The “Summarize Written Text” section of the PTE Speaking & Writing task tests your ability to condense written information into a coherent summary, presenting only essential ideas. For PTE aspirants, having access to realistic and relevant practice materials is essential. One of the most common and impactful topics at the PTE exam is Globalization’s effect on local businesses.
In this article, we will provide several practice exercises based on real-world examples, including detailed analysis and model answers across different band scores. These exercises will help you better prepare for the PTE by enhancing your reading, summarizing, and writing skills effectively.
Why “Globalization’s Effect on Local Businesses” Is a Popular Topic
Globalization has been one of the most studied and debated subjects in contemporary times. Its impact on local businesses, both positive and negative, often appears in academic discussions. In the context of PTE, topics such as this are used to gauge your ability to distill complex ideas and prioritize key arguments in your summaries.
Now, let’s dive into a few sample questions to help you practice for your PTE exam effectively.
Summarize Written Text Practice 1: Globalization and Its Impacts on Local Businesses
Task: Summarize the following text in one sentence. Your response must be between 5 to 75 words. You have 10 minutes to complete this task.
Globalization refers to the process by which businesses, economies, and markets become interconnected on a global scale. While globalization provides companies with access to larger markets, it often leads to challenges for local businesses in the form of increased competition. Large multinational corporations benefit from economies of scale, making it difficult for smaller, local businesses to compete on pricing and market reach. However, some argue that globalization also presents opportunities for local businesses to expand internationally, by utilizing online platforms and niche markets. Thus, the effects of globalization on local businesses are multifaceted, with some experiencing negative consequences, while others manage to thrive in the increasingly interconnected marketplace.
Model Answer for Band 90
Globalization impacts local businesses by introducing both challenges, such as increased competition from multinational corporations, and opportunities related to accessing larger international markets, making its effects both complex and variable depending on the context.
Content: Covers all the key points of the passage, addressing both challenges and opportunities presented by globalization.
Form: The response is within the word limit and clearly structured in one sentence.
Grammar: Complex sentence structures used correctly.
Vocabulary: Includes precise terms like “multinational corporations” and “interconnected marketplace.”
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Model Answer for Band 65
Globalization increases competition for local businesses while also providing opportunities for them to access international markets.
Content: Highlights two key points but overlooks some nuances such as the different experiences local businesses may face.
Form: The response is concise and within the word limit.
Grammar: Well-structured sentence but lacks complexity, making it relatively simple.
Vocabulary: General vocabulary is used, avoiding more complex terms.
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Model Answer for Band 50
Globalization is causing local businesses more competition and opportunities to grow.
Content: Misses the multifaceted nature of the effect of globalization and only touches on basic ideas.
Form: The response is concise but lacks depth.
Grammar: Sentence structure is overly simple and lacks sophistication.
Vocabulary: Uses very basic vocabulary, without showing range.
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Summarize Written Text Practice 2: The Role of Local Businesses in a Globalized Economy
Task: Summarize the following text in one sentence. Your response must be between 5 to 75 words. You have 10 minutes to complete this task.
Globalization has transformed the way local businesses operate. In a globalized economy, large multinational corporations often dominate the market, but local businesses can play a crucial role by catering to specific, regional needs and offering unique, customized products that multinational companies may not be able to. By focusing on innovation and customer service, many local businesses have successfully maintained their relevance despite the overwhelming presence of larger corporations. Furthermore, the advent of e-commerce and digital marketing platforms has allowed small businesses to access international customers, making it easier to compete against multinational companies on a global scale.
Model Answer for Band 90
Although multinational corporations dominate the global economy, local businesses maintain relevance by offering niche products, focusing on innovation, and leveraging e-commerce to reach international customers.
Content: Thoroughly covers the contrasts between local businesses and large corporations, touching on innovation and digital marketing, as well as how local businesses use these tools to compete globally.
Form: Meets all formatting requirements and clearly sums up the passage in one sentence.
Grammar: Uses advanced sentence structures with appropriate transitions.
Vocabulary: Incorporates precise terms like “e-commerce” and “niche products.”
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Model Answer for Band 65
Local businesses compete with global companies by offering unique products and using online platforms to access more customers.
Content: Covers basic aspects of the passage but lacks detail about innovation and customer service.
Form: Keeps within the word limit but does not delve into the multifaceted nature.
Grammar: Basic sentence structure without mistakes, but lacks complexity.
Vocabulary: General vocabulary used, without showcasing a broader range.
Spelling: Accurate.
Model Answer for Band 50
Local businesses use the internet to sell products and compete with big companies.
Content: Misses significant details such as innovation and customer service focus.
Form: Only conveys basic information without depth.
Grammar: Sentence is overly simplistic.
Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary, does not exhibit a command of advanced language.
Spelling: No errors.
Vocabulary & Grammar Analysis
Here are 10 standout vocabulary words and phrases from the texts, with phonetic transcription and examples:
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Multinational /ˌmʌltaɪˈnæʃən(ə)l/ – Meaning: A company operating in several countries; Example: “Multinational corporations often benefit from economies of scale.”
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Economies of scale /ɪˌkɒnəmiːz əv skeɪl/ – Meaning: The cost advantage of producing goods in large quantities; Example: “Large corporations benefit from economies of scale.”
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Niche market /niːʃ ˈmɑːkɪt/ – Meaning: A specialized segment of the market for a product; Example: “Local businesses often thrive in niche markets.”
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E-commerce /ˈiːkɒmɜːs/ – Meaning: The buying and selling of goods online; Example: “E-commerce has opened up international markets to small businesses.”
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Innovation /ɪnəˈveɪʃən/ – Meaning: The process of innovating or introducing new methods or products; Example: “Local businesses can stay competitive by focusing on innovation.”
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Interconnected /ˌɪntəkəˈnɛktɪd/ – Meaning: Linked with each other; Example: “The global economy is highly interconnected.”
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Relevance /ˈrɛlɪvəns/ – Meaning: The quality or state of being closely connected or appropriate; Example: “Local businesses can gain relevance by catering to specific needs.”
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Overwhelming /ˌoʊvərˈwɛlmɪŋ/ – Meaning: Very great in amount; Example: “Multinational companies often present overwhelming competition.”
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Cater /ˈkeɪtər/ – Meaning: To provide what is required or desired; Example: “Local businesses cater to specific regional tastes.”
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Customized /ˈkʌstəmʌɪzd/ – Meaning: Tailored to individual specifications; Example: “Local businesses can offer customized products that appeal to local preferences.”
Conclusion
The “Summarize Written Text” task is an important part of the PTE exam, and by practicing with realistic examples, you can significantly improve your skills. Topics like Globalization’s effect on local businesses are frequent and highly relevant, as they touch on current global economic trends. Continue practicing with variations of these examples, and feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts or questions!
