Cultural Diversity in the Workplace – Summarize Written Text in PTE

The Summarize Written Text task in the PTE Speaking & Writing section evaluates your ability to comprehend a passage and concisely summarize the key points. One common theme for this task is Cultural Diversity in the Workplace. Let’s dive into an example that mirrors the actual exam format, along with sample responses and analysis.

Importance of the Summarize Written Text Task

In the PTE exam, Summarize Written Text requires candidates to condense information from a reading passage into a single sentence of 5 to 75 words. Since cultural diversity is one of today’s critical workplace topics, this theme frequently appears as practice or actual exam questions. Understanding the cultural variations and their impact on a work environment is essential for test-takers aiming to perform well in this task. You can explore more about related themes like Cultural shifts in work-life balance for deeper insights.

Summarize Written Text Sample Prompt: Cultural Diversity in the Workplace

Task: Summarize the passage in one sentence. Your response must be between 5-75 words.

Workplaces in today’s globalized environment are increasingly becoming multicultural, meaning organizations must prioritize creating an inclusive atmosphere. Studies show that teams with diverse members often outperform those with similar backgrounds, providing fresh perspectives, creativity, and higher problem-solving abilities. However, without effective management, cultural clashes may arise, resulting in workplace tension. Therefore, companies are encouraged to offer training programs that promote intercultural communication, mutual respect, and an understanding of cultural differences.

Sample Responses by Band Score

Band 90 Response

The increasingly multicultural nature of workplaces demands companies prioritize creating inclusive environments, as diverse teams bring creativity and problem-solving benefits, while intercultural training helps manage cultural clashes that may arise.

Analysis:

• Content: Excellent coverage of the key points, addressing diversity benefits and challenges.
• Form: The response is within the 5-75 words limit.
• Grammar: No grammatical errors, displays complex sentence structure.
• Vocabulary: Strong use of academic vocabulary without being repetitive.
• Spelling: No spelling mistakes.

Multicultural team collaborating in a modern workspace

Band 79-80 Response

Workplaces are becoming more diverse, which boosts creativity and problem-solving; however, cultural clashes can occur without adequate intercultural communication and training.

Analysis:

• Content: Captures the main ideas, though slightly less detailed.
• Form: Correct length within the word limit.
• Grammar: Minimal errors, effective use of conjunctions.
• Vocabulary: Appropriate but more basic vocabulary compared to the 90 response.
• Spelling: No spelling issues.

Band 65-70 Response

Diversity in workplaces leads to creativity but can cause cultural problems without proper training.

Analysis:

• Content: Misses some critical points like the need for inclusion and problem-solving advantages.
• Form: Still within the word limit but lacks complexity.
• Grammar: Simple sentence structure with no errors, but lacks sophistication.
• Vocabulary: Limited range of vocabulary.
• Spelling: Correct spelling.

Band 50-60 Response

Diverse teams bring new ideas and problems if companies don’t manage them well.

Analysis:

• Content: Very basic summary, missing details about intercultural communication and inclusiveness.
• Form: Correct length but uninspired.
• Grammar: Simple and direct, no errors.
• Vocabulary: Repetitive use of words.
• Spelling: No errors.

Office tension due to cultural differences

Band Below 50 Response

Diversity can cause problems if it’s not managed well.

Analysis:

• Content: Incomplete; fails to mention any of the benefits of diversity and only focuses on negative aspects.
• Form: Very short, oversimplified.
• Grammar: Correct but elementary.
• Vocabulary: Lacks variety and depth.
• Spelling: No issues with spelling.

Vocabulary and Grammar Focus

Here are 10 challenging words from the passage, along with their phonetics, meanings, and example sentences:

1. Multicultural /ˌmʌltɪˈkʌltʃərəl/: Adjective – consisting of several cultural or ethnic groups.

   • Example: A multicultural environment enhances creativity and collaboration.

2. Inclusive /ɪnˈkluːsɪv/: Adjective – not excluding any section of society.

   • Example: An inclusive workplace respects and values all employees equally.

3. Perspective /pəˈspɛktɪv/: Noun – a particular way of considering something.

   • Example: Diverse teams bring multiple perspectives to problem-solving.

4. Creativity /ˌkriːeɪˈtɪvɪti/: Noun – the use of imagination to create something new.

   • Example: Cultural diversity fosters creativity in the workplace.

5. Problem-solving /ˈprɒbləm ˌsɒlvɪŋ/: Noun – the process of finding solutions to complex issues.

   • Example: Diverse teams excel at problem-solving by combining different approaches.

6. Effective /ɪˈfɛktɪv/: Adjective – having the intended result.

   • Example: Effective cultural training improves teamwork across ethnic groups.

7. Tension /ˈtɛnʃən/: Noun – mental or emotional strain caused by difficult circumstances.

   • Example: Cultural clashes can result in tension within diverse teams.

Interactive cultural diversity training session

8. Intercultural /ˌɪntəˈkʌltʃərəl/: Adjective – occurring between or involving different cultures.

   • Example: Intercultural communication is essential in a global workplace.

9. Mutual /ˈmjuːtjʊəl/: Adjective – experienced by two or more parties equally.

   • Example: Mutual respect is key to building successful diverse teams.

10. Clash /klæʃ/: Noun – a violent confrontation or an argument arising from differences.

    • Example: Without proper understanding, cultural norms might clash in the workplace.

Conclusion

Summarizing written texts can be especially challenging when dealing with complex topics like Cultural Diversity In The Workplace. As seen from the sample responses, the ability to condense information and highlight the main ideas is crucial. Whether focusing on the benefits of diversity or managing potential cultural clashes, the key lies in balancing clarity and detail.

This theme is common in PTE exams and should be practiced thoroughly. Understanding cultural differences, promoting inclusiveness, and fostering intercultural communication are not only vital in today’s globalized world but also highly relevant PTE topics. For further understanding, you may explore related discussions on Cultural shifts in work-life balance.