The Summarize Written Text
Let’s explore a set of sample Summarize Written Text prompts and responses related to the selected topic, focusing on appropriate format, varied language skills, and strategies to achieve different band scores.
Sample Summarize Written Text Prompts on “The Role of Mass Media in Culture”
Prompt 1:
Mass media has always played an influential role in shaping public opinion and disseminating cultural values. From newspapers to television broadcasts and the internet, media act as gatekeepers of culture by selecting and organizing content that reflects and reinforces societal norms. Modern media influences not only popular culture but also individual behavior, values, and communication styles. With the rise of global mass media conglomerates, there is concern that diverse cultures and perspectives are marginalized, potentially leading to cultural homogenization. However, media also provide platforms for minority cultures, enabling them to gain recognition and assert their place in the broader cultural landscape.
Write a one sentence summary of the passage.
Responses:
Band 79+ Response (High Proficiency):
Mass media profoundly shapes public opinion, reinforces both cultural diversity and homogenization, while providing platforms for minority cultures, presenting the challenge of balancing global influence and local expressions.
Analysis:
- Content: Captures both the homogenization concerns and the positive role of media in promoting minority cultures.
- Form: One sentence with adequate punctuation.
- Grammar: Correct use of compound-complex structures.
- Vocabulary: Advanced terms like “homogenization,” “cultural diversity,” and “platforms for minority cultures.”
- Spelling: No errors.
Media cultural diversity and platforms for minority recognition
Band 65-79 Response (Proficient):
Mass media influences public opinion, shapes cultural values, and balances between promoting majority cultures and supporting minority ones.
Analysis:
- Content: Highlights the main ideas but simplifies the discussion on cultural homogenization and minority empowerment.
- Form: Proper sentence form.
- Grammar: Clear but less sophisticated sentence structure.
- Vocabulary: Good use of terms, but less variety (e.g., “balances between” could have been enhanced).
- Spelling: No mistakes.
Band 50-64 Response (Competent):
Mass media affects how people think, supports cultural values, and helps minority cultures to be recognized.
Analysis:
- Content: Includes some main points but lacks depth on homogenization and detailed discussion on media’s broader role.
- Form: Acceptable single sentence, though it could be more coherent.
- Grammar: Basic grammatical correctness, but lacks complexity.
- Vocabulary: Reliance on simpler words and phrases.
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 30-49 Response (Basic):
Mass media shapes culture and brings attention to smaller cultures.
Analysis:
- Content: Very brief and oversimplified—important points such as public opinion, majority cultures, and homogenization are missing.
- Form: Sentences are fragmented and incomplete.
- Grammar: Basic with minimal complexity.
- Vocabulary: Simple, lacks variety.
- Spelling: Standard spelling with no mistakes.
Prompt 2:
As societies develop and technology advances, mass media has become a significant cultural force, reflecting and guiding societal trends. Whether through television, film, or digital platforms, media platforms have the power to break barriers and encourage dialogue among diverse groups, fostering cultural exchange on a global scale. Yet, critics argue that certain media forms might perpetuate harmful stereotypes or reinforce dominant ideologies at the expense of marginalized voices. Thus, the role of mass media in representing culture remains debated as its potential to unite people is counterbalanced by concerns about commercialization and cultural distortion.
Write a one sentence summary of the passage.
Responses:
Band 79+ Response (High Proficiency):
While mass media fosters cultural exchange and unity through its global reach, its role is questioned due to the risk of reinforcing harmful stereotypes and commercializing diverse cultural expressions.
Analysis:
- Content: High proficiency in compressing the main conflicting aspects of mass media’s cultural role.
- Form: Maintains one coherent sentence with complex clause relationships.
- Grammar: Excellent use of contrasts and complex sentence connectors.
- Vocabulary: Good control over terms like “commercializing,” “cultural expressions,” and “stereotypes.”
- Spelling: Flawless.
Media's global reach facilitating cultural exchange and unity
Band 65-79 Response (Proficient):
Mass media helps connect different cultures globally, but it can also perpetuate stereotypes and promote standardized views, causing debate over its influence.
Analysis:
- Content: Summarizes the basic point, though nuances of commercialization are less emphasized.
- Form: Correct overall structure.
- Grammar: Shows accurate compound sentence use.
- Vocabulary: Overall solid, though a few more varied terms could have been used.
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 50-64 Response (Competent):
Media spreads culture globally but sometimes portrays stereotypes and causes disagreements on its impact.
Analysis:
- Content: Conveys essential ideas but lacks depth in how media spreads culture.
- Form: Adequate but could be better linked.
- Grammar: Simple sentence structures; could improve coherence.
- Vocabulary: Basic, lacks variety.
- Spelling: No major errors.
Band 30-49 Response (Basic):
Media shares culture but also includes stereotypes.
Analysis:
- Content: Lacks critical points such as commercialization, global scale, and the broader impact of stereotypes.
- Form: Fragmented and too simple.
- Grammar: Basic sentence structure.
- Vocabulary: Minimal vocabulary use.
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Key Vocabulary from Prompts
-
Homogenization /həˌmɒdʒɪnaɪˈzeɪʃən/ (noun): The process of making things uniform or similar.
Example: Cultural homogenization often results from mass media’s global reach. -
Consolidate /kənˈsɒlɪdeɪt/ (verb): To combine several things into one.
Example: Media conglomerates often consolidate various cultural forms into commercial products. -
Narrative /ˈnærətɪv/ (noun): A story or account of events or experiences.
Example: Mass media shapes the narrative around cultural issues. -
Stereotype /ˈstɛrɪətaɪp/ (noun): A widely held but oversimplified belief or idea about a particular group.
Example: Some media representations reinforce harmful stereotypes. -
Conglomerate /kənˈɡlɒmərət/ (noun): A large corporation consisting of diverse businesses.
Example: Global media conglomerates often dominate cultural representation. -
Marginalize /ˈmɑːdʒɪnəlaɪz/ (verb): To treat a person or group as insignificant or peripheral.
Example: Minority cultures are sometimes marginalized by mainstream media. -
Ideology /ˌaɪdɪˈɒlədʒi/ (noun): A system of ideas and ideals, especially one that forms the basis of economic or political theory.
Example: Media can propagate dominant ideologies. -
Cultural exchange /ˈkʌltʃərəl ɪksˈʧeɪndʒ/ (noun): The mutual sharing of ideas, traditions, and customs across cultures.
Example: Media facilitates cultural exchange through global digital platforms. -
Fragmented /fræɡˈmɛntɪd/ (adj): Broken into small parts.
Example: Media representation of cultures can sometimes be fragmented and superficial. -
Commercialization /kəˌmɜːʃəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/ (noun): The process of managing or running something primarily for financial gain.
Example: Cultural elements risk losing authenticity due to media commercialization.
Conclusion
Mass media’s role within culture is pivotal, influencing global trends, public perception, and both empowering and sometimes marginalizing voices. These Summarize Written Text examples give you a structured approach to acing this section in the PTE, where precision, fluency, and depth of understanding make all the difference. Keep practicing these prompts based on common exam themes, and feel free to share your thoughts or queries in the comments below!
