Gender Diversity in STEM Fields – Summarize Written Text Practice for PTE Writing & Speaking

In the PTE exam, the Summarize Written Text task in the Speaking & Writing section requires test takers to condense complex passages into short summaries. Understanding common topics like Gender Diversity In STEM Fields can help you prepare more effectively for the exam. Below, we provide a set of practice questions based on this theme, along with model responses analyzed for various scoring bands.

Why “Gender Diversity in STEM Fields” Is Common In PTE Exams

Gender diversity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields is a topic that has gained significant attention globally over the past decades. This subject often appears in PTE Summarize Written Text section due to its relevance to social, educational, and economic discussions. Having a broad understanding of this topic can assist in summarizing complex information quickly and efficiently — a critical skill for success on this task.

Summarize Written Text Sample Task 1

Reading Passage:

Gender diversity in STEM fields has been a growing concern for policy makers and educators. Historically, STEM fields have seen a disparity in the representation of men and women, with women often underrepresented. Studies suggest that by creating a more inclusive environment, both men and women can benefit from a greater exchange of ideas and creativity. Furthermore, companies that embrace gender diversity tend to outperform those that maintain homogeneous teams, which in turn drives innovation and economic growth. Despite progress, barriers still exist. Gender bias, stereotypes, and lack of access to resources continue to discourage women from pursuing careers in STEM. Efforts to improve gender diversity through mentorship programs, scholarships, and policy changes are essential if we are to foster a more balanced workforce in the future.

Your task: Summarize the passage in one sentence of 5-75 words.

Model Responses

Band Score: 90

The lack of gender diversity in STEM fields, fueled by persistent biases and stereotypes, hampers creativity and innovation, but efforts such as mentorship programs and inclusive policies can help foster a more balanced and productive workforce.

• Content: Excellent coverage of the passage.
• Form: Single sentence, under 75 words.
• Grammar: Complex sentence structure, error-free.
• Vocabulary: Wide range, sophisticated terms like “inclusive policies”, “balanced workforce”.
• Spelling: No errors.

Band Score: 80

Gender diversity in STEM is still a concern due to prevailing biases, but supportive measures like scholarships and mentorship programs are working to close the gap.

• Content: Key points covered, but somewhat abbreviated.
• Form: Single sentence, well-structured.
• Grammar: Correct, though less complex.
• Vocabulary: Good but more basic compared to the 90 band.
• Spelling: Perfect, no issues.

Band Score: 65

STEM fields lack gender diversity, but solutions like scholarships and support can improve this over time.

• Content: Significant ideas are condensed, missing out on nuances like economic growth and innovation.
• Form: One sentence, concise.
• Grammar: Correct but lacks complexity.
• Vocabulary: Basic, functional.
• Spelling: No errors.

Band Score: 50

STEM needs more diversity, and help is being provided.

• Content: Oversimplified, lacks critical details like “why” and “how”.
• Form: Sentence is short but could be clearer.
• Grammar: Simple, correct syntax.
• Vocabulary: Very basic and lacks specificity.
• Spelling: No issues.

Summarize Written Text Sample Task 2

Reading Passage:

The gender gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) careers has long been a source of concern, with men significantly outnumbering women in most disciplines. Numerous studies show that increasing female participation in STEM boosts economic growth and innovation while also addressing some of the most pressing global challenges. Factors contributing to this gap include historical underrepresentation, social stereotypes, and a lack of role models in the field. Governments and educational institutions worldwide are working to combat these issues through special initiatives such as gender-inclusive policies, outreach programs, and mentorship opportunities, which aim to provide more access and inspiration to young women.

Your task: Summarize the passage in one sentence of 5-75 words.

Model Responses

Band Score: 90

The gender gap in STEM persists due to historical underrepresentation and social stereotypes, but initiatives like outreach, mentorship, and inclusive policies aim to increase female participation by providing access and inspiration, leading to economic growth and innovation.

• Content: All key content included, recognizing causes and solutions.
• Form: Encompasses the complexity of the text in a single, well-formed sentence.
• Grammar: Sophisticated and well-executed.
• Vocabulary: Varied, high-level terms like “economic growth”, “historical underrepresentation”.
• Spelling: Correct.

Band Score: 80

Efforts like outreach programs and gender-inclusive policies are helping to close the gender gap in STEM caused by stereotypes and underrepresentation, and boosting innovation at the same time.

• Content: Captures the essence of the passage effectively.
• Form: Single sentence, concise and structured.
• Grammar: Grammatical, with minor simplifications.
• Vocabulary: Good variety, though not as diverse.
• Spelling: No mistakes.

Vocabulary and Grammar

Here are 10 advanced vocabulary words or phrases from the passages with their definitions, pronunciation, and example usages:

1. Disparity /dɪˈspærɪti/ (n.) – A great difference.

   • Example: The statistical disparity in gender representation in STEM is still alarming.

2. Inclusive /ɪnˈkluːsɪv/ (adj.) – Open to everyone.

   • Example: Workplaces with inclusive policies are more successful overall.

3. Bias /ˈbaɪəs/ (n.) – Prejudice in favor or against one thing, person, or group.

   • Example: Gender bias in STEM fields needs to be addressed to improve diversity.

4. Homogeneous /həʊməˈdʒiːniəs/ (adj.) – Composed of parts that are the same.

   • Example: Homogeneous teams lack the creativity that comes from diverse perspectives.

5. Innovation /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/ (n.) – The act of introducing something new.

   • Example: Gender diversity is essential for fostering innovation in science and technology.

6. Mentorship /ˈmɛn.tɔːr.ʃɪp/ (n.) – Guidance provided by an experienced person.

   • Example: Mentorship programs can encourage women to pursue STEM careers.

7. Stereotype /ˈstɛrɪəˌtaɪp/ (n.) – A generalized belief about a group of people.

   • Example: Dismantling stereotypes is key to increasing gender diversity in STEM.

8. Outreach /ˈaʊtriːtʃ/ (n.) – An organized effort to extend services beyond usual limits.

   • Example: Outreach programs can inspire young girls to study STEM fields.

9. Underrepresentation /ˌʌndəˌrɛprɪzɛnˈteɪʃən/ (n.) – Insufficient presence of a particular group in an area or field.

   • Example: The underrepresentation of women in technology remains a global issue.

10. Balanced workforce /ˈbæləns wɜːkfɔːs/ (phr.) – A working environment that includes diverse and equitable representation of genders.

    • Example: A balanced workforce brings varied ideas and improves problem-solving.

Conclusion

In summary, gender diversity in STEM fields is a frequent topic in PTE’s Summarize Written Text section due to its global relevance and complexity. By practicing with sample passages like the ones provided above, you can enhance your ability to condense and convey important ideas succinctly. Always focus on understanding the topic thoroughly, and remember to leave your questions in the comments below for more targeted practice tips!