Overview of the Summarize Written Text Task in PTE
The Summarize Written Text task in the PTE exam requires candidates to produce a summary of between 5 to 75 words from a given article or passage. Candidates must present the key points of the passage in a single sentence, which tests their ability to comprehend complex texts, extract essential ideas, and express them clearly and concisely. This task often focuses on topics that have relevance to contemporary issues like cybersecurity in digital spaces such as e-commerce platforms.
Cybersecurity in e-commerce is a popular topic due to the rise of online transactions, making it an ideal subject for this task, as it often appears in academic discussions and publications. Let’s dive into some specific examples of Summarize Written Text tasks based on this important topic.
Sample Summarize Written Text Task 1: Cybersecurity Threats in E-commerce
Task 1 Prompt
The exponential growth of e-commerce has transformed how businesses operate, but it has also exposed organizations to a wide range of cybersecurity threats, including data breaches and financial fraud. Cybercriminals often target e-commerce platforms as they contain highly sensitive customer data, including credit card details and personal identification information. To mitigate these risks, companies are increasingly adopting advanced security measures such as encryption, two-factor authentication, and identity management. Although these measures significantly enhance the security of online transactions, no system is entirely foolproof, and organizations must remain vigilant to new, emerging threats.
Write a one-sentence summary of the text. (5 to 75 words)
Answer for Score Band 90
As e-commerce platforms handle sensitive data, they are vulnerable to cybersecurity threats like data breaches and financial fraud, prompting companies to implement enhanced security measures, although complete protection is never guaranteed.
Content: Excellent coverage of the passage, including the main focus (cybersecurity threats) and how companies respond to them.
Form: Correct length and format.
Grammar: Flawless grammar.
Vocabulary: Advanced, precise vocabulary use.
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Answer for Score Band 80
E-commerce platforms are exposed to cybersecurity risks like data breaches, leading to the use of security measures, but total protection is not achievable.
Content: Good coverage, lacks some detail on specific measures.
Form: Correct length and format.
Grammar: Strong grammar with minor omissions.
Vocabulary: Good but less advanced compared to Band 90.
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Answer for Score Band 70
E-commerce faces data breaches and fraud, so companies use security systems, though full protection is impossible.
Content: Accurate but overly simplified.
Form: Correct format and length.
Grammar: Basic sentence structure.
Vocabulary: Lacks advanced vocabulary.
Spelling: No issues.
Answer for Score Band 60
E-commerce sites use security against fraud and breaches but face threats.
Content: Incomplete, missing specific detail about the nature of these threats and implemented security measures.
Form: Correct length.
Grammar: Some grammatical weakness, especially in sentence structure.
Vocabulary: Very basic.
Spelling: No spelling issues.
Sample Summarize Written Text Task 2: Importance of SSL Certificates in E-commerce
Task 2 Prompt
With the increasing number of cyber threats targeting e-commerce platforms, securing customer data is more critical than ever. One fundamental layer of protection is the use of SSL certificates, which encrypt data to ensure that personal and financial information remains secure during transmission between users and servers. Many online shoppers are becoming aware of the importance of SSL, leading platforms to prominently display SSL certification as a trust signal. However, while SSL certificates are effective, they are just one part of a broader and complex strategy for cybersecurity.
Write a one-sentence summary of the text. (5 to 75 words)
Answer for Score Band 90
SSL certificates play a crucial role in securing sensitive data on e-commerce platforms, providing encryption during transmission, but they form just one component of a larger cybersecurity framework.
Content: Excellent summary of all key points.
Form: Correct format and within word limit.
Grammar: Precise grammar.
Vocabulary: Advanced yet natural vocabulary.
Spelling: No mistakes.
Answer for Score Band 80
SSL certificates help secure customer data on e-commerce sites, but they are only part of a broader security system.
Content: Covers main points but omits the role of encryption in securing data.
Form: Correct format.
Grammar: Very strong with minor omissions of detail.
Vocabulary: Good range of vocabulary but simpler than Band 90.
Spelling: No errors.
Answer for Score Band 70
SSL certificates keep customer data secure but are part of bigger security strategies.
Content: Accurate but lacks depth and key details (like encryption specifics).
Form: Correct.
Grammar: Basic, could be more complex.
Vocabulary: Adequate but could be more precise.
Spelling: Correct.
Answer for Score Band 60
SSL certificates secure data but are not enough alone.
Content: Very incomplete summary, missing essential components.
Form: Correct length.
Grammar: Oversimplified grammar.
Vocabulary: Extremely basic and lacks specificity.
Spelling: Correct.
Key Vocabulary from Task 1 & Task 2
-
Vulnerable /ˈvʌlnərəbl/: Adj. Exposed to the risk of being attacked.
Example: E-commerce sites are vulnerable to cyber attacks. -
Mitigate /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/: Verb. To make less severe or serious.
Example: Companies can mitigate risks by implementing encryption. -
Encryption /ɪnˈkrɪpʃn/: Noun. The process of converting information into a secure format.
Example: Encryption safeguards the transfer of sensitive data. -
Data Breach /ˈdeɪtə briːtʃ/: Noun. An incident where private information is exposed.
Example: E-commerce platforms often face data breaches. -
Cybercriminal /ˈsaɪbəˈkrɪmɪnəl/: Noun. Someone who commits crimes involving computers.
Example: Cybercriminals target online businesses. -
Fraud /frɔːd/: Noun. Wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain.
Example: Financial fraud is a growing issue in online shopping. -
Two-factor Authentication: A method of confirming a user’s claimed identity.
Example: Many platforms use two-factor authentication to secure accounts. -
Trust Signal /trʌst ˈsɪɡnəl/: Noun. A sign or indicator that a website can be trusted by users.
Example: SSL certificates serve as a trust signal on e-commerce platforms. -
Identity Management /aɪˈdɛntɪti ˈmænɪdʒmənt/: Noun. Systems and policies for controlling access to crucial information.
Example: Modern e-commerce utilizes identity management to restrict unauthorized access. -
Foreshadow /fɔːˈʃædəʊ/: Verb. To give indication or suggest beforehand.
Example: The increase in hacking foreshadows more sophisticated cybercrimes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Summarize Written Text task in the PTE exam calls for a high level of comprehension and summarizing skill. By practicing with examples on cybersecurity in e-commerce platforms, students can boost their performance in this task and achieve higher scores in the PTE Speaking and Writing section. Cybersecurity is an increasingly common topic in real exams, so it’s essential to be well-prepared. Feel free to share your attempts in the comments for further discussion!
