Summarize Written Text Practice: Universal Basic Income and Economic Security in PTE

Summarizing written text is one of the most crucial tasks in the Speaking & Writing section of the PTE Academic. This requires the test-taker to read a passage, then summarize it into one sentence, capturing both the key points and the main idea accurately. Understanding diverse topics, like Universal Basic Income (UBI), can significantly improve your performance in this task. In this article, we will present Summarize Written Text practice with Universal Basic Income And Economic Security as the central topic.

This topic frequently appears in PTE exams due to its increasing relevance in modern socio-economic discussions. Thorough knowledge of such topics and sufficient practice will help you gain stronger insights and perform well.

Sample PTE Summarize Written Text Questions on Universal Basic Income

Question 1:

Below, you’ll find a sample passage on Universal Basic Income. The task is to summarize the written text into one sentence within 10 minutes. Make sure the summary is between 5 and 75 words.

The concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) proposes to provide all citizens with a fixed income regardless of employment status, aiming to reduce poverty and ensure a basic standard of living. Numerous studies have shown that UBI can promote economic security by shielding individuals from economic shocks, such as unemployment or unexpected medical costs. While UBI offers security, it also faces criticism from those who argue that such schemes may decrease workforce participation and lead to inflation. Nevertheless, proponents argue that UBI could replace the cumbersome welfare programs with a system that treats everyone equally while stimulating the economy.

Summarize the written text in one sentence.

Sample Answers for Different Band Scores

High Band (Score 80-90):

Universal Basic Income aims to provide economic security and reduce poverty by giving a fixed income to all citizens, though there is debate over its impact on labor force participation and inflation, with advocates contending that it could simplify welfare systems and boost the economy.

Analysis for High Band:

• Content: Includes all key points like UBI’s goals, arguments on inflation and work participation, and mentions the potential benefits of simplifying welfare and economic stimulation.
• Form: The sentence length fits PTE’s requirements (one sentence between 5-75 words).
• Grammar: Correct use of complex sentence structure, appropriate connecting words.
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated and contextually accurate, such as “economic security”, “shielding individuals”, “simplify welfare systems”.

Medium Band (Score 65-79):

Universal Basic Income could provide all citizens with a fixed income that helps reduce poverty, though there are concerns it might lead to inflation and reduced workforce participation.

Analysis for Medium Band:

• Content: Covers most key points but misses some details like simplification of welfare programs and stimulating the economy.
• Form: Still adheres to the form requirements of a single sentence under 75 words.
• Grammar: Good use of syntax, but lacks complexity.
• Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary is used effectively but lacks the nuance seen in the High Band response.

Low Band (Score 50-64):

Universal Basic Income can reduce poverty by giving money to everyone, but some worry it might cause inflation.

Analysis for Low Band:

• Content: Leaves out significant points such as workforce participation, simplifying welfare, and economic stimulation.
• Form: The sentence is appropriately one sentence but does not sufficiently capture the passage.
• Grammar: Simple sentence construction that misses conjunctions for a more complex answer.
• Vocabulary: Basic language without the necessary academic tone or complexity.

Question 2:

Below is another text focusing on economic security achieved through Universal Basic Income. As always, the task is to create a concise summary of the text into a single sentence.

Universal Basic Income (UBI) schemes have been implemented experimentally in various countries, including Finland and Kenya, where participants received a monthly stipend aimed at improving their financial stability. Results from these trials suggest that UBI has not only brought immediate economic security to individuals but also empowered them to pursue further education, start businesses, or care for family members. Critics, however, are concerned about the long-term sustainability of UBI, as it could potentially strain public finances, with some economists believing it may not be a cost-effective solution in the long run.

Summarize the written text in one sentence.

Sample Answers for Different Band Scores

High Band (Score 80-90):

Trials of Universal Basic Income in countries like Finland and Kenya have shown that UBI improves economic security by allowing individuals to pursue personal goals, though concerns remain over its long-term financial sustainability and broader economic effects.

Medium Band (Score 65-79):

Universal Basic Income experiments have helped participants achieve financial stability, but there are concerns about its sustainability and whether it is cost-effective for the future.

Low Band (Score 50-64):

Universal Basic Income provides money to people and helps them financially, but there are concerns about its sustainability.

Vocabulary and Grammar for PTE Summarize Written Text

Below are 10 key vocabulary words from the provided passages, complete with phonetic transcription, meaning, and usage examples:

1. Proponent /prəˈpoʊ.nənt/: a person who promotes or supports a particular idea or cause.

   • Example: Proponents of UBI argue that it ensures economic stability for all.

2. Cumbersome /ˈkʌm.bɚ.səm/: slow, complicated, and inefficient.

   • Example: Welfare systems are often seen as cumbersome due to excessive bureaucracy.

3. Stipend /ˈstaɪ.pend/: a fixed, regular sum paid as a salary or allowance.

   • Example: Each participant in the UBI experiment received a monthly stipend.

4. Pursue /pɚˈsuː/: to continuously continue in an effort to achieve something.

   • Example: UBI allowed individuals to pursue further education or start businesses.

5. Sustainability /səˌsteɪ.nəˈbɪl.ə.ti/: the ability to be maintained or continued without depleting resources.

   • Example: Critics question the long-term sustainability of UBI due to high costs.

6. Empower /ɪmˈpaʊər/: to give someone power or authority over themselves or something.

   • Example: UBI empowers people to take control of their financial futures.

7. Strain /streɪn/: to put pressure or tension on something.

   • Example: UBI may place a strain on government budgets.

8. Long-term /lɒŋ tɜːrm/: continuing for a long period of time.

   • Example: Economists worry about the long-term effects of UBI on inflation.

9. Cost-effective /ˌkɒst ɪˈfek.tɪv/: providing the best possible outcome for the money spent.

   • Example: There are debates on whether UBI is cost-effective in the long run.

10. Financial stability /faɪˈnæn.ʃəl stəˈbɪl.ə.ti/: a condition where an economy or an individual is stable and secure in terms of finances.

    • Example: Universal Basic Income aims to provide financial stability to all citizens.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Summarize Written Text is a critical part of the PTE Exam that tests your ability to grasp the main ideas of complex passages within a time limit. Topics such as Universal Basic Income and economic security are highly relevant in today’s global discourse. We encourage candidates to continue practicing with similar topics to become more familiar with common themes and improve score performance by mastering both the form and content required for a high band score. Let us know how you performed on these exercises by leaving a comment below!