The Summarize Written Text task in the PTE exam tests your ability to read, identify main ideas, and condense the text into a single, well-constructed sentence. This task forms part of the Speaking & Writing section and is both a challenge and an opportunity to showcase your ability to manage English language complexity. One popular and increasingly relevant topic you might encounter is Digital Currencies In Global Transactions.
Digital currencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other types of cryptocurrencies, have become a significant topic of discussion in economic and financial sectors worldwide. Yet, mastering the skill of summarizing this topic effectively is essential, not just for academic purposes, but also for familiarizing yourself with key real-life issues.
In this post, we’ll provide sample questions based on the topic of Digital Currencies in Global Transactions for Summarize Written Text practice.
Sample Question 1: The Rise of Digital Currencies
Instructions: After reading the given passage, summarize it in one sentence of 5 to 75 words.
Digital currencies, often referred to as cryptocurrencies, are transforming global financial networks due to their decentralized nature and absence of intermediaries like banks. Unlike traditional financial systems, digital currencies provide faster, more economical cross-border transactions, which is increasingly relevant in an interconnected global economy. Despite their rapid adoption, digital currencies face challenges such as regulatory scrutiny, scalability issues, and public misunderstandings. Nonetheless, their role in shaping the future of global transactions is undeniable, and financial institutions are starting to develop their proprietary digital currencies to compete with cryptocurrencies. These currencies open up unprecedented opportunities, fostering financial inclusion and efficiency in developing economies.
Sample Answer 1 (For High Band: Band 79+)
Digital currencies, by facilitating faster, cheaper, and decentralized transactions, are transforming global finance, although challenges such as regulatory scrutiny persist, but they remain pivotal in future global transactions.
Content: Excellent summary, covering the key points about faster transactions, and challenges while maintaining brevity.
Form: The structure adheres to the rule of one sentence.
Grammar: Grammatical structures are sophisticated, with accurate complex sentences.
Vocabulary: Effective and rich use of vocabulary, such as “decentralized”, “scrutiny”, and “pivotal”.
Spelling: No errors.
Sample Answer 2 (For Middle Band: Band 65-78)
Digital currencies help transactions to be faster and cheaper, but they face regulatory issues and misunderstandings from the public.
Content: Covers the main ideas of efficiency and challenges but lacks detail about the future outlook or financial inclusions.
Form: Correct sentence format.
Grammar: Simple, correct grammar but lacks complexity.
Vocabulary: Decent use of vocabulary but not as varied, e.g., use of “help” instead of a more nuanced verb like “facilitate”.
Spelling: No errors.
Sample Answer 3 (For Low Band: Band 50-64)
Digital currencies are changing transactions by being faster and cheaper but have some issues.
Content: Very basic summary, omitting many key ideas, such as regulatory scrutiny and future implications.
Form: Sentence format is followed.
Grammar: Simple, grammatically correct, but lacks depth.
Vocabulary: Very basic vocabulary with repetitive words like “issues” instead of more specific terms like “regulatory challenges”.
Spelling: No errors.
Sample Question 2: Impact of Digital Currencies on Developing Economies
Instructions: After reading the passage, summarize it in one sentence of 5 to 75 words.
In developing economies, digital currencies hold significant potential to expand financial accessibility. By utilizing blockchain technology that does not require traditional banking infrastructure, even people in rural or underdeveloped areas can participate in the global economy and access digital financial products. However, this technology can be double-edged, as a lack of proper regulations and technical infrastructure can lead to financial instability. Although countries like Nigeria and El Salvador are pioneers in adopting cryptocurrencies, there remains a risk of populating an unregulated, volatile financial asset in less economically stable regions.
Sample Answer 1 (For High Band: Band 79+)
Digital currencies have great potential to expand financial access in developing economies by bypassing traditional banking systems, but there are risks due to a lack of regulation and infrastructure.
Content: Excellent summary, capturing the dual nature (opportunities and risks) of digital currencies in developing economies.
Form: Adheres perfectly to the overall sentence structure.
Grammar: Excellent grammar, with accurate use of both simple and complex sentences.
Vocabulary: Well-rounded vocabulary—terms like “bypassing” and “infrastructure” precisely fit the context.
Spelling: No errors.
Sample Answer 2 (For Middle Band: Band 65-78)
Digital currencies provide financial services in areas without banks, especially helping people in rural regions, but these can also be risky.
Content: Minor points are covered, but the response lacks specificity, such as risks related to “regulation.”
Form: Sentence format is correct.
Grammar: Simple, correct grammar but lacks complexity.
Vocabulary: Vocabulary is somewhat basic, missing a more academic tone.
Spelling: No errors.
Sample Answer 3 (For Low Band: Band 50-64)
Digital currencies help people without banking access but have issues.
Content: Simplistic and missing key points, especially about regulatory concerns, technological infrastructure, and economic stability.
Form: Sentence uses correct format.
Grammar: Grammatically correct but overly simplistic.
Vocabulary: Repetitive and basic vocabulary (help/issues), unclear.
Spelling: No errors.
Vocabulary and Grammar Focus
Below are 10 advanced vocabulary words from the passages that can improve your performance in the Summarize Written Text task:
-
Decentralized (/ˌdiːˈsɛntrəˌlaɪzd/): Not controlled by one central authority.
Example: Digital currencies operate on decentralized systems, unlike traditional banking. -
Scrutiny (/ˈskruːtəni/): Close and critical observation.
Example: Cryptocurrencies are under increasing regulatory scrutiny due to fraud risks. -
Scalability (/skeɪləˈbɪlɪti/): Capable of being expanded or measured at different levels.
Example: The scalability of blockchain technology remains a significant challenge. -
Instability (/ˌɪnstəˈbɪlɪti/): Lack of stability or constancy.
Example: Economic instability may result from poorly regulated digital currencies. -
Proprietary (/prəˈpraɪətəri/): Privately owned and controlled.
_Example: Financial institutions are developing proprietary digital currencies.* -
Inclusion (/ɪnˈkluːʒən/): The action of including or being included within a group or structure.
Example: Digital currencies foster financial inclusion in rural areas. -
Volatile (/ˈvɒlətʌɪl/): Likely to change rapidly and unpredictably.
_Example: Cryptocurrency prices are highly volatile, making them risky investments.* -
Bypass (/ˈbaɪpɑːs/): To go around or avoid something, especially regulations or normal systems.
_Example: Digital currencies bypass traditional banking restrictions.* -
Intermediaries (/ˌɪntərˈmiːdiəri/): A mediator between two parties, like banks in financial transactions.
_Example: Without intermediaries, digital currencies offer direct peer-to-peer transfers.* -
Adoption (/əˈdɒpʃən/): The action or fact of accepting or starting to use something new.
_Example: The adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender raised concerns in some countries.*
Conclusion
The Summarize Written Text task in PTE benefits from practice, especially with relevant contemporary topics such as Digital Currencies in Global Transactions. Given the rising role of digital currencies globally, it’s crucial to comprehend and articulate these emerging trends clearly. Regular practice with these sample exercises will significantly improve your summarizing skills, as well as prepare you for real test scenarios.
Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions or share your answers to compare how well you’re tackling this crucial PTE task!
