The PTE Academic exam is an essential tool for non-native English speakers striving to work or study in English-speaking environments. One key component in the Speaking & Writing section is the Summarize Written Text task, where candidates must condense a passage into a single sentence that conveys its essential meaning. The topic “Future Of Work In Gig Economy” has recently become a frequent focus in test prompts, reflecting its increasing significance in today’s rapidly changing labor market.
In this article, we will explore several Summarize Written Text task samples themed around the future of work in the growing gig economy. Additionally, we’ll present multiple sample answers for various score bands, along with detailed feedback for improvement—so you can ace this part of the PTE.
Sample Summarize Written Text Question: The Future of Work in the Gig Economy
Prompt:
Read the passage below and summarize it in one sentence. Your response must be between 5 and 75 words.
The gig economy, driven by freelance and short-term contracts, is transforming the traditional employment model. While it provides flexibility and opportunities for workers, it comes with challenges such as job insecurity and lack of benefits. As more businesses adopt gig work, the future of employment lies in finding a balance between autonomy for workers and protections typically associated with full-time roles. Policymakers and businesses must collaborate to create a sustainable future for the gig economy workforce.
Response 1 – Band 60
The gig economy is reshaping employment by offering flexibility, but workers face challenges like job insecurity, prompting the need for collaboration between policymakers and businesses to ensure a balanced future.
- Content: Good coverage of the key points.
- Form: Correct length and summarizes correctly.
- Grammar: Proper sentence structure.
- Vocabulary: Adequate word choices.
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Response 2 – Band 70
The gig economy offers flexibility but also creates job insecurity, and the future depends on collaboration between policymakers and businesses to protect gig workers while maintaining the autonomy they value.
- Content: More concise and clearly states the key challenges and solutions.
- Form: Well-formed, fitting the single-sentence requirement.
- Grammar: The sentence is grammatically sound and easy to follow.
- Vocabulary: Good use of terms like “autonomy” and “protection.”
- Spelling: No errors present.
Response 3 – Band 90
As the gig economy revolutionizes traditional work by offering flexibility but lacking benefits, the future lies in policies and business innovations that integrate worker protections with autonomy in employment models.
- Content: Comprehensive coverage of all essential points with value-added insight.
- Form: The single sentence is clear and within the required length.
- Grammar: Sophisticated sentence structure with no errors.
- Vocabulary: Diverse and sophisticated word usage, such as “revolutionizes” and “integrate.”
- Spelling: No mistakes.
Analytical Breakdown of Sample Answers
1. Content
The core topic centers around the dynamic nature of gig work, its advantages (like flexibility), and its drawbacks (such as job insecurity and lack of benefits). For a high-scoring summary, it is crucial to mention both aspects and hint at the potential solutions involving policymakers and businesses.
2. Form
A single sentence between 5 and 75 words is essential. The more concise and to-the-point, the better, without omitting key information.
3. Grammar
Ensure correct subject-verb agreement, use of conjunctions, and logical flow in your sentence.
4. Vocabulary
Strive for academic and professional word choices, avoiding overly simplistic expressions. Vocabulary like “revolutionizes,” “collaboration,” “insecurity,” and “protection” reflects a higher level of language.
5. Spelling
It’s crucial that no spelling errors are present, as this could lower your score.
Gig economy change and employment balance
Vocabulary List
Here are 10 key vocabulary words from the passage with their meanings and examples:
-
Gig economy (/ɡɪɡ ɪˈkɒn.ə.mi/): A labor market characterized by the prevalence of short-term contracts or freelance work instead of permanent jobs.
Example: The gig economy has grown rapidly in the past decade due to the rise of digital platforms. -
Autonomy (/ɔːˈtɒn.ə.mi/): The right or condition of self-government or self-directing freedom.
Example: Many workers in the gig economy enjoy the autonomy that allows them to set their own schedules. -
Insecurity (/ˌɪn.sɪˈkjʊə.rɪ.ti/): Uncertainty or anxiety about oneself; lack of confidence.
Example: Despite the autonomy enjoyed by gig workers, they often face financial insecurity due to the lack of ongoing contracts. -
Benefits (/ˈben.ɪ.fɪts/): Non-wage compensation provided to employees, such as health insurance or retirement plans.
Example: Unlike traditional jobs, gig workers typically do not receive benefits. -
Policymaker (/ˈpɒl.ɪ.si.meɪ.kər/): A person responsible for making policy, especially in government.
Example: Policymakers are deliberating on how to provide protections for gig workers. -
Collaboration (/kəˌlæb.əˈreɪ.ʃən/): The action of working with someone to produce something.
Example: There needs to be collaboration between businesses and the government to solve the issues in the gig economy. -
Flexibility (/ˌfleks.ɪˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/): The quality of bending easily without breaking; willingness to adapt.
Example: Flexibility is one of the key attractions of the gig economy for many workers. -
Sustainable (/səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/): Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
Example: Policymakers need to ensure that the gig economy develops sustainably. -
Balancing (/ˈbæl.ənsɪŋ/): Keeping two or more things in a state of balance or equilibrium.
Example: Employers need to focus on balancing the benefits of gig work with protections for workers. -
Digital platform (/ˈdɪʤɪtl ˈplætfɔːm/): An online service that facilitates functioning and communication.
Example: Many workers use digital platforms like Uber to find gig jobs.
Conclusion
Summarizing written texts in the PTE requires a combination of strong reading comprehension, grammar skills, and precise language use. The “Future of Work in the Gig Economy” is a prominent and timely topic, reflecting the modern world of work. By practicing with samples, analyzing feedback, and refining your language skills, candidates can better prepare for the real test. Additionally, working on key vocabulary and focusing on precise content can significantly boost performance.
The gig economy’s future continues to be of interest, and it’ll remain a popular subject in The gig economy’s future. Keep practicing, and leave your comments below if you need further help!
