The Summarize Written Text task in PTE allows candidates to demonstrate their ability to concisely extract key ideas from a passage. This task is part of the Speaking & Writing section, contributing significantly to the overall score. A topic that frequently appears in this section is Digital Literacy In An Aging Population, as it addresses crucial social and technological issues. In this article, we’ll create some practice questions for this prompt, followed by sample answers aligned with PTE scoring criteria.
What is Summarize Written Text in the PTE Exam?
In this task, test-takers are required to read a text (150-400 words) and summarize it into one sentence of 5 to 75 words. The goal is to capture the primary idea of the text, maintaining proper grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and form.
The topic of digital literacy in an aging population is highly relevant due to the increasing importance of technology in daily life, even for older generations who may not be as familiar with it. Below, we offer an example prompt related to this topic.
Summarize Written Text Practice Based on Digital Literacy in an Aging Population
Example 1: Practice Prompt
In today’s rapidly advancing digital world, older generations often face difficulties adapting to new technologies due to factors such as limited exposure during their formative years and more profound changes in cognitive abilities as they age. Digital literacy is particularly crucial for the elderly as it promotes independence and accessibility to essential services such as healthcare, financial management, and social interaction. Governments and institutions have recognized this fact and are introducing programs aimed at helping aging populations become more tech-savvy. Despite these efforts, many older adults remain digitally marginalized, worsened by a lack of tailored training and affordable technology. Bridging the digital gap requires a concerted effort across sectors, including educators, businesses, and policymakers to ensure that the elderly are not left behind in the increasingly digital era.
Task: Summarize the text in one sentence. The summary should be between 5 and 75 words.
Elderly face challenges with digital literacy in today's technology-driven era
Answer Samples
Band 90 Response (Top Score):
Digital literacy is crucial for the aging population to access essential services and remain independent, but many elderly individuals remain marginalized despite governmental efforts due to cognitive challenges and lack of tailored support across various sectors.
Analysis:
- Content: The answer captures all essential points, focusing on the need for digital literacy and the challenges faced by older generations.
- Form: One sentence, within the word limit.
- Grammar: Zero errors; excellent sentence structure with clarity and precision.
- Vocabulary: Uses advanced vocabulary like “marginalized” and “tailored” appropriately.
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band 75 Response:
Although efforts have been made to improve digital literacy for the elderly, many still face challenges due to cognitive limitations and lack of sufficient support from various sectors.
Analysis:
- Content: Covers the core ideas, but lacks some detail about specific services and the broader purpose of digital literacy.
- Form: Correct length, one complete sentence.
- Grammar: Good grammar, though slightly less complex than the Band 90 response.
- Vocabulary: Adequate use of vocabulary but slightly less advanced.
- Spelling: Correct.
Band 65 Response:
Many older adults face difficulties with digital literacy despite government efforts to teach them, which limits their ability to access services.
Analysis:
- Content: The main point is presented, but there is a lack of specific details about challenges and sectors involved.
- Form: Meets the format requirements.
- Grammar: Mostly correct, but overly simple.
- Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary; does not demonstrate higher-level paraphrasing or synonyms.
- Spelling: No issues.
Band 50 Response:
Older people find it hard to use technology even though there are programs to help them.
Analysis:
- Content: Provides a very basic understanding but misses more complex details such as cognitive factors or sector involvement.
- Form: A simple, single sentence, within the word limit.
- Grammar: Grammatically correct but overly simplistic.
- Vocabulary: Lacks advanced vocabulary.
- Spelling: No spelling problems.
Vocabulary and Grammar
To excel in this task, it’s important to understand the key vocabulary related to the theme of digital literacy and aging. Here are ten terms from the passage, along with their definitions and usage examples:
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Digital literacy /ˌdɪdʒɪtl ˈlɪtərəsi/
- Definition: The ability to understand, use, and engage with digital technologies.
- Example: Digital literacy is becoming essential in today’s job market.
-
Cognitive /ˈkɒɡnɪtɪv/
- Definition: Related to the mental processes of perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning.
- Example: Cognitive decline in older adults can hinder their ability to learn new technology.
-
Marginalize /ˈmɑːrdʒɪnəlaɪz/
- Definition: To treat a person or group as insignificant or peripheral.
- Example: Without digital skills, elderly people may feel marginalized in society.
Elderly being marginalized due to lack of digital skills
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Tech-savvy /tɛk ˈsævi/
- Definition: Proficient in the use of technology.
- Example: Younger generations tend to be more tech-savvy than older ones.
-
Independence /ˌɪndɪˈpɛndəns/
- Definition: The condition of not being reliant on others for assistance.
- Example: Many elderly people seek independence by learning to use digital banking.
-
Tailor /ˈteɪlər/
- Definition: To make or adapt something for a specific purpose or person.
- Example: Training programs need to be tailored for older adults to improve their understanding.
-
Accessibility /ˌæksɛsəˈbɪlɪti/
- Definition: The quality of being able to be reached or used.
- Example: The government must ensure accessibility to technology for everyone.
-
Sectors /ˈsɛktərz/
- Definition: Different areas of society, such as education, policy, or business.
- Example: Various sectors need to collaborate to improve digital literacy among the elderly.
-
Bridging /ˈbrɪdʒɪŋ/
- Definition: Connecting two things to make a difference.
- Example: Bridging the digital divide is key to helping older people access essential services.
Bridging the digital divide for the elderly population
- Formative /ˈfɔːrmətɪv/
- Definition: Serving to form something, particularly during early development.
- Example: People who did not grow up with technology during their formative years may struggle with digital literacy.
Conclusion
Improving digital literacy in the aging population is a critical issue addressed in today’s PTE exams, especially through tasks like Summarize Written Text. Practicing this topic will not only improve your ability to summarize but expose you to real-world issues that are commonly tested. Don’t hesitate to leave a comment with your attempts at summarizing!
