What is “Summarize Written Text”?
“Summarize Written Text” is a part of the PTE Academic exam under the Speaking & Writing section, where test-takers are presented with 1-3 paragraphs of text. The goal is to summarize the presented content in one sentence containing between 5 and 75 words.
Understanding the topic thoroughly will enhance comprehension, and you’ll be able to summarize better while avoiding grammatical mistakes or irrelevant information. As we explore this practice topic related to social media platforms and user privacy, you will find various levels of sample answers that match the PTE scoring range.
Why Choose “Social Media Platforms and User Privacy” as a Practice Topic?
This topic has appeared multiple times in PTE tests as it’s both contemporary and relatable. Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, are frequently in the news due to breaches of user privacy. Consequently, having a summarized understanding of this topic will not only help you in PTE but also help contextually in other discussions.
Concerns over social media privacy issues with users
Summarize Written Text Sample Task: Social Media Platforms and User Privacy
Prompt (Summarize the text below in one sentence):
The growth of social media platforms has given rise to concerns surrounding user privacy. Although these platforms provide unique opportunities for global communication, they have also been criticized for their policies regarding data collection and storage. Users often unknowingly consent to the selling of their data to third-party advertisers, raising ethical questions about privacy and security. The implementation of stronger privacy protection measures by governments and organizations has been uneven, leaving room for exploitation by malicious actors. As a result, there is a growing demand for more transparency and accountability from these platforms to protect users’ personal information.
Write one sentence (between 5 and 75 words) to summarize the text. You will have 10 minutes to complete this task.
Sample Answers
Band Score: 90
While social media platforms have created global connections, their data collection practices have led to ethical concerns regarding user privacy, prompting demands for greater transparency, accountability, and stronger governmental measures to protect personal information.
Analysis:
- Content: Fully covers the key aspects of the text.
- Form: Properly structured into one clear, concise sentence under 75 words.
- Grammar: Faultless sentence structure with appropriate use of clauses and linking words.
- Vocabulary: High-level vocabulary with precise terms like “ethical concerns”, “transparency”, and “accountability.”
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band Score: 75
Although social media platforms offer worldwide communication, their data collection practices and misuse of user data have raised privacy concerns, leading to calls for better protections and transparency by both users and governments.
Analysis:
- Content: Covers almost all important points but misses some nuances regarding “malicious actors”.
- Form: Suitable structure within word limitations.
- Grammar: Grammatically robust sentence but slightly simpler than higher band answers.
- Vocabulary: Sufficient academic vocabulary; terms like “data collection” and “transparency” are well-deployed.
- Spelling: No mistakes in spelling.
Band Score: 65
Social media platforms face criticism for not protecting user privacy while collecting data, and people demand better transparency and protections.
Analysis:
- Content: Partially covers the points but misses more detailed examination of the government’s role and ethical issues.
- Form: Sentence length and structure are acceptable, though oversimplified compared to a higher band response.
- Grammar: Clear sentence structure, but too elementary.
- Vocabulary: Less complex vocabulary, omits advanced terms like “global connections” and “accountability.”
- Spelling: Correct spelling, but word choices are basic.
Band Score: 50
Social media is criticized for user privacy issues.
Analysis:
- Content: Oversimplified. Significant information is left out, such as the role of governments and demands for transparency.
- Form: The sentence is underdeveloped, too short.
- Grammar: Very basic structure; lacks complexity to express nuanced ideas.
- Vocabulary: Extremely limited vocabulary; does not include essential words from the text.
- Spelling: No errors in spelling.
Social media user concerns about privacy breaches
Vocabulary and Grammar Focus
Understanding and using accurate vocabulary in your summaries is essential, especially when discussing themes like user privacy. Here are 10 important words from the passage:
-
Privacy /ˈpraɪvəsi/ (n) – The condition of being free from public attention.
Example: Social media users are concerned about their privacy online. -
Transparency /trænsˈpærənsi/ (n) – The quality of being open and honest.
Example: There is a demand for transparency from social media companies regarding data usage. -
Accountability /əˌkaʊntəˈbɪlɪti/ (n) – The fact of being responsible for one’s actions.
Example: Platforms should bear accountability for any breach in user privacy. -
Ethical /ˈɛθɪkəl/ (adj) – Relating to moral principles.
Example: The ethical implications of data sharing on social platforms are significant. -
Data collection /ˈdeɪtə kəˈlɛkʃən/ (n) – The process of gathering information.
Example: Many platforms use advanced data collection methods to target advertisements. -
Malicious agents /məˈlɪʃəs ˈeɪʤənts/ (n) – Entities acting with harmful intentions.
Example: Some hackers exploit vulnerabilities in privacy systems for malicious purposes. -
Exploitation /ˌɛksplɔɪˈteɪʃən/ (n) – The use of something for selfish or unethical purposes.
Example: The exploitation of user data has resulted in major privacy scandals. -
Third-party advertisers /θɜːrd-ˈpɑːrti ˈædˌvɜrtɪzəz/ (n) – External companies who promote products using user data.
Example: Many user concerns arise from data being sold to third-party advertisers. -
Breaches /briːʧɪz/ (n) – Breaks in defense, often referred to in relation to hacking or unauthorized access.
Example: Data breaches have caused significant financial and reputational harm to companies. -
Measures /ˈmɛʒəz/ (n) – Initiatives or steps taken to address an issue.
Example: Governments are considering stronger privacy protection measures to safeguard user data.
Illustration of privacy breach and data misuse on social media
Conclusion
In this article, we reviewed how to handle a Summarize Written Text task in PTE by focusing on a popular and relevant theme—”Social media platforms and user privacy”. We examined 3 different types of responses from various proficiency levels, as well as their detailed feedback. The closer your answer adheres to the original main ideas and structure, while maintaining grammatical accuracy, the higher the score. Don’t forget to continuously practice, leave a comment below to share your thoughts or ask questions!
