The Summarize Written Text task in the PTE Academic Speaking & Writing section requires test-takers to summarize a passage into a single sentence, capturing the main idea and key supporting points. One of the common themes in PTE Academic exams is cultural diversity’s role in society, as it is a topic of global relevance, making it an excellent area to focus on when preparing for this section.
In this article, we’ll provide you with sample question prompts based on this theme, and give you detailed sample answers with analysis to help improve your band score. Let’s dive right in!
Sample Summarize Written Text Question: Cultural Diversity’s Role in Society
The below passage provides insights into the relationship between cultural diversity and societal development. Make sure to summarize the content in one sentence of no more than 75 words.
Sample Passage:
The role of cultural diversity in shaping modern societies is fundamental. As populations around the world have grown increasingly heterogeneous, societies have seen a broadening of artistic expressions, philosophical thoughts, and innovative solutions to global problems. Cultural diversity promotes mutual respect and understanding, and creates conditions conducive to creativity and social progress. However, such diversity also presents challenges, especially when societies struggle to foster inclusion and cohesion among diverse groups, sometimes resulting in social fragmentation and tension.
Task Instruction:
Summarize the text in one sentence using between 5 and 75 words.
Sample Answers with Band Scores
Band 90 (High Score)
Sample Answer:
Cultural diversity plays a crucial role in driving societal creativity and innovation, while also fostering mutual respect, although it can create social tension when inclusion and cohesion are not adequately addressed.
Content: The response captures all key ideas, including the positive impact of diversity on creativity and social progress, as well as its potential challenges.
Form: The sentence is concise, with fewer than 75 words.
Grammar: The sentence is grammatically correct, with a well-structured use of clause connectors like “while” and “although.”
Vocabulary: Good range of vocabulary appropriate for the topic, such as “societal creativity,” “cohesion,” and “fostering.”
Spelling: No spelling mistakes.
Band 75
Sample Answer:
Cultural diversity brings creativity to societies, but it can lead to fragmentation if inclusion is not promoted.
Content: The gist of the passage is included, mentioning creativity and the challenges of social fragmentation, but it omits some details like mutual respect and the broadened viewpoints.
Form: Succinct and within the word limit.
Grammar: Basic grammatical structures, though it lacks complex connectors.
Vocabulary: Adequate vocabulary, though simpler than the higher band response.
Spelling: No issues with spelling.
Band 65
Sample Answer:
Cultural diversity contributes to creativity, but it can cause problems when various groups do not work together well.
Content: The essence is captured, but some key ideas are missing, such as mutual respect and the global impact of diversity.
Form: Correct form, within the required word count.
Grammar: Simple grammatical structure used. Could improve with better use of transitions.
Vocabulary: Limited vocabulary—terms like “various groups” and “problems” lack precision.
Spelling: No spelling mistakes.
Vocabulary and Grammar Breakdown
Improving your vocabulary is crucial for scoring well in the PTE Summarize Written Text task. Below is a list of 10 challenging words from the passage, along with their phonetic transcription, definition, and examples of usage.
-
Heterogeneous (/ˌhɛtərəˈdʒiːniəs/)
Definition: Consisting of many different kinds.
Example: “The city’s population was highly heterogeneous, comprising people from various ethnic backgrounds.” -
Conducive (/kənˈd(j)uːsɪv/)
Definition: Making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible.
Example: “A friendly work environment is conducive to increased productivity.” -
Inclusion (/ɪnˈkluːʒən/)
Definition: Involvement of people from different backgrounds within a group or society.
Example: “Policies that promote inclusion are essential in diverse societies.” -
Cohesion (/kəʊˈhiːʒən/)
Definition: Unity, or the state of sticking together.
Example: “Cohesion within the team is vital to achieve the project goals.” -
Fragmentation (/ˌfræɡ.menˈteɪ.ʃən/)
Definition: Breaking into smaller parts.
Example: “Political fragmentation weakened the country.” -
Mutual (/ˈmjuːtʃʊəl/)
Definition: Experienced or done by each of two or more parties.
Example: “Their friendship was built on mutual trust.” -
Foster (/ˈfɒstər/)
Definition: To encourage or promote the development of something.
Example: “Leaders must foster a culture of respect and cooperation.” -
Philosophical (/ˌfɪl.əˈsɒf.ɪ.kəl/)
Definition: Relating to the study or development of fundamental ideas about truth, reality, and existence.
Example: “The book explores deep philosophical questions about life.” -
Innovative (/ˈɪnəˌveɪtɪv/)
Definition: Introducing or using new ideas or approaches.
Example: “Innovative technologies are transforming industries worldwide.” -
Challenges (/ˈtʃælɪndʒɪz/)
Definition: Difficult situations that require effort to resolve.
Example: “The team faced many challenges during the development phase.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the Summarize Written Text task in the PTE Speaking & Writing section is essential for achieving a high score on the PTE Academic exam. Understanding and practicing topics like cultural diversity’s role in society will not only aid your performance but also help you prepare mentally for common themes in the exam. Make sure to practice frequently by summarizing different text passages, and don’t hesitate to leave a comment below if you have any questions!
