In the PTE Speaking & Writing section, Summarize Written Text is one of the most important tasks that test your ability to read, understand, and summarize information concisely. One common topic in this module that is increasingly relevant is related to social credit systems and privacy issues. In this article, we will provide a sample practice test on this topic to help you improve your performance in the PTE exam.
Understanding the Summarize Written Text Task
In the PTE Summarize Written Text task, your goal is to summarize a given text into one sentence of 5-75 words. This task tests your linguistic knowledge, including skills in grammar, spelling, content selection, and concise writing. The requirement is to interpret key ideas while maintaining grammatical clarity and formal structure.
Chances are high that topics like social credit systems and privacy issues may appear in one form or another in the PTE exam. These contemporary issues draw attention due to their potential impact on society, making them relevant in academic and professional discussions. Let’s dive into a sample test that mirrors real PTE questions.
Sample Summarize Written Text Based on Social Credit Systems and Privacy
Task: Based on the excerpt below, summarize the written text in one sentence. Your summary should be between 5-75 words. Ensure that it covers the main idea and is grammatically correct.
Text Prompt
In many countries, social credit systems are being introduced to measure the trustworthiness of individuals based on their behaviors, both online and offline. Such systems often rely on extensive data collection, raising concerns over individual privacy and data security. China’s social credit system is one of the most prominent examples, where citizens are scored based on activities ranging from financial history to social media usage. Proponents argue that social credit systems encourage good behavior and create a more harmonious society. However, critics point out that these systems may lead to oppressive surveillance, social inequality, and an erosion of personal freedom, especially when individuals are penalized unjustly or under unclear criteria.
Requirements:
Summarize the written text in one sentence (5-75 words).
Sample Answers and Analysis
Band 90 (Full Marks):
Social credit systems, such as those implemented in China, assess individuals’ behaviors to promote social harmony, but raise concerns about privacy invasion, surveillance, and potential harm to personal freedom and equality.
- Content: The summary accurately conveys the main idea by mentioning both the purpose of social credit systems and the associated privacy and fairness concerns.
- Form: The sentence is within 5-75 words, concise, and clear.
- Grammar: The sentence is grammatically correct, with no punctuation or clause-related mistakes.
- Vocabulary: The use of relevant vocabulary such as “social harmony,” “privacy invasion,” and “personal freedom” strengthens the clarity and depth of the summary.
- Spelling: No spelling mistakes were made.
Band 75:
Social credit systems are used to measure the trustworthiness of individuals but raise issues about privacy and fairness, as seen in China’s example.
- Content: The main points related to both the system’s rationale and privacy concerns are present, though the explanation is more general.
- Form: The sentence follows the correct rules, but the explanation could be more detailed.
- Grammar: It is grammatically sound, with no evident mistakes.
- Vocabulary: While clear, it lacks complex vocabulary like “surveillance” or “social harmony” that could enhance the answer.
- Spelling: No errors were made.
Band 65:
Social credit systems help track people’s behavior, but they may also threaten privacy and freedom.
- Content: The main concepts are captured, but there is a lack of specific examples or details (e.g., China’s case).
- Form: The sentence is concise and appropriately formed.
- Grammar: The grammar is correct, but it is more simplistic compared to higher-level answers.
- Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary is used, and the summary doesn’t reflect a broad range of expression.
- Spelling: No spelling mistakes were noticed.
Band 50:
Social credit systems are useful for measuring behavior but can raise problems with data and privacy.
- Content: The content is incomplete and lacks specific details on how these systems operate or their impact on society.
- Form: The sentence is brief, but not detailed enough to address all aspects of the text.
- Grammar: Simple yet correct grammar, but it lacks the complexity required for a high score.
- Vocabulary: Vocabulary usage is limited and not sufficiently sophisticated.
- Spelling: No spelling mistakes.
Vocabulary and Grammar from the Text
Here are 10 key vocabulary words and phrases related to the topic of Social Credit Systems And Privacy, along with their definitions and examples to enhance your understanding.
-
Trustworthiness /ˈtrʌstˌwɜːr.ði.nɪs/
Meaning: The quality of being reliable or dependable.
Example: In the social credit system, a high score reflects an individual’s trustworthiness. -
Surveillance /sərˈveɪ.ləns/
Meaning: Close observation, especially of a suspected individual.
Example: Mass surveillance plays a significant role in social credit systems. -
Data Collection /ˈdeɪ.tə kəˈlɛk.ʃən/
Meaning: The act of gathering information.
Example: Social credit systems involve extensive data collection from multiple sources. -
Harmonious /hɑːrˈmoʊni.əs/
Meaning: Forming a pleasing or consistent whole.
Example: Proponents claim these systems contribute to a more harmonious society. -
Oppressive /əˈprɛs.ɪv/
Meaning: Unjustly inflicting hardship or constraint.
Example: Critics argue that social credit systems could become oppressive tools of control. -
Erosion /ɪˈroʊ.ʒən/
Meaning: The gradual destruction of something.
Example: The erosion of personal freedom is a significant concern with these systems. -
Inequality /ˌɪn.ɪˈkwɒl.ɪ.ti/
Meaning: A lack of fairness or equality.
Example: Social credit systems can perpetuate social inequality by unfairly targeting certain groups. -
Unjustly /ʌnˈdʒʌst.li/
Meaning: In a manner that lacks fairness.
Example: Critics worry individuals may be penalized unjustly due to unclear criteria in these systems. -
Penalize /ˈpiː.nə.laɪz/
Meaning: To punish or impose a penalty on someone.
Example: Citizens may be penalized for seemingly trivial activities under a social credit system. -
Transparency /trænˈspɛr.ən.si/
Meaning: The openness in communication and accessibility of information.
Example: For these systems to work, transparency regarding the scoring criteria is crucial.
Conclusion
The Summarize Written Text task in the PTE exam demands concise writing, which also tests your ability to communicate complex ideas like social credit systems or privacy issues. The more you practice with similar questions, including real-world contemporary topics, the better you will become at managing the challenges of the PTE exam. Practice with this topic, paying attention to the feedback in each sample answer, and continue enhancing your vocabulary and grammar. Let us know if you have any queries or need further practice by leaving a comment below!
