Summarize Written Text in PTE Speaking & Writing | Topic: Internet Censorship and Freedom of Speech

The “Summarize Written Text” section in the PTE tests your ability to condense complex academic content into a single sentence. One common topic within this section is Internet Censorship And Freedom Of Speech, due to its ongoing relevance in today’s world. In this article, we provide sample practice questions and responses for this section, focusing on this specific theme. This will help you develop the skills needed to excel in this part of the PTE exam.

Understanding Summarize Written Text

In PTE Speaking & Writing, the “Summarize Written Text” task requires candidates to read a passage (usually 150-400 words) and summarize the content in one concise sentence of no more than 75 words. Your sentence needs to reflect the main idea of the passage and maintain proper grammatical structure. Some core ideas students are frequently tested on include debates around Internet Censorship and its implications for Freedom of Speech.

Sample Summarize Written Text Question: Internet Censorship and Freedom of Speech

Question Prompt Example 1:

The growing use of the internet raises many questions about the balance between censorship and freedom of speech. On the one hand, proponents of internet censorship argue it is necessary to block harmful or illegal content, including hate speech, violence, and harassment. On the other hand, opponents claim that such control infringes on individual expression and basic human rights, especially where governments use censorship as a tool to suppress political opposition and stifle media freedom. Balancing these conflicting concerns remains an ongoing challenge, with national laws and international bodies struggling to regulate content in a way that both preserves free speech and protects online users from harm.

Summarize the passage in one sentence (no more than 75 words).

Sample Responses:

Band Score 79+ Response:

The continuous expansion of the internet brings forth challenges in achieving a balance between censorship, which some advocate to protect users from harmful content, and freedom of speech, which others argue is restricted when censorship is used to suppress opposition and limit media freedom, leaving authorities with the difficult task of finding regulatory solutions.

Analysis:

• Content: Comprehensive, covers all important aspects of the passage.
• Form: Properly condensed into one sentence under 75 words.
• Grammar: Structurally complex, using correct punctuation and conjunctions for clarity.
• Vocabulary: Academic and precise, with phrases like “expansion of the internet”, “suppress opposition”, and “media freedom.”
• Spelling: No errors.

Band Score 65-78 Response:

Censorship is necessary to restrict harmful content on the internet, however, it often conflicts with freedom of speech, raising concerns about governments using it to suppress political opposition and media rights.

Analysis:

• Content: Captures the essential ideas but leaves out mention of the difficulty in balancing these issues.
• Form: Concise, within the word limit.
• Grammar: Grammatically correct but less complex than in the higher-level response.
• Vocabulary: Contains most relevant terms but lacks the depth of more advanced responses.
• Spelling: No errors.

Band Score 50-64 Response:

There is debate about whether censorship online is necessary to block illegal content or if it limits freedom of speech.

Analysis:

• Content: Basic understanding of the passage but lacks detail on the consequences and difficulty of regulation.
• Form: Brief and falls short of fully summarizing the main points.
• Grammar: Although correct, the sentence is somewhat simplistic.
• Vocabulary: Limited range of vocabulary, missing academic terms and context like “media rights” or “suppress opposition.”
• Spelling: No errors.

Band Score Below 50 Response:

Censorship on the internet is bad because it blocks freedom of speech.

Analysis:

• Content: Inadequate understanding of the passage; key arguments are missing.
• Form: Too simplistic and general.
• Grammar: Basic structure; lacks complexity.
• Vocabulary: Very basic, no use of specific terms from the passage.
• Spelling: No errors, but overall language use is insufficient.

Key Vocabulary and Grammar for Summarize Written Text

The following vocabulary is essential when discussing topics such as Internet Censorship and Freedom of Speech. These words often appear in academic texts and could help you expand your lexical choices for improved writing.

1. Censorship /ˈsɛnsərˌʃɪp/ – The act of suppressing or limiting access to content deemed inappropriate or harmful.

   • Example: The government enforced strict censorship on online news sources.

2. Regulation /ˌrɛgjʊˈleɪʃən/ – A law or rule prescribed by an authority to control an activity or process.

   • Example: Internet content is subject to various regulatory measures to ensure its safety.

3. Suppress /səˈprɛs/ – To put down by authority or force, often in the context of limiting expression.

   • Example: The government suppresses opposition through excessive censorship.

4. Advocate /ˈædvəkɪt/ – To speak or write in favor of something.

   • Example: Many advocates for free speech oppose any form of internet censorship.

5. Infringe /ɪnˈfrɪndʒ/ – To violate or break a law, rule, or agreement.

   • Example: Critics claim internet censorship infringes on the basic rights of individuals.

6. Collision /kəˈlɪʒən/ – A conflict between opposing ideas or interests.

   • Example: The debate over internet censorship is a collision between safety concerns and freedom of expression.

7. Media Freedom /ˈmiːdɪə ˈfriːdəm/ – The right of media outlets to operate and express opinions without interference from authorities.

   • Example: Media freedom is often curtailed in countries with high levels of online censorship.

8. Harassment /həˈræsmənt/ – Unwanted behavior or speech that causes distress to individuals.

   • Example: Internet regulations are often used to prevent online harassment.

9. Oppression /əˈprɛʃən/ – Prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control.

   • Example: Censoring online platforms is seen by many as a tool of state oppression.

10. Proponent /prəˈpəʊnənt/ – A person who advocates for a theory, proposal, or cause.

    • Example: Proponents of internet censorship argue it prevents harmful content.

Conclusion

Successfully completing the “Summarize Written Text” task in the PTE exam requires the ability to distill complex issues, such as Internet Censorship and Freedom of Speech, into clear, concise sentences. Common topics like this are often found in the exam because they address ongoing global discussions. Focus on improving your ability to isolate the main idea of a passage, construct proper academic sentences, and expand your vocabulary by practicing regularly. Let us know how you perform by leaving feedback in the comments!