The PTE (Pearson Test of English) Speaking & Writing section assesses several key abilities in English communication. In this article, we will focus on Summarize Written Text, a task where test-takers read a passage of up to around 400 words and are required to produce a single-sentence summary of it. This is a skill that tests both comprehension and writing, and is crucial in real-world contexts like business and academic environments.
In recent years, topics such as the influence of AI-driven marketing and concerns surrounding consumer privacy have become increasingly relevant. These themes are frequently used in question pools, especially in advanced exams such as the PTE due to their global implications.
Sample Summarize Written Text Prompt
Below is a sample “Summarize Written Text” prompt. Your task is to summarize the given text in one sentence using 5-75 words.
Prompt:
Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the marketing industry by enabling companies to analyze customer data like never before. By processing massive amounts of data from social media, purchase history, and browsing behavior, AI-driven marketing can personalize advertisements and improve customer outreach significantly. However, this level of personalization has raised substantial concerns regarding consumer privacy. Many consumers are unaware of the extent to which their personal data is being used, fuelling criticisms about transparency and data protection. As companies continue to harness AI technology for profit, regulatory bodies worldwide are grappling with creating an adequate legal framework to protect individual privacy while allowing technological growth.
Summarize the text in one sentence.
Sample Answers for Different Band Scores
Band 90 (Excellent Answer)
AI-driven marketing has transformed customer outreach through data analysis and personalization, but it has also sparked concerns about consumer privacy, prompting regulatory discussions about balancing technology and data protection.
Evaluation:
- Content: Excellent – This response fully addresses the main points regarding AI, marketing, privacy, and regulation.
- Form: Correct – The sentence is within the word limit (31 words) and concise.
- Grammar: Excellent – There are no grammatical mistakes in this sentence.
- Vocabulary: Excellent – Advanced words like ‘transformed,’ ‘concerns,’ and ‘balancing’ are used appropriately.
- Spelling: Correct – No spelling errors.
Band 80 (Very Good Answer)
AI-driven marketing has led to better customer engagement, but there are rising concerns about how companies handle consumer data, with ongoing discussions about privacy regulations.
Evaluation:
- Content: Very good – The answer covers the key points but doesn’t mention “legal framework” explicitly.
- Form: Correct – Word count is 24, which is well within the limit.
- Grammar: Very good – The sentence is grammatically sound but lacks more complex structures.
- Vocabulary: Good – Words like ‘engagement’ and ‘rising concerns’ are appropriate but slightly simpler than an excellent-level answer.
- Spelling: Correct – No errors detected.
Band 70 (Good Answer)
Companies are using AI for marketing to target customers better, but many people have privacy worries about how their data is being used.
Evaluation:
- Content: Good – The main contrast between AI benefits and privacy concerns is touched on, but the depth of detail is lacking.
- Form: Correct – It adheres to the task’s format, with 22 words used in a single sentence.
- Grammar: Good – The sentence is grammatically correct, though phrasing is simpler.
- Vocabulary: Adequate – Commonplace words like ‘worries’ and ‘target’ could be replaced with more academic alternatives (e.g., ‘concerns’ and ‘engage’).
- Spelling: Correct – No spelling errors.
Band 60 (Average Answer)
AI marketing makes ads more personalized, but people worry about privacy problems.
Evaluation:
- Content: Adequate – The sentence touches on both AI-driven marketing and privacy but is too simplified and doesn’t cover the regulatory elements.
- Form: Correct – The format is respected with 11 words.
- Grammar: Adequate – The structure is coherent but lacks complexity.
- Vocabulary: Basic – Basic words like ‘ads’ and ‘problems’ lessen the academic tone of the response.
- Spelling: Correct – No errors.
Vocabulary and Grammar to Improve Your Answer
Here are some key vocabulary words from the passage that could enrich your sentences:
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revolutionized | /rɪˈvɒl.jʊ.ʃə.naɪzd/ | To dramatically change or improve something | AI has revolutionized digital marketing. |
| Personalization | /ˌpɜːr.sə.nəl.ɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/ | Adjusting content for individual preferences | Personalization in ads can enhance engagement. |
| Outreach | /ˈaʊtˌriːtʃ/ | Efforts to connect with a particular audience | The outreach campaign succeeded in retaining users. |
| Privacy | /ˈprɪ.və.si/ | A state in which one is not observed or disturbed | Many users have privacy concerns about data sharing. |
| Transparency | /trænˈspær.ən.si/ | Openness and accountability in policies | Transparency is key in maintaining customer trust. |
| Concerns | /kənˈsɜːnz/ | Worries or doubts | There are growing concerns over data security. |
| Regulatory | /ˈrɛɡ.jə.lə.tə.ri/ | Related to rules or laws governing actions | The regulatory body proposed new data protection laws. |
| Legal framework | /ˈliːɡəl freɪmˌwɜːrk/ | A structure of laws and regulations | Governments need a robust legal framework for tech innovations. |
| Harness | /ˈhɑː.nɪs/ | To make use of something effectively | Companies harness AI to optimize user interactions. |
| Criticisms | /ˈkrɪt.ɪ.sɪz.əmz/ | Comments that highlight faults | Criticisms about privacy breaches are widespread. |
Conclusion
This sample exercise demonstrates the importance of balancing content and conciseness in the Summarize Written Text section of the PTE exam. The topic of AI-driven Marketing And Consumer Privacy is not only a relevant global issue but also commonly featured on standardized tests. Practicing summarizing such texts will help improve your overall band score by enhancing your comprehension and summarization skills.
Feel free to leave comments below if you have any questions or need further clarification!
