Summarize Written Text in PTE: Public Spaces and Community Well-being

The Summarize Written Text task in the Speaking & Writing section of the PTE Academic exam requires candidates to read a passage and summarize it into one sentence. One common topic that may appear during this task is related to “Public Spaces And Community Well-being”, a theme that is increasingly relevant as society recognizes the importance of public areas in improving social and community health. This article will present example Summarize Written Text tasks, complete with sample answers, to help you practice and succeed in your upcoming exam.

Importance of Public Spaces and Community Well-being in PTE

Public spaces such as parks, libraries, and community centers play a vital role in promoting the well-being of individuals and entire communities. These places provide areas for social interaction, physical activity, and cultural expression, all of which contribute to mental and physical health. Examining this topic can help test-takers prepare for the Summarize Written Text section in the PTE Academic by practicing with relatable, real-world content that might appear in actual tests.

Let’s take a look at some practice exercises focusing on public spaces and community well-being and how to craft an effective summary.

Example 1: Summarize Written Text Task

Task: Read the following paragraph and summarize it in one sentence. Your response must be between 5 and 75 words.

In modern urban environments, the value of public spaces in fostering community health is unmistakable. Cities worldwide are increasingly prioritizing the creation of accessible parklands, social areas, and pedestrian-friendly zones as vital components of healthy living. These spaces not only offer recreational opportunities but also facilitate social connections and create a sense of ownership and belonging among residents, contributing to broader societal well-being.

Sample Answers and Analysis:

Band 90 Response:

Public spaces in urban areas are essential for fostering mental and physical health by providing recreation and creating a sense of community that enhances overall societal well-being through social interaction.

• Content: Fully captures the core message, summarizing the importance of public spaces on community and individual health.
• Form: Single sentence with 32 words, within the required range.
• Grammar: Flawless with complex structures.
• Vocabulary: Uses advanced terms like “recreation,” “community,” and “societal well-being.”
• Spelling: Correct.

Band 80 Response:

Public spaces are crucial for promoting health and social well-being in cities by offering areas for activities and social connections.

• Content: Adequately covers the main points, but is less detailed about the societal impact.
• Form: Single sentence with 21 words. Meets the word guideline.
• Grammar: Correct, but lacks more complex structures.
• Vocabulary: Adequate vocabulary, but less varied than the Band 90 response.
• Spelling: Correct.

Band 70 Response:

Public spaces in cities help improve health and create social connections.

• Content: Captures the main point but overlooks the broader societal dimensions.
• Form: 12 words, within the limit but overly concise.
• Grammar: Correct but simple structures.
• Vocabulary: Very basic usage.
• Spelling: Correct.

Example 2: Summarize Written Text Task

Task: Read the following paragraph and summarize it in one sentence. Your response must be between 5 and 75 words.

Research has shown that well-designed public spaces provide more than just aesthetics; they play a significant role in improving community health and reducing social isolation. By offering inclusive environments where people of all ages and backgrounds can interact, public spaces foster a sense of belonging, enhance civic pride, and contribute to mental resilience. Moreover, they encourage physical activity, which reduces the risk of chronic diseases like obesity and heart disease.

Sample Answers and Analysis:

Band 90 Response:

Public spaces are vital in promoting mental and physical health by reducing social isolation, fostering civic pride, and encouraging physical activity, thereby contributing to community well-being and reducing the risks of chronic diseases.

• Content: Strong grasp of all key ideas, perfectly summarizing the role of public spaces in both physical and mental health.
• Form: Single sentence with 33 words.
• Grammar: Complex structures employed effectively.
• Vocabulary: Higher-level terms such as “civic pride” and “chronic diseases.”
• Spelling: Correct.

Band 80 Response:

Public spaces improve community health by encouraging social interaction and physical activity, which helps reduce social isolation and chronic diseases.

• Content: Good summary but lacks the mention of the mental health aspect.
• Form: Single sentence with 20 words.
• Grammar: Accurate and natural.
• Vocabulary: Correct use of terms, though less sophisticated than in the Band 90 answer.
• Spelling: Correct.

Band 70 Response:

Public spaces help to improve health by reducing social isolation and promoting exercise.

• Content: Captures the basic ideas, but lacks depth regarding community aspects and civic pride.
• Form: Short, at 12 words, still acceptable.
• Grammar: Simple, correct.
• Vocabulary: Limited.
• Spelling: Correct.

Vocabulary and Grammar Insights

Understanding the vocabulary and grammar used in these tasks is essential for achieving a higher score. Below are 10 useful vocabulary words from the example tasks, along with pronunciation, meaning, and example sentences:

1. Recreation /ˌrɛkriˈeɪʃən/: (n) activities done for enjoyment.
   Example: Public parks provide spaces where people can engage in recreation.

2. Community /kəˈmjunɪti/: (n) a group of people living in the same place.
   Example: A strong community can enhance a city’s overall well-being.

3. Urban /ˈɜrbən/: (adj) relating to a city or town.
   Example: Urban areas are often crowded and lack sufficient public spaces.

4. Belonging /bɪˈlɔŋɪŋ/: (n) the feeling of being accepted in a group.
   Example: Communities thrive when people feel a sense of belonging.

5. Civic /ˈsɪvɪk/: (adj) related to city or community affairs.
   Example: Civic pride can be boosted through well-maintained public areas.

6. Aesthetics /ɛsˈθɛtɪks/: (n) the appreciation of beauty or good taste.
   Example: The park’s modern design enhanced its aesthetics and increased public interest.

7. Chronic /ˈkrɑnɪk/: (adj) persisting for a long time.
   Example: Chronic diseases like obesity are often reduced by physical activity.

8. Isolation /ˌaɪsəˈleɪʃən/: (n) the state of being separated from others.
   Example: Public spaces help reduce isolation among the elderly.

9. Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/: (n) the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
   Example: Community activities in public spaces build mental resilience.

10. Ownership /ˈoʊnərʃɪp/: (n) the state or fact of owning something.
    Example: Encouraging neighborhood events can instill a sense of ownership.

Conclusion

The Summarize Written Text task is a crucial part of the PTE Academic’s Speaking & Writing section. Practicing with topics like “Public spaces and community well-being” will not only enhance your summarizing skills but also prepare you for real-world content that can appear on the exam. Regular practice, like working on the examples above, will boost your confidence and abilities. Keep practicing, and feel free to comment with your summaries below or any questions you may have!