The Summarize Written Text section of the PTE Speaking & Writing test evaluates a candidate’s ability to condense complex written content into a single sentence. One widely encountered topic is cyberbullying’s impact on mental health, mirroring its relevance in today’s social environment. The purpose of this article is to provide sample questions and high-quality responses for practicing Summarize Written Text, focusing specifically on this significant topic in the PTE.
Cyberbullying, especially through social media, has become a growing concern, affecting mental well-being across all age groups by leading to issues like anxiety, depression, and isolation. This topic is particularly common in PTE exams, both in Summarize Written Text and in broader essay prompts.
Sample Task: Cyberbullying’s Impact on Mental Health
Below is a sample Summarize Written Text task based on the effects of cyberbullying on mental health.
The rise of technology and social media has created new avenues for interpersonal communication; however, it has simultaneously enabled cyberbullying, where the perpetrator anonymously harasses or intimidates others online. Studies reveal that victims of cyberbullying experience heightened mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, particularly in adolescents and teenagers. Furthermore, because cyberbullying often occurs on platforms accessible 24/7, victims are left vulnerable to continuous attacks, which can severely hamper their emotional resilience and lead to a sense of social isolation. Experts agree that long-term exposure to online bullying can undermine self-esteem and cause profound emotional distress, making it critical to address this issue proactively.
Summarize the paragraph in one sentence.
Answer Samples:
Below, we provide example answers for different proficiency levels, along with detailed analysis based on Content, Form, Grammar, Vocabulary, and Spelling.
Band 90 Answer:
Cyberbullying, facilitated by social media, can lead to severe emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and social isolation, especially among adolescents, with potentially long-term impacts on mental health.
Content: Excellent — All key points are captured.
Form: Spot-on word count.
Grammar: Flawless.
Vocabulary: Precise use of terms like “facilitated” and “adolescents”.
Spelling: No errors.
Band 75 Answer:
Cyberbullying causes increased mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, particularly among teenagers, due to its ongoing presence on social media.
Content: Good — Most elements are present, though lacks mention of emotional resilience or long-term effects.
Form: Correct word count.
Grammar: Solid.
Vocabulary: Sufficient but simpler compared to the Band 90 answer.
Spelling: No errors.
Band 60 Answer:
Being bullied online leads to mental health problems like depression and anxiety which affect many young people.
Content: Fair — Covers core themes but omits specifics such as social media and continuous attacks.
Form: Appropriate word count.
Grammar: Adequate but lacks complexity.
Vocabulary: Basic.
Spelling: No errors.
Vocabulary & Grammar for Summarize Written Text
Let’s examine some advanced vocabulary from the provided content sample. Understanding and applying these words correctly can elevate your response quality in the Summarize Written Text section of the PTE.
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Harass /həˈræs/: To bother or attack someone repeatedly.
Example: The young student was harassed by anonymous bullies online. -
Ideation /ˌaɪdɪˈeɪʃn/: The process of forming ideas, often linked to suicidal thoughts.
Example: Suicidal ideation is a serious consequence of prolonged bullying. -
Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/: The ability to recover quickly from difficulties or challenges.
Example: Emotional resilience can help counteract the effects of cyberbullying. -
Adolescents /ˌædəˈlɛsnts/: Young people between the ages of 12 and 18.
Example: Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the effects of cyberbullying. -
Undermines /ʌndərˈmaɪnz/: Gradually weakens or damages something.
Example: Cyberbullying undermines a person’s self-esteem. -
Proactively /prəʊˈæktɪvli/: Taking action in anticipation of a future problem.
Example: Schools are working proactively to prevent online bullying. -
Anonymously /əˈnɒnɪməsli/: In a way that does not reveal who you are.
Example: Cyberbullies often target victims anonymously, making it harder to stop the abuse. -
Facilitated /fəˈsɪlɪteɪtɪd/: Made easier or possible.
Example: Social media has facilitated a global communication network but also cyberbullying. -
Self-esteem /ˌsɛlfɪˈstim/: Confidence and satisfaction in one’s self.
Example: Prolonged bullying can seriously damage a person’s self-esteem. -
Isolation /ˌaɪsəˈleɪʃn/: The state of being separated or alone.
Example: Victims of bullying may experience both physical and emotional isolation.
Cyberbullying's emotional impact
Remember, incorporating a wide range of vocabulary and accurate grammatical structures will help you achieve a higher score in the Summarize Written Text section.
Conclusion
The Summarize Written Text task in the PTE frequently includes prevalent social issues such as Cyberbullying Effects On Mental Health. It is essential to practice by summarizing complex texts concisely to succeed in this portion of the exam. Continuous practice of this skill will not only improve your ability to capture key points but will also enhance your ability to construct grammatically sound and contextually appropriate sentences.
For more related topics and ways to practice, explore our related piece on the Social media’s effect on mental health.
Feel free to comment below with any specific questions or additional suggestions for Summarize Written Text practice.
