Summarize Written Text Samples for Mental Health in the Digital Age in the PTE Exam

The Summarize Written Text task in the PTE Speaking & Writing section assesses candidates’ ability to distill complex information into a concise and cohesive sentence. Typically, students must read a passage 150-400 words long and summarize its key points in a single sentence that is 5-75 words long.

One recurring theme in the PTE exam is “Mental Health In The Digital Age.” Considering the growing awareness around digital wellness and the consequences of heavy technology consumption, it’s essential for students to practice with similar passages to enhance their exam preparation.

In this article, we’ll introduce sample tasks related to “Mental health in the digital age” and cover practice responses that cater to different band scores.

Sample Summarize Written Text Task for PTE: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

Read the passage and summarize it in one sentence:

With the rise of social media, experts become increasingly concerned about its impact on users’ mental health, especially among younger generations. Social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok often encourage constant comparison through curated feeds, leading to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and depression. Studies show that users often spend hours glued to their screens, which exacerbates issues like loneliness, sleep deprivation, and cyberbullying. However, proponents argue that social media can also foster connections, raise awareness, and provide support networks for those struggling with mental health issues when used responsibly.

Sample Responses:

Band 90 Response:

Overuse of social media amplifies mental health problems like anxiety, depression, and loneliness, but responsible use can foster meaningful connections and provide support for those fighting mental health challenges.

Analysis:

• Content: This response accurately summarizes the essential points by mentioning both the negative and positive effects of social media on mental health.
• Form: The sentence is concise and falls within the 5-75 word range.
• Grammar: The sentence is well-constructed without errors.
• Vocabulary: Advanced vocabulary, including “amplifies,” “responsible use,” and “foster connections,” is employed effectively.
• Spelling: No errors.

Band 70 Response:

Social media can harm mental health by causing anxiety and loneliness, but it can also create connections and support systems if used appropriately.

Analysis:

• Content: Most key points are covered, but the explanation lacks depth compared to a higher-scoring response.
• Form: The sentence is well-structured and fits the required word count.
• Grammar: Mostly error-free, but slightly simpler conjunctions used.
• Vocabulary: Adequate vocabulary with terms like “support systems” and “appropriately” utilized well. However, it’s more basic than the band 90 response.
• Spelling: No issues.

Band 60 Response:

Social media can cause stress and worry but can also help mental health if used carefully.

Analysis:

• Content: Some important aspects are missing, such as the mention of anxiety and loneliness.
• Form: It fits within the required word limit but is unsophisticated.
• Grammar: Grammar is accurate but somewhat simplistic and lacks a range of structures.
• Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary choices like “stress” and “worry” instead of more technical terms like “anxiety” and “depression.”
• Spelling: No issues.

Sample Summarize Written Text Task for PTE: Tech Overload and Mental Health Consequences

Read the passage and summarize it in one sentence:

As technology becomes a constant in our lives, the mental health of individuals is being impacted in profound ways. Excessive use of smartphones, laptops, and other digital devices can lead to behavioral disorders, decreased attention spans, and chronic fatigue. The perpetual flow of information and notifications disrupts mental clarity and can cause stress that, in turn, affects one’s emotional wellness. Yet, on the flip side, technology has also made mental healthcare more accessible through therapy apps, online support groups, and telehealth consultations.

Sample Responses:

Band 90 Response:

While overuse of digital devices harms mental health by creating behavioral issues and stress, technology also offers accessible mental health support through tools like apps and telehealth.

Band 70 Response:

Excessive use of technology can hurt mental wellbeing, but it also provides easier access to mental health resources like apps and online groups.

Band 60 Response:

Technology can cause stress and attention problems, but it can also help with mental health care through apps.

For more insights on technology’s ramifications on mental well-being, read our in-depth article on Social media’s effect on mental health, offering further tips and resources for exam preparation.

Vocabulary & Grammar for “Mental Health in the Digital Age”

Learning the right vocabulary can elevate your PTE score. Here’s a list of vocabulary that frequently appears on both exam day and practice exercises.

1. Exacerbate (/ɪɡˈzæsərˌbeɪt/): To make a problem worse.

   • Example: Social media can exacerbate already existing mental health issues.

2. Proponent (/prəˈpoʊnənt/): An advocate of a theory or cause.

   • Example: Proponents argue that technology can support mental health through telemedicine.

3. Inadequacy (/ɪnˈædəkwəsi/): A lack of competence or sufficiency.

   • Example: Constant online comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy.

4. Cyberbullying (/ˈsaɪbərˌbʊliɪŋ/): The use of electronic communication to bully.

   • Example: Cyberbullying is a significant concern for youth mental health.

5. Anxiety (/æŋˈzaɪəti/): A feeling of worry or nervousness.

   • Example: Excessive screen time can contribute to anxiety.

6. Perpetual (/pərˈpɛtʃuəl/): Never ending or continuous.

   • Example: The perpetual need to check phones contributes to stress.

7. Loneliness (/ˈloʊnlɪnɪs/): A feeling of being alone and isolated.

   • Example: Even with online connections, many feel increased loneliness.

8. Telehealth (/ˈtɛlɪhɛlθ/): The delivery of healthcare remotely via digital communication.

   • Example: Telehealth has opened doors for those seeking mental health services.

9. Curated (/ˈkjʊreɪtɪd/): Selected and organized in a way to create a specific effect.

   • Example: Curated content on social apps often doesn’t reflect real life.

10. Fatigue (/fəˈtiːɡ/): Extreme tiredness resulting from mental or physical exertion.

    • Example: Chronic exposure to screens can result in mental fatigue.

For more examples on how digital identities impact society, explore Digital identities in the modern world for further study.

Conclusion

Summarizing written text in the PTE exam tests not only your reading comprehension but also your ability to condense complex ideas into a clear, grammatically correct sentence. Topics like mental health and digital technology remain relevant and prevalent in the academic and real-world context, making it essential to master these themes.

For best results, practice regularly with similar topics, continuously work on refining your grammar and vocabulary, and stay updated with real-world issues affecting global communication.

Have you faced challenges with Summarize Written Text tasks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!