The PTE exam is increasingly popular due to its fair evaluation and worldwide recognition. One of the essential parts of the PTE Speaking & Writing section is the Summarize Written Text task. In this task, test-takers are required to condense a passage into a single sentence of no more than 75 words, covering all the essential points. Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a hot topic in today’s socio-economic discussions, making it a frequent theme in PTE exam questions.
Below, we provide a detailed mock test on Benefits Of Universal Basic Income Policies, structured according to PTE regulations, with detailed band-specific response explanations to guide your practice.
Sample Summarize Written Text Task: Benefits of Universal Basic Income Policies
The following text is a typical task that you can expect in the Speaking & Writing section. Summarize the text in one sentence. Your summary must be between 5 and 75 words.
Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a policy where individuals regularly receive a set amount of money from the government without any conditions. Advocates argue that UBI can reduce poverty by offering a financial floor for everyone, eliminating the economic insecurity many face in today’s fluctuating job market. Furthermore, supporters claim it fosters equality by distributing resources regardless of employment status.
UBI may also spur innovation by providing financial breathing room for people to take entrepreneurial risks or invest time in creative endeavors, thus fostering economic diversification and long-term growth. Critics, however, warn that UBI could strain governmental budgets or deter individuals from seeking employment, leading to labor shortages. Proponents counter that by ensuring basic financial security, UBI could encourage more meaningful employment choices and reduce desperation-driven low-wage jobs.
Write your summary in one sentence.
Answer Samples by Band:
Band 79+ Answer:
Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a policy that provides unconditional financial assistance to individuals, thereby offering economic security, fostering equality, and promoting innovation, despite concerns over potential budgetary strains and reduced employment incentives.
- Content: This answer appropriately covers the essence of the passage, including both the positive and negative viewpoints on UBI.
- Form: It remains within the 75-word limit.
- Grammar: The sentence structure is complex and correct.
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated vocabulary, such as “unconditional financial assistance,” “economic security,” and “incentives,” is used accurately.
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 65-79 Answer:
Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a government policy aimed at reducing poverty and promoting economic growth by providing unconditional money to individuals, though critics argue it could lead to budgetary strains and lower workforce participation.
- Content: This summary hits most major points but loses some details about innovation and the depth of positive impacts on employment.
- Form: Stays within the word count.
- Grammar: Accurate grammar.
- Vocabulary: Moderate use of vocabulary like “budgetary strains” and “lower workforce participation.”
- Spelling: No issues.
Band 50-64 Answer:
Universal Basic Income is a policy that gives money to everyone, helping reduce poverty but might cause budget problems or fewer people working.
- Content: Key ideas are present but in a simplified form, losing nuances such as innovation and equality.
- Form: Adheres to the word limit.
- Grammar: The sentence structure is simple, with minor errors like “helping reduce poverty” should be “helping to reduce.”
- Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary is used, lacking sophistication.
- Spelling: No errors.
Band Below 50 Answer:
UBI gives people money, but some think it makes them not want to work and could cost too much.
- Content: The summary is too brief and misses major details.
- Form: Fits within the word count requirement.
- Grammar: Contains simple but less accurate sentence structure.
- Vocabulary: Very basic, without showing knowledge of proper terminology.
- Spelling: No mistakes.
Vocabulary & Grammar
To help you improve, here are some challenging words and phrases from the passage, including their meanings and example sentences:
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Unconditional /ˌʌnkənˈdɪʃənl/ (adj.): Not subject to any conditions.
- Example: The government’s unconditional support for the policy was unprecedented.
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Poverty /ˈpɒv.ə.ti/ (n.): The state of being extremely poor.
- Example: Universal Basic Income is designed to eradicate poverty by providing stability for everyone.
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Innovation /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/ (n.): The introduction of new ideas or methods.
- Example: UBI could encourage innovation by allowing people to explore their creativity without financial pressure.
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Entrepreneurial /ˌɒntrə.prəˈnɜːriəl/ (adj.): Characterized by the taking of financial risks in the hopes of profit.
- Example: Entrepreneurial ventures may flourish with the backing of UBI as financial security allows risk-taking.
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Labor shortages /ˈleɪ.bər ˈʃɔː.tɪdʒ/ (n.): A condition wherein there are too few workers to fill available jobs.
- Example: Critics argue that UBI might cause labor shortages as people may be less inclined to seek low-wage employment.
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Desperation /ˌdespəˈreɪʃn/ (n.): A state of despair, typically leading to rash or extreme actions.
- Example: UBI aims to reduce desperation in the job market by ensuring basic financial needs are met.
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Budgetary /ˈbʌdʒ.ɪ.tri/ (adj.): Relating to the budget.
- Example: Some fear that UBI could cause budgetary issues, especially in countries with large deficits.
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Equality /ɪˈkwɒl.ɪ.ti/ (n.): The state of being equal, especially in status, rights, or opportunities.
- Example: One of UBI’s primary goals is reducing economic inequality across different social classes.
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Economic diversification /ˌiːkəˈnɑːmɪk daɪˌvɜːsɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/ (n.): The process of a country expanding its range of economic outputs.
- Example: Proponents of UBI argue that it promotes long-term economic diversification.
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Financial security /faɪˈnænʃəl sɪˈkjʊərɪti/ (n.): Having enough money to cover basic needs and living expenses.
- Example: Financial security is a fundamental principle behind UBI, allowing more flexible employment options.
Conclusion
The topic of Universal Basic Income Policies is becoming more prevalent in Summarize Written Text tasks within the PTE exam. As seen in the detailed question above, UBI touches on a range of social, economic, and political impacts, making it an ideal prompt for testing your summarizing skills. The best approach to mastering this task is frequent practice, and exploring related topics such as the Benefits of universal healthcare systems can offer additional insights.
