The Summarize Written Text (SWT) section in the PTE exam’s Speaking & Writing module is designed to assess your ability to comprehend and summarize complex written materials. One of the common and increasingly relevant topics in this section is Artificial Intelligence In Scientific Research. This topic’s prevalence reflects AI’s growing importance in various scientific fields such as biology, physics, and even social sciences.
In this article, we will provide sample prompts and responses for this topic to help you practice for the SWT task of the exam, with a detailed analysis of each response according to PTE grading criteria.
Sample Prompt on Artificial Intelligence in Scientific Research
Artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed numerous fields of study, enabling researchers to process vast amounts of data at unprecedented speeds, making sense of complex patterns impossible through human effort alone. In the realm of biology, for instance, AI algorithms have accelerated drug discovery and helped in studying genetic patterns, leading to breakthroughs in personalized medicine. Similarly, AI has had a significant impact on fields such as astrophysics, where it is used to detect exoplanets and predict cosmic events based on long-term data analysis. The social sciences have also benefitted from AI analysis, providing insights into human behavior through large-scale data analytics. However, despite these advancements, certain challenges persist, including ethical concerns regarding data privacy, AI bias, and the over-reliance on automated systems potentially compromising critical thinking in scientific research.
Summarize the passage in one sentence.
Model Answers and Band Breakdown
High Band (79+):
Artificial intelligence has revolutionized many scientific fields by enabling the processing of vast datasets for significant discoveries such as drug development, exoplanet detection, and human behavior analysis, though ethical challenges like privacy and bias remain.
- Content: Covers all key points (AI applications in fields like biology, astrophysics, and social sciences, along with challenges); full credit.
- Form: Correct structure (one sentence).
- Grammar: Complex sentence structures and accurate punctuation.
- Vocabulary: Subject-appropriate and varied (e.g., “revolutionized,” “exoplanet detection,” “ethical challenges”).
- Spelling: Free from spelling errors.
Mid Band (65-79):
AI has helped researchers in biological, astrophysical, and social sciences by discovering drugs, detecting exoplanets, and understanding human behavior, but there are still problems like privacy and bias.
- Content: Satisfactory coverage, though lacks the emphasis on AI’s role in speeding up processes or critical thinking challenges.
- Form: Correct structure (one sentence).
- Grammar: Solid, though some simplifications in sentence complexity.
- Vocabulary: Adequate (e.g., “privacy,” “understanding human behavior”), but less advanced compared to the top band.
- Spelling: No errors detected.
Lower Band (50-64):
AI is used in science like biology and space research for various discoveries, but there are problems like privacy and bias.
- Content: Misses some fields (e.g., social sciences), lacks specifics on benefits like drug discovery or exoplanet detection.
- Form: The sentence is structured correctly but too general and lacks detail.
- Grammar: Simple sentence structure, no major errors but overly simplistic.
- Vocabulary: Basic and repetitive (e.g., “various discoveries,” “problems,” “used”).
- Spelling: No errors noted.
Vocabulary and Grammar Insights
Below are 10 challenging vocabulary terms from the prompt, with their definitions, phonetics, and example sentences for clarification:
-
Algorithm (/’ælɡərɪðəm/): A step-by-step procedure or formula for solving a problem.
Example: The AI’s algorithm successfully identified promising drug candidates. -
Breakthrough (/’breɪkθruː/): A sudden and important discovery or development.
Example: AI has led to breakthroughs in the field of personalized medicine. -
Data privacy (/ˈdeɪtə ˈpraɪvəsi/): The handling, protection, and safe-keeping of data, especially relating to individuals.
Example: Concerns about data privacy have emerged with the rise of AI in scientific applications. -
Exoplanet (/’ɛksoʊˌplænɪt/): A planet outside the solar system that orbits a star.
Example: AI was used to detect a new exoplanet millions of light years away. -
Ethical (/’ɛθɪkəl/): Relating to moral principles or concerns about what is right and wrong.
Example: The ethical considerations of using AI in research include concerns about fairness and bias. -
Automated (/’ɔːtəmeɪtɪd/): Performed by machines or computers without continuous input from humans.
Example: The data analysis was automated using advanced AI tools. -
Personalized Medicine (/ˈpɜrsənəˌlaɪzd ‘mɛdəsɪn/): Medical care tailored to the individual characteristics of each patient.
Example: AI has played a significant role in advancing personalized medicine. -
Bias (/’baɪəs/): An unfair preference for or against something or someone, which can distort decision-making.
Example: AI can introduce bias if the data used to train models are themselves biased. -
Astrophysics (/ˌæstroʊˈfɪzɪks/): A branch of astronomy concerned with the physical nature of celestial bodies.
Example: AI has become an important tool in astrophysics, helping to comprehend complex cosmic data. -
Scientific Research (/ˌsaɪənˈtɪfɪk rɪˈsɜːtʃ/): The systematic investigation of scientific theories and hypotheses.
Example: Scientific research has been greatly enhanced by the use of AI in various domains.
Conclusion
The topic of Artificial Intelligence in Scientific Research is both popular and highly applicable in the Summarize Written Text section of the PTE exam. By practicing summarizing this important concept, test-takers not only prepare for potential exam topics but also refine their skills in condensing complex information accurately. Make sure you approach your practice with a focus on clarity, content, and the correct form, as demonstrated in the answers above. Leave a comment or ask your questions to enhance your PTE preparation!
