The PTE Speaking & Writing module includes many tasks aiming to assess a candidate’s language proficiency, among which Summarize Written Text is a crucial one. This task requires test-takers to read a passage, typically between 150-300 words, and summarize it into a single sentence ranging from 5 to 75 words. Common topics include modern educational formats and debates such as “Online Education Versus Traditional Learning”. In this article, we will explore this topic and provide practical model questions for your PTE preparation.
Summarize Written Text Task Overview
Summarize Written Text tests your ability to concisely capture key information from a given passage. You need to summarize the content into a single sentence that is syntactically sound and well-structured. The topic of Online Education versus Traditional Learning is highly relevant as it addresses how technology is reshaping education globally, often appearing in PTE exams.
Sample Summarize Written Text Task on “Online Education Versus Traditional Learning”
Question 1
The debate between online education and traditional learning has gained momentum over the past decade. Online education offers flexibility, access to a wide variety of resources, and the ability to learn from any part of the world. This proves particularly beneficial for individuals with tight schedules or those living in remote areas. Traditional learning, however, provides structured learning environments and valuable face-to-face interactions, fostering better social skills and networking opportunities. Each method has its own set of advantages, and students’ preferences often depend on their personal circumstances, their learning style, and their career goals. Several educational institutions now offer hybrid models in an attempt to balance the benefits of both online and traditional formats.
Summarize the text in one sentence in no more than 75 words.
Sample Answers Based on Different PTE Band Scores
Band 90 Answer (High Scoring)
The comparison between online education and traditional learning revolves around the flexibility and accessibility offered by the former and the structured, socially engaging nature of the latter, with modern hybrid models attempting to combine the advantages of both formats to better cater to diverse student needs.
Analysis
Content: Accurately addresses both sides and the hybrid model.
Form: One complete sentence, less than 75 words.
Grammar: Excellent use of relative clauses and conjunctions.
Vocabulary: Appropriate advanced vocabulary—captures key details elegantly.
Spelling: Perfect.
Band 70 Answer (Intermediate)
Online education is flexible and accessible, while traditional learning is more structured and allows for personal interaction, and hybrid models combine both methods to cater to different learning needs.
Analysis
Content: Covers major ideas but lacks nuanced details like social skills.
Form: Correct; one sentence, under 75 words.
Grammar: Good sentence construction but simpler than a band 90 answer.
Vocabulary: Accurate but less varied.
Spelling: No errors.
Band 50 Answer (Basic)
Online education is more flexible than traditional learning, but both have benefits, and now many schools offer both together.
Analysis
Content: Important details such as accessibility, social opportunities, and hybrid models are mentioned but simplified.
Form: One sentence, under 75 words, but overly simplistic.
Grammar: Basic grammar with fewer connectors, and lacks complexity.
Vocabulary: Basic word choice, missing topic-specific terms.
Spelling: No mistakes.
Vocabulary & Grammar Insights from the Sample Passage
Here are 10 potentially challenging words from the passage with their meanings and examples:
-
Flexibility (/ˌflɛksəˈbɪləti/)
Meaning: The quality of being adaptable or adjustable.
Example: The flexibility of online education makes it attractive for busy professionals. -
Accessibility (/əkˌsɛsɪˈbɪləti/)
Meaning: The quality of being easy to obtain or use.
Example: The accessibility of online courses allows students from remote areas to participate. -
Structured (/ˈstrʌktʃərd/)
Meaning: Organized and arranged in a planned way.
Example: Traditional education provides a more structured, disciplined learning environment. -
Interaction (/ˌɪntərˈækʃən/)
Meaning: Communication between two or more people.
Example: Face-to-face interaction is one of the main benefits of traditional classrooms. -
Hybrid (/ˈhaɪbrɪd/)
Meaning: A combination of two different components.
Example: Many institutions are implementing hybrid courses to blend online and offline education. -
Momentum (/moʊˈmɛntəm/)
Meaning: The strength or force gained by events or processes.
Example: The debate between online education and traditional learning has gained significant momentum. -
Fostering (/ˈfɒstərɪŋ/)
Meaning: Encouraging the development of something.
Example: Traditional education fosters better social skills through group activities. -
Circumstances (/ˈsɜrkəmˌstænsɪz/)
Meaning: The conditions or facts of a situation or event.
Example: Students often choose online education based on their personal circumstances. -
Preference (/ˈprɛfərəns/)
Meaning: A greater liking for one alternative over another.
Example: Individual learning preferences can dictate whether students opt for online or traditional classes. -
Networking (/ˈnɛtˌwɜrkɪŋ/)
Meaning: Interaction with others to exchange information and develop contacts.
Example: Traditional learning environments offer better networking opportunities compared to online courses.
Conclusion
The Summarize Written Text task is a key component of the PTE Speaking & Writing section, offering a real-world challenge to concisely represent complex ideas, such as the debate between online education and traditional learning. By practicing with topics like these and gaining insights into how various band scores are achieved, you’ll be better prepared for the exam. Use the sample questions and answers above to hone your skills, and feel free to post your practice answers in the comments for feedback.
