In the PTE Academic exam, Summarize Written Text is a task where candidates have to read a passage and summarize it in one sentence ranging from 5 to 75 words. This part of the test is crucial, as it evaluates your ability to understand, condense, and paraphrase written information within a limited word count. One frequent topic that appears in Summarize Written Text practices is Microfinance And Economic Empowerment.
Microfinance has become a popular subject in PTE exams as it reflects current global economic trends. Microfinance, by definition, is the provision of financial services like small loans to individuals in lower-income brackets, and it has become instrumental in driving economic empowerment in various communities.
Sample Summarize Written Text Task on Microfinance and Economic Empowerment
Exam prompt example
Microfinance refers to financial services available to individuals or small businesses who do not have access to conventional banking services, especially in developing countries. By offering small loans, savings accounts, and insurance, microfinance institutions aim to foster sustainable livelihoods and empower disadvantaged populations to increase their income and escape poverty. However, critics argue that while microfinance can improve immediate financial conditions, it may also lead to over-indebtedness if not managed properly. Some emphasize that without proper education or business support, recipients of microloans could struggle to effectively use the funds for long-term benefit.
Task: After reading the passage, summarize it in one sentence, including the main points.
Sample Answers Across Various Scoring Bands
High Band Answer (79+ points):
Microfinance helps underserved individuals improve their financial situations by providing small loans, but its effectiveness is debated due to potential over-indebtedness and challenges related to financial education and sustainability.
Analysis:
- Content: Includes all relevant points, covering the benefits and challenges of microfinance.
- Form: 27 words, complies with word limit.
- Grammar: Grammatically correct, using complex sentence structures.
- Vocabulary: Uses precise words with appropriate academic tone.
- Spelling: No errors.
Middle Band Answer (65-78 points):
Microfinance offers loans to people lacking access to traditional banks, but it can also lead to debt problems if not managed properly.
Analysis:
- Content: Covers the key points but omits some details like the importance of financial education.
- Form: 21 words, which is acceptable, but leaves out some depth of explanation.
- Grammar: Correct, though simpler sentence structure.
- Vocabulary: Appropriate but more general in comparison to higher band answers.
- Spelling: No errors.
Low Band Answer (50-64 points):
Microfinance gives loans to poor people, but it may also cause debt.
Analysis:
- Content: Basic understanding but fails to elaborate on the complexity of the topic.
- Form: 12 words, too concise for a high-scoring answer.
- Grammar: Grammatical but lacks sophistication.
- Vocabulary: Very limited academic vocabulary.
- Spelling: No errors.
Very Low Band Answer (Below 50 points):
Microfinance is about helping people.
Analysis:
- Content: Lacks fundamental details regarding both the benefits and challenges of microfinance.
- Form: Only 5 words, insufficient to meet the requirement.
- Grammar: Non-complex and over-simplified.
- Vocabulary: Inadequate to demonstrate academic proficiency.
- Spelling: No errors, but the answer is incomplete.
Vocabulary and Grammar
To successfully complete the Summarize Written Text task, having a rich academic vocabulary and strong grammatical understanding is essential. Below is a list of vocabulary words that could help in understanding and summarizing the given passage.
| Word | Phonetic Pronunciation | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microfinance | /ˈmaɪkrəʊ-fɪˌnæns/ | Small-scale financial services provided to low-income groups | Microfinance helped build sustainable livelihoods in rural communities. |
| Sustainable | /səˈsteɪnəbəl/ | Capable of being maintained over the long term | Climate change requires sustainable solutions. |
| Indebtedness | /ɪnˈdɛtɪdnɪs/ | The condition of owing money | They felt overwhelmed by their increasing indebtedness. |
| Empowerment | /ɪmˈpaʊərmənt/ | The process of becoming stronger and more confident | Financial aid leads to economic empowerment in developing countries. |
| Disadvantaged | /ˌdɪsədˈvɑːntɪdʒd/ | Deprived of basic resources or opportunities | Disadvantaged communities are often left out of economic progress. |
| Critics | /ˈkrɪtɪks/ | People who express disapproval or opposition | Critics of the policy argue it may not be effective in the long run. |
| Livelihood | /ˈlaɪvlihʊd/ | Means of securing the necessities of life | Their livelihood depends on small-scale farming. |
| Debated | /dɪˈbeɪtɪd/ | Argued or contended | The effectiveness of the new law is still widely debated. |
| Recipients | /rɪˈsɪpiənts/ | People who receive something, especially funds or benefits | Recipients of this loan can start their own microenterprises. |
| Institutions | /ˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃənz/ | Large organizations, especially banks or other financial service providers | Microfinance institutions have grown exponentially in recent years. |
Conclusion
Summarize Written Text tasks in the PTE Academic exam often address current socio-economic matters like microfinance and economic empowerment. The ability to recognize, condense, and present the key findings from these texts is critical for achieving a high score. This practice task reflected the realistic scenario of microfinance helping underserved communities while also addressing the challenges involved, particularly with the risk of debt. Regular practice using similar topics will help you be well-prepared for the real test.
Feel free to reach out in the comments below if you have any questions or need further sample tasks for practicing Summarize Written Text.
