Summarize Written Text is one of the most challenging tasks in the PTE Speaking & Writing section. This task evaluates your ability to comprehend, extract, and condense the most relevant information in a given passage. In this article, we provide some essential Summarize Written Text exam samples revolving around the key theme of Cultural Diversity In Global Media, a common topic in PTE exams. Practicing with these sample tasks will help you hone your writing skills and effectively prepare for the exam.
Understanding Summarize Written Text in PTE
Summarize Written Text requires candidates to read a passage of 150-400 words and then write a one-sentence summary, between 5-75 words. The goal is to cover the key ideas in the passage, demonstrating language proficiency, coherence, and grammatical accuracy. The sentence must be concise, grammatically correct, and must contain all key information.
Considering the growing trend of globalization, cultural diversity in media has emerged as a frequent topic. Its relevance is tied to increased cross-cultural interactions, as well as the global consumption of various media forms. This makes “Cultural Diversity in Global Media” a prominent theme in Summarize Written Text tasks in the PTE exam.
Now, let’s dive into some sample Summarize Written Text questions related to this theme.
Sample Summarize Written Text Questions
Sample 1: Cultural Representation in Media
Media has a powerful role in shaping societal perceptions by reflecting different cultures; however, there are concerns about the underrepresentation or stereotypical portrayal of minority cultures in global platforms like Hollywood movies and streaming services. This lack of balanced cultural portrayal can lead to cultural homogenization, where dominant representations overshadow others, presenting certain cultures as superior or neutral, while others are marginalized or viewed through a distorted lens. It is crucial that media creators focus on inclusion and authentic representation to ensure diverse voices and perspectives are acknowledged and appreciated globally.
Summarize the text in one sentence in between 5-75 words.
Answer Samples:
5-6 Band Answer:
The media should focus on cultural diversity instead of promoting dominant stereotypes that may marginalize minority cultures.
- Content: The answer broadly mentions diversity but misses the key issue of cultural homogenization.
- Form: Meets word count and sentence length requirements.
- Grammar: Basic grammar is correct.
- Vocabulary: Simple vocabulary.
- Spelling: No mistakes.
Cultural representation in Hollywood affects minorities through stereotypes and homogenization
7-8 Band Answer:
Media organizations should ensure the inclusion of underrepresented cultures to avoid cultural homogenization and inaccurate stereotyping.
- Content: Covers the underrepresentation and subtle hint of homogenization.
- Form: Well-structured sentence within the length limit.
- Grammar: Minor syntax issues.
- Vocabulary: Moderate range.
- Spelling: No mistakes.
9-10 Band Answer:
The media’s portrayal of minority cultures often marginalizes them through stereotypes, leading to the danger of cultural homogenization, and thus, the need for more inclusive and authentic representations.
- Content: Comprehensive coverage of key points (homogenization, stereotypes, inclusion).
- Form: Perfectly fits requirements.
- Grammar: Flawless grammar.
- Vocabulary: Advanced, varied.
- Spelling: No mistakes.
Sample 2: The Role of Global Media in Cultural Exchange
Global media plays a crucial role in facilitating cultural exchange by broadcasting diverse content across borders. Platforms like social media, online streaming, and news outlets expose audiences to new ways of life, creating intercultural awareness and understanding. However, the dominance of Western media often results in cultural imperialism, where the hegemony of one culture overshadows local traditions and values. To ensure a more balanced exchange, media producers should acknowledge the value of preserving cultural identities while promoting cross-cultural interactions.
Summarize the text in one sentence in between 5-75 words.
Answer Samples:
5-6 Band Answer:
Global media enables cultural exchange but may promote Western cultural dominance over local traditions.
- Content: Partial coverage of the text, misses the suggestion for balanced representation.
- Form: Meets word count and sentence length.
- Grammar: Some grammatical errors.
- Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary.
- Spelling: No mistakes.
Global media promotes cultural exchange yet risks Western dominance and local cultural loss
7-8 Band Answer:
Although global media promotes cultural exchange, it often prioritizes Western content, which can overshadow local culture unless media producers promote a more balanced approach.
- Content: Better coverage, including mention of cultural imbalance.
- Form: Structured properly.
- Grammar: Some issues with sentence complexity.
- Vocabulary: Good range.
- Spelling: No mistakes.
9-10 Band Answer:
While global media facilitates cultural exchange and awareness, its tendency to prioritize Western content leads to cultural imperialism, and it is essential for media producers to promote a more balanced and culturally inclusive approach.
- Content: Captures all key ideas: cultural exchange, Western dominance, and balance.
- Form: Grammatically accurate, well-structured.
- Grammar: Excellent use of complex structures.
- Vocabulary: Advanced, accurate.
- Spelling: Perfect spelling.
Sample 3: Digital Globalization and Cultural Influence
The age of digital globalization has given rise to unprecedented access to global content. Through digital platforms, people from diverse backgrounds can engage with each other, expanding their understanding of other cultures. However, the overwhelming prevalence of Western media across these platforms can lead to a dilution of local traditions, impacting cultural identities. It is thus necessary for content creators to prioritize a fair representation of all cultures in order to preserve cultural diversity on a global scale.
Summarize the text in one sentence in between 5-75 words.
Answer Samples:
5-6 Band Answer:
Digital globalization provides access to global content but can dilute local cultures in favor of Western media.
- Content: Misses the need for fair representation.
- Form: Short, concise but incomplete.
- Grammar: No errors.
- Vocabulary: Simple.
- Spelling: Correct.
The rise of digital globalization and its impact on local cultural identities
7-8 Band Answer:
As digital globalization gives more access to diverse cultures, Western media’s dominance can cause a loss of local identities unless creators prioritize fair representation.
- Content: Communicates more information about diverse access and cultural impact.
- Form: Word count and formatting are appropriate.
- Grammar: Minor errors in phrasing.
- Vocabulary: Satisfactory.
- Spelling: No mistakes.
9-10 Band Answer:
While digital globalization allows people to access diverse cultures, the dominance of Western media threatens the survival of local traditions, making it essential for content creators to maintain a balance and support cultural diversity.
- Content: Fully encapsulates the text’s ideas.
- Form: Appropriately structured single sentence.
- Grammar: Excellent.
- Vocabulary: Advanced.
- Spelling: No errors.
Key Vocabulary and Grammar
Here are 10 challenging vocabulary words sourced from the passages, along with their meanings and usage examples:
-
Homogenization /həˈmɒdʒənaɪˌzeɪʃən/ (n) – The process of making things uniform or similar.
Example: The homogenization of cultures through Western media threatens local traditions. -
Stereotyping /ˈsteriəˌtaɪpɪŋ/ (n) – Oversimplified and fixed ideas about a person or group.
Example: Media often reinforces negative stereotyping of minority groups. -
Imperialism /ɪmˈpɪəriəlɪzəm/ (n) – A policy of extending a country’s power and influence.
Example: Some critics argue that Western media dominance resembles cultural imperialism. -
Inclusive /ɪnˈkluːsɪv/ (adj) – Including all types of people and treating them fairly.
Example: Media companies should adopt an inclusive approach when representing different cultures. -
Hegemony /hɪˈdʒeməni/ (n) – Dominance, especially by one group or country over others.
Example: Western cultural hegemony often limits the exposure of diverse cultural narratives. -
Preserve /prɪˈzɜrv/ (v) – To maintain something in its original state.
Example: Efforts must be made to preserve cultural identities in the face of global media. -
Awareness /əˈwɛrnɪs/ (n) – Knowledge or perception of a situation.
Example: Increased awareness of cultural differences is a positive aspect of global media. -
Underrepresentation /ʌn.dərˌrɛprɪˌzɛnˈteɪʃən/ (n) – Not being represented in sufficient numbers.
Example: The underrepresentation of minority cultures in the media is concerning. -
Dilute /daɪˈluːt/ (v) – To weaken or reduce the strength of something.
Example: Western media’s popularity can dilute the presence of local cultural content. -
Exchange /ɪksˈtʃeɪndʒ/ (n) – The act of giving and receiving something in return.
Example: Global media facilitates the exchange of cultural knowledge across borders.
Conclusion
Summarizing complex information effectively is a skill that PTE candidates must master. The topic of Cultural Diversity in Global Media is not only relevant but increasingly common in today’s globalized world, making it a likely choice for Summarize Written Text tasks. Through consistent practice and awareness of key criteria like content, grammar, and sentence structure, you can significantly improve your chances of scoring high in this part of the PTE exam. Don’t hesitate to dive deeper into related topics, such as the Cultural impact of digital globalization, to further enhance your understanding of similar themes.