Overview of the Summarize Written Text Task in PTE
In the PTE Speaking & Writing section, the Summarize Written Text task requires test-takers to read a passage of around 150-400 words and summarize it in one sentence within 10 minutes. One salient topic that has appeared frequently in PTE exams is related to modern-day concerns and technology, such as social media’s role in news dissemination. This article delivers high-quality practice questions on this subject, designed to closely resemble real test scenarios.
Let’s dive into the practice questions and example responses based on social media’s impact on how news is spread.
Summarize Written Text Sample Question
Question 1:
Social media has dramatically changed the nature of news dissemination. In the past, traditional media outlets controlled the flow of information, filtering what eventually reached the public. Nowadays, platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram allow individuals to share news instantaneously, often bypassing the editorial oversight that used to accompany most information before it reached the public. While this democratization of news dissemination has empowered people and provided access to diverse viewpoints, it has also facilitated the spread of misinformation at an unprecedented scale. Not every individual has the training or ability to discern fact from fiction, which means that false news can circulate widely before any corrections are made by fact-checkers or authorities. This imbalance highlights both the benefits and the risks that come with this new era of decentralized news distribution.
Summarize the passage in one sentence.
Sample Responses and Analysis
Sample 1 (High Band: 79+ Points)
Social media has revolutionized how news is distributed by allowing individuals to instantly share information, which democratizes access but also makes it easier for misinformation to spread before being corrected.
- Content: All main ideas from the passage are captured, including both the benefits (democratization of news) and the risks (spread of misinformation).
- Form: One sentence, 35-45 words, correct punctuation.
- Grammar: Excellent use of complex structures (e.g., which democratizes…), no grammatical errors.
- Vocabulary: High-level words such as “revolutionized,” “democratizes,” and “misinformation” are precise and appropriate.
- Spelling: Perfect spelling.
Sample 2 (Mid Band: 65-78 Points)
Social media has changed how news spreads by allowing people to share information faster than before, which has both positive and negative effects.
- Content: The response misses some key details, such as the role of editorial oversight and corrections by fact-checkers, but it captures the essence of the passage.
- Form: One sentence, under 30 words, which could be too short for a full mark.
- Grammar: No grammatical errors, but the sentence structure is simpler.
- Vocabulary: Words like “spread” and “effects” are less sophisticated than in higher-band answers but still appropriate.
- Spelling: Flawless.
Sample 3 (Low Band: 50-64 Points)
Social media is changing how news is reported due to people sharing news online, but it can sometimes result in fake news.
- Content: The response simplifies the overall message and misses important concepts like editorial oversight, democratization, and corrections.
- Form: One sentence, but too few words (~20), lacks complexity.
- Grammar: Basic sentence construction, no major errors.
- Vocabulary: Basic words (“reported,” “fake news”) are used without demonstrating a strong understanding of the academic language expected.
- Spelling: Correct spelling.
Vocabulary and Grammar
To effectively summarize passages on complex topics like the role of social media in news dissemination, improving vocabulary and grammar is crucial. Below are 10 important vocabulary words from the sample passage, their meanings, and examples:
| Word | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Dissemination | (n.) The act of spreading information widely. | Social media allows for the rapid dissemination of ideas. |
| Revolutionize | (v.) To completely change something in a profound way. | The internet has revolutionized the way people consume news. |
| Democratization | (n.) Making something accessible to a larger group of people or the public. | The democratization of information presents both opportunities and risks. |
| Bypass | (v.) To go around or ignore a predefined process. | Social media bypasses traditional editorial checks. |
| Misinformation | (n.) False or inaccurate information. | Misinformation can spread faster than the facts on social media. |
| Editorial | (adj.) Related to the process of preparing content for publication by removing errors and verifying facts. | Editorial oversight guarantees the accuracy of published news. |
| Oversight | (n.) The act of overseeing something to ensure accuracy. | Lack of oversight on social media leads to misinformation. |
| Fact-checker | (n.) A person or software that verifies the facts presented in a piece of content. | Fact-checkers often cannot keep up with the speed of online information. |
| Unprecedented | (adj.) Never done or known before. | The unprecedented spread of fake news is alarming. |
| Facilitate | (v.) To make an action or process easier. | Social media facilitates communication between people globally. |
Conclusion
The Summarize Written Text task is an essential exercise in condensing information, and topics like social media’s role in news dissemination are commonplace. By practicing summarizing such passages effectively, you’ll develop key skills in grammar, vocabulary, and critical understanding—all vital for achieving a high PTE score.
The topic of social media’s influence on news sharing continues to play a central role in real-world discussions, making it both relevant and frequently tested. Keep practicing using these sample exercises and don’t hesitate to share your own sample responses in the comments!
