The Summarize Written Text section in the PTE Speaking & Writing exam is one of the most common yet challenging tasks where candidates are expected to read a passage and summarize it into a single sentence. As political representation and gender parity are significant and recurring themes in the modern world, this article will explore sample Summarize Written Text tasks related to the topic “Gender Parity In Political Representation.” Not only will these examples help with your PTE practice, but they will also enhance your understanding of how to summarize complex passages clearly and concisely.
Example Summarize Written Text Tasks on “Gender Parity in Political Representation”
Task 1: Sample Prompt
Gender equality in political representation has been a long-debated topic across many countries, with some nations having made significant progress in ensuring equal participation between men and women in their parliaments or legislative bodies. Nordic countries are often cited as exemplary due to their approach in promoting gender quotas—legally binding rules that mandate political parties to include a specific percentage of female candidates. Proponents argue that gender quotas not only resolve historical inequalities but also bring new perspectives into policymaking. Critics, however, contend that such measures could be undemocratic or lead to tokenism. Nevertheless, data from countries that have embraced quotas show that gender-balanced representation enhances democratic institutions by fostering more inclusive decision-making.
Task Instruction:
Read the passage and summarize it in one sentence.
Responses for Task 1
Response for a Band 90:
Although gender quotas promote gender equality and improve democratic decision-making in some countries, critics argue against their potential undemocratic nature and fear tokenism.
Content: Excellent understanding of the issues discussed in the passage.
Form: Correct length and sentence structure.
Grammar: Proper use of clauses and conjunctions.
Vocabulary: Adequate use of advanced vocabulary such as “tokenism,” “democratic decision-making,” “potential undemocratic nature.”
Spelling: No errors.
Response for a Band 75:
While gender quotas enhance gender parity in parliament and democratic processes, there are concerns about the possibility of tokenism.
Content: A clear summary, but lacks some detail compared to the higher-rated response.
Form: Correct sentence length and structure.
Grammar: Minor errors in article usage, but overall acceptable.
Vocabulary: Good vocabulary, but the range is slightly limited.
Spelling: No errors.
Response for a Band 60:
Gender quotas are used to ensure women join politics, but some see it as undemocratic and leading to tokenism.
Content: Key ideas are present, but lacks depth.
Form: Correct sentence length. Structure could be more sophisticated.
Grammar: Basic but mostly correct.
Vocabulary: Simple vocabulary usage like “join politics” rather than more nuanced terms such as “gender parity” or “representation.”
Spelling: No errors.
Task 2: Sample Prompt
The global political landscape has long been dominated by men, but recent years have seen significant advancements in gender representation, especially in countries that actively promote gender equality in politics. Along with legal frameworks such as gender quotas, cultural and educational changes have empowered more women to engage in politics. A significant jump in the number of women in leadership positions can be observed in countries where gender parity is a priority. However, the political gap between men and women remains a challenge in some regions, particularly in highly conservative societies where female political engagement is still limited. Experts argue that achieving gender equality in political representation, though not easy, is crucial for sustainable and inclusive development.
Task Instruction:
Read the passage and summarize it in one sentence.
Responses for Task 2
Response for a Band 90:
Although many countries prioritize gender equality in politics, achieving gender parity remains challenging in conservative societies, but it is vital for inclusive and sustainable development.
Content: Deep understanding of core issues presented in the passage.
Form: Ideal word count and well-structured sentence.
Grammar: Excellent use of complex sentence structures.
Vocabulary: Uses advanced terms such as “conservative societies,” “inclusive development,” and “political parity.”
Spelling: No errors.
Response for a Band 75:
Gender equality in politics is prioritized by several nations, but it is still difficult to achieve in some conservative societies, which impacts sustainable development.
Content: Main ideas are captured but lacks some depth compared to the higher-rated response.
Form: Correct sentence structure, but could be more concise.
Grammar: Good grammar overall but lacks sophistication in sentence construction.
Vocabulary: Good vocabulary though slightly simpler.
Spelling: No errors.
Response for a Band 60:
Some countries try for gender equality in politics, but it’s still hard in some conservative places.
Content: The response covers a simple version of the prompt’s idea but omits significant points like the link to sustainable development.
Form: Simplified sentence structure.
Grammar: Basic grammar, limited use of connectors.
Vocabulary: Very simple vocabulary, lacks academic terms.
Spelling: No errors.
Vocabulary and Grammar
Understanding the vocabulary specific to the topic at hand can greatly increase your chances of scoring well in the Summarize Written Text task. Here are 10 useful words and their definitions:
-
Parity /ˈpar.ɪ.ti/ (n): The state or condition of being equal, especially as regards status or pay.
Example: Efforts to achieve gender parity in leadership roles have intensified in recent years. -
Inclusive /ɪnˈkluː.sɪv/ (adj): Not excluding any sectors of society.
Example: Inclusive decision-making requires input from a diverse range of stakeholders. -
Sustainable /səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/ (adj): Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
Example: Gender parity is essential for ensuring sustainable growth in political institutions. -
Quotas /ˈkwəʊ.təz/ (n): A limited or fixed number or amount of people or things, in particular.
Example: Many countries have introduced gender quotas to bridge the representation gap. -
Empower /ɪmˈpaʊ.ər/ (v): Give (someone) the authority or power to do something.
Example: Education helps empower individuals to participate in politics. -
Tokenism /ˈtəʊ.kən.ɪ.zəm/ (n): The practice of making only a symbolic effort to be inclusive.
Example: Critics argue that without deep cultural change, gender quotas may result in tokenism. -
Legislative /ˈledʒ.ɪ.slə.tɪv/ (adj): Relating to the making of laws.
Example: Legislative reforms paved the way for gender equality in many democracies. -
Undemocratic /ˌʌn.dɪ.məˈkræt.ɪk/ (adj): Not in accordance with democratic principles.
Example: Some view enforced quotas as undemocratic, despite their benefits. -
Conservative /kənˈsɜː.və.tɪv/ (adj): Favoring traditional views and values; tending to oppose change.
Example: Gender equality faces significant obstacles in conservative societies. -
Policymaking /ˈpɒl.ɪ.siːˌmeɪ.kɪŋ/ (n): The activity of deciding on new policies, especially by a government.
Example: Diverse perspectives improve the quality of policymaking.
Conclusion
The Summarize Written Text task is a critical aspect of the PTE Speaking & Writing test. In practice, questions related to gender parity in political representation are not only a reflection of real-world issues but also excellent opportunities for candidates to practice concision, vocabulary, and complex sentence structures. From reviewing the sample tasks above, candidates can better understand how to create a well-structured, grammatically correct, and content-rich summary for a high score in the PTE exam. Keep practicing, and feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions!
