The Summarize Written Text (SWT) task in the PTE Speaking & Writing section challenges candidates to read a given passage and summarize it in one sentence with a word limit of 5 to 75 words. One of the increasingly common topics in recent years is “Telemedicine’s Role in Global Health.” This theme’s relevance reflects the growing importance of technology in healthcare worldwide, making it a favorite topic in the PTE exam.
In this article, we will present you with a sample PTE Summarize Written Text task centered around telemedicine, provide model answers for various PTE band levels, and offer vocabulary tips on how to excel in this challenging part of the test.
Understanding Summarize Written Text in PTE
The Summarize Written Text is a unique writing task in the PTE that focuses on testing your ability to understand a text and summarize its core idea. Telemedicine, as a subject, is crucial for its application and growth in contemporary healthcare, especially in the context of global challenges such as pandemics or limited medical resources in rural areas.
In the following sections, we’ll dive into a detailed SWT exercise example and break down the answer criteria.
Sample Summarize Written Text Question: Telemedicine’s Role in Global Health
Prompt:
Telemedicine has the potential to revolutionize global health care. Technology-driven medical services enable patients to consult medical professionals without the need for traditional face-to-face interactions. This service is particularly beneficial in rural or underserved areas where access to quality healthcare is limited. Telemedicine platforms give medical practitioners the ability to monitor patients remotely, track vital information, and diagnose conditions in real time, all while reducing the time and costs associated with hospital visits. Despite its advantages, telemedicine faces challenges such as data security concerns and the need for reliable internet infrastructure. Its rapid integration into healthcare systems during the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that it can be a vital tool in managing both chronic and acute health issues, thus indicating that telemedicine will continue to play a critical role in the future of global healthcare.
Instruction:
Summarize the passage in one sentence. Your response should be between 5 to 75 words.
Model Responses & Band Analysis
Answer for Band 90 (Optimal)
Telemedicine offers remote healthcare services that can improve access to medical care, especially in rural areas, by reducing physical barriers, although its continued success depends on overcoming challenges like data security and internet reliability.
Analysis
Content: This answer fully captures the key points of the text by addressing both the benefits and challenges of telemedicine.
Form: The sentence is coherent and falls within the word limit.
Grammar: The grammatical structure is sophisticated, yet clear.
Vocabulary: High-level vocabulary is effectively utilized, such as “remote healthcare services,” “physical barriers,” and “data security.”
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Answer for Band 75 (Competent)
Telemedicine helps provide access to healthcare in underserved areas, but it faces challenges like data security and an unreliable internet.
Analysis
Content: Most of the main ideas are included, but a few nuances, such as the specific benefit of real-time diagnosis or the impact of COVID-19, are missed.
Form: The response is correctly structured and falls within the word limit.
Grammar: Fairly good, but lacks the complexity seen in higher band responses.
Vocabulary: Vocabulary is adequate but lacks variety, with simpler phrases such as “unreliable internet” instead of “internet reliability.”
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Answer for Band 65 (Moderate)
Telemedicine allows people to get medical advice remotely through technology, but it has issues like internet problems and security risks.
Analysis
Content: The summary is somewhat accurate but lacks depth and misses several important details, such as telemedicine’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Form: Well-structured sentence under 75 words.
Grammar: Basic grammar is used correctly, but the sentence could be more polished—it feels somewhat simplistic.
Vocabulary: The vocabulary is basic, which slightly weakens the overall strength of the response.
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Answer for Band 50 (Basic)
Telemedicine is when people see doctors without going out, but it can be a problem with the internet.
Analysis
Content: The response oversimplifies the topic, missing key details such as telemedicine’s potential global impact and the benefits in underserved areas.
Form: The sentence is grammatically correct but overly simplistic and lacks necessary detail.
Grammar: Basic grammar is acceptable, but the sentence structure lacks sophistication.
Vocabulary: Very basic, with phrases such as “going out” instead of “face-to-face interactions” or “remote healthcare.”
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Vocabulary & Grammar Insights
To help you further improve your performance in Summarize Written Text, here are some key vocabulary terms and related grammatical structures used in the passages above, followed by their definitions and phonetic transcriptions:
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Telemedicine /ˌtɛlɪˈmɛdəsɪn/ – The practice of caring for patients remotely when the provider and patient are not physically present with each other.
- Example: Telemedicine allowed the doctors in the city to provide care to rural areas.
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Underserved /ˌʌndərˈsɜːrd/ – Lacking adequate access to resources or services.
- Example: Telemedicine brought healthcare to underserved regions more efficiently.
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Chronic /ˈkrɒnɪk/ – Persistent or long-lasting in its effects.
- Example: Telemedicine has proven effective in managing chronic diseases.
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Acute /əˈkjuːt/ – Suddenly occurring and typically requiring urgent care.
- Example: Telemedicine also helps in acute health crises, like sudden injuries.
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Reliability /rɪˌlaɪəˈbɪlɪti/ – The quality of being dependable.
- Example: The reliability of internet connections is crucial in telemedicine.
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Vital /ˈvaɪtəl/ – Absolutely necessary, essential.
- Example: Vital signs can be monitored remotely using telemedicine systems.
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Integration /ˌɪntɪˈgreɪʃən/ – The process of combining or incorporating something into a system.
- Example: The integration of telemedicine into health clinics sped up during the pandemic.
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Data security /ˈdeɪtə sɪˈkjʊərɪti/ – Protection of digital information from unauthorized access.
- Example: Data security is a major concern in remote medical treatments.
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Remote monitoring /rɪˈməʊt ˈmɒnɪtərɪŋ/ – The process of observing and tracking data or treatment from a distance.
- Example: Remote monitoring of vital signs can reduce in-person visits.
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Face-to-face /ˌfeɪs.tuˈfeɪs/ – Involving people in the same physical location.
- Example: Telemedicine eliminates the need for face-to-face consultations.
Conclusion
Telemedicine’s role in global health is a frequently tested topic in the PTE Summarize Written Text section. This sample exercise can help you prepare effectively by offering real-world context on a timely, relevant topic. Summarizing complex ideas concisely is a vital skill for the PTE, and practicing this format significantly improves the chances of achieving a high score.
For more practice, feel free to leave your summaries in the comments section below for personalized feedback, or explore other practice materials to further hone your skills!
