Summarize Written Text: Cultural Globalization and Local Identities in PTE Exam

Summarize Written Text plays a crucial part in the Speaking & Writing section of the PTE exam. This task tests the candidate’s summarized writing skills by requiring them to condense a longer passage into one concise sentence. A common theme often explored in PTE Writing tasks is Cultural Globalization And Local Identities, as this topic resonates strongly with worldwide trends and socio-economic changes.

In this article, we provide high-quality practice materials and sample answers to help you prepare for the Summarize Written Text section of the PTE exam. You will find example prompts with detailed breakdowns designed to reflect real PTE test questions.

What is Summarize Written Text in PTE?

In the Summarize Written Text task, candidates are required to read a given passage, and then summarize the main idea into a single sentence within a 5-75 word limit. This task assesses a test-taker’s ability to understand, prioritize key information, and demonstrate accurate sentence structure, vocabulary, and grammar competence, which are important skills in practical English communication.

Practice Topic: Cultural Globalization and Local Identities

Cultural globalization has become an increasing topic of discussion in recent years, as it deals with the intersection of global influence and local traditions. Below, we will explore a sample PTE Summarize Written Text question centered around this important concept.

Sample Question

Instruction: Read the passage below and summarize it in one sentence within 5 to 75 words.

“Cultural globalization refers to the sharing of cultures across international borders, influencing various aspects of local practices, art, food, and lifestyles. As nations become more connected through trade, technology, and media, distinct cultural expressions often blend into global standards. However, this phenomenon poses challenges to maintaining local identities, as cultural practices risk being homogenized, potentially leading to a decline in cultural diversity. Some communities actively resist this transformation, seeking to preserve unique traditions while navigating the pressures of a globalized world. This tension illustrates the complexity and duality of globalization, where individuals are simultaneously drawn toward global trends while striving to protect their cultural heritage.”

Task: Summarize the paragraph provided in one sentence.

Answer Samples and Band Explanation

Band 90 Answer Sample:

While cultural globalization leads to a blending of worldwide trends and practices, local communities often resist homogenization to preserve their unique identities, illustrating a global tension between modernity and tradition.

Explanation:

• Content: The answer captures the main idea by focusing on the dual forces of globalization and local resistance.
• Form: The sentence falls within the required word limit (24 words).
• Grammar: Proper use of subordinating conjunctions and complex sentence structure.
• Vocabulary: Uses advanced vocabulary like “homogenization” and “preserve” accurately.
• Spelling: No errors present.

Band 80 Answer Sample:

Cultural globalization spreads shared practices worldwide, but many communities resist this change, striving to keep their local identities intact.

Explanation:

• Content: The candidate addresses both globalization and local resistance but lacks details about the complexities.
• Form: Concise, within the required word count (17 words).
• Grammar: Correct use of sentence structure but simpler than the 90-band response.
• Vocabulary: Suitable yet less varied compared to the highest band.
• Spelling: No errors.

Band 65 Answer Sample:

Cultural globalization affects local cultures, and some people try to maintain their traditions.

Explanation:

• Content: Covers the core idea but misses key aspects like homogenization and the duality of globalization.
• Form: Meets word limit (13 words), but it’s a bit too concise to cover all aspects.
• Grammar: Accurate grammar, but the sentence structure is too basic.
• Vocabulary: Simple vocabulary with no complex terms.
• Spelling: No spelling errors.

Band 50 Answer Sample:

Globalization is making cultures change, but some do not like it.

Explanation:

• Content: Very basic representation, lacking depth and complexity.
• Form: Meets word count (11 words), too brief to fully convey the message.
• Grammar: Grammatically simple but lacks sophistication.
• Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary, lacks precision.
• Spelling: No spelling errors but overall lacks richness.

Vocabulary Breakdown with Examples

Here are 10 key vocabulary terms from the passage, along with their phonetic transcription, meaning, and usage examples to help you build a strong vocabulary foundation for the PTE exam:

1. Globalization | /ˌɡloʊ.bəl.əˈzeɪ.ʃən/ – The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or operate on an international scale.

   • Example: Globalization has impacted many industries, especially through technology and trade.

2. Homogenization | /həˌmɒdʒ.ɪn.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/ – The process of making things uniform or similar.

   • Example: Cultural homogenization is visible when Western fashion trends dominate local clothing styles.

3. Resist | /rɪˈzɪst/ – To stay strong against something or fight back.

   • Example: Villagers resisted the changes brought by globalization to protect their heritage.

4. Preserve | /prɪˈzɜːv/ – To maintain something in its original or existing state.

   • Example: Efforts were made to preserve the ancient language in spite of foreign influences.

5. Tradition | /trəˈdɪʃ.ən/ – Beliefs or activities passed down through generations in a culture.

   • Example: The local community is passionate about keeping its cultural traditions alive.

6. Heritage | /ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ – Valued objects and qualities such as cultural traditions that have been passed down.

   • Example: Heritage buildings are a reminder of the past that the government wants to protect.

7. Phenomenon | /fəˈnɒmɪnən/ – A significant or observable event.

   • Example: Globalization is a social and economic phenomenon that has reshaped many countries.

8. Distinct | /dɪˈstɪŋkt/ – Recognizably different in nature from something of a similar type.

   • Example: Each region has its own distinct culture despite the growing influence of global trends.

9. Influence | /ˈɪn.fluː.əns/ – The ability to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.

   • Example: American media has a strong influence on global youth culture.

10. Community | /kəˈmjuː.nə.ti/ – A group of people living in the same place or having a particular shared interest.

    • Example: The community rallied to support efforts to preserve their cultural rituals.

Conclusion

In preparing for the Summarize Written Text task in the PTE exam, it is crucial to practice summarizing key concepts while maintaining a balance of completeness and conciseness. Cultural globalization often appears as a thought-provoking and multifaceted theme, making it an excellent topic to practice on.

Understanding how cultural diversity and local identities blend with the larger context of global trends is central to performing well in this task. To further enhance your preparation, explore our detailed analysis of Cultural diversity in global media for more insights.

Finally, practice regularly and focus on capturing the essence of a topic in a concise and accurate manner. If you have any further questions or need more examples, feel free to leave a comment below.