Summarize Written Text in PTE: AI and Predictive Policing

The Summarize Written Text task in the Speaking & Writing section of the PTE Academic assesses your ability to condense information from a passage into a single sentence. Modern topics such as AI And Predictive Policing often appear in PTE tests, as they are both timely and relevant to today’s technology-driven world. In this article, we present some sample questions on these topics to help you prepare effectively for the PTE exam.

Sample Summarize Written Text Question on AI and Predictive Policing

Below is a sample Summarize Written Text question using the topic AI and predictive policing. Each passage provides information you need to summarize into one concise sentence.

Summarize Written Text Question 1:

Read the passage below and summarize it in one sentence.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in predictive policing has been lauded for its ability to identify potential criminal activity before it occurs by analyzing large datasets to detect patterns. Proponents argue that such systems can enhance efficiency, allowing law enforcement to better allocate resources and prevent crime. However, detractors raise concerns about the possible inherent biases in AI models, which may lead to unjust targeting of certain communities. Many ethical questions remain, particularly regarding the transparency and accountability of AI-driven policing technologies.

Answer Samples:

Band 79+

Artificial intelligence in predictive policing is seen as beneficial for preventing crime through data analysis but faces criticism over potential bias, raising ethical concerns about fairness, transparency, and accountability.

• Content: This answer captures the main ideas about both the advantages (crime prevention) and critiques (bias and ethics).
• Form: One sentence, between 5-75 words.
• Grammar: The sentence structure is clear, and ideas are logically connected.
• Vocabulary: Advanced vocabulary usage (“beneficial,” “criticism,” “transparency,” “accountability”).
• Spelling: No spelling errors.

Band 65-79

AI enhances predictive policing by analyzing data to prevent criminal activities but raises issues due to possible biases, especially regarding ethical matters and transparency.

• Content: Good coverage of both benefits and concerns of AI in policing.
• Form: One sentence, correct length.
• Grammar: Clear and appropriate sentence structure.
• Vocabulary: Vocabulary is sufficient, but slightly less complex compared to the 79+ band answer.
• Spelling: No spelling errors.

Band 50-64

AI can be useful in crime prevention but may be biased and controversial because of ethical problems.

• Content: The major points are addressed, but some ideas (transparency, accountability) are missing.
• Form: One sentence.
• Grammar: Simple, understandable structure though lacks advanced connectors.
• Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary, lacking some complexity.
• Spelling: No spelling errors.

Understanding the Characteristics of High-scoring Responses

In the Summarize Written Text task, scoring involves several factors:

1. Content – Summarizing the key points without omitting important information or introducing irrelevant details.
2. Form – Adhering to the correct sentence format.
3. Grammar – Using accurate and appropriate grammar.
4. Vocabulary – Employing advanced, relevant vocabulary.
5. Spelling – Ensuring no spelling mistakes are present.

Key Elements in Summarizing Texts on AI and Predictive Policing:

Predictive policing driven by AI systems involves both cutting-edge technology and ethical debate. You need to capture this balance in brief, including these core ideas:

• AI’s potential for enhancing crime prevention.
• The concerns around bias and ethics.
• The need for transparency and accountability in the implementation of AI.

This topic not only touches on technological aspects, but also ethical dilemmas surrounding artificial intelligence. For further insights into the ethical dimensions of AI, you may find this Artificial intelligence and ethical dilemmas resource helpful.

Vocabulary and Grammar

Below are ten useful vocabulary words and phrases related to AI and predictive policing:

1. Lauded /lɔːd/ (verb) — praised highly.

   • AI has been lauded for its potential in predictive policing, though concerns about bias persist.

2. Proponent /prəˈpəʊnənt/ (noun) — a person advocating a theory or idea.

   • Proponents of AI in policing focus on its efficiency for crime prevention.

3. Prejudiced /ˈprɛdʒʊdɪst/ (adjective) — biased against certain groups.

   • AI systems can sometimes produce prejudiced outcomes based on skewed data.

4. Transparent /trænˈspærənt/ (adjective) — open, clear, and accountable.

   • There is a demand for AI models in policing to be more transparent in their decision-making.

5. Accountability /əˌkaʊntəˈbɪlɪti/ (noun) — the responsibility for actions and consequences.

   • Accountability in how AI-based decisions are made is crucial to public trust.

6. Controversial /ˌkɒntrəˈvɜːʃəl/ (adjective) — likely to provoke debate or disagreement.

   • The use of AI in law enforcement remains a controversial topic because of privacy concerns.

7. Pattern recognition /ˈpætən/ /ˌrekəgˈnɪʃən/ (phrase) — identifying regularities in data.

   • AI excels in pattern recognition, helping to identify potential criminal behavior.

8. Disproportionate /dɪsprəˈpɔːʃənɪt/ (adjective) — out of proportion; too large or too small in comparison.

   • There are claims that AI disproportionately targets minority communities in predictive policing.

9. Bias /baɪəs/ (noun) — a tendency to favor one group over another, often unfairly.

   • AI algorithms must be carefully designed to avoid racial or socioeconomic bias.

10. Efficient /ɪˈfɪʃənt/ (adjective) — achieving maximum productivity with minimal wasted effort or expense.

    • AI may help law enforcement become more efficient, but it must be balanced with ethical considerations.

Conclusion

The Summarize Written Text task in the PTE exam can often feature topics such as artificial intelligence and predictive policing due to their growing relevance in society. Understanding these topics and practicing your summarizing skills can improve your performance in this section. Make sure to concentrate on capturing the key ideas concisely, and balance your content with an awareness of potential biases or ethical challenges of AI-driven technologies.

Feel free to share your feedback or ask questions about Summarize Written Text tasks in the comments below!