Summarize Written Text in PTE: Robotic Surgery in Modern Medicine

Practice Task: Robotic Surgery in Modern Medicine

Instructions:
Read the passage below and summarize it in one sentence. You have 10 minutes to complete this task.

Passage:

The integration of robotic surgery in modern medical practices has significantly enhanced the precision and efficiency of procedures, leading to faster recovery times and reduced risk of complications compared to traditional methods. In particular, minimally invasive surgeries utilizing robotic-assisted platforms allow surgeons to perform complex operations with greater dexterity and control, which is especially valuable in delicate procedures such as heart and brain surgeries. Despite the advantages, there are concerns regarding the high costs of acquiring and maintaining these systems, making them less accessible in less developed regions. Consequently, while robotic surgeries are gaining prominence in major hospitals, their widespread adoption still faces barriers related to cost and accessibility.

Summarize the passage in one sentence.

Suggested Responses:

Band 90 (High Score)

Robotic surgery has increased precision, faster recovery, and fewer risks in complex surgeries, but high costs prevent broader implementation, especially in less affluent regions.

Analysis:

• Content (100%) – Captures all key ideas: enhanced precision, better recovery rates, cost concerns, and limited accessibility.
• Form (100%) – Single sentence under 75 words.
• Grammar (100%) – Correct sentence structure and grammar usage.
• Vocabulary (100%) – Proper use of advanced vocabulary, such as “precision” and “affluent regions.”
• Spelling (100%) – No spelling errors.

Band 80 (Strong Score)

Robotic surgery offers increased precision and faster recovery times for complicated procedures, but its adoption is limited by the high cost, especially in less rich areas.

Analysis:

• Content (95%) – Covers most of the critical points including precision, faster recovery, and cost limitations.
• Form (100%) – Single sentence, within the word limit.
• Grammar (95%) – Overall correct but “less rich” could be better phrased as “less affluent.”
• Vocabulary (90%) – Adequate vocabulary but some simplification from “affluent” to “rich.”
• Spelling (100%) – No spelling errors.

Band 70 (Moderate Score)

While robotic surgeries improve accuracy and recovery times, their high costs restrict them from being implemented in lower-income regions.

Analysis:

• Content (85%) – Good coverage of key points, but neglects to mention the specific complexity of surgeries like heart and brain operations.
• Form (100%) – Single sentence within the word count.
• Grammar (90%) – Some minor issues with phrasing but still comprehensible.
• Vocabulary (85%) – Simplified terminology used, e.g., “lower-income” instead of “less affluent.”
• Spelling (100%) – No spelling issues.

Band 60 (Low Score)

Robotic surgery is better than older methods, but it is costly and not accessible for everyone.

Analysis:

• Content (70%) – Misses key concepts like enhanced precision and specific procedures, overly general.
• Form (100%) – Form requirement met, one sentence within 75 words.
• Grammar (80%) – Simplistic sentence structure with a minor error in parallelism (“better than older methods”).
• Vocabulary (70%) – Basic vocabulary used.
• Spelling (100%) – No spelling mistakes.

Band 50 (Basic Score)

Robotic surgeries are faster but expensive and not available worldwide.

Analysis:

• Content (60%) – Lacks detail and depth, omits important elements like precision and complexity of surgeries.
• Form (100%) – Correct form, single sentence under word limit.
• Grammar (75%) – Simple grammar with minor errors.
• Vocabulary (65%) – Basic vocabulary with significant simplification.
• Spelling (100%) – No spelling errors.

Vocabulary and Grammar Focus

After reviewing the suggested answers, here are 10 key vocabulary words from the passage, along with their definitions and pronunciation.

1. Precision (/prɪˈsɪʒən/) – The quality of being exact and accurate.

   • Example: The precision of robotic surgery has reduced the likelihood of mistakes.

2. Dexterity (/dɛkˈstɛrɪti/) – Skill in performing tasks, especially with the hands.

   • Example: Surgeons rely on the dexterity provided by robotic systems for complex operations.

3. Minimally invasive (/ˈmɪnɪməli ɪnˈveɪsɪv/) – A type of surgery that requires only small incisions.

   • Example: Many patients prefer minimally invasive procedures due to quicker recovery.

4. Surgeon (/ˈsɜːrdʒən/) – A medical doctor who performs operations.

   • Example: The surgeon completed the complex brain operation with a robotic arm.

5. Complications (/ˌkɒmplɪˈkeɪʃənz/) – Difficulties that arise during surgery that can affect recovery.

   • Example: Robotic surgeries have minimized post-surgical complications.

6. Affluent (/ˈæfluənt/) – Having a great deal of money; wealthy.

   • Example: Affluent regions have better access to cutting-edge medical technologies.

7. Recovery (/rɪˈkʌvəri/) – The process of returning to a normal state of health.

   • Example: Recovery times are significantly decreased with robotic surgery.

8. Adoption (/əˈdɒpʃən/) – The process of starting to use something new.

   • Example: The adoption of robotic surgery has been slower in lower-income countries.

9. Efficiency (/ɪˈfɪʃənsi/) – Working in a well-organized and effective way.

   • Example: Robotic systems enhance the efficiency of surgical processes.

10. Accessibility (/ækˌsɛsəˈbɪlɪti/) – The quality of being easily reached or obtained.

    • Example: Accessibility to robotic surgery remains limited in rural areas.

Conclusion

The Summarize Written Text task in the PTE exam tests your ability to identify the main points of a text and express them concisely. “Robotic Surgery in Modern Medicine” is a frequent topic due to the broad interest in advancements in healthcare. The ability to condense complex information into a single sentence, while maintaining accuracy, is essential for success in this section. Practice is key, and engaging with topics like the one above may help optimize your preparation for the PTE exam.

Feel free to share your own summarized responses in the comments below for further practice and feedback!