrive by providing tactile experiences, immediate product access, and personalized customer service. This coexistence highlights the evolving preferences of consumers and the adaptability of retail businesses to integrate both online and offline strategies.

Sample Answers

Band 3:

E-commerce has changed retail by offering convenience, but traditional stores still work because people like to touch products and get help.

Analysis:

• Content: Limited coverage of key points.
• Form: Exceeds word limit; lacks conciseness.
• Grammar: Basic sentence structure.
• Vocabulary: Limited use of advanced vocabulary.
• Spelling: Correct.

Band 5:

E-commerce provides convenience and variety, while traditional retail remains relevant through tactile experiences and personalized service, illustrating the adaptability of businesses to consumer preferences.

Analysis:

• Content: Covers main ideas adequately.
• Form: Within word limit, concise.
• Grammar: Correct and varied sentence structures.
• Vocabulary: Appropriate use of terms like “tactile experiences” and “personalized service.”
• Spelling: Correct.

Band 7:

The coexistence of e-commerce and traditional retail demonstrates how online platforms offer unmatched convenience and selection, yet brick-and-mortar stores maintain their relevance by delivering immediate access and personalized customer interactions, reflecting the dynamic preferences of consumers and the retail sector’s adaptability.

Analysis:

• Content: Comprehensive coverage of all key points.
• Form: Concise and within the specified word limit.
• Grammar: Complex and accurate structures.
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated and precise terminology.
• Spelling: Correct.

Sample Task 2

Summarize the following text in one sentence (no more than 75 words).

Traditional retail has long been the cornerstone of the shopping experience, offering consumers the ability to see, touch, and try products before purchasing. With the advent of e-commerce, there has been a paradigm shift towards online shopping, driven by the convenience of browsing from home and the efficiency of home delivery services. Despite the surge in online retail, many physical stores are adapting by incorporating digital technologies and enhancing in-store experiences to create a seamless omnichannel presence.

Sample Answers

Band 3:

Shopping used to be in stores, but now people shop online. Stores are trying to use technology to stay open.

Analysis:

• Content: Very basic and incomplete.
• Form: Oversimplified; lacks detail.
• Grammar: Simple and repetitive structures.
• Vocabulary: Basic and limited.
• Spelling: Correct.

Band 5:

Traditional stores allow customers to experience products directly, while e-commerce offers the convenience of online browsing and delivery, leading many physical retailers to adopt digital technologies to integrate both shopping methods.

Analysis:

• Content: Addresses main ideas but lacks depth.
• Form: Clear and within word limit.
• Grammar: Correct with some variation.
• Vocabulary: Suitable terms used.
• Spelling: Correct.

Band 7:

While traditional retail provides the tangible experience of product interaction, the rise of e-commerce offers unparalleled convenience and efficiency in shopping, prompting physical stores to integrate digital technologies and enrich in-store experiences to establish a cohesive omnichannel presence.

Analysis:

• Content: Thorough and well-rounded.
• Form: Concise and meets word criteria.
• Grammar: Advanced and accurate.
• Vocabulary: Effective use of terms like “omnichannel presence” and “tangible experience.”
• Spelling: Correct.

Vocabulary and Grammar

1. Paradigm /ˈparədaɪm/
   Meaning: A typical example or pattern of something.
   Example: The shift towards online shopping represents a new paradigm in retail.

2. Tactile /ˈtæktʌɪl/
   Meaning: Related to the sense of touch.
   Example: Traditional retail offers a tactile experience that online stores cannot provide.

3. Omnichannel /ˌɒmnɪˈtʃænəl/
   Meaning: Integrating multiple methods of shopping available to consumers.
   Example: An omnichannel approach ensures customers have a seamless shopping experience both online and offline.

4. Cornerstone /ˈkɔːnərstoʊn/
   Meaning: An important quality or feature on which a particular thing depends.
   Example: Traditional retail has been the cornerstone of the shopping experience for decades.

5. Coexistence /ˌkoʊɪɡˈzɪstəns/
   Meaning: The state of living or existing at the same time or in the same place.
   Example: The coexistence of e-commerce and traditional retail benefits consumers by providing more options.

6. Adaptability /əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/
   Meaning: The quality of being able to adjust to new conditions.
   Example: The adaptability of retailers is crucial in the rapidly changing market.

7. Sophisticated /səˈfɪstɪkeɪtɪd/
   Meaning: Highly developed or complex.
   Example: Sophisticated digital technologies are helping traditional stores enhance customer experiences.

8. Enhanced /ɪnˈhænst/
   Meaning: Intensified or improved.
   Example: Many physical stores have enhanced their services to compete with online retailers.

9. Cohesive /koʊˈhiːsɪv/
   Meaning: Forming a united whole.
   Example: A cohesive omnichannel strategy ensures consistency across all platforms.

10. Emerging /ɪˈmɜːrdʒɪŋ/
    Meaning: Becoming apparent or prominent.
    Example: Emerging technologies are shaping the future of retail.

Conclusion

The Summarize Written Text tasks on the coexistence of e-commerce and traditional retail offer valuable practice for the PTE Speaking & Writing section. These samples reflect real exam scenarios, helping candidates develop concise summarization skills and a deep understanding of current retail trends. Regular practice with such tasks can enhance your performance—feel free to leave comments and share your experiences!