Summarize Written Text: The Rise of Virtual Education in PTE

In the PTE exam, the Summarize Written Text task in the Speaking & Writing section requires test-takers to read a passage and produce a one-sentence summary. This task evaluates your ability to comprehend, summarize, and present ideas concisely while adhering to the correct grammatical structure. One of the popular topics that appear in this task is The Rise Of Virtual Education, reflecting the changing dynamics of education in the digital age.

Let’s dive into some sample tasks based on this compelling theme to help you better prepare for your upcoming PTE exam.

Sample Summarize Written Text Tasks

Task 1

Read the passage below and summarize it in one sentence:

The advent of online education has revolutionized learning globally by enabling wider access to high-quality education. Students no longer need to attend in-person classes, as virtual platforms offer courses from prestigious universities across the world. While this flexibility has benefited learners by allowing them to study at their own pace, critics argue that virtual education lacks the face-to-face interaction necessary for effective knowledge acquisition. Furthermore, concerns about the digital divide—that is, unequal access to internet resources—have surfaced, raising questions about the inclusivity of such platforms.

Word count: 84

Example Responses:

• Band 90 Response: The development of online education overcomes geographical barriers and provides flexibility in learning, though concerns regarding the lack of interaction and the digital divide remain pressing challenges.

  • Content: The response correctly addresses all major points, including the benefits and challenges.
  • Form: Between 5 and 75 words. Correct.
  • Grammar: Accurate use of complex sentence structure.
  • Vocabulary: Properly utilizes academic vocabulary such as “geographical barriers” and “digital divide”.
  • Spelling: No errors.

• Band 75 Response: Online education offers flexibility and wider access, but also faces criticism for lacking interaction and inclusivity.

  • Content: Covers most of the critical points.
  • Form: Meets the word-count criterion.
  • Grammar: Good, but less complex than the Band 90 response.
  • Vocabulary: Uses adequate vocabulary but omits more detailed terms.
  • Spelling: No errors.

• Band 65 Response: Online learning is flexible, but it lacks interaction and not everyone can access it.

  • Content: Briefly touches upon key ideas, though it’s somewhat vague.
  • Form: Correct form.
  • Grammar: Simple structure.
  • Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary; lacks academic terms like “digital divide.”
  • Spelling: No errors.

Task 2

Read the passage below and summarize it in one sentence:

Virtual education has rapidly gained popularity in recent years, particularly in the wake of the global pandemic, which necessitated remote learning solutions. By offering diverse course selections from global institutions, virtual platforms have bridged the gap for students who may otherwise lack access to quality education. However, despite its many conveniences, online learning necessitates a high level of self-discipline, and many students struggle with maintaining engagement without traditional classroom settings.

Word count: 74

Example Responses:

• Band 90 Response: Virtual education has expanded access to diverse courses and institutions, though the need for self-discipline and the absence of a traditional classroom environment can hinder student engagement.

  • Content: Fully and accurately summarizes all points.
  • Form: Correct length.
  • Grammar: Excellent sentence structure and logical flow of ideas.
  • Vocabulary: Advanced use, including terms like “self-discipline” and “engagement”.
  • Spelling: No errors.

• Band 75 Response: Online education has widened access, but students may struggle due to the lack of engagement and need for self-discipline.

  • Content: Covers the primary points but lacks the nuanced detail of the Band 90 response.
  • Form: Correct length.
  • Grammar: Good but simpler form.
  • Vocabulary: Adequate choice of words.
  • Spelling: No errors.

• Band 65 Response: Virtual learning offers many courses, but some students can’t stay focused without classrooms.

  • Content: Covers the basic elements but with simplified language.
  • Form: Meets length requirement.
  • Grammar: Simple sentence structure.
  • Vocabulary: Basic.
  • Spelling: Correct.

Vocabulary and Grammar for Summarize Written Text on Virtual Education

Below are 10 useful vocabulary words and phrases to enhance your preparation for the “Virtual Education” topic:

1. Advent /ˈæd.vənt/ (n) – The arrival or beginning of something significant.
   Example: The advent of virtual education has broadened access to learning.

2. Revolutionize /ˌrev.əˈluː.ʃən.aɪz/ (v) – To completely change something to make it better.
   Example: Online learning has revolutionized traditional education.

3. Global Pandemic /ˈɡloʊ.bəl pænˈdɛmɪk/ (n) – A widespread outbreak of an infectious disease across the world.
   Example: The global pandemic accelerated the shift towards virtual education.

4. Flexibility /ˌflek.səˈbɪl.ə.ti/ (n) – The quality of being able to change easily according to the situation.
   Example: One major advantage of online education is its flexibility.

5. Inclusivity /ɪn.kluˈsɪv.ɪ.ti/ (n) – The practice or policy of providing equal access to services for all people.
   Example: Virtual platforms must address issues of inclusivity to be fully effective.

6. Geographical Barriers /dʒiː.əˈɡræf.ɪ.kəl bæri.ər/ (n) – Physical obstacles between locations that hinder interaction or participation.
   Example: Online education removes geographical barriers by offering courses worldwide.

7. Self-discipline /sɛlfˈdɪs.ɪ.plɪn/ (n) – The ability to control oneself and make oneself work hard or behave in a particular way.
   Example: Success in online courses requires a great deal of self-discipline.

8. Engagement /ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ.mənt/ (n) – The degree of involvement or interest in something.
   Example: Many students find maintaining engagement in virtual classrooms challenging.

9. Interaction /ˌɪn.təˈræk.ʃən/ (n) – Communication or direct involvement between people.
   Example: Critics argue that virtual classrooms lack face-to-face interaction crucial for learning.

10. Digital Divide /ˈdɪdʒɪtəl dɪˈvaɪd/ (n) – The gap between those who have access to modern information and communication technology and those who do not.
    Example: The digital divide remains a significant concern in the expansion of online education.

Conclusion

In the rapidly evolving educational landscape, virtual education has emerged as a powerful tool despite the unique challenges it presents. Practicing topics like Summarize Written Text with diverse themes, particularly focusing on current trends such as The Rise of Virtual Education, will help you excel in the Speaking & Writing part of your PTE exam.

Focus on accurate summarization by balancing brevity with depth and clarity as you tackle this frequently recurring subject matter.