In the Summarize Written Text section of the PTE (Pearson Test of English), test-takers are required to summarize a passage into one sentence. This task is crucial as it tests your ability to comprehend a text and encapsulate key ideas in a compact form. In today’s practice, we’ll explore Benefits Of Universal Basic Income, a popular discussion topic in many social and economic debates and an important question theme in PTE exams.
What is Summarize Written Text in PTE?
In Summarize Written Text, you are given a passage between 150-250 words and asked to Summarize the main points in one sentence. Your response must be between 5-75 words. This task assesses your comprehension, grammar, syntax, and writing skills. The Benefits of Universal Basic Income is often reviewed in the exam due to its relevance in policy discussions relating to economic security, job automation, and social welfare systems worldwide.
Practice Question
Summarize Written Text Sample
Read the following passage carefully, summarize the passage in one sentence, and ensure that your response is between 5 and 75 words.
Prompt:
Universal Basic Income (UBI), a fixed regular payment given to citizens regardless of income or employment, is increasingly discussed as a solution to economic insecurities stemming from job automation and other social challenges. Proponents argue that UBI can enhance personal well-being, alleviate poverty, and reduce the administrative costs associated with targeted welfare programs, thus providing a more efficient and adaptable safety net in a rapidly changing job market. However, skeptics fear UBI may discourage workforce participation, overburden taxpayers, and fail to address deeper structural inequalities in the economy. While various pilot programs globally have demonstrated mixed results, there is growing momentum towards exploring UBI as a potential policy solution across developed nations.
Summarize the passage in one sentence.
Sample Answers
Band 90 (High Score Example):
Proponents see Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a way to counteract economic insecurity and poverty through regular payments, while critics worry about potential labor market disincentives, even as global pilot programs provide mixed outcomes.
- Content: Fully captures the balance of arguments for and against UBI, referencing outcomes of pilot programs as well.
- Form: Between the word limit of 5 to 75 words.
- Grammar: Simple, error-free sentence structure.
- Vocabulary: Effective use of sophisticated but precise vocabulary (e.g., “economic insecurity,” “disincentives”).
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 65 (Mid-Range Example):
Universal Basic Income is viewed as a way to reduce poverty, but it might discourage work, and global pilots have shown mixed results.
- Content: Summarizes most of the critical ideas but lacks depth in discussing the administrative benefits and policy momentum.
- Form: Within the word count requirement.
- Grammar: Adequate sentence structure, but could benefit from some restructuring for clarity.
- Vocabulary: Uses basic terms and phrases (e.g., “reduce poverty”). Could incorporate more varied vocabulary.
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 50 (Low Score Example):
Universal Basic Income can reduce poverty, but some people think it might prevent people from working.
- Content: Misses crucial points like outcomes of pilot programs or administrative challenges. Simplified overview of criticism.
- Form: Very short and on the edge of meeting the minimum word limit (around 12 words).
- Grammar: The sentence comprises basic structures, lacks complexity.
- Vocabulary: Uses simple and repetitive words, could express ideas more clearly.
- Spelling: No errors.
Vocabulary and Grammar Analysis
Here are 10 key vocabulary terms from the sample passage to sharpen your Summarize Written Text skills:
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Universal Basic Income (/ˈjuː.nɪˌvɜːr.səl ˈbeɪsɪk ˈɪnkʌm/)
- Definition: A regular payment made to all citizens regardless of employment status.
- Example: Universal basic income could offer financial security in a world with increasing automation.
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Automation (/ˌɔː.təˈmeɪ.ʃən/)
- Definition: The use of technology to perform tasks without human intervention.
- Example: Automation in industries is one of the growing reasons why people advocate for Universal Basic Income.
-
Proponent (/prəˈpəʊnənt/)
- Definition: A person who advocates a theory, proposal, or course of action.
- Example: Proponents of UBI argue that it could reduce the stress caused by economic insecurities.
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Insecurity (/ˌɪn.sɪˈkjʊə.rɪ.ti/)
- Definition: Uncertainty or anxiety about oneself.
- Example: Economic insecurity drives interest in social safety nets like UBI.
-
Alleviate (/əˈliː.vi.eɪt/)
- Definition: To make a condition less severe.
- Example: UBI is believed to alleviate poverty in many parts of the world.
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Pilot Program (/ˈpaɪ.lət proʊ.ɡræm/)
- Definition: A test or trial project to assess feasibility or effectiveness.
- Example: Some countries have introduced UBI as part of a pilot program to assess its long-term benefits.
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Structural Inequality (/ˈstrʌk.tʃər.rəl ɪˌnɪ.kwəˈliː.t̬i/)
- Definition: Systematic disparities in wealth, income, and resources between different groups.
- Example: Critics argue that UBI alone cannot resolve underlying structural inequality in the economy.
-
Well-being (/ˈwɛlˌbiːɪŋ/)
- Definition: The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.
- Example: UBI policies could significantly improve societal well-being.
-
Momentum (/məˈmɛn.təm/)
- Definition: The process by which something keeps growing or developing steadily.
- Example: There is increasing momentum behind UBI initiatives in developed nations.
-
Disincentive (/ˌdɪsɪnˈsɛntɪv/)
- Definition: Something that discourages people from taking a particular action.
- Example: Critics say UBI might be a disincentive for people to join the workforce.
Conclusion
The Summarize Written Text section of PTE tests your ability to extract and succinctly summarize key information in a single sentence. By focusing on important social and economic topics such as the Benefits of Universal Basic Income, you can prepare yourself thoroughly for varied topics that may arise on exam day. Practice regularly, refine your grammar and vocabulary, and make sure to review pilot programs like those mentioned to stay updated on key debates.
For more insights on related topics, you might find these helpful: Universal basic income and economic security | The future of universal basic services.
