Summarize Written Text Practice for PTE Speaking & Writing: The Rise of Influencer Culture

In the PTE exam, the “Summarize Written Text” task evaluates your ability to read, comprehend, and summarize a lengthy text in one sentence. A typical passage is around 150-300 words long, and you are required to write a summary in a single sentence containing 5-75 words accurately reflecting the main idea of the text.

One of the trending topics often found in current PTE writing passages is “The Rise Of Influencer Culture.” Let’s explore this popular subject by diving into some sample PTE “Summarize Written Text” tasks.

Understanding the Popularity of Influencer Culture in PTE Summarize Written Text

The “influencer culture” has become a highly relevant and timely topic thanks to its rise in recent years, affecting various industries from fashion to tech. Consequently, examiners at PTE frequently utilize this prevalent phenomenon in their Summarize Written Text task, making it an ideal subject for practice.

In this article, we’ll focus on providing practical PTE Summarize Written Text practice questions based on the theme “The rise of influencer culture”. Additionally, response samples corresponding to different band scores will be provided to help you assess and enhance your performance.

Sample Summarize Written Text Practice: The Rise of Influencer Culture

Task Prompt 1

Over the last decade, social media influencers have gained significant traction in shaping consumer decisions and promoting brands. Companies increasingly rely on these influencers for marketing due to their large follower bases and ability to engage specific target audiences. Studies show that people trust influencers’ recommendations more than traditional advertisements, as influencers often share genuine personal experiences. This has given rise to a multi-billion-dollar industry, where influencers negotiate deals, endorse products, and actively participate in advertising. Although influencer marketing has revolutionized the way brands reach out to consumers, concerns regarding transparency and authenticity have surfaced, as many influencers now engage in paid promotions without clearly disclosing them to their followers.

Summarize the passage in one sentence with a word count limit of 75 words.

Influencer marketing influences consumer trust and affects advertising strategies

Band Score Responses:

Band Score 90 (High Proficiency)

The rise of influencer culture, where influencers have become effective in shaping consumer behavior through personal experiences and brand endorsements, has led to a multi-billion-dollar industry; however, concerns about transparency have emerged due to undisclosed paid promotions.

• Content: The response accurately captures all the key points, including the concept of influencer culture, its financial scale, and concerns about transparency.
• Form: The sentence is structured within the word limit (43 words).
• Grammar: Impeccable with correct use of punctuation and proper sentence structure.
• Vocabulary: Strong and relevant vocabulary, staying on topic while using sophisticated terms like “endorsements” and “transparency.”
• Spelling: No errors.

Band Score 79 (Competent)

Social media influencers have risen as vital marketing tools due to their impact on consumer decisions, creating a billion-dollar industry, although increasing concerns about transparency due to undisclosed paid promotions persist.

• Content: This response addresses most of the passage’s main points but misses the aspect of genuine personal experiences.
• Form: The sentence manages the word limit well (32 words).
• Grammar: Correct usage of tenses and subject-verb agreements.
• Vocabulary: Suitable but less diverse than the 90 band.
• Spelling: No issues with spelling.

Band Score 65 (Moderate Proficiency)

Influencers help brands by endorsing products, creating a large market, but people are now worried about transparency.

• Content: The sentence conveys the basic idea but misses important specifics like consumer decision-making and the multi-billion-dollar industry.
• Form: The sentence is within the required word count (18 words), but it oversimplifies the content.
• Grammar: Basic but clear grammar, no complex forms or advanced structures.
• Vocabulary: Simplistic vocabulary (“help,” “endorsing”) compared to more advanced responses.
• Spelling: No mistakes.

Sample Summarize Written Text Practice: Impact of Influencers on Consumer Trust

Task Prompt 2

Influencer marketing works because consumers are more likely to trust real people over generic corporate spokespeople. This approach has significantly altered the advertising landscape, with influencers sharing reviews and tutorials on products aimed at their niche audiences. Research suggests that conventional advertising techniques tend to lack credibility, leading companies to pivot toward influencer campaigns that encourage a more authentic connection with the consumer. However, the question of influencer bias has been raised, as many influencers are paid to promote products they may not personally use.

Summarize the passage in one sentence with a word count limit of 75 words.

Influencers impact consumer trust through personal authenticity, but concerns of bias affect credibility

Band Score Responses:

Band Score 90 (High Proficiency)

Influencer marketing leverages the trust consumers place in real individuals over corporations, reshaping modern advertising by promoting authenticity, though concerns about bias arise when influencers endorse products they may not actually use.

• Content: Covers every important aspect, including the trust, authenticity, advertising shifts, and concerns about bias.
• Form: Well within the word limit (33 words).
• Grammar: Excellent use of semi-colons and modifiers while maintaining clarity.
• Vocabulary: Strong with appropriate academic tone (“leverages,” “authenticity”).
• Spelling: Flawless.

Band Score 79 (Competent)

Companies now use influencers rather than corporate ads for marketing because consumers trust real experiences more, although issues of influencer bias remain.

• Content: Focuses on the essence, but misses specific nuances around the research and shift in advertising.
• Form: Clear and within the limit of 24 words.
• Grammar: Correct, though using simpler structures.
• Vocabulary: Strong, but less comprehensive than the 90 band.
• Spelling: Accurate.

Band Score 65 (Moderate Proficiency)

People trust influencers more than corporate ads, but some worry about bias.

• Content: The response omits important details like the shift in advertising and lacks depth.
• Form: Limited in scope at 14 words—covers too little of the main ideas.
• Grammar: Correct but oversimplified sentence.
• Vocabulary: Basic and conversational, with no complex terms.
• Spelling: No issues.

Vocabulary & Grammar Focus

Below are ten key vocabulary words from the passages, their pronunciation, and examples of usage:

1. Traction /ˈtrækʃən/ – The ability to gain momentum or progression in a particular market.
   Example: Influencers gained significant traction in the fashion industry by promoting niche brands.

2. Endorsement /ɛnˈdɔrsmənt/ – Support or approval for a product or service by a well-known individual.
   Example: Celebrity endorsements have always been a major part of marketing strategies.

3. Niche /niːʃ/ – A specialized segment of the market for a particular kind of product or service.
   Example: Influencers often target niche markets, making their endorsements more impactful.

4. Authenticity /ˌɔːθɛnˈtɪsɪti/ – The quality of being real or genuine.
   Example: Consumers value the perceived authenticity of influencers over traditional marketing.

5. Transparency /trænˈspɛrənsi/ – Openness and honesty about business practices such as sponsorship.
   Example: Social media platforms have been criticized for lacking transparency in paid promotions.

6. Bias /ˈbaɪəs/ – An inclination or prejudice for or against a particular thing or person.
   Example: Influencers have been accused of bias when they promote products they do not use.

7. Pivot /ˈpɪvət/ – A fundamental change in a strategy or operation.
   Example: Companies have pivoted towards digital marketing, focusing heavily on influencers.

8. Credibility /ˌkrɛdɪˈbɪləti/ – The quality of being trusted and believed in.
   Example: A brand’s credibility often depends on the honesty of influencer endorsements.

9. Revolutionized /ˌrɛvələˈʃənaɪzd/ – To completely change something, often for the better.
   Example: The internet has revolutionized how people consume media and make purchase decisions.

10. Genuine /ˈdʒɛnjʊɪn/ – Truly what something is said to be; sincere.
    Example: Consumers appreciate genuine reviews over paid, scripted content.

Conclusion

The rise of influencer culture has become a central theme in discussions about modern business, marketing strategies, and consumer behavior, making it a frequent topic in PTE Summarize Written Text tasks. Mastering these summaries can help you excel in your PTE test as influencers’ role in shaping public opinions and brand trust continues to grow.

Feel free to practice the exercises provided and share your thoughts or questions in the comments below!