Summarize Written Text Practice for PTE: Global Trade’s Impact on Local Economies

In the PTE test, the “Summarize Written Text” section is one of the most important tasks in the Speaking and Writing module. This task assesses a candidate’s ability to condense complex ideas into a concise statement, reflecting proper grammatical structures, vocabulary, and logic. This article provides sample Summarize Written Text tasks, focusing on the hot topic “Global trade’s impact on local economies,” and targets essential keywords to aid your PTE preparation.

Practice Summarize Written Text Example 1: Global Trade’s Influence on Small Enterprises

Original Text:
Global trade allows countries to exchange goods and services, but its influence on small local businesses can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it opens up new markets and allows enterprises to expand their reach beyond local consumers. However, on the other hand, there is stiff competition from more established international brands, which often have more resources and can offer products at lower prices, making it harder for small enterprises to compete. This competitive pressure may force some local businesses to close down, contributing to unemployment in the region. Nevertheless, many local entrepreneurs are also leveraging globalization to improve efficiencies, adopt innovative practices, and tap into international supply chains, which helps them grow sustainably. Local governments can facilitate this process by providing support through policy, subsidies, and training.

Your Task:
Summarize the passage in one sentence of no more than 75 words.

Sample Answers for Different Bands

Band 90:
Global trade offers small enterprises both opportunities to access new markets and challenges in the form of competition from larger international brands, but with appropriate government support, many businesses can utilize globalization to adopt innovative practices and expand sustainably.

Explanation:

• Content: Comprehensive reflection of key points of the passage.
• Form: Perfect use of one sentence, within specified word limits.
• Grammar: Complex sentence structure with correct usage.
• Vocabulary: Use of advanced vocabulary such as “leverage,” “utilize.”
• Spelling: No errors.

Band 75:
While global trade opens new markets for small businesses, they also face tough competition from international companies, but local government policies can help them grow.

Explanation:

• Content: Covers main ideas but lacks the depth of nuances, such as the mention of innovative practices.
• Form: Satisfies the one-sentence requirement but falls on the simpler side.
• Grammar: Good sentence construction.
• Vocabulary: Basic but accurate.
• Spelling: No errors.

Band 60:
Global trade can be good or bad for small firms depending on local factors like government support and competition from international brands.

Explanation:

• Content: Contains key points, but too general and misses the balance between opportunities and challenges.
• Form: Simple sentence; correct length.
• Grammar: Basic structure, no advanced grammar used.
• Vocabulary: Simple vocabulary.
• Spelling: No errors.

Effect of global trade on small local businesses with pros and cons of the competition

Practice Summarize Written Text Example 2: Long-Term Economic Impact of Global Trade

Original Text:
Global trade has led to significant economic growth around the world, but the distribution of benefits has often been unequal, particularly for local economies. Wealthy nations tend to profit most while less developed countries or regions often bear the costs. Local economies, specifically in developing countries, may suffer from an increase in trade deficits and the disruption of local industries, which can lead to long-term economic dependency and reduced competitiveness. However, with proper trade policies and strategic international cooperation, global trade can still offer a balanced way to spur development and technological innovations that benefit a wide range of countries rather than just a select few.

Your Task:
Summarize the passage in one sentence of no more than 75 words.

Sample Answers for Different Bands

Band 90:
Although global trade results in economic growth, its benefits are unequally distributed, often disadvantaging local economies in developing nations; however, with well-implemented trade policies and international cooperation, it can still promote balanced development and innovation.

Explanation:

• Content: Clearly encompasses all elements of the passage.
• Form: One sentence with no overuse of conjunctions, adhering to the word limit.
• Grammar: Advanced structures used effectively.
• Vocabulary: Diverse vocabulary suitable for academic contexts.
• Spelling: Perfect.

Band 75:
Global trade causes economic growth but tends to harm local economies in developing countries, though better trade policies could lead to fairer development.

Explanation:

• Content: Addresses the key points with moderate clarity.
• Form: Proper sentence length and structure.
• Grammar: Accurate but less complex.
• Vocabulary: Adequate but less varied.
• Spelling: No issues.

Band 60:
Global trade helps economies grow, but it can create problems for local economies, particularly in poorer countries.

Explanation:

• Content: Oversimplified; lacks sufficient detail.
• Form: Sentence length acceptable but missing sophisticated structure.
• Grammar: Simple grammar, no complex use.
• Vocabulary: Very basic, lacks precision.
• Spelling: No errors.

Impact of global trade on developing nations' economies highlighting inequalities

Vocabulary and Grammar Focus

Here are ten essential vocabulary words used in the examples with their definitions, pronunciation, and example sentences to help you expand your understanding:

1. Leverage /ˈlɛvərɪdʒ/: (verb) To use something to maximum advantage.
   Example: Small businesses can leverage new technologies to compete internationally.

2. Strategic /strəˈtiːdʒɪk/: (adjective) Relating to long-term planning to achieve goals.
   Example: The company made a strategic decision to enter new markets.

3. Adopt /əˈdɒpt/: (verb) To take up or accept something formally.
   Example: Many businesses adopt new global practices to improve efficiency.

4. Sustainably /səˈsteɪnəbli/: (adverb) In a way that does not deplete resources or cause harm.
   Example: They expanded their operations while maintaining sustainable practices.

5. Disruption /dɪsˈrʌpʃən/: (noun) Interruption or disturbance, often negatively affecting a system.
   Example: Global trade can cause disruption in local markets.

6. Dependency /dɪˈpɛndənsi/: (noun) A condition of relying on something.
   Example: Economic dependency on foreign goods is risky for local businesses.

7. Entrepreneur /ˌɒntrəprəˈnɜr/: (noun) A person who starts and manages their own business.
   Example: The local entrepreneur expanded her company internationally.

8. Competitiveness /kəmˈpɛtɪtɪvnɪs/: (noun) The ability to compete successfully.
   Example: Government support is essential to ensure the competitiveness of local businesses.

9. Trade Deficit /treɪd ˈdɛfɪsɪt/: (noun) An economic condition where imports exceed exports.
   Example: A trade deficit can be detrimental to a country’s economy.

10. Technological /ˌtɛknəˈlɒdʒɪkl/: (adjective) Related to advances in technology.
    Example: Global trade encourages technological innovation.

Conclusion

To effectively prepare for the PTE “Summarize Written Text” task, candidates need to develop the ability to condense complex information into a concise grammatical structure. Practicing with real-world topics such as “Global trade’s impact on local economies” offers a practical and compelling approach to preparation. Keep practicing and leave comments below if you have any questions!