The Summarize Written Text task in the PTE (Pearson Test of English) Speaking & Writing section is a challenging component where test-takers must condense the meaning of a long text into a single sentence. One of the critical topics often discussed in modern contexts is Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its ethical dilemmas. In this article, we’ll provide some sample Summarize Written Text prompts and responses centered around the key theme of AI and ethical dilemmas to help you prepare effectively for the PTE exam.
Common Themes in Artificial Intelligence and Ethical Dilemmas
With AI rapidly transforming various aspects of our global society, ethical concerns have become paramount. This makes the topic particularly relevant for academic discussions in the PTE exam. Issues such as bias in AI decision-making, the implications of AI surveillance, and the role of AI in ethical concerns in AI-driven decision-making have become widely debated subjects.
The following are key areas that frequently come up in discussions of AI and ethics:
- Privacy and surveillance
- Algorithmic bias
- Responsibilities of AI developers and users
- Broader societal impacts of AI
Sample Summarize Written Text Prompt and Responses
Sample Prompt 1
Artificial intelligence has brought about a transformation in industries ranging from healthcare to finance, but it raises significant ethical dilemmas. One of the major concerns is that AI systems can perpetuate bias, particularly in decision-making processes such as hiring or credit applications. This is primarily because AI systems are trained on historical data, which may already contain human biases. If unchecked, such biases in AI can deepen societal inequalities. Another ethical issue is related to privacy concerns, as advanced surveillance systems powered by AI can track individuals in ways that were previously impossible, leading to potential invasion of privacy.
Summarize the above text in one sentence:
Response 1: Band 90
AI brings transformative capabilities to industries but raises ethical concerns, including perpetuating bias from historical data in decision-making processes and potential privacy violations through advanced surveillance systems.
Analysis:
- Content: Fully captures the main ideas of AI bias and privacy concerns
- Form: Perfect single sentence structure with a full stop at the end
- Grammar: No errors
- Vocabulary: Use of high-level vocabulary such as “transformative,” “ethical concerns,” “perpetuating,” and “violations”
- Spelling: Flawless, no misspellings
Response 2: Band 75
AI is useful but causes problems like data bias and privacy invasion.
Analysis:
- Content: Successfully captures the two main concerns (bias & privacy), but lacks detail
- Form: Adequate structure but slightly short
- Grammar: No major errors, but lacks complexity
- Vocabulary: Simplified language like “useful” and “problems” instead of more nuanced terms
- Spelling: No errors
Response 3: Band 60
AI systems are biased and invade privacy.
Analysis:
- Content: Very limited capture of content, missing the transformative aspect and context about historical data
- Form: Valid single sentence, but too short
- Grammar: Correct but overly basic
- Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary fails to appropriately represent ideas
- Spelling: Correct but simple
Sample Prompt 2
AI surveillance technologies are now widely adopted across cities worldwide, promising more efficient law enforcement through predictive policing. However, these systems have sparked concerns over mass surveillance, as they often disproportionately target marginalized communities. In addition, the lack of transparency in how these systems operate has led to concerns about accountability, raising questions of who bears responsibility if an AI system makes an incorrect decision that affects people’s lives.
Summarize the above text in one sentence:
Response 1: Band 90
AI surveillance promises efficient law enforcement but raises concerns over mass surveillance, targeting marginalized communities, and the lack of transparency or accountability in decision-making processes.
Analysis:
- Content: Perfectly summarizes key points about law enforcement efficiency, privacy concerns, marginalized targeting, and lack of transparency
- Form: Proper sentence structure
- Grammar: No grammatical issues
- Vocabulary: Strong use of “promises,” “concerns,” “targeting,” and “accountability”
- Spelling: Flawless
Response 2: Band 75
AI surveillance helps the police but raises concerns about privacy and responsibility.
Analysis:
- Content: Adequate understanding but simplifies key issues like mass surveillance and marginalized communities
- Form: Simple but valid sentence structure
- Grammar: No issues
- Vocabulary: Mostly basic
- Spelling: No errors
Response 3: Band 60
AI surveillance is helpful but bad for privacy.
Analysis:
- Content: Lacks significant detail, especially in terms of transparency or accountability
- Form: Incomplete capture of the main idea
- Grammar: Correct but overly simplified
- Vocabulary: Basic
- Spelling: No errors
Vocabulary and Grammar from the Prompts
-
Perpetuate /pərˈpɛtʃuˌeɪt/ (v) – to cause something to continue indefinitely:
Example: AI may perpetuate biases present in historical data. -
Invade /ɪnˈveɪd/ (v) – to intrude on someone’s privacy:
Example: AI technologies can invade individual privacy. -
Disproportionately /ˌdɪsprəpɔːrʃəˈnətli/ (adv) – to an extent out of proportion with other factors:
Example: AI disproportionately affects marginalized communities. -
Marginalized /ˈmɑːrdʒɪnlˌaɪzd/ (adj) – treated as insignificant or peripheral:
Example: AI decisions often impact marginalized groups. -
Algorithmic /ˌælɡəˈrɪðmɪk/ (adj) – related to or using algorithms:
Example: Algorithmic bias is a key concern with AI systems. -
Accountability /əˌkaʊntəˈbɪləti/ (n) – responsibility for outcomes:
Example: Lack of accountability in AI decisions is troubling. -
Bias /ˈbaɪəs/ (n) – prejudice in favor of or against something:
Example: AI systems can inherit bias from the data they are trained on. -
Transparency /trænˈspɛərənsɪ/ (n) – openness and clarity in processes:
Example: AI decision-making needs more transparency to build trust. -
Inequality /ˌɪnɪˈkwɑːlɪti/ (n) – unfair differences in circumstance or status:
Example: AI could widen societal inequalities if not well-regulated. -
Ethical /ˈɛθɪkəl/ (adj) – relating to principles of right and wrong:
Example: Ethical dilemmas arise when AI systems violate privacy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the topic of Artificial Intelligence And Ethical Dilemmas is becoming increasingly frequent in PTE Summarize Written Text prompts. Through the examples and vocabulary provided, candidates can better prepare themselves for addressing this topic in their exam. Remember, mastering the Summarize Written Text task involves practicing both content comprehension and efficient sentence structuring. Keep in mind potential areas like Ethical concerns in AI-driven decision-making and Impacts of technological surveillance for further study and understanding.
Happy practicing!
