The Summarize Written Text task in the PTE exam’s Speaking & Writing section is crucial to demonstrating your ability to summarize main points effectively and concisely within a single sentence. Among various topics that frequently appear in this section, gender stereotypes in media representation carry substantial relevance. This article provides practice questions and in-depth analyses to help you improve your summarizing skills for this type of task.
Overview of Summarize Written Text in PTE Exam
In the PTE Summarize Written Text task, candidates are presented with a passage (ranging from 150 to 400 words) and required to summarize the main idea of the text into one sentence. The response must be between 5 and 75 words, ensuring no grammar mistakes and a clear, logical structure. Common topics include contemporary societal issues such as gender equality, stereotypes, and media influence, all of which are prevalent in PTE’s content to test language proficiency in real-world contexts.
Practice Question on “Gender Stereotypes in Media Representation”
Practice Question 1:
The representation of genders in the media, particularly the portrayal of women, has increasingly faced criticism. Historically, women in media were often depicted in roles limited to domestic work or as passive characters reliant on male counterparts. In recent times, however, there has been a noticeable shift with more diverse and strong female leads in mainstream media. Yet, some critics argue that despite these advancements, many media outlets still perpetuate stereotypes, showing women primarily in relation to their appearance or personal lives, while men dominate roles involving leadership, science, or decision-making. The persistence of harmful stereotypes in media not only influences societal views but also reinforces gender biases in industries like law, business, and even sports.
Task: Summarize the text in one sentence.
Answer Sample Based on Different Band Scores
High Band Score (79+):
Although there have been improvements in female portrayals through diverse roles, media still perpetuates gender stereotypes by emphasizing appearance for women and leadership for men, reinforcing societal and industrial biases.
Content: 100% relevant to the passage
Form: Clear, one full sentence within word limit
Grammar: Perfect
Vocabulary: Sophisticated use of words
Spelling: Correct
Mid Band Score (65-78):
Despite changes in depicting women, media continues to stereotype females based mainly on their looks, while men are shown in stronger, decision-making roles.
Content: Covers key points but misses some nuances
Form: Clear, one full sentence within word limit
Grammar: Mostly correct, minor structural issues
Vocabulary: Adequate but could be enhanced
Spelling: Correct
Low Band Score (Below 65):
Media still shows women as passive and focused on their appearance, while men take leadership roles.
Content: Key points are missing critical depth
Form: One sentence, but too simplistic
Grammar: Basic structure and minor errors
Vocabulary: Limited use of vocabulary
Spelling: Correct
Media representation of gender stereotypes and its impact on society
Practice Question on “Impact of Media on Gender Roles”
Practice Question 2:
Media serves as a powerful tool that shapes public perception and maintains societal norms, including views on gender roles. Television programs, advertisements, and movies frequently present gender roles that align with traditional stereotypes, where men are seen as career-focused, assertive providers, and women as nurturing homemakers. These depictions have been proven to influence young audiences, impacting their perceptions of what is deemed acceptable behavior for men and women. Although counter-narratives challenging these roles have been gaining popularity, representation continues to be under scrutiny for not consistently promoting gender equality, thereby sustaining certain biases.
Task: Summarize the text in one sentence.
Answer Sample Based on Different Band Scores
High Band Score (79+):
While media has started displaying counter-narratives to traditional gender roles, it continues to perpetuate stereotypes that define men as providers and women as caregivers, shaping the perceptions of younger generations.
Content: 100% relevant to the passage
Form: Clear, one sentence within word limit
Grammar: Flawless
Vocabulary: Advanced vocabulary, domain-specific
Spelling: Correct
Mid Band Score (65-78):
Media often sticks to traditional portrayals of gender roles, but recent narratives have attempted to challenge these stereotypes, especially in younger viewers’ perception.
Content: Covers most points with minor omissions
Form: Well-structured, within word limit
Grammar: Mostly correct but slightly informal
Vocabulary: Decent range of vocabulary
Spelling: Correct
Low Band Score (Below 65):
Media reinforces stereotypes about men being providers and women being homemakers, even as it begins to show different roles.
Content: Simplistic with loss of important details
Form: Within word limit, not complex
Grammar: Some errors, basic structures
Vocabulary: Limited vocabulary choice
Spelling: Correct
Vocabulary from the Passage:
-
Perpetuate /pərˈpɛtʃueɪt/ (verb): To cause something to continue indefinitely
Example: Media often perpetuates outdated gender stereotypes. -
Bias /ˈbaɪəs/ (noun): Prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group
Example: Movies often have a gender bias that favors men in leadership roles. -
Scrutiny /ˈskruːtəni/ (noun): Critical observation or examination
Example: Media’s portrayal of gender is under increasing scrutiny. -
Reinforce /riːɪnˈfɔːs/ (verb): Strengthen or support an idea or behavior
Example: Media continues to reinforce the idea that women are primarily caregivers. -
Counter-narrative /ˈkaʊntərˈnærətɪv/ (noun): A story or perspective that opposes the dominant view
Example: The new film presents a counter-narrative to traditional gender roles. -
Nurturing /ˈnɜːtʃərɪŋ/ (adjective): Providing care and encouragement
Example: Women are often portrayed as nurturing, which reinforces traditional gender roles. -
Dominant /ˈdɑːmɪnənt/ (adjective): More powerful, important, or noticeable
Example: Male characters often take dominant roles in media representations. -
Portrayal /pɔːˈtreɪəl/ (noun): The description or representation of someone/something
Example: The portrayal of women in magazines remains stereotypical. -
Societal /soʊˈsaɪətl/ (adjective): Related to society
Example: Media plays a significant role in shaping societal norms. -
Depiction /dɪˈpɪkʃən/ (noun): The action of describing or showing something
Example: The depiction of gender in movies influences public beliefs.
Conclusion
Summarizing written texts effectively in the PTE exam requires conciseness, clarity, and an understanding of the text’s main ideas. Gender Stereotypes In Media Representation is a common and vital topic that reflects the complexity of societal issues, making it crucial for both content and form successes. Regular practice with topics like these exposes you to real-world language applications and aids in achieving desired scores.
Looking for related topics to practice? Check out this article on Gender equality in sports industry.
Good luck with your preparations! Share your practice summaries in the comments below!
