Remote education has significantly altered the landscape of learning, especially in recent years. In this article, we will explore and provide practice prompts for the Summarize Written Text section of the PTE exam, focusing on the topic of “Remote education’s impact on learning.” We’ll cover a variety of aspects to help users improve their skills and prepare for real test scenarios.
Example Summarize Written Text: Remote Education’s Impact on Learning
In the Summarize Written Text section, you will be given a passage of between 150 to 400 words. Your task will be to condense it into a summary of a single sentence, not exceeding 75 words. Here’s a sample passage and potential answers that simulate what you might encounter in the real PTE exam.
Exercise Prompt
The COVID-19 pandemic forced traditional education systems around the globe to adopt remote learning almost overnight. This transition to online platforms exposed educational inequalities, where students from low-income families struggled with limited access to technology and stable internet connections. Despite these challenges, online education also offered many advantages, including flexibility, personalized learning, and the possibility for students to study at their own pace. However, concerns have been raised regarding the effectiveness of remote education in delivering the same level of student engagement and retention as face-to-face classrooms. Educators and institutions continue to seek ways to bridge the digital divide and implement effective methods to ensure the quality of online learning.
Instruction: Summarize the passage in one sentence. Your response must be between 5 and 75 words.
Sample Answers and Band Scores
Band 90 Response:
The rapid shift to remote education during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed technological inequalities among students but also highlighted the potential for flexible, personalized learning, although concerns over engagement and academic retention remain relevant.
- Content: All key points from the passage are covered with a balanced statement of both the challenges and benefits.
- Form: The response is a single sentence and stays within the word limit.
- Grammar: The sentence structure is complex, error-free, and appropriate.
- Vocabulary: Advanced academic vocabulary such as “technological inequalities,” “personalized learning,” and “academic retention” is used correctly.
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 75 Response:
Although remote education after the COVID-19 pandemic presented opportunities for flexibility and personalized learning, issues like technology access and reduced student engagement remain areas of concern.
- Content: Most critical aspects of the passage have been captured, but the full spectrum of advantages and inequalities could be further elaborated.
- Form: Structure adheres to the guidelines with an appropriate length.
- Grammar: Solid grammar use without errors, though simpler in structure compared to the top band.
- Vocabulary: Correct but less varied than the highest score band (e.g., “flexibility,” “reduced engagement”).
- Spelling: No issues.
Band 60 Response:
Remote learning after the COVID-19 pandemic showed both benefits and disadvantages like flexibility and lack of access to technology.
- Content: The answer is brief and focuses on general points rather than specific details from the passage.
- Form: Well within the word limit and presented clearly as one sentence.
- Grammar: The grammar is simple, but there are no significant errors.
- Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary is used appropriately but lacks the precision or variety of higher-scoring responses (e.g., “disadvantages,” “lack of access”).
- Spelling: No mistakes.
Vocabulary and Grammar Analysis
Here are some advanced vocabulary terms taken from the passage for further learning:
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Inequality /ˌɪnɪˈkwɒləti/
- Meaning: A lack of fairness or equality.
- Example: “The online education system highlighted the inequality of access to technology.”
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Retention /rɪˈtenʃn/
- Meaning: The ability to remember or retain information.
- Example: “Student retention has been a challenge with remote education.”
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Personalized /ˈpɜːsənaɪzd/
- Meaning: Tailored to fit individual needs.
- Example: “Online courses provide the possibility for personalized learning.”
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Flexibility /ˌflɛksəˈbɪləti/
- Meaning: The quality of being adaptable or adjustable.
- Example: “Flexibility is one of the key advantages of remote learning.”
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Engagement /ɪnˈɡeɪdʒmənt/
- Meaning: The involvement or participation in an activity or task.
- Example: “Online education struggles with maintaining student engagement.”
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Transition /trænˈzɪʃn/
- Meaning: The process of changing from one state to another.
- Example: “The transition to online education was rapid during the pandemic.”
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Bridge /brɪdʒ/
- Meaning: To make a connection or close a gap.
- Example: “Efforts are being made to bridge the gap between online and face-to-face learning.”
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Digital divide /ˈdɪdʒɪtl dɪˈvaɪd/
- Meaning: A gap between those who have easy access to digital technologies and those who do not.
- Example: “The digital divide became more apparent with the shift to remote education.”
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Academic /ˌækəˈdɛmɪk/
- Meaning: Related to education or educational institutions.
- Example: “Remote education raised concerns about whether academic standards could be maintained.”
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Effectiveness /ɪˈfɛktɪvnəs/
- Meaning: The degree to which something is successful in producing a desired result.
- Example: “Factors affecting the effectiveness of online education include platform design and teaching methods.”
Conclusion
As seen in the example prompt, remote education’s impact on learning serves as a central theme in many texts that appear in Summarize Written Text tasks in the PTE exam. It is a relevant, timely topic that covers multiple aspects such as educational inequalities, flexibility, and engagement. Practicing with such prompts will help you prepare thoroughly for the exam. Online education and digital divide is another critical area closely tied to this subject, allowing you to explore and build a deeper understanding for your test day.
Good luck, and don’t hesitate to share your thoughts or practice answers in the comments section!
