The Summarize Written Text section in the Speaking & Writing module of the PTE exam is designed to assess your ability to comprehend complex texts and condense them into concise summaries. This step tests not only your comprehension but also your ability to write clearly and accurately. One of the trending topics that frequently appears in this section is centered around Cultural Shifts In Work-life Balance. Given the dynamic nature of the professional and personal spheres today, having a solid grasp on this topic can benefit your PTE scoring significantly.
In this article, we introduce you to some realistic Summarize Written Text practice tests on the theme of work-life balance and provide sample answers with a clear breakdown for each band score.
Practice Summarize Written Text Question: Cultural Shifts in Work-Life Balance
Summarize the following text in one sentence. Your response must be between 5 and 75 words.
The evolving nature of work-life balance reflects broader cultural changes in how individuals and organizations approach employment and personal life. Traditional workplace structures prioritized long working hours and rigid job responsibilities. However, in recent years, rising concerns over mental health, gender equality, and employee rights have led to a shift toward flexible work arrangements, reduced working hours, and a focus on wellbeing. This change is particularly evident in sectors where women and minorities are taking on leadership roles and influencing corporate culture. Evidence suggests that when businesses prioritize a balanced and healthy work-life dynamic, they retain talent better and see increased productivity.
Sample Answer for Band 90 (High)
Recent cultural shifts toward flexible working arrangements, mental health prioritization, and gender equality are changing traditional work-life dynamics in favor of employee wellbeing and productivity growth.
Analysis:
- Content: Accurately captures all essential points—flexible working, gender equality, mental health, and productivity. No important information is omitted.
- Form: Within the word limit.
- Grammar: No grammatical mistakes.
- Vocabulary: Advanced and appropriate for a high score band.
- Spelling: No spelling mistakes.
Sample Answer for Band 79 (Proficient)
Cultural changes in work-life balance have led to more flexible working, an emphasis on employee wellbeing, and greater inclusiveness, with productivity being an added benefit.
Analysis:
- Content: Captures most of the essential points but omits the role of women and minorities in leadership.
- Form: Within the word limit.
- Grammar: No major grammatical mistakes.
- Vocabulary: Clear, with varied word choice. However, less advanced than a Band 90 response.
- Spelling: No spelling mistakes.
Sample Answer for Band 65 (Competent)
Work-life balance is now focused on employee wellbeing, and flexible working is becoming more common.
Analysis:
- Content: Misses major aspects such as cultural shifts, gender equality, and productivity benefits.
- Form: Within the word limit.
- Grammar: Simple but correct grammar.
- Vocabulary: Limited use of vocabulary; it gets the point across but lacks detail.
- Spelling: No spelling mistakes.
Sample Answer for Band 50 (Basic)
Work-life balance is changing, so employees have better wellbeing.
Analysis:
- Content: Fails to mention most key points, offering an incomplete overview.
- Form: Within the word limit but too simple and lacks depth.
- Grammar: Basic, error-free grammar.
- Vocabulary: Insufficient vocabulary use.
- Spelling: No spelling mistakes.
Key Vocabulary and Grammar for Cultural Shifts in Work-Life Balance
Here are 10 essential vocabulary words and phrases related to work-life balance, along with their definitions and examples:
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Flexible working /ˈflɛksəbl ˈwɜːrkɪŋ/ (adj): The ability to vary one’s working hours and location.
- Example: “The company introduced flexible working to help employees manage their personal and work commitments.”
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Wellbeing /ˈwɛlˌbiːɪŋ/ (noun): The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.
- Example: “The emphasis on employee wellbeing has improved overall productivity.”
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Rigid /ˈrɪʤɪd/ (adj): Not flexible; fixed and unable to be changed.
- Example: “A rigid work schedule often leads to higher stress levels.”
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Gender equality /ˈʤɛndər ɪˈkwɒləti/ (noun): The state of equal access to resources and opportunities regardless of gender.
- Example: “Efforts towards gender equality in leadership roles are reshaping corporate hierarchies.”
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Leadership roles /ˈliːdərˌʃɪp roʊlz/ (noun phrase): Positions of authority and influence in an organization.
- Example: “More women are being promoted to leadership roles in their companies.” [Related: Read more on Gender equality in leadership roles]
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Minorities /maɪˈnɒrɪtiːz/ (noun): Groups in society that are smaller in number or hold less power than the majority.
- Example: “The inclusion of minorities in decision-making is improving workplace diversity.”
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Retain talent /rɪˈteɪn ˈtælɪnt/ (verb phrase): The ability of an organization to keep its skilled employees.
- Example: “Companies that offer work-life balance are more likely to retain talent.”
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Productivity /ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvɪti/ (noun): The ability to produce work effectively and efficiently.
- Example: “Flexibility in the workplace has been linked to higher productivity.”
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Mental health /ˈmɛntəl hɛlθ/ (noun phrase): A state of well-being where an individual realizes their abilities, copes with normal stresses, and can contribute to their community.
- Example: “Good mental health has become a key focus in modern workplaces.”
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Corporate culture /ˈkɔːpərɪt ˈkʌlʧər/ (noun phrase): The values, behaviors, and shared beliefs that characterize an organization.
- Example: “Cultural shifts in corporate culture are vital for achieving work-life balance.”
Conclusion: Importance of Cultural Shifts in Work-Life Balance in PTE
Summarize Written Text tasks that focus on Cultural Shifts in Work-Life Balance are increasingly relevant. These changes reflect a society increasingly concerned with employee wellbeing, inclusiveness, and flexibility—factors that are now critical in both real-world workplaces and PTE exam content. Regular practice on these topics can significantly elevate your performance. We invite you to share your experiences or further questions in the comment section below!
