The Summarize Written Text section of the PTE Speaking & Writing test requires candidates to produce a concise and precise summary of a provided passage within one sentence, capturing the essence of the text accurately. This skill is essential for success in both academic and professional environments, particularly regarding complex topics like Global Trade And Sustainable Development—a common theme in real-world PTE exams.
The following are examples of Summarize Written Text tasks, accompanied by band-specific sample answers. These examples aim to help candidates better understand the expectations and prepare effectively for the actual exam.
Example 1: Summarize Written Text Sample Task on Global Trade and Sustainable Development
Prompt: Below is a passage about global trade and sustainable development. Summarize the given text in one sentence. Your response should be no more than 75 words.
In the modern world, global trade has expanded rapidly, facilitated by advancements in technology, transportation, and communication. However, this has also led to concerns about environmental degradation and inequality, as poorer nations often bear the brunt of negative effects, including resource depletion and pollution. Sustainable development aims to address these issues by promoting equitable growth, considering both economic and ecological factors to ensure that the needs of current generations are met without compromising the ability of future generations to thrive.
Response for Band 90:
Global trade, while accelerated by technological and infrastructural advancements, has exacerbated environmental degradation and inequality in poorer nations, which sustainable development aims to mitigate by encouraging equitable growth that balances economic and ecological considerations for present and future generations.
Content: The summary precisely encapsulates the key ideas of the passage, emphasizing both global trade’s challenges and sustainable development’s role.
Form: The text complies with the word limit (45 words) and is written in a single, clear sentence.
Grammar: Impeccable use of grammatical structures, including complex sentence formation.
Vocabulary: Demonstrates impressive command of advanced lexicon like “accelerated,” “exacerbated,” and “mitigate.”
Spelling: No spelling mistakes.
Technology advancements leading to global trade and environmental concerns
Response for Band 70:
Global trade has grown with new technologies, but it causes environmental harm and resource depletion, especially in poorer nations, so sustainable development focuses on balancing economic and ecological growth to protect future generations.
Content: The summary covers the core points, highlighting global trade’s harmful effects and sustainable development’s goal of balance, though lacking some nuance.
Form: The sentence is concise (41 words), fitting within the word limit.
Grammar: Strong grammar overall, with correct use of conjunctions and clauses.
Vocabulary: Sufficient use of intermediate vocabulary like “balancing” and “growth,” though it could employ more precise terms.
Spelling: No spelling issues.
Response for Band 60:
Global trade has increased due to technology, but it harms poor countries and the environment, so sustainable development helps address these issues.
Content: The summary hits key points but lacks detail regarding future generations and economic balance.
Form: The sentence is short (28 words), meeting the requirements in terms of paragraph length but is overly simplified.
Grammar: Basic sentence structure and verb use are correct, but it lacks complexity.
Vocabulary: Simple and repetitive word choices like “helps” and “increased”, which could be enhanced.
Spelling: No errors.
Response for Band 50:
Global trade has helped poor nations but caused problems for the environment which sustainable development seeks to solve.
Content: The summary misrepresents some aspects of the original passage, particularly the uneven impact of trade on poor nations.
Form: The sentence is below the word limit (20 words), which reduces its ability to fully capture the essence of the passage.
Grammar: Basic grammar is acceptable, though overly simplistic.
Vocabulary: Limited vocabulary with no advanced or varied word usage.
Spelling: No spelling mistakes.
Vocabulary and Grammar Insights
Here are 10 key vocabulary terms from the task, along with pronunciation, definitions, and examples to help enhance your understanding:
-
Facilitated /fəˈsɪlɪteɪtɪd/ — To make something easier or less difficult.
Example: “Technology has greatly facilitated international communication.” -
Degradation /ˌdɛɡrəˈdeɪʃən/ — The process of something worsening or deteriorating.
Example: “Environmental degradation has reached alarming levels due to industrialization.” -
Exacerbated /ɪɡˈzæsərbeɪtɪd/ — To make a problem worse or more severe.
Example: “Climate change has exacerbated the effects of deforestation.” -
Resource depletion /rɪˈzɔːrs dɪˈpliːʃən/ — The exhaustion or reduction of available resources.
Example: “Resource depletion is a major concern in regions heavily reliant on natural resources.” -
Equitable /ˈɛkwɪtəbl/ — Fair and just, treating everyone equally.
Example: “Sustainable development processes must provide equitable growth opportunities.” -
Ecological /ˌiːkəˈlɒʤɪkəl/ — Relating to or concerned with the relations between living organisms and their environment.
Example: “The plan prioritizes ecological preservation in developing countries.” -
Mitigate /ˈmɪtəˌɡeɪt/ — To lessen the severity, impact, or intensity of something.
Example: “Recycling programs can help mitigate environmental harm.” -
Infrastructural /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌkʧərəl/ — Related to the basic physical systems of a country or organization (e.g., transportation, communication).
Example: “Infrastructural improvements are essential to support global trade.” -
Compromising /ˈkɒmprəˌmaɪzɪŋ/ — Putting something at risk or reducing its effectiveness.
Example: “Unsustainable practices are compromising the planet’s ecological health.” -
Thriving /ˈθraɪvɪŋ/ — Growing or developing strongly; being very successful.
Example: “Businesses can achieve thriving success while pursuing eco-friendly policies.”
Balancing economic and ecological factors in sustainable development
Conclusion
In the Summarize Written Text section, it’s vital to capture the essence of a complex passage in a single, concise sentence. As seen in the provided examples, effective summaries require attention to detail, precise vocabulary, and an understanding of grammar structures. Global Trade and Sustainable Development is a highly relevant topic for the PTE exam, linking directly to real-world challenges that test-takers may encounter in their future careers.
Regular practice with sample tasks—like those given here—will enhance your ability to write cohesive and accurate summaries. Share your own attempts in the comments below and continue refining your skills through feedback!
