Summarize Written Text in PTE: Impacts of Cultural Homogenization

When preparing for the PTE Speaking & Writing section, Summarize Written Text is consistently recognized as a challenging task. Summarize Written Text tests your ability to read, understand, and accurately condense written material into a single sentence, a crucial component in several domains such as academic success and effective communication in English. One of the recurrent topics on which summarize texts are based is the Impacts Of Cultural Homogenization, a timely and globally relevant issue in exams.

Sample Summarize Written Text Prompt on Cultural Homogenization

Below is a sample prompt designed following the actual PTE Summarize Written Text task structure. Understand the passage provided and write one sentence that does not exceed 75 words:

Prompt:
Cultural homogenization refers to the process by which local cultures are transformed or absorbed into a dominant culture. Globalization has driven an increase in widespread cultural homogenization as international trade, media, and technology erase the distinctive attributes of smaller cultures. Although this facilitates global communication and economic cooperation, it may also reduce cultural diversity, lead to ethnocentrism or uniformity, and cause the loss of heritage. Preservation of cultural uniqueness is more important than ever in the face of these global changes.

Write one sentence summarizing the passage:

Sample Answers for Different Band Scores

Band 79+:

Cultural homogenization, driven by globalization, merges diverse local traditions into a dominant global culture, enabling communication but risking the loss of cultural diversity and identity through diminished preservation of heritage.

Content: The content covers all essential points regarding cultural homogenization, globalization, communication, and risks to diversity.
Form: The sentence meets the requirements of 5-75 words and sticks to a single idea.
Grammar: Correct use of tenses and structure.
Vocabulary: Range of appropriate words such as “homogenization,” “globalization,” and “heritage.”
Spelling: All words are spelled accurately.

Band 65-78:

Globalization fosters cultural homogenization by promoting cooperation but also creates threats to the diversity and identity of local cultures.

Content: Satisfactory coverage of the overall ideas, with slight generalization about heritage and communication.
Form: The sentence adheres to the word limit.
Grammar: Grammar is correct but simple.
Vocabulary: Key terms such as “globalization” and “homogenization” are well-used, although not extensive.
Spelling: The spelling is correct.

Band 50-64:

Cultural homogenization happens because of globalization, which in turn can reduce cultural differences.

Content: Covers the main idea but oversimplifies the topic, omitting specific risks like loss of cultural identity or communication benefits.
Form: The sentence meets the word count guidelines.
Grammar: Structure is basic but correct.
Vocabulary: Limited range of vocabulary, with over-repetition of terms like “globalization” and “cultural.”
Spelling: Spelling is accurate.

Band Below 50:

Globalization results in cultural homogenization and threatens the uniqueness of smaller cultures.

Content: The summary doesn’t capture the full range of the issues discussed, particularly missing advantages of communication and cooperation.
Form: The sentence follows the correct length requirement.
Grammar: The sentence is grammatically correct but overly simplistic.
Vocabulary: Limited in vocabulary range, lacks more academic terms.
Spelling: Spelling is correct.

Vocabulary and Grammar Focus

To excel in Summarize Written Text, having a rich vocabulary and solid grammar understanding is crucial. Below are some key terms from the sample passage with their explanations and pronunciations to help expand your vocabulary:

1. Homogenization /həʊˌmɒdʒɪnaɪˈzeɪʃən/ (noun)
   The process of making things uniform or similar.

   • Example: The cultural homogenization of the world is apparent through global fast-food chains.

2. Globalization /ˌɡləʊbəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/ (noun)
   The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence.

   • Example: Globalization has made it easier for businesses to operate internationally.

3. Cultural diversity /ˈkʌltʃərəl/ /dɑɪˈvɜː(r)sɪti/ (noun)
   The existence of a variety of cultural or ethnic groups within a society.

   • Example: Cultural diversity is being threatened as more societies adopt similar customs.

4. Ethnocentrism /ˌɛθnoʊˈsɛntrɪzəm/ (noun)
   Evaluation of other cultures according to preconceptions originating from one’s own culture.

   • Example: Ethnocentrism is frequently criticized for promoting close-mindedness.

5. Heritage /ˈhɛrɪtɪʤ/ (noun)
   Valued objects and qualities such as cultural traditions passed down from previous generations.

   • Example: Protecting cultural heritage is essential to maintaining a society’s identity.

6. Absorbed /əbˈzɔːbd/ (verb)
   To take in or assimilate.

   • Example: Smaller cultures risk being absorbed by dominant global customs.

7. Risks /rɪsks/ (noun)
   A situation involving exposure to danger.

   • Example: There are risks that smaller cultures will lose their distinctiveness.

8. Facilitate /fəˈsɪlɪteɪt/ (verb)
   To make an action or process easier.

   • Example: Social media facilitates the spreading of cultural ideas globally.

9. Cooperation /koʊˌɑːpəˈreɪʃən/ (noun)
   The process of working together to the same end.

   • Example: Cooperation between nations often leads to cultural exchange.

10. Uniqueness /juːˈniːknəs/ (noun)
    The quality of being one of a kind.

    • Example: Each culture’s uniqueness should be preserved despite globalization.

Conclusion

Summarize Written Text in the PTE is a valuable indicator of your comprehension and summarization skills. The topic of Impacts of Cultural Homogenization is increasingly common and highly relevant in today’s interconnected world. By practicing with passages like these and focusing on key aspects such as form, content, grammar, and vocabulary, you can refine your responses and achieve a higher score.

As our world becomes more interconnected through globalization, the role of culture in shaping personal and collective identity becomes even more prominent. For further insights, see how Social media’s role in shaping culture also influences these global shifts in cultural patterns.

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