Are you preparing for the PTE exam and looking to strengthen your skills in the “Summarize Written Text” section? This section is critical, as it assesses your ability to condense content accurately and clearly. In this post, we’ll provide sample test prompts on the topic “The Gig Economy And Employment,” which is an increasingly relevant subject in today’s global workforce. By practicing with real-world examples, you’ll be better prepared to face the exam.
Sample Summarize Written Text Prompt 1: The Gig Economy’s Role in Modern Employment
Instructions: Read the following passage and summarize it into a single sentence containing 5-75 words. Your response should condense the main idea and key points without losing accuracy or omitting important information.
Text to Summarize:
The gig economy has emerged as a significant element in modern employment, characterized by short-term, freelance, or contract-based work rather than traditional full-time roles. This shift has been driven mainly by technological advances and changing expectations among younger generations seeking flexible work hours. While many praise this freedom, critics argue that such work arrangements often lack job security, social benefits, and consistent income support.
Example Answers for Different Band Scores:
High Band (75-90):
The gig economy, facilitated by technology and a demand for flexibility, offers freedom but is criticized for job insecurity and insufficient social benefits, highlighting both advantages and disadvantages.
Analysis:
- Content: Comprehensive and concise summary of the full text, covering all critical aspects.
- Form: Correct word count meets the requirements.
- Grammar: Sophisticated sentence structure.
- Vocabulary: Correct use of words such as “facilitated,” “freedom,” and “insecurity” adds precision.
- Spelling: No errors.
Mid Band (50-74):
The gig economy provides flexible work but lacks job security and social benefits, which some people criticize.
Analysis:
- Content: Captures most of the key points but less nuanced than the high-band response.
- Form: Correct word count within limits.
- Grammar: Simple but accurate.
- Vocabulary: Adequate word choices; some opportunities for more advanced language.
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Low Band (30-49):
The gig economy gives flexibility but not job security.
Analysis:
- Content: Misses some essential elements, such as technological impact and the balance of pros and cons.
- Form: Below minimum word count.
- Grammar: Simple but correct.
- Vocabulary: Basic language used, lacking variety.
- Spelling: Correct but limited in usage.
Sample Summarize Written Text Prompt 2: Gig Economy Workers and Social Benefits
Instructions: Read the following passage and summarize it into a single sentence containing 5-75 words.
Text to Summarize:
Workers in the gig economy are typically not entitled to social benefits such as healthcare, pensions, or unemployment insurance, benefits that traditional employees depend on. As many governments struggle to keep up with this changing dynamic, there is ongoing debate about how to provide protections for gig workers without stifling the flexibility that many of them desire.
Example Answers for Different Band Scores:
High Band (75-90):
Gig economy workers often lack social benefits like healthcare and pensions, sparking debates on how governments should adapt while maintaining the flexibility many workers prefer.
Analysis:
- Content: All critical elements are covered, including the lack of benefits and the ongoing debate.
- Form: Within the required word count.
- Grammar: Sophisticated and correctly structured sentence.
- Vocabulary: Precise and contextually fitting word choices like “adapt” and “maintaining.”
- Spelling: No errors.
Mid Band (50-74):
Gig workers don’t get benefits like healthcare or pensions, and there is a debate on how to provide this without reducing flexibility.
Analysis:
- Content: Covers most key points, though a bit oversimplified.
- Form: Correct word count.
- Grammar: Accurate, although relatively simple sentence structure.
- Vocabulary: Adequate.
- Spelling: No errors.
Low Band (30-49):
Gig workers do not get healthcare or insurance, and this is debated.
Analysis:
- Content: Misses the depth of the debate and government response.
- Form: Below the minimum word count.
- Grammar: Too brief and lacks complexity.
- Vocabulary: Uses keywords but does not expand enough.
- Spelling: No errors.
Vocabulary and Grammar for Summarize Written Text on “The Gig Economy and Employment”
Here are 10 critical vocabulary words and phrases to improve your understanding of the topic:
-
Gig economy /ɡɪɡ ɪˈkɒnəmi/: An economic system based on short-term contracts or freelance work.
Example: “Many individuals prefer the flexibility offered by the gig economy.” -
Freelance /ˈfriːlɑːns/: Working for different companies at different times rather than permanently employed at one.
Example: “Freelance workers have more control over their schedule but may lack steady income.” -
Social benefits /ˈsəʊʃəl ˈbɛnɪfɪts/: Government-provided services like healthcare, pensions, and unemployment support.
Example: “Traditional jobs often come with critical social benefits such as pensions.” -
Job security /ʤɒb sɪˈkjʊərɪti/: The probability that someone will keep their job without the risk of unemployment.
Example: “The lack of job security is a major drawback for gig economy workers.” -
Flexibility /ˌflɛksɪˈbɪlɪti/: The ability to choose working hours or tasks, a key feature in the gig economy.
Example: “Flexibility is one of the most attractive features of freelance work.” -
Traditional employment /trəˈdɪʃənl ɪmˈplɔɪmənt/: Stable jobs with fixed hours and formal contracts, opposite to gig work.
Example: “In traditional employment, workers enjoy more benefits and job security.” -
Pension /ˈpɛnʃən/: A regular payment made during retirement from an investment fund.
Example: “Many gig workers don’t have access to a pension plan.” -
Technology /tɛkˈnɒləʤi/: The use of devices or applications that facilitate the gig economy.
Example: “Technology has enabled rapid growth in freelance markets.” -
Unemployment insurance /ʌnˈʌmplɔɪmənt ɪnˈʃʊərəns/: Financial support given to workers who lose their jobs.
Example: “Gig workers are not eligible for unemployment insurance in most countries.” -
Debate /dɪˈbeɪt/: A discussion involving different viewpoints, often about social issues.
Example: “The debate surrounding the gig economy includes both supporters and critics.”
Conclusion
Mastering the “Summarize Written Text” section in PTE is essential for success, and by practicing with topics like “The Gig Economy and Employment,” you are preparing for one of the most trending topics in real-world exams. The gig economy is becoming increasingly prominent in testing, making it crucial to understand both its advantages and its drawbacks. For more related information on future job trends, check out articles like Remote working trends and future jobs and The gig economy’s future. Keep practicing, and soon summarizing complex texts will feel like second nature!
