When preparing for the PTE Speaking & Writing test, one of the most important tasks is Summarize Written Text. This task evaluates your reading and writing skills by compelling you to condense a passage into a single sentence that summarizes the key points. Given its importance, practicing with authentic prompts is critical to score well.
In this article, we’re focusing on the frequently tested topic: Public Health Implications Of E-cigarettes. You’ll find a sample Summarize Written Text task and corresponding answers evaluated across different PTE band scores. Through practice, you can better understand what the examiners expect and gain insight into how to maximize your score.
Practice Question: Summarize Written Text on the Public Health Implications of E-cigarettes
Prompt: Read the passage below and summarize it in one sentence. Your response should be between 5 and 75 words.
E-cigarettes, also known as electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), have become increasingly popular as an alternative to conventional cigarettes. Unlike traditional tobacco products, e-cigarettes do not involve combustion, which reduces the amount of harmful chemicals inhaled by the user. Proponents of e-cigarettes argue that they pose fewer health risks compared to traditional smoking and can serve as a viable method to wean off nicotine. However, there is growing concern among public health authorities regarding the potential long-term consequences of e-cigarette use, particularly among young users who may develop an addiction to nicotine. Furthermore, some studies suggest that while e-cigarettes are less harmful than traditional cigarettes, they are not risk-free, as they still contain toxicants that could contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Instruction: Summarize the main points of the passage in one sentence. Your response should be between 5 and 75 words.
Sample Answers and Analysis by Band Score
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Band 90 Response (Full Points):
E-cigarettes are marketed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes by reducing harmful chemical exposure, but concerns persist regarding their potential to encourage nicotine addiction and contribute to long-term health risks such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.Content: This response covers all critical points of the source text, including reduced harm, health risks, and addiction.
Form: The sentence is within the word limit (48 words).
Grammar: Perfect use of relative clauses and conjunctions.
Vocabulary: Excellent use of academic vocabulary like “encourage,” “long-term,” “nicotine addiction,” and “respiratory.”
Spelling: No misspellings or punctuation errors.
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Band 79 Response:
E-cigarettes are a less harmful alternative to regular cigarettes, but they still pose health risks and may cause nicotine addiction among younger users.Content: This covers most key points but doesn’t entirely address the potential long-term health risks or mention specific diseases.
Form: The sentence is concise and fits within the word limit (28 words).
Grammar: The sentence has correct structure, though simple and less varied.
Vocabulary: Slightly less precise; avoids specific technical terms like “respiratory” or “cardiovascular.”
Spelling: No mistakes.
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Band 65 Response:
E-cigarettes may reduce harm compared to traditional cigarettes but can still lead to addiction and are not risk-free.Content: The response captures the general idea but lacks specific details about the public health concerns and diseases mentioned.
Form: The sentence is within the proper length (19 words).
Grammar: The grammar is simple but correct.
Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary is used without technical or advanced terms.
Spelling: Accurate.
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Band 50 Response:
E-cigarettes are less harmful than normal smoking, but they can still be dangerous.Content: The response is vague, missing key details such as addiction, health risks, or toxicants.
Form: This sentence is underdeveloped with only 13 words—much shorter than ideal.
Grammar: No errors, but it’s overly simplistic.
Vocabulary: Elementary level; lacks sophistication or domain-specific words.
Spelling: No mistakes.
Vocabulary and Grammar
Here’s a list of 10 challenging words from this passage, each with its definition and an example to help you learn their meaning in context:
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Combustion /kəmˈbʌs.tʃən/ (n.): The process of burning something.
- Example: The combustion of fossil fuels releases harmful gases into the atmosphere.
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Viable /ˈvaɪ.ə.bəl/ (adj.): Capable of working successfully; feasible.
- Example: Solar energy has emerged as a viable alternative to fossil fuels.
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Nicotine /ˈnɪk.əˌtiːn/ (n.): A toxic, addictive substance found in tobacco.
- Example: Nicotine is responsible for the addictive nature of smoking.
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Proponents /prəˈpoʊ.nənts/ (n.): People who advocate a theory, proposal, or project.
- Example: Proponents of electric vehicles argue that they are essential for reducing carbon emissions.
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Toxicants /ˈtɒk.sɪ.kənts/ (n.): Harmful substances that cause toxicity.
- Example: Prolonged exposure to toxicants in polluted air can lead to serious health issues.
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Addiction /əˈdɪk.ʃən/ (n.): The condition of being dependent on a substance or activity.
- Example: Smoking can lead to a lifelong addiction to nicotine.
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Cardiovascular /ˌkɑːr.di.oʊˈvæs.kjə.lɚ/ (adj.): Relating to the heart and blood vessels.
- Example: Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of death globally.
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Respiratory /ˈrɛs.pɪ.rə.tɔːr.i/ (adj.): Relating to breathing or the organs involved in breathing.
- Example: Smoking can result in long-term respiratory issues such as asthma.
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Long-term /ˌlɒŋˈtɜːrm/ (adj.): Continuing for an extended period.
- Example: Long-term exposure to polluted air can cause serious health problems.
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Risk-free /ˈrɪsk-ˌfriː/ (adj.): Without any risks or dangers.
- Example: No drug is entirely risk-free, and even medications have potential side effects.
Conclusion
The Summarize Written Text task of the PTE assesses both comprehension and conciseness. In this exercise focusing on the public health implications of e-cigarettes, we’ve examined responses across various proficiency levels to show how different approaches can impact scoring.
By practicing regularly, reviewing key vocabulary, and applying precise grammar, candidates can master the Summarize Written Text section. E-cigarettes, as a trending health topic, is likely to feature prominently in upcoming exams, so ensure you’re familiar with the essential arguments on both sides of the debate.
Let us know your thoughts or share your attempts in the comments! Keep practicing to improve your results.
