Summarize Written Text in PTE: Global Digital Divide and Internet Access

The issue of the global digital divide—the gap between individuals with access to digital resources and those without—continues to be a significant subject, especially in discussions related to education, online information, and global connectivity. The increasing importance of the internet in our daily lives makes it a frequently featured topic in the PTE exams.

Sample Summarize Written Text Questions for Global Digital Divide and Internet Access

Example 1: The Global Digital Divide

• Instructions: Read the text below and summarize it in one sentence. Your response should be between 5 and 75 words.
  Time limit: 10 minutes.

Text:
The digital divide between developed and developing countries continues to widen, with significant implications for economic growth, education, and healthcare. High-income countries enjoy better internet infrastructure, while low-income regions struggle with poor connectivity, leading to limited access to information and fewer opportunities for innovation. As digital tools increasingly define modern economies, these disparities could further exacerbate inequality and slow down global development. Bridging this gap is crucial for ensuring global inclusion and economic parity.

Digital divide and internet access disparities

Model Answer Responses:

• Band 80+ Answer:

  • The growing digital divide between developed and developing countries, characterized by disparities in internet access and its impact on economic growth, education, and healthcare, threatens to exacerbate global inequality and impede worldwide development if left unaddressed.
  • Content: Full coverage of the key ideas, effectively highlighting the digital divide’s impact across sectors.
  • Form: The response is between 5 and 75 words.
  • Grammar: Complex structures are used grammatically.
  • Vocabulary: Rich vocabulary such as “exacerbate” and “inequality” improves the style.
  • Spelling: No spelling errors.

• Band 65-79 Answer:

  • The difference in internet access between developed and developing nations is widening, which could increase global inequality and slow down development.
  • Content: Addresses the key ideas but omits some supporting details.
  • Form: Stays within the required word count.
  • Grammar: Mantains correct basic structures with no errors.
  • Vocabulary: Moderate vocabulary; uses simpler terms.
  • Spelling: No spelling mistakes.

• Band 50-64 Answer:

  • The gap in internet between rich and poor countries is causing problems in economic growth and education.
  • Content: Misses several details such as healthcare, lack of depth.
  • Form: Meets the word count requirement.
  • Grammar: Simple sentences are correct but lack variety.
  • Vocabulary: Basic and repetitive.
  • Spelling: No mistakes but lacks advanced spelling complexity.

Example 2: Internet Access and Remote Learning

• Instructions: Read the text below and summarize it in one sentence. Your response should be between 5 and 75 words.
  Time limit: 10 minutes.

Text:
The transition to online education during the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the stark digital divide across the globe, where wealthier nations were able to adapt rapidly, whereas low-income countries faced many challenges due to limited access to devices and reliable internet. Remote learning has become a critical component of modern education, but without adequate infrastructure, millions of students are at risk of falling behind, deepening the existing educational inequalities.

Model Answer Responses:

• Band 80+ Answer:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the digital divide, as wealthy countries seamlessly transitioned to online education while poorer nations struggled due to inadequate technology and internet access, worsening global educational inequalities.
  • Content: All main points are concisely covered.
  • Form: Word count within limits.
  • Grammar: Correct and varied grammar.
  • Vocabulary: Advanced vocabulary with phrases like “exposed the digital divide” and “seamlessly transitioned.”
  • Spelling: No errors.

• Band 65-79 Answer:

  • The online education response to the pandemic highlighted how different countries experience the digital divide, worsening educational inequality.
  • Content: Key ideas included, though missing specific effects (e.g., devices, reliable access).
  • Form: Meets word count criteria.
  • Grammar: Minor grammatical complexity, but accurate.
  • Vocabulary: Moderate vocabulary.
  • Spelling: No mistakes.

• Band 50-64 Answer:

  • COVID showed how poor internet and technology access hurt online education in poorer countries.
  • Content: Simplified and lacks full coverage of key points.
  • Form: Fits within the word range.
  • Grammar: Basic sentences, but few errors.
  • Vocabulary: Repetitive and basic.
  • Spelling: Accurate but very simple.

Looking for more insight on the challenges and benefits of this shift to online education? You can explore more on “The benefits and drawbacks of online education.”

Vocabulary and Grammar Focus

Here are ten essential words found in the above texts that you can study for better performance in the PTE exam:

1. Disparity /dɪˈspærɪti/: (n) inequality, difference
   Example: The disparity in internet access creates educational inequalities.

2. Exacerbate /ɪɡˈzæsərbeɪt/: (v) make worse
   Example: Poor internet infrastructure exacerbates the digital divide.

3. Adapt /əˈdæpt/: (v) to adjust
   Example: Wealthier nations adapted to online learning faster.

4. Inclusive /ɪnˈkluːsɪv/: (adj) including everyone
   Example: Achieving inclusive digital access is essential for reducing inequalities.

5. Inadequate /ɪnˈædəkwət/: (adj) insufficient
   Example: Many nations suffer from inadequate broadband infrastructure.

6. Innovation /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/: (n) new ideas or methods
   Example: Limited internet hampers innovation in developing regions.

7. Infrastructure /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃər/: (n) foundational systems and structures
   Example: Investments in digital infrastructure are needed to close the education gap.

8. Parity /ˈpærɪti/: (n) equality
   Example: Digital parity across nations is crucial for all students to succeed online.

9. Inequality /ˌɪnɪˈkwɒlɪti/: (n) unfair difference in privilege
   Example: The digital divide leads to growing inequality in education.

10. Seamless /ˈsiːmləs/: (adj) without disruption
    Example: Nations with good infrastructure made a seamless shift to online learning.

Conclusion

The topics related to the global digital divide and internet access are increasingly common in the PTE Summarize Written Text task. When preparing for this section, you should focus on understanding key terms, practicing effective summaries, and staying aware of current global issues, such as the gaps in digital resources. This will not only prepare you for your exam but also broaden your understanding of a crucial global matter. To explore how these issues intersect with education, be sure to check out our article on Remote learning and educational equity.