In the PTE exam, the Summarize Written Text (SWT) task in the Speaking & Writing section challenges candidates to capture the main idea of a given text in one concise sentence. Typically, the subject matter covers a variety of topics, and one commonly examined theme is Digital Marketing Ethics And User Privacy. This article presents a practice question alongside model answers for various bands, aiming to help you prepare for your PTE exam.
Practice Question: Summarize Written Text on Digital Marketing Ethics and User Privacy
Instructions: You will have 10 minutes to summarize the passage below in one sentence using no more than 75 words. Your response will be judged on the quality of your writing and on how well your response presents the key points in the passage.**
Digital marketing has revolutionized businesses’ ability to reach customers, but the rise of targeted advertising based on user data has brought about significant ethical concerns. Companies like Google and Facebook gather vast amounts of personal data, often without users’ direct consent, raising issues related to privacy, data security, and misuse of information. While some argue that these practices enhance the user experience by making advertisements more relevant, others believe that they pose a profound risk to user privacy and autonomy. A balance is required between providing personalized services and ensuring that users’ data is protected and used transparently, as regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) strive to establish.
Model Answers for Different Band Scores
Band 90 (Full Score)
Digital marketing brings both opportunities for personalized advertising and concerns over user privacy, as businesses collect vast amounts of personal data, necessitating compliance with regulations like GDPR to maintain a balance between enhancing user experience and protecting consumer data.
Content: All key points are covered (data collection, privacy concerns, enhanced experience, regulations like GDPR).
Form: Within word limit, single sentence.
Grammar: Free of errors, perfectly structured.
Vocabulary: Strong, precise use of words like “necessitating,” “compliance,” and “balance.”
Spelling: No errors.
Digital marketing ad with user data and privacy concerns
Band 80 (High Score)
While digital marketing offers personalized experiences, it raises significant privacy concerns due to the collection of personal data, with regulations such as GDPR aimed at protecting users.
Content: Adequate coverage of main points but lacks mention of misusing information.
Form: Correct format and within the word limit.
Grammar: Minor errors, but overall good.
Vocabulary: Adequate, though slightly less sophisticated than the Band 90 response.
Spelling: No issues.
Band 70
Digital marketing is causing privacy concerns by using personal data for targeted ads, so GDPR regulations are needed to protect user information.
Content: Misses out on some nuance (personalized experiences, misuse of information).
Form: Correct, under 75 words.
Grammar: Simple sentence structure, lacks variety.
Vocabulary: Basic but correct.
Spelling: No spelling mistakes.
GDPR regulation for data protection and privacy
Band 60
Companies use personal data for ads, but this raises privacy concerns and regulations like GDPR are needed.
Content: Lacks detail about targeted advertising and ethical concerns.
Form: Correct, shorter than necessary.
Grammar: Correct but overly simple.
Vocabulary: Simple, lacks complexity.
Spelling: No errors.
Key Vocabulary and Grammar
Here is a list of 10 advanced vocabulary words and phrases from the text, accompanied by their meanings and example sentences:
- Revolutionized (/rɛvəˌluːʃəˈnaɪzd/): Caused a dramatic change in something.
Example: Digital marketing has revolutionized the way companies advertise products. - Ethical (/ˈɛθɪkəl/): Related to principles of right and wrong.
Example: Companies must make ethical decisions when handling user data. - Privacy (/ˈpraɪvəsi/): The right of individuals to keep their personal information secure.
Example: Many users feel their privacy is violated by data tracking. - Consent (/kənˈsɛnt/): Permission for something to happen.
Example: Users often provide consent for data collection without fully understanding it. - Autonomy (/ɔːˈtɒnəmi/): Freedom or independence in decision making.
Example: Collecting data without consent can infringe on user autonomy. - Data Security (/ˈdeɪtə sɪˈkjʊərɪti/): Protection of user information from unauthorized access.
Example: Businesses must prioritize data security to prevent breaches. - Personalized (/ˈpɜːrsnəlaɪzd/): Tailored to an individual’s preferences.
Example: Personalized advertisements have become the norm in digital marketing. - Misuse (/ˌmɪsˈjuːs/): Incorrect or illegal use of something.
Example: Misuse of personal data can lead to significant ethical issues. - Transparent (/trænsˈpærənt/): Open and straightforward in actions.
Example: Companies need to be transparent with how they use customer data. - Regulation (/ˌrɛɡjʊˈleɪʃən/): An official rule or law designed to control something.
Example: GDPR is a regulation meant to safeguard personal data privacy.
Illustration of data breaches in digital marketing and user privacy risks
Conclusion
The topic of Digital marketing ethics and user privacy is crucial for both professionals in the marketing field and individuals concerned with their online safety. As highlighted in this practice question, this is a common theme in the Summarize Written Text section of the PTE, requiring candidates to balance thorough content compression and clear language. Continuous practice with these types of texts will improve your exam readiness. Drop a comment below to share your own summarized response or ask questions to deepen your understanding!
