Summarize Written Text Tasks in PTE Speaking & Writing Test: Mental Health Education in Schools

In the PTE test, the Summarize Written Text task is a crucial part of the Speaking and Writing section, which requires test-takers to condense the main ideas of a given passage into a single sentence. One recurring and highly relevant theme in PTE exams is the topic of “Mental Health Education In Schools.” Below are sample PTE Summarize Written Text prompt and answer examples to help you practice for the real exam.

Sample Summarize Written Text Question: Mental Health Education in Schools

Prompt 1

Summarize the following text in one sentence.

Over the past few decades, mental health has gained increasing attention in schools, as educators and policymakers recognize that mental well-being significantly impacts students’ academic performance and social development. Students with proper mental health education are more likely to succeed, demonstrate empathy, and cope better with emotional challenges. Teachers are being trained to identify early warning signs of mental issues and initiate supportive measures on campus. Collaborating with parents, schools can integrate mental health curricula that not only target students’ personal growth but also reduce the overall stigma facing mental health topics. Thus, many experts advocate that mental health awareness should be a mandatory part of school programs, ensuring a safe and nurturing learning environment for all students.

Band 90 Response

Recognizing the importance of mental health, schools are increasingly implementing mental health education, which can enhance students’ academic success, emotional resilience, and reduce stigmas, while educators and parents collaborate to create supportive environments.

Analysis

• Content: The response fully captures the core ideas, including mental health education’s positive effects, teacher involvement, and the collaboration between educators and parents.
• Form: The answer is one complete sentence.
• Grammar: Complex, error-free grammar structure is used.
• Vocabulary: Advanced vocabulary such as “implementing,” “resilience,” and “stigmas” is utilized.
• Spelling: Correct spelling throughout.

Band 75 Response

Schools are focusing on mental health education to improve students’ success, teachers’ awareness, and to reduce stigma surrounding mental health.

Analysis

• Content: The summary touches on key aspects but lacks the depth regarding collaboration with parents and curriculum development.
• Form: Proper sentence structure is maintained.
• Grammar: The structure is simpler than the Band 90 response, but still accurate.
• Vocabulary: Reasonable use of vocabulary, though simpler; terms like “teachers’ awareness” could be replaced with stronger phrases.
• Spelling: No spelling issues.

Band 65 Response

Schools have started to focus on mental health, helping students, teachers, and parents to handle it better.

Analysis

• Content: While the overall idea is noted, this response misses important details such as stigma reduction or the specific impact on academic performance.
• Form: The structure diverges slightly from an ideal, complex sentence.
• Grammar: Basic sentence without errors but lacks complexity.
• Vocabulary: Simplified, missing nuance compared to the higher band responses.
• Spelling: No issues observed.

Band 50 Response

Schools help students with mental health education.

Analysis

• Content: Incomplete as it omits multiple significant points, including teachers’ roles, collaboration, and mental health effects on students.
• Form: The summary is too brief and does not meet the task’s requirements for complexity or depth.
• Grammar: Simple sentence structure.
• Vocabulary: Minimalist and basic.
• Spelling: No errors.

Prompt 2

Summarize the following text in one sentence.

The prevalence of mental health issues among school-aged children and teenagers has reached unprecedented levels, yet mental health education remains inadequate in most schools. This lack of education leads to preventable mental health crises and untreated conditions that can hinder students’ academic and social growth. Advocates are calling for comprehensive mental health programs focusing on emotional intelligence, stress management, and anxiety reduction techniques to be integrated into school curriculums. Research shows that students who receive proper mental health education are better equipped to face challenges and maintain a balanced school-life experience.

Band 90 Response

Despite increasing mental health issues among students, many schools lack comprehensive mental health education programs, which could significantly improve emotional intelligence, stress management, and overall academic and social success.

Analysis

• Content: Accurate representation of the main points, including the lack of mental health education, its effects, and the need for comprehensive reforms.
• Form: The information is condensed into a single, well-structured sentence.
• Grammar: Complex and grammatically accurate.
• Vocabulary: Wide range of vocabulary, capturing essential concepts such as “emotional intelligence” and “comprehensive programs.”
• Spelling: No issues.

Vocabulary and Grammar in Mental Health Education

Here are 10 essential vocabulary words that appeared in the sample text along with their pronunciation, meaning, and sample usage:

1. Prevalence /ˈprɛvələns/ (n.): The fact or condition of being widespread; common occurrence.
   Example: The prevalence of mental health issues among young people has been rising globally.

2. Stigma /ˈstɪɡmə/ (n.): A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.
   Example: Mental health education is key to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness.

3. Resilience /rɪˈzɪlɪəns/ (n.): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
   Example: Students learn emotional resilience through mental health programs.

4. Curriculum /kəˈrɪkjʊləm/ (n.): The subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college.
   Example: Mental health should be part of the school curriculum.

5. Unprecedented /ʌnˈprɛsɪˌdɛntɪd/ (adj.): Never done or known before.
   Example: The rise in mental health issues among students is unprecedented.

6. Advocate /ˈædvəkɪt/ (n.): A person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy.
   Example: Mental health advocates are pushing for better education in schools.

7. Empathy /ˈɛmpəθi/ (n.): The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
   Example: Mental health programs foster empathy among students.

8. Collaborate /kəˈlæbəreɪt/ (v.): Work jointly on an activity or project.
   Example: Teachers and parents collaborate to promote mental well-being in schools.

9. Crisis /ˈkraɪsɪs/ (n.): A time of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger.
   Example: Mental health crises can be prevented with early intervention.

10. Reduce /rɪˈdjuːs/ (v.): Make smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.
    Example: Mental health education can help reduce stress and anxiety in students.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mental health education in schools is becoming increasingly recognized as a critical aspect of student well-being, which encompasses academic achievement, emotional resilience, and stigma reduction. As observed in our Summarize Written Text examples, a well-rounded summary should capture these complex ideas concisely but comprehensively, making practice in this domain essential for success in PTE. Explore more perspectives on mental health and how they intertwine with students’ lives in this detailed discussion on The importance of mental health awareness in contemporary society.