Summarize Written Text in PTE: Corporate Influence on Public Policy

The Summarize Written Text task in the PTE Speaking & Writing section is known to challenge test takers by testing their reading comprehension and summarization skills in a concise format. One of the frequent themes encountered in this task is Corporate Influence On Public Policy, a topic relevant to social governance and business ethics. In this article, we’ll delve into a sample task related to corporate influence, provide example answers, and help you prepare for the real PTE exam.

Sample Task for Summarize Written Text in PTE: Corporate Influence on Public Policy

Task Prompt:
Read the passage below and summarize it into one sentence. Your response should be between 5 and 75 words.
Time: 10 Minutes

Passage:

Large corporations exert significant influence on public policy within many democratic countries. These companies often have the resources and lobbying power to push for regulations that favor their interests, sometimes at the cost of public welfare or environmental standards. In many instances, the lines between private corporate interests and public decision-making have become blurred, raising concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in policy development. Critics argue that this corporate influence undermines democracy because it favors the wealthy over the needs of the general population.

Your task: Summarize the text into one sentence in the box below. You will have 10 minutes to complete this task.

Example Responses Based on Band Scores

Band 79+ (High Proficiency):

Many democratic countries see significant corporate influence on public policy through lobbying, which critics argue undermines democratic values by prioritizing corporate interests over public welfare and accountability.

• Content: The response accurately captures all key elements of the passage, including corporate lobbying, its impact on democratic processes, and concerns about accountability.
• Form: The sentence stays within the 5-75 word limit and is one cohesive statement.
• Grammar: The structure is complex but grammatically accurate.
• Vocabulary: Advanced vocabulary such as ‘lobbying,’ ‘undermines,’ and ‘accountability’ is used appropriately.
• Spelling: All words are spelled correctly.

Band 65-79 (Competent):

Corporations use their power to influence public policy in ways that often benefit them while ignoring general welfare and reducing transparency.

• Content: Good summary of the passage, mentioning corporate power, influence on public policy, and negative effects on public welfare. Minor oversight in leaving out ‘democratic countries’ and the idea of ‘undermining democracy’.
• Form: Follows the one-sentence instruction and maintains the word limit.
• Grammar: Generally grammatical, with few errors.
• Vocabulary: Mostly appropriate lexical range with terms like “transparency” and “welfare.”
• Spelling: No spelling errors.

Band 50-64 (Moderate):

Companies can influence government policy for their own benefit, at times hurting society and the environment.

• Content: While the general idea of corporate influence is present, some important points such as ‘lobbying’ and the critique of undermining ‘democracy’ are omitted.
• Form: The sentence is clear but on the shorter side of the word limit, lacking some critical details.
• Grammar: Simple and correct grammar, yet lacks complexity found in higher-scoring responses.
• Vocabulary: Basic words are used—’companies,’ ‘government,’ ‘hurt.’ More precise language could be employed.
• Spelling: No spelling errors.

Band Below 50 (Limited):

Corporations have power over policies that are sometimes bad for people.

• Content: The answer illustrates a vague notion of corporate power affecting policy but omits much of the passage’s important information, such as democracy or lobbying.
• Form: It meets the requirement of being one sentence, but it is too short and lacks complexity.
• Grammar: Errors in sentence structure, and the sentence is overly simple.
• Vocabulary: Extremely basic vocabulary with several imprecise terms—’bad,’ ‘people’—that affect clarity.
• Spelling: No spelling errors, but concise vocabulary makes it less challenging.

Vocabulary and Grammar Insights

Here are 10 challenging words from the passage you should familiarize yourself with:

1. Exert /ɪɡˈzɜːrt/ (verb): To apply or bring into action.
   Example: Corporations can exert pressure on policymakers to pass favorable laws.

2. Lobbying /ˈlɒbiɪŋ/ (noun): The act of seeking to influence legislators or officials on a specific issue.
   Example: The company spent millions on lobbying to change environmental regulations.

3. Transparency /trænsˈpærənsi/ (noun): Openness and clarity in decision-making processes.
   Example: Transparency in government actions is necessary for public trust.

4. Accountability /əˌkaʊn.təˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/ (noun): The obligation to justify one’s actions and decisions.
   Example: Government officials should be held accountable for their decisions.

5. Democracy /dɪˈmɒkrəsi/ (noun): A system of government by the whole population, typically through elected representatives.
   Example: Many fear that corporate influence is undermining modern democracies.

6. Welfare /ˈwel.feər/ (noun): The health, happiness, and well-being of individuals or communities.
   Example: The welfare of the public should be a priority in policymaking.

7. Undermines /ˌʌndəˈmaɪnz/ (verb): To weaken or erode the foundation of something.
   Example: The widespread influence of corporations undermines the principles of democracy.

8. Public Policy /ˈpʌb.lɪk ˈpɒl.ɪ.si/ (noun): Principles or rules imposed by governments.
   Example: Public policy should reflect the interests of the population rather than specific corporate agendas.

9. Corporate Interests /ˈkɔː.pər.ət ˈɪn.trəsts/ (noun): The benefits or goals that corporations seek in their policies.
   Example: Corporate interests often conflict with environmental protection efforts.

10. Favor /ˈfeɪvər/ (verb): To support or give advantage to something over another.
    Example: Policies that favor corporations can sometimes harm small businesses.

Conclusion

The Summarize Written Text task is an integral part of the PTE Speaking and Writing section, and corporate influence on public policy is a common theme you should prepare for. Remember to focus on key ideas such as corporate lobbying, democracy, and public welfare while ensuring your summaries are concise, clear, and grammatically correct. Regular practice with real-world topics like Internet governance and digital rights will refine your summarization skills and build your confidence for the PTE exam.