In the PTE exam, the Summarize Written Text task in the Speaking & Writing section challenges test takers to condense a paragraph or set of paragraphs into a single sentence that captures the core ideas. One common and important theme in these tasks is the idea of Cultural Preservation in a Globalized World, a topic that considers how traditions, languages, and cultural heritage can survive in a rapidly globalizing society. Let’s explore this concept and practice by taking a deep dive into some sample PTE Summarize Written Text questions.
Why Cultural Preservation is Essential in the Age of Globalization
With increasing globalization, local cultures face both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, global exchange allows for the sharing of traditions and languages, but on the other, it can lead to the erosion of those very traditions as global norms become dominant. In this context, the importance of cultural preservation through community initiatives becomes crucial to sustaining identity amidst cross-cultural influences. This theme is recurrent in the Summarize Written Text section of the PTE exam, making it a valuable topic to prepare for.
For a deeper exploration of global cultural effects, check out our related posts on Online communities and cultural integration.
Sample Summarize Written Text Question 1
Prompt:
Globalization leads to the expansion of economies and allows individuals to share common platforms. However, this has also increased the risk of cultural assimilation, where unique cultural identities may diminish or disappear over time. In many parts of the world, local languages are vanishing, traditional lifestyles are being lost, and global consumerism often overrides smaller-scale cultural practices. Despite these risks, there remains hope, as communities around the world actively seek ways to preserve their heritage through education, documentation, and support for local practices.
Task: You must write a summary in one sentence containing the main ideas from this passage.
Responses:
Band 80+:
While globalization fosters economic expansion and shared platforms, it simultaneously threatens local cultures, which are being preserved through community initiatives like education and documentation.
- Content: Includes all key concepts of economic opportunity from globalization and the threat to cultural uniqueness.
- Form: Within the word limit and correctly structured in a single sentence.
- Grammar: Complex, error-free sentence with appropriate conjunctions and clauses.
- Vocabulary: Effective use of terms like “shared platforms,” “globalization,” and “cultural uniqueness.”
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 65-79:
Globalization expands economies while also endangering unique cultures, prompting communities to take actions to preserve their heritage.
- Content: Most relevant points of both potential benefits and cultural risks are included.
- Form: Correct structure in a single sentence and proper word count.
- Grammar: Minor simplifications, but grammatically sound.
- Vocabulary: Good use of key terms like “endangering” and “preserve.”
- Spelling: Error-free.
Band 50-64:
While globalization helps economies grow, it also causes cultural practices to face risks, but communities are trying to protect them.
- Content: Simplified version, but still covers main points of economic growth and cultural preservation efforts.
- Form: Correct word limit and structure.
- Grammar: Simple sentence construction with no glaring mistakes.
- Vocabulary: Basic, less advanced choices but still conveying the key ideas.
- Spelling: No mistakes.
Sample Summarize Written Text Question 2
Prompt:
Cultural diversity is an essential part of human heritage, yet it is under threat as global cultures merge, and dominant cultural trends overshadow smaller, localized traditions. Large companies, especially in the entertainment and fashion industries, often homogenize cultural symbols, making traditional practices seem outdated. Nevertheless, there are movements to safeguard these practices by promoting native languages, preserving cultural sites, and fostering discussion on the importance of cultural uniqueness.
Task: Summarize the text into one sentence.
Responses:
Band 80+:
Although globalization and the dominance of large industries threaten cultural diversity, efforts to preserve traditional practices through language promotion, cultural site preservation, and discussions on uniqueness are accelerating.
- Content: Captures all key ideas in detail—including both global threats and preservation efforts.
- Form: Precisely within the word limit, using a single sentence structure.
- Grammar: Perfect grammatical use of complex sentence construction.
- Vocabulary: Strong selection of words such as “homogenize,” “safeguard,” and “cultural uniqueness.”
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 65-79:
Cultural diversity is at risk due to globalization, but efforts are being made to protect it through traditions, language promotion, and preserving cultural sites.
- Content: Covers the majority of the key points, summing up both the risk to diversity and maintenance initiatives.
- Form: Accurate sentence form with a clear structure.
- Grammar: Correct with appropriate clauses and transitions.
- Vocabulary: Adequately varied but slightly simpler than a higher band response.
- Spelling: No mistakes.
Band 50-64:
Globalization threatens cultural traditions, but communities are working to keep them alive by protecting languages and cultural sites.
- Content: A more simplified interpretation of threats and preservation is included.
- Form: Correct format and word limit, producing a single sentence.
- Grammar: Grammatically simple and clear.
- Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary, accurate but lacking richness.
- Spelling: Correct.
For examples of community-based efforts to protect cultural heritage, you may also like the article on Cultural preservation through community initiatives.
Vocabulary & Grammar Breakdown
In these texts, many important terms enhance our understanding of the theme of cultural preservation. Below are ten useful vocabulary words related to the topic:
-
Assimilation /əˌsɪmɪˈleɪʃən/ (n.): the process of taking in and integrating fully into another culture.
Example: Language assimilation often leads to the decline of smaller languages. -
Globalization /ˌɡləʊbəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/ (n.): the process by which businesses and cultures spread worldwide.
Example: Globalization has dramatically affected traditional cultural practices. -
Homogenize /həˈmɒdʒɪnaɪz/ (v.): to make uniform or similar.
Example: Global brands often homogenize cultural symbols. -
Endangered /ɪnˈdeɪndʒəd/ (adj.): in danger of extinction or becoming rare.
Example: Endangered languages are a key focus for cultural preservationists. -
Heritage /ˈhɛrɪtɪdʒ/ (n.): property, traditions, or cultures passed down across generations.
Example: Protecting our cultural heritage is crucial in a globalized world. -
Consumerism /kənˈsuːmərɪzəm/ (n.): the preoccupation with shopping for goods and services.
Example: Consumerism often shifts focus away from cultural events and toward global products. -
Preservation /ˌprɛzəˈveɪʃən/ (n.): the act of maintaining or protecting something valuable.
Example: Preservation of traditions is vital to maintaining cultural identity. -
Diversity /daɪˈvɜːsɪti/ (n.): a range of different things within one group or society.
Example: Cultural diversity should be valued and protected in every country. -
Monoculture /ˈmɒnəˌkʌltʃə/ (n.): the cultivation or existence of a single culture.
Example: A global monoculture might erode unique regional traditions. -
Initiatives /ɪˈnɪʃɪətɪvz/ (n.): new plans or strategies designed to address an issue.
Example: Local initiatives aim to revive native languages in the region.
Concluding Thoughts
Summarizing written text is an essential skill in the PTE exam, particularly when tackling themes like Cultural Preservation in a Globalized World. Understanding how to balance the ideas of cultural threats and preservation gives you a clear edge in this section. Practice regularly and review the vocabulary and samples provided to master this PTE task.
