Example Summarize Written Text Prompt 1: Cultural Diversity in Major Cities
Global cities around the world have become the melting pot for different cultures, drawing people from diverse ethnic, racial, and language backgrounds. The increasing migration trends due to globalization, economic opportunities, and political conflicts have made cities like New York, London, Sydney, and Singapore home to various ethnic communities. As a result, cities have become centers of multiculturalism that encourage exchanges in various aspects of social, economic, and political life. The diversity often brings vibrant cultural scenes, new innovations, and challenges such as integration and equality.
Task: Summarize the passage in one sentence.
Responses and Analyses
Band 90 Response (Model Answer):
Global cities are multicultural hubs due to migration from diverse backgrounds, leading to both cultural exchanges and challenges like integration and equality.
Analysis:
- Content: The candidate includes all major points: global cities’ diversity, the reasons for migration, and resulting challenges.
- Form: The response fits within the required one-sentence format.
- Grammar: The sentence is grammatically flawless.
- Vocabulary: Precise word choices including “multicultural hubs,” “migration,” and “integration.”
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band 65 Response:
Cities like New York and London have become culturally diverse due to migration, but they face challenges of integration.
Analysis:
- Content: This covers key points, but it misses the aspect of “cultural exchanges.”
- Form: Correct form as it follows the one-sentence rule.
- Grammar: No grammatical errors.
- Vocabulary: Good use of words like “culturally diverse” and “migration.”
- Spelling: Flawless spelling.
Band 50 Response:
People from different places move to cities which become diverse, but they face problems.
Analysis:
- Content: The summary is oversimplified and does not provide enough details about the causes or the specific challenges.
- Form: Correct form but lacks sophistication.
- Grammar: Grammatically correct, though lacks the complexity expected at higher levels.
- Vocabulary: Basic and repetitive vocabulary.
- Spelling: No spelling issues.
Example Summarize Written Text Prompt 2: Cultural Identity and Globalization in Urban Areas
As global cities grow, there is an intensified interaction between local traditions and global cultures, resulting in hybrid cultural identities. While some fear the loss of original cultural identities due to foreign influences, others argue that cities enrich their uniqueness by absorbing external elements. The dynamic process of globalization does not erase local culture but often blends different customs, leading to new, evolving identities that reflect the complex realities of today’s urban environment.
Task: Summarize the passage in one sentence.
Responses and Analyses
Band 90 Response (Model Answer):
Globalization in cities leads to the blending of local traditions with foreign influences, creating hybrid cultural identities that reflect modern urban life.
Analysis:
- Content: Captures the essence of the passage by including the dual perspectives on cultural interaction and globalization.
- Form: Correct form and concise.
- Grammar: Perfect grammar.
- Vocabulary: Strong vocabulary choices like “blending,” “hybrid cultural identities,” and “modern urban life.”
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 65 Response:
Though cities globalize, they can still maintain local traditions by blending foreign elements to create new identities.
Analysis:
- Content: The response captures most of the key points but misses the nuance of “intensified interaction” and the debate over cultural erosion.
- Form: Conforms to the one-sentence format.
- Grammar: No grammatical mistakes.
- Vocabulary: Good but less precise than the band 90 version.
- Spelling: Accurate.
Band 50 Response:
Cities mix different cultures into new ways of life.
Analysis:
- Content: Lacks the depth and complexity of the original passage, oversimplifying the cultural dynamics.
- Form: Maintains the correct structure.
- Grammar: Grammatically correct but sentence structure and sophistication are lacking.
- Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary, no variety or complexity.
- Spelling: Correct spelling.
Vocabulary and Grammar Analysis
Below are 10 advanced vocabulary words used in the sample prompts, complete with their definitions and example sentences:
-
Melting pot /ˈmɛl.tɪŋ pɒt/:
Definition: A place where different people from diverse backgrounds live together and integrate.
Example: New York is often referred to as a melting pot of cultures. -
Multiculturalism /ˌmʌl.tiˈkʌl.tʃər.ə.lɪ.zəm/:
Definition: The presence and promotion of multiple cultural traditions within a single region.
Example: Multiculturalism promotes inclusiveness and acceptance in global cities. -
Hybrid /ˈhaɪ.brɪd/:
Definition: Something made from a mixture of different things.
Example: The restaurant serves a hybrid menu of local and international dishes. -
Integration /ˌɪn.tɪˈɡreɪ.ʃən/:
Definition: The process of combining or incorporating different groups into society.
Example: Successful integration of immigrant communities requires inclusive social policies. -
Erosion /ɪˈroʊ.zən/:
Definition: The gradual destruction or diminution of something.
Example: Some believe globalization causes the erosion of traditional customs. -
Enrich /ɪnˈrɪtʃ/:
Definition: To improve or enhance something by adding elements to it.
Example: Cultural exchanges enrich the fabric of urban life. -
Nuance /ˈnjuː.ɑːn(t)s/:
Definition: A subtle difference in meaning or opinion.
Example: The debate on cultural integration requires a nuanced approach. -
Absorb /əbˈzɔːb/:
Definition: To take in or incorporate something.
Example: Cities absorb foreign influences and integrate them into local traditions. -
Vibrant /ˈvaɪ.brənt/:
Definition: Full of energy and life.
Example: A vibrant arts scene often characterizes culturally diverse cities. -
Realities /rɪˈæl.ɪ.tiz/:
Definition: The true situation as opposed to idealistic or imagined ideas.
Example: The realities of modern urban life are shaped by cultural diversity and migration.
Conclusion
Understanding Cultural Diversity in Global Cities is increasingly common in the Summarize Written Text section of the PTE exam. These cities act as hubs where migration, local traditions, and foreign influences converge, leading to both cultural enrichment and challenges. Regular practice of Summarize Written Text tasks will help candidates improve both their summarization skills and their ability to manage time during the exam. Feel free to share your thoughts or any other PTE practice exercises in the comments!
