PTE Summarize Written Text: Globalization’s Impact on Traditional Economies

The Summarize Written Text section in the Speaking & Writing module of the PTE exam evaluates candidates’ ability to understand and condense the meaning of a given passage into a single sentence. This task is crucial because it helps assess linguistic and summarization skills, both of which are vital for academic success. One recurring theme in this section of the PTE exam is “Globalization’s impact on traditional economies”—a highly relevant and thought-provoking subject.

In this article, you will find practice questions modeled after real PTE tests and response samples corresponding to different score bands for you to assess your performance and understand how to improve.

Summarize Written Text Practice: Globalization’s Impact on Traditional Economies

In this section, you’ll find a sample Summarize Written Text question. Read the text carefully and summarize it in one sentence that includes the main points. Aim for the response to be between 5 to 75 words, just like in an actual PTE exam.

Practice Question

Globalization has transformed the way economies function, bringing about accelerated urban development, advanced technologies, and expanded global trade networks. Despite these benefits, traditional economies have often suffered due to the disruption of local industries, loss of cultural identity, and greater inequality between developed and developing nations. The influx of foreign goods and services has rendered many traditional practices obsolete, and small-scale economies have struggled to adapt to the fast pace that large global corporations set. However, proponents of globalization argue that it provides vast opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and efficiency, while detractors emphasize the challenges and social imbalances it contributes to.

Instructions: Summarize the text in one sentence.

Response Samples for Different Band Scores

Band 90-100 Response

Globalization, while offering benefits such as economic growth and technological advancement, has adversely impacted traditional economies by disrupting local industries, creating inequality, and leading to cultural loss, although advocates claim it provides opportunities for innovation and efficiency.

Analysis:

• Content: The response captures all essential points, recognizing both the positive and negative effects of globalization.
• Form: Proper word limits (around 40 words). Accurate single-sentence summary.
• Grammar: Well-constructed sentence with correct subject-verb agreements.
• Vocabulary: Advanced word choices such as “adversely impacted,” “proponents,” and “inequality.”
• Spelling: No mistakes are present.

Band 70-80 Response

Globalization has improved economies but has negatively affected traditional practices and led to inequalities between developing and developed nations.

Analysis:

• Content: Covers the main points of the text, though it lacks nuance in explaining the balance between positive and negative outcomes.
• Form: A succinct summary adhering to the word limit requirement.
• Grammar: Grammatical structure is correct, though slightly simplified.
• Vocabulary: Suitable use of common words (“improved,” “affected”), though not as sophisticated as higher-band responses.
• Spelling: No errors.

Band 50-60 Response

While globalization has helped grow economies, it has hurt traditional economies and increased inequality.

Analysis:

• Content: The response mentions key ideas but omits nuances about technological advancements and cultural loss.
• Form: Short but falls within the required word limit.
• Grammar: Simple sentence structure with adequate clarity.
• Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary (“hurt,” “increased inequality”) without elaboration.
• Spelling: No issue.

Band 30-40 Response

Globalization is bad for small economies, and it causes inequality.

Analysis:

• Content: Lacks depth and misses many key details about the dual nature of globalization.
• Form: Under the recommended word count.
• Grammar: Simple sentence without complexity.
• Vocabulary: Limited vocabulary, missing critical terms like “technological advancement” or “local industries.”
• Spelling: Correct spelling.

Key Vocabulary Related to Globalization and Economies

Below is a list of 10 challenging vocabulary words used within the article and sample questions, along with their meanings and example sentences:

1. Globalization /ˌɡloʊbəlaɪˈzeɪʃn/ – The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale.

   • Example: Globalization has revolutionized trade between nations.

2. Inequality /ˌɪnɪˈkwælɪti/ – The state of not being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities.

   • Example: The economic policies have exacerbated social inequality.

3. Cultural Identity /ˈkʌltʃərəl aɪˈdɛntɪti/ – The identity or feeling of belonging to a group, influenced by one’s culture.

   • Example: Globalization has led to the erosion of local cultural identity.

4. Disruption /dɪsˈrʌpʃn/ – Disturbance or problems that interrupt an event, activity, or process.

   • Example: The introduction of new technologies has caused disruption in traditional markets.

5. Proponent /prəˈpoʊnənt/ – A person who advocates a theory, proposal, or course of action.

   • Example: Proponents of globalization argue it fosters innovation.

6. Obsolete /ˈɑːbsəˌlit/ – No longer produced or used; out of date.

   • Example: Many traditional farming methods have become obsolete due to modern machinery.

7. Urban Development /ˈɜrbən dɪˈvɛləpmənt/ – The growth and expansion of cities and towns, often at the expense of rural communities.

   • Example: Urban development has led to the rapid industrialization of many regions.

8. Small-scale economies /smɔːl-skeɪl ɪˈkɒnəmiz/ – Economies characterized by relatively small operations, especially in agriculture and craftsmanship.

   • Example: Small-scale economies in rural areas are struggling against larger multinational corporations.

9. Advancement /ədˈvænsmənt/ – The process of promoting progress, especially in terms of increased technology or knowledge.

   • Example: Technological advancement in transportation has facilitated international trade.

10. Efficiency /ɪˈfɪʃnsi/ – The ability to accomplish something with the least waste of time and effort.

    • Example: Globalization has enhanced the efficiency of global production chains.

Conclusion

The Summarize Written Text section of the PTE exam assesses your ability to distill complex information into a concise statement—an essential skill for academic communication. The topic of globalization’s impact on traditional economies remains highly relevant in the test due to the modern era’s increasing interconnectedness. Understanding both the advantages and disadvantages of globalization through practice questions like these will better prepare you for success.

Feel free to practice more using varied topics in this section, and don’t forget to share your experiences or pose any questions in the comments below!