In the PTE Academic Speaking & Writing section, the Summarize Written Text task presents you with a short passage and asks you to summarize the information accurately in one sentence. Summarizing skills are crucial for candidates to succeed, and the topic of “Social Media’s Influence on Global Movements” is a popular subject due to its relevance in today’s interconnected world.
This article offers several sample Summarize Written Text passages based on the influence of social media on global movements, along with sample answers at different band levels.
Sample Summarize Written Text Practice Task 1: Social Media & Political Movements
Passage:
Social media has become a powerful tool in facilitating global political movements. Platforms such as Twitter and Facebook have allowed activists to organize protests, share news rapidly, and collectively raise their voices on various issues. The Arab Spring is an excellent example of how social media aided in mobilizing uprisings across the Middle East, drawing international attention to socio-political struggles. However, while social media helps to amplify voices, some argue that it can also spread misinformation, which may hinder movements.
Task: Summarize the written text in one sentence.
Sample Answers with Analysis
Band Score 90 Answer (Excellent Response):
Social media platforms have significantly contributed to global political movements by facilitating rapid communication and organization, but they also run the risk of spreading misinformation, as seen during the Arab Spring.
Analysis:
- Content: Exemplary, as it covers all major ideas (social media’s role in movements, example of the Arab Spring, and issue of misinformation).
- Form: Sentence is concise and under 75 words.
- Grammar: Flawless, with complex sentence structure and proper punctuation.
- Vocabulary: Advanced, correctly used (“contributed,” “facilitating,” “misinformation”).
- Spelling: No errors.
Band Score 75 Answer (Very Good Response):
Social media has played an important role in mobilizing global political movements, but it can also spread misleading content, as shown in the Arab Spring.
Analysis:
- Content: Good coverage of main points but lacks a complete exploration of details.
- Form: Concise and well within limits.
- Grammar: Accurate, though the sentence is simpler.
- Vocabulary: Adequate but more straightforward compared to the higher score. (“Important” vs. “significant”).
- Spelling: Correct.
Band Score 60 Answer (Adequate Response):
Social media helped in organizing protests like the Arab Spring but can also spread false information.
Analysis:
- Content: Hits key points but lacks full detail on global impact and the rapid sharing of information.
- Form: Simple sentence structure.
- Grammar: Correct, though lacking complexity.
- Vocabulary: Basic (“helped” instead of “contributed”).
- Spelling: No mistakes.
Band Score 50 Answer (Limited Response):
Twitter and Facebook were helpful in the Arab Spring but can spread misinformation.
Analysis:
- Content: Misses the broader impact on political movements outside the specific example.
- Form: Well-formed but too brief.
- Grammar: Simple and lacks variety.
- Vocabulary: Limited and non-academic (“helpful,” “spread”).
- Spelling: No errors.
Sample Summarize Written Text Practice Task 2: Social Media & Environmental Movements
Passage:
In recent years, social media platforms have significantly contributed to raising awareness about environmental issues globally. Movements like “Fridays for Future,” spearheaded by young activist Greta Thunberg, have gained massive traction through platforms such as Instagram and Twitter. The accessibility of information and the ability to spread news quickly have empowered individuals and groups to mobilize for environmental causes. However, not all movements gain equal visibility, as social media algorithms can limit a campaign’s reach.
Task: Summarize the written text in one sentence.
Sample Answers with Analysis
Band Score 90 Answer (Excellent Response):
Social media platforms have played a crucial role in promoting environmental movements like Fridays for Future by facilitating rapid awareness, although algorithmic limitations may restrict the visibility of some campaigns.
Analysis:
- Content: Full and accurate representation of the passage, covering movements, platforms, and algorithmic challenges.
- Form: Concise and clear.
- Grammar: Flawless, with a complex sentence structure.
- Vocabulary: Well-chosen, with formal academic terms (“promoting,” “facilitating,” “visibility”).
- Spelling: No mistakes.
Band Score 75 Answer (Very Good Response):
Social media has raised awareness for environmental movements like Fridays for Future by spreading information quickly, but some campaigns are restricted by algorithms.
Analysis:
- Content: Covers key points, but less detail on why some movements are restricted.
- Form: Meets structure requirements.
- Grammar: Correct but less sophisticated.
- Vocabulary: Adequate, though not as varied.
- Spelling: No errors.
Band Score 60 Answer (Adequate Response):
Social media helps environmental movements reach people quickly, but some campaigns are not equally visible.
Analysis:
- Content: Includes main ideas but lacks specificity.
- Form: Appropriately concise.
- Grammar: Basic sentence structure, no errors.
- Vocabulary: Simple and lacks variety.
- Spelling: No mistakes.
Band Score 50 Answer (Limited Response):
Social media spreads information about environmental movements, but not all of them are seen much.
Analysis:
- Content: Too simplistic and vague.
- Form: Adequate form but lacks detail.
- Grammar: Very basic.
- Vocabulary: Limited (“seen much” vs. more precise “restricted by algorithms”).
- Spelling: No mistakes.
Vocabulary and Grammar for Summarize Written Text
Here are ten advanced vocabulary words from the provided passages, along with definitions, phonetics, and example sentences:
-
Mobilize /ˈmoʊ.bəˌlaɪz/ – To organize or prepare something for action.
Example: Social media platforms can mobilize people for political or environmental causes. -
Amplify /ˈæm.pləˌfaɪ/ – To make larger or more powerful.
Example: Social media amplifies the voices of activists across the world. -
Traction /ˈtræk.ʃən/ – The ability of a new idea or movement to gain support.
Example: Fridays for Future gained substantial traction due to social media support. -
Misinformation /ˌmɪs.ɪn.fəˈmeɪ.ʃən/ – False or inaccurate information spread unintentionally.
Example: Misinformation on social media can hinder global movements. -
Visibility /ˌvɪz.ɪˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/ – The degree to which something can be seen or is known about.
Example: Social media algorithms can limit the visibility of certain movements. -
Algorithm /ˈæl.ɡəˌrɪð.əm/ – A process or set of rules followed in calculations or data processing.
Example: Platform algorithms prioritize certain posts, affecting what users see. -
Empower /ɪmˈpaʊər/ – To give power or authority to someone.
Example: Social media empowers individuals to challenge global issues. -
Awareness /əˈweə.nəs/ – Knowledge or perception of a situation or fact.
Example: Social media is crucial for raising awareness about climate change. -
Facilitate /fəˈsɪl.ɪˌteɪt/ – To make an action or process easier.
Example: Social media facilitates the rapid spread of information. -
Restrict /rɪˈstrɪkt/ – To keep something within limits.
Example: Algorithms sometimes restrict the reach of smaller movements.
Conclusion
The Summarize Written Text task in PTE requires precision and understanding of complex ideas, which are often tied to trending global topics like “Social Media’s Influence on Global Movements.” By practicing with these sample tasks, you can improve your ability to compress information into cohesive, grammatically sound summaries. This has proven to be a common topic in recent PTE exams, so mastering it will greatly benefit your overall performance. Leave a comment with your sample summary for further feedback!
