Structure of PTE Summarize Written Text Task
In the Summarize Written Text task, candidates are presented with one or more paragraphs (roughly 150-400 words). You should condense the main ideas into a piece of text no longer than one sentence, typically between 5 to 75 words. The task evaluates multiple facets of your English language skills, including content comprehension, grammar, and sentence structure.
Now, let’s take a look at the sample prompt below to practice your summarization.
Sample Summarize Written Text Prompt: Education Reforms for Future Skills
In response to rapidly changing job markets, governments and educational bodies worldwide are implementing education reforms to focus on future competencies. These reforms emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, digital literacy, and collaboration, which are vital in a technologically driven world. Traditional curriculums based predominantly on rote learning are being replaced or supplemented with hands-on projects, coding lessons, and interdisciplinary approaches. For instance, Finland has introduced a phenomenon-based learning model, where students explore broad, real-world topics to develop versatile skills. Similarly, countries like Singapore and Canada are revising their education systems to ensure students are well-prepared for the evolving workplace. Despite the progress, challenges like cost, teacher training, and curriculum adaptation remain significant hurdles in fully implementing these reforms. Overall, education reforms geared towards future skills will play a pivotal role in shaping a robust workforce that can meet the demands of new industries.
Prompt Instructions: Summarize the passage in one sentence.
Sample Answers
Band Score: 90
Worldwide education reforms are focusing on future-oriented skills like problem-solving, collaboration, and digital literacy through new learning methods such as interdisciplinary projects, though the challenges of implementation persist.
Content: Covers all significant points, including key skills, changes to the curriculum, and the challenges.
Form: The response is concise, within the 75-word limit, and completed in one sentence.
Grammar: Flawless sentence structure, subject-verb agreement, and no grammatical mistakes.
Vocabulary: Strong academic word usage such as “future-oriented,” “interdisciplinary,” and “implementation.”
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Education reforms focusing on future skills and challenges in implementation
Band Score: 75
Educational reforms are shifting towards essential future skills, using new models like project-based learning and digital education, but face barriers such as teacher training.
Content: Captures the main trends and barriers but slightly omits the specifics about other examples like Finland or Singapore.
Form: Fits the word count and is in the correct format with one sentence.
Grammar: Mostly grammatically correct, though the sentence could be clearer with more transitional words.
Vocabulary: Adequate vocabulary, though not as strong or varied as in the 90 band score answer.
Spelling: No mistakes.
Band Score: 60
Education systems around the world are changing to help students learn new skills for the future, but problems still exist.
Content: Briefly mentions the changes and challenges but lacks specific details about the skills and reforms.
Form: Correct format but could be expanded to include more information.
Grammar: Simple sentence structure, relatively free of errors, but lacks complexity.
Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary with minimal complexity.
Spelling: No mistakes.
Band Score: 50
Many countries are changing their education to focus on the future.
Content: The response is too general and lacks key details relevant to the original passage, such as types of skills or methods.
Form: Short and within the word count, but misses out on providing a complete answer.
Grammar: The sentence is grammatically correct but too simplistic.
Vocabulary: Very basic and lacks variety.
Spelling: No mistakes.
Vocabulary from the Sample Text
The following are 10 vital words and phrases from the passage, each one assisting in improving your PTE vocabulary:
-
Rote Learning /rəʊt/ – (n.) memorization technique based on repetition.
Example: Rote learning is being replaced with critical thinking activities in modern education systems. -
Phenomenon-Based Learning /fəˈnɒmɪnən/ – (n.) a teaching method focusing on real-world events and issues.
Example: Finland’s phenomenon-based learning encourages students to learn across traditional subject boundaries. -
Digital Literacy /ˈdɪdʒɪtəl ˈlɪtərəsi/ – (n.) the ability to find, evaluate, and communicate information via digital platforms.
Example: Digital literacy is a core component of modern education reforms.
Digital literacy in education reforms to prepare students for future skills
-
Interdisciplinary /ɪntəˈdɪsɪplɪnəri/ – (adj.) involving two or more academic, scientific, or artistic disciplines.
Example: Many schools today adopt an interdisciplinary approach combining math, science, and technology. -
Competencies /ˈkɒmpɪtənsi/ – (n.) skills or abilities required to perform a job effectively.
Example: The education reforms are designed to build essential competencies for the future workforce. -
Collaboration /kəˌlæbəˈreɪʃən/ – (n.) the act of working together with others to create or achieve something.
Example: Collaboration is now recognized as a crucial skill in the modern workplace. -
Implementation /ˌɪmplɪmɛnˈteɪʃən/ – (n.) the process of putting a plan or solution into effect.
Example: One of the biggest challenges remains the cost-effective implementation of new curricula. -
Technologically Driven /tɛkˈnɒlədʒikəli/ – (adj.) influenced and shaped by advancements in technology.
Example: The workforce is becoming more technologically driven, demanding updated teaching methods. -
Curriculum Adaptation /kəˈrɪkjʊləm əˈdæpteɪʃən/ – (n.) the process of modifying educational programs to meet new needs or standards.
Example: Adapting the curriculum to meet future needs is essential for student success. -
Workplace /ˈwɜːrkˌpleɪs/ – (n.) an environment where people are employed and do their jobs.
Example: The skills learned in school must translate into the skills required in the workplace.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Summarize Written Text task is an essential part of the PTE test, and education reforms for future skills have been a common theme that you should be well-prepared for. When summarizing, always aim for accuracy, conciseness, and clarity to maximize your score. To improve your skills further, keep practicing with real-life examples and study successful band score models. If you’re interested in related content, you may also want to read more about The future of universal basic services.
Good luck, and don’t forget to leave comments or questions below to engage with the PTE learning community!
