PTE Summarize Written Text Practice: Digital Identities and Social Equity

The Summarize Written Text task in the PTE exam is part of the Speaking & Writing section, requiring test-takers to condense a text into one sentence. Today, we will provide sample questions on the pressing issue of Digital Identities And Social Equity, a growing topic in modern technological discussions. This topic is particularly relevant because as we move into a more digitally connected world, the question of equitable access to digital identities becomes crucial.

Let’s dive into the structure of this task, starting with a few sample exercises to help you practice.

Sample Summarize Written Text Practice on Digital Identities and Social Equity

Prompt 1

The emergence of digital identities holds tremendous potential, especially when considering their role in the distribution of public services and efficient governance. However, there is a growing concern about whether these digital solutions can be inclusive and just. Many marginalized groups face significant barriers to accessing such services due to technological illiteracy, lack of infrastructure, or legal recognition. Therefore, while digital identity systems promise innovation, they may also further deepen social inequities unless proper policies ensuring access for all individuals are implemented.

Question: Summarize the passage in one sentence.

Sample Responses:

Sample Answer (High Band Score – 79+)

While digital identity systems show enormous potential for improving public services and governance, their implementation must be inclusive and equitable to avoid exacerbating existing social inequities.

Evaluation
Content: Fully captures the core idea of the opportunities and challenges of digital identities regarding potential social inequality.
Form: The sentence is succinct and within the required length limit.
Grammar: The sentence structure is well-formed and grammatically correct.
Vocabulary: Uses varied vocabulary related to the subject matter such as “inclusive,” “exacerbating,” and “equitable.”
Spelling: No spelling errors.

Sample Answer (Mid Band Score – 65-78)

Digital identities can improve governance but may worsen inequalities unless they are implemented equitably.

Evaluation
Content: Reasonably captures the main idea but simplifies some details, especially about public services.
Form: Within the required word limit.
Grammar: Grammatical error-free, but the sentence could be more complex.
Vocabulary: Vocabulary is accurate but less sophisticated.
Spelling: No spelling errors.

Sample Answer (Low Band Score – Below 65)

Digital identities are useful but could cause problems if not done correctly.

Evaluation
Content: The response lacks sufficient detail and depth regarding social equity issues.
Form: The sentence is overly simplified, and key terms from the passage are missing.
Grammar: A shorter, less complex sentence structure is used, which reduces clarity.
Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary without nuances related to the subject.
Spelling: No spelling errors.

Prompt 2

Digital identities have moved beyond mere access to online services; they are now essential for participating in modern society. These identities are becoming the gateway to accessing vital societal institutions such as healthcare, education, and financial services. However, their proliferation raises questions about equitable access. Individuals from underprivileged or remote communities may find themselves excluded due to a lack of resources or understanding of these technologies, leading to further systemic disadvantage.

Question: Summarize the passage in one sentence.

Sample Responses:

Sample Answer (High Band Score – 79+)

While digital identities are increasingly vital for accessing fundamental societal institutions, a lack of resources and digital literacy among underprivileged communities poses a significant risk of further perpetuating systemic inequalities.

Evaluation
Content: The response fully encapsulates the main themes without missing any major points.
Form: The sentence structure is clear and falls within the word limit.
Grammar: Well-constructed with no grammatical flaws.
Vocabulary: Advanced vocabulary is used appropriately, including phrases like “systemic inequalities” and “digital literacy.”
Spelling: No errors.

Sample Answer (Mid Band Score – 65-78)

Digital identities are important for accessing services, but not everyone can use them, which could make inequality worse.

Evaluation
Content: The response contains the main ideas but lacks depth, and some details are vague.
Form: The sentence is clear and of acceptable length.
Grammar: No errors, but the sentence could benefit from more complexity.
Vocabulary: The vocabulary is sufficient but lacks variety.
Spelling: No spelling mistakes.

Sample Answer (Low Band Score – Below 65)

Not everyone has digital identities, and it could be unfair.

Evaluation
Content: The response oversimplifies the key ideas, omitting crucial details about society and inequality.
Form: Short and below the required complexity, though adhering to the word limit.
Grammar: Basic language structures that lack clarity.
Vocabulary: Elementary vocabulary usage.
Spelling: No spelling issues.

Vocabulary and Grammar Used in the Text

Here’s a list of 10 useful vocabulary words from the provided sample passages. These words are particularly important when discussing issues related to digital identities and social equity.

1. Proliferation /prəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃən/ (noun) – rapid increase in numbers

   • Example: The proliferation of digital services has transformed societal institutions.

2. Equitable /ˈɛkwɪtəbl/ (adjective) – fair and impartial

   • Example: Equitable access to technology is crucial to prevent social inequities.

3. Exacerbate /ɪɡˈzæsərbeɪt/ (verb) – to make a problem worse

   • Example: Poorly implemented digital identities could exacerbate existing social disparities.

4. Marginalized /ˈmɑːrdʒɪnəlaɪzd/ (adjective) – treated as insignificant or peripheral

   • Example: Marginalized communities often lack access to essential digital services.

5. Governance /ˈɡʌvərnəns/ (noun) – the action or manner of governing a state or organization

   • Example: Effective governance can benefit from the widespread use of digital identities.

6. Infrastructure /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ (noun) – the basic structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society

   • Example: Without proper infrastructure, many people will struggle to utilize digital identity systems.

7. Digital literacy /ˈdɪdʒɪtl ˈlɪtərəsi/ (noun) – a person’s ability to use digital tools and platforms

   • Example: Digital literacy is critical for individuals to access essential services.

8. Underprivileged /ˌʌndərˈprɪvɪlɪdʒd/ (adjective) – not enjoying the same standard of living or rights as the majority of people

   • Example: Underprivileged communities are often left behind in technological advancements.

9. Systemic /sɪˈstɛmɪk/ (adjective) – relating to the system as a whole rather than a single part

   • Example: Systemic inequality can be observed in the lack of digital resources for certain populations.

10. Access /ˈæksɛs/ (noun) – the means or opportunity to approach or use something

    • Example: Providing universal access to digital tools must be prioritized for inclusivity.

Conclusion

In today’s Summarize Written Text task practice, we’ve explored highly relevant topics surrounding digital identities and social equity, which are commonly discussed in the modern technological landscape. These subjects frequently appear on PTE exams in different forms, so being well-versed in related vocabulary and ideas can significantly benefit your performance. By practicing with the sample responses and refining your sentence structure, you’ll be well-prepared for this part of the test.

Feel free to leave a comment or question below if you need more practice materials or further clarification on any of the sample answers!