The Summarize Written Text section is an essential part of the Speaking & Writing module in the PTE exam. This task tests your ability to condense written information into a clear, concise sentence that accurately conveys the message of the text. In this article, we provide sample prompts related to mental health awareness campaigns and their impact, a relevant and frequently discussed theme in contemporary society, along with sample responses and evaluations.
Understanding Summarize Written Text in PTE
In the PTE Summarize Written Text task, you’ll be given one or more paragraphs (around 150-300 words) and asked to summarize the content in one sentence that contains no more than 75 words. The focus of this task is on your ability to capture the core idea of the passage and present it in a succinct, grammatically sound manner.
Mental health awareness is a theme that’s often tested, given its importance in modern discourse. Let’s delve into some practice exercises and responses based around this pertinent topic. Additionally, if you’re interested in learning more about how mental health impacts certain regions, you can check out this resource on Mental health support in developing nations.
Sample PTE Summarize Written Text Practice Prompts
Prompt 1: The Importance of Mental Health Campaigns
“In recent years, mental health awareness campaigns have made significant strides in reducing the stigma surrounding mental illnesses. These campaigns use a variety of channels, including social media, television, and grassroots efforts, to educate the public and encourage those struggling with mental health issues to reach out for help. By normalizing conversations about mental health, these initiatives play a vital role in fostering an environment where individuals feel supported in seeking treatment. Despite these advancements, challenges remain in reaching more conservative or rural communities, where deeply ingrained cultural beliefs may prevent open discussions about mental health.”
Task: Summarize the text in one sentence.
Sample Responses:
Band 5-6 Response:
“Mental health awareness campaigns help reduce stigma and advocate for seeking treatment, though challenges still exist in some communities resistant to open discussions.”
Analysis:
- Content: Captures the main idea but lacks details about the diverse methods used to reach different audiences.
- Form: Correct format (under 75 words).
- Grammar & Vocabulary: Adequate vocabulary but lacks finesse in word choice.
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 7-8 Response:
“Mental health awareness campaigns utilize various media and grassroots strategies to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and promote treatment, though cultural barriers remain in some rural or conservative areas.”
Analysis:
- Content: Effectively summarizes the diverse methods and acknowledges the challenge in conservative or rural communities.
- Form: Correct format within word limit.
- Grammar & Vocabulary: Grammatically correct with a solid range of vocabulary.
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 9 Response:
“Mental health awareness campaigns, through media and grassroots initiatives, have successfully reduced mental illness stigma and encouraged treatment, although traditional communities still pose a challenge in normalizing open discussions on the subject.”
Analysis:
- Content: Comprehensive and nuanced, covering both the effectiveness of the campaigns and the ongoing challenges.
- Form: Well under the word limit.
- Grammar & Vocabulary: Complex sentence structure and advanced vocabulary used accurately.
- Spelling: No errors.
Prompt 2: Evaluating the Impact of Mental Health Initiatives
“Mental health initiatives taken by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) aim to intervene at both individual and community levels. Through educational programs, counseling, and public engagement, these NGOs target individuals while also fostering a supportive culture to help communities cope with mental health issues collectively. While these programs have shown long-term benefits like reduced mental health stigma and higher treatment rates, securing sustained financial support for such efforts remains a major challenge. Advocacy for increased funding is crucial for continuing these impactful initiatives.”
Task: Summarize the text in one sentence.
Sample Responses:
Band 5-6 Response:
“NGO mental health initiatives are beneficial but depend on sustained financial support for long-term success.”
Analysis:
- Content: Covers the main idea but lacks details about how these initiatives work on both individual and community levels.
- Form: Correct format (under 75 words).
- Grammar & Vocabulary: Basic but clear sentence structure.
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 7-8 Response:
“Non-governmental mental health programs offer educational and counseling services to reduce stigma and improve treatment rates, though they face difficulties sustaining long-term financial support.”
Analysis:
- Content: Summarizes key points effectively, touching on both the methods and the challenges faced.
- Form: Correct format within limits.
- Grammar & Vocabulary: Strong sentence structure and appropriate word choice.
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 9 Response:
“NGO mental health campaigns, focusing on individual and community support through education and public engagement, have demonstrated significant long-term benefits in reducing stigma and improving treatment rates, yet face ongoing difficulties in securing vital financial support.”
Analysis:
- Content: Captures all details, including the impact and present challenges of these campaigns.
- Form: Correct format, under the word limit.
- Grammar & Vocabulary: Advanced sentence structure with a wide range of vocabulary.
- Spelling: No errors.
Vocabulary and Grammar Breakdown
Here are 10 challenging words from the prompts:
-
Stigma /’stɪɡ.mə/ (noun): A strong feeling of disapproval that people often have about particular conditions or behaviors.
Example: Many mental health campaigns aim to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help. -
Grassroots /ˈɡræsˌruts/ (adjective): Organized at the local level, particularly involving ordinary people.
Example: Grassroots mental health initiatives often engage communities directly. -
Intervention /ˌɪn.təˈven.ʃən/ (noun): The act of becoming involved in a situation in order to improve or prevent it from worsening.
Example: Early intervention in mental health issues can significantly reduce long-term effects. -
Advocacy /ˈæd.və.kə.si/ (noun): Public support for or recommendation of a particular cause or policy.
Example: Advocacy for mental health funding is essential for the sustainability of awareness programs. -
Sustained /səˈsteɪnd/ (adjective): Continuing over a period of time without interruption.
Example: Mental health programs need sustained financial backing to remain effective. -
Conservative /kənˈsɜr.vɪ.tɪv/ (adjective): Relating to traditional values and ideas, typically resistant to change.
Example: Conservative communities often shy away from discussing mental health openly. -
Coping /ˈkoʊ.pɪŋ/ (verb): Dealing effectively with something difficult.
Example: Community support groups are essential for coping with mental health challenges. -
Treatment rates (noun phrase): The percentage of individuals receiving appropriate therapy or medical care for a condition.
Example: Increasing treatment rates is a target of many mental health policies. -
Engagement /ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ.mənt/ (noun): Involvement or participation, especially in a meaningful way.
Example: Public engagement is crucial for the success of mental health awareness campaigns. -
Culturally ingrained (adjective phrase): Embedded in the traditions and behaviors of a culture.
Example: Culturally ingrained beliefs about mental health can hinder open communication.
Conclusion
Practicing Summarize Written Text tasks focused on themes like mental health awareness campaigns is an excellent way to sharpen your summarizing skills for the PTE exam. As explored in the examples above, organizing your thoughts succinctly while maintaining grammatical accuracy is essential for achieving high scores. Be sure to incorporate these tasks into your study routine to improve your performance in this section. For more insights on the topic, explore related issues such as The importance of mental health awareness in contemporary society.
