When preparing for the PTE exam, mastering Summarize Written Text within the Speaking & Writing section is crucial. One of the more prevalent topics in recent discussions—and increasingly showing up in exams—is the Gender Pay Gap In Corporate Settings. In this guide, we’ll explore why this issue appears frequently and how to tackle Summarize Written Text questions on this topic. You’ll also find practical exercise examples that simulate the actual test experience, along with detailed answer analyses for each band score.
What Is Summarize Written Text in the PTE Test?
Summarize Written Text is an integral part of the Speaking & Writing section of PTE. In this part, you will read a passage and condense it into a single sentence. The goal is to capture the most important points of the passage while maintaining correct grammar, vocabulary, and coherence.
Among the many relevant topics in the professional world, the gender pay gap in corporate settings often finds its way into PTE testing materials, as it perturbs not only social dynamics but also economic structures in the business landscape.
Let’s look at some practice questions focused on this pressing issue in corporate environments.
Example Question on Gender Pay Gap in Corporate Settings
Summarize the following text in one sentence:
The gender pay gap refers to the average difference in earnings between women and men in workplaces. In corporate settings, it is often found that men, on average, receive higher salaries than women, even when they occupy similar roles. This issue is more profound among higher-ranking executive positions, where only a small percentage of women break through. Several factors contribute to this disparity, including unconscious biases, fewer networking opportunities for women, and demands of child-rearing, which can reduce women’s chances for promotion or higher-paying roles. Studies have also indicated that organizations with better gender pay equality tend to perform better overall, which has prompted many companies to re-evaluate their compensation structures and move towards more equitable practices.
Word Count: 121
Instructions: Summarize the text above in one sentence.
Primary causes of the gender pay gap in corporate settings
Sample Answers by Band Score
Band 90 Response
The gender pay gap in corporate settings results from factors like unconscious biases and fewer promotion opportunities for women, and companies that address these issues demonstrate higher overall performance.
Content: Fully captures all essential information, including causes and effects of the gender pay gap and the positive impact of resolving the issue.
Form: The length of the response is exactly one sentence, adhering to the task requirements.
Grammar: Consistently appropriate grammar usage.
Vocabulary: Wide range of vocabulary used appropriately.
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band 75 Response
The pay gap between men and women in corporate environments is caused by factors like biases and networking disadvantages faced by women, and closing the gap could improve company performance.
Content: Covers key points but slightly less detailed compared to the Band 90 response.
Form: Completes the task in one sentence.
Grammar: Minor grammatical issues such as “closing the gap” could be reworded for clarity.
Vocabulary: Good range of vocabulary, though not as advanced as in the Band 90 response.
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band 65 Response
Men in corporations often earn more than women, and companies with equal pay perform better.
Content: Misses essential details such as specific causes for the pay gap, making it less comprehensive.
Form: One sentence, but lacks complexity.
Grammar: Basic structure, no major grammatical issues but lacks sophistication.
Vocabulary: Limited range of vocabulary.
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band 50 Response
Men are paid more in corporate settings, and fair pay can lead to better performance.
Content: Very generalized response, leaving out significant factors like unconscious bias and career advancement opportunities.
Form: Meets the length requirement (one sentence).
Grammar: Simple structures used throughout.
Vocabulary: Very basic choices, no demonstration of sophisticated language skills.
Spelling: No spelling issues.
Band 40 Response
Men make more money than women in business, and it is better if pay is equal.
Content: Incomplete summary of the main points, lacking key details on why the gap exists or the implications of the pay gap in companies.
Form: Adheres to the one-sentence requirement.
Grammar: Simple, somewhat awkward sentence structure.
Vocabulary: Extremely basic vocabulary that impacts precision in conveying the main ideas.
Spelling: Correct spelling.
Vocabulary and Grammar Breakdown
Here are 10 advanced vocabulary words from the provided passage:
-
Earnings /ˈɜːrnɪŋz/ (n.): income or salary from work.
Example: The company’s report highlighted the average earnings of its employees. -
Unconscious Bias /ʌnˈkɒnʃəs ˈbaɪəs/ (n.): unintentional, automatic prejudices in decision-making.
Example: Unconscious bias sometimes affects hiring practices. -
Networking /ˈnɛtˌwɜːrkɪŋ/ (n.): interacting with others to exchange information, often to advance professionally.
Example: Networking events are crucial for career development. -
Child-rearing /ˈtʃaɪldˌrɪrɪŋ/ (n.): the process of bringing up children.
Example: Child-rearing responsibilities can affect one’s career progression. -
Promotion /prəˈmoʊʃən/ (n.): the advancement to a higher job position.
Example: She received a promotion after many years of hard work. -
Disparity /dɪˈspærɪti/ (n.): a noticeable difference between two things or people.
Example: The pay disparity between different genders is a pressing issue. -
Compensation Structure /ˌkɒmpɛnˈseɪʃən strʌkʧər/ (n.): the way salaries and benefits are organized in a company.
Example: The HR department is reviewing our compensation structure for fairness. -
Equitable /ˈɛkwɪtəbl/ (adj.): fair or impartial.
Example: An equitable pay structure is what many employees demand. -
Executive Positions /ɪɡˈzɛkjʊtɪv pəˈzɪʃəns/ (n.): high-ranking jobs in a company or organization.
Example: Fewer women are represented in executive positions across corporate sectors. -
Performance /pərˈfɔːrməns/ (n.): how well something works or how well someone does their job.
Example: The company’s performance improved after restructuring its leadership teams.
Companies with gender equality outperform others
Conclusion
The gender pay gap in corporate settings is not only a social issue but an impactful business concern, prompting organizations to re-examine their compensation practices. Understanding this prevalent topic and how to summarize such discussions in a concise manner is crucial for success in the Summarize Written Text task on the PTE exam. Practice diligently by writing summaries based on real-world issues to strengthen both your language skills and analytical thinking.
Feel free to leave a comment below with any questions or if you’d like more exercises focused on other relevant topics!
