The Summarize Written Text task in the Speaking & Writing section of the PTE exam is designed to assess a test taker’s ability to summarize complex information concisely and accurately. One of the common topics that appears in the PTE exam is Digital Currency And Financial Inclusion, a timely and significant subject given its relevance in the global economy today. This article will walk you through sample tasks on this topic and provide detailed answers corresponding to different score bands.
What is Summarize Written Text?
In this task, you are required to read a passage (around 150-400 words) and summarize it in a single sentence not exceeding 75 words. The task tests your understanding of main ideas, and how effectively you condense information, using proper grammar and vocabulary.
Sample Summarize Written Text Task: Digital Currency and Financial Inclusion
Here is a sample task based on the topic. Read the following passage carefully and summarize it into one sentence no longer than 75 words.
Passage:
The rapid development of digital currencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum is reshaping the financial landscape, particularly in how they promote financial inclusion. Traditional banking systems often exclude or underserve large populations, especially in developing countries where access to financial services is limited. Digital currencies bypass traditional banking by offering decentralized platforms, reducing the barriers to entry. With just a mobile device and internet access, individuals can participate in the global economy, send and receive payments, and access loans and investments, enhancing financial inclusion. However, challenges such as regulatory concerns, technological literacy, and security risks still persist and must be addressed to maximize the benefits of these innovative platforms.
Summarize the text in one sentence.
Sample Answers for Different Score Bands
Band 90 (Perfect):
Digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum offer decentralized platforms that enhance financial inclusion by allowing people, particularly in developing countries, to access financial services with just a mobile device, although challenges such as regulation and security remain.
Analysis:
- Content: Accurate inclusion of the main ideas from the passage.
- Form: Fits within the required 75-word limit.
- Grammar: Flawless use of complex sentence structures.
- Vocabulary: The vocabulary is appropriate and captures the necessary technical terms (decentralized platforms, financial inclusion).
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Digital currencies facilitate financial access via decentralized methods
Band 80-85:
Digital currencies like Bitcoin promote financial inclusion by providing decentralized financial services accessible by mobile devices, but obstacles such as technological literacy and regulatory issues remain.
Analysis:
- Content: Correct summarization, though it condenses some of the details a little too much.
- Form: Within the word limit.
- Grammar: The structure is sound, but could include more complex elements to reflect the detail of the original text.
- Vocabulary: Slight oversimplification of certain details, but still clear and accurate.
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 70-79:
Digital currency helps financial inclusion by allowing people to access financial services using mobile phones, but there are regulatory and security concerns.
Analysis:
- Content: General ideas are present, but many nuances are missing or oversimplified.
- Form: Falls within the word limit.
- Grammar: Uses basic sentence structure and misses some complexity.
- Vocabulary: Lack of specificity in terminology (e.g. “decentralized platforms”).
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 60-69:
Digital currencies provide access to financial services, but there are security and regulatory issues.
Analysis:
- Content: This response misses key ideas, such as decentralized nature and the importance of financial inclusion.
- Form: Stays within the word count.
- Grammar: Grammatically correct, but very simple.
- Vocabulary: Lacks advanced vocabulary and does not fully capture the passage’s details.
- Spelling: No errors.
Key Vocabulary from the Passage
Here are 10 important words and phrases from the passage, along with their meanings and example sentences:
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Decentralized /diːˈsentrəlaɪzd/ (adj.): Controlled from multiple locations rather than a single central authority.
- Bitcoin operates on a decentralized network that doesn’t rely on banks.
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Financial Inclusion /faɪˈnænʃəl ɪnˈkluːʒən/ (noun): The effort to ensure that individuals and businesses have access to financial services.
- Digital currencies play a crucial role in promoting financial inclusion.
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Barrier to Entry /ˈbæriər tə ˈɛntri/ (noun): Obstacles that prevent people from accessing certain markets or opportunities.
- Digital currencies lower the barrier to entry for people without traditional bank accounts.
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Underserve /ˌʌndərˈsɜːrv/ (verb): To provide inadequate service to a population or area.
- Many developing countries are underserved by traditional banks.
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Regulatory Concerns /ˈrɛgjələtɔri kənˈsɜːrnz/ (noun): Legal and policy issues related to governing activity in a particular industry.
- Regulatory concerns about digital currencies include tax evasion and money laundering.
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Technological Literacy /ˌtɛknəˈlɑːdʒɪkl ˈlɪtərəsi/ (noun): The ability to effectively use modern technology.
- A lack of technological literacy is a significant barrier to the adoption of digital currencies.
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Bypass /ˈbaɪpæs/ (verb): To avoid or go around something.
- Digital currencies bypass traditional banking systems.
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Global Economy /ˈɡloʊ.bəl ɪˈkɒnəmi/ (noun): The international network of economic activities.
- Bitcoin allows users to participate in the global economy without a bank account.
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Security Risks /sɪˈkjʊrɪti rɪsks/ (noun): Potential dangers that threaten the safety or security of users.
- Security risks such as hacking represent a challenge in the crypto world.
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Access Loans /ˈæksɛs loʊnz/ (noun): The ability to borrow money.
- With digital currencies, more people in rural areas can access loans.
Key financial terms related to digital currencies
Conclusion
The Summarize Written Text task is a critical component of the PTE exam, requiring test-takers to summarize key information clearly and succinctly. The topic of Digital Currency and Financial Inclusion has become popular due to its growing relevance in global transactions. By mastering this task and effectively incorporating main ideas, proper grammar, and specialized vocabulary, test-takers can significantly improve their results. Remember to keep practicing using similar passages and always refine your skills in concisely summarizing complex information.
Looking for more insights on this topic? Check out our detailed discussion on Digital currencies in global transactions for further learning and practice!
