Summarize Written Text in the PTE Exam: Remote Working and Productivity Challenges

The Summarize Written Text section in the PTE Academic test challenges students to condense a given passage into one succinct sentence. This task evaluates both comprehension and writing skills, which is crucial in assessing your ability to summarize information effectively. One of the increasingly common themes in recent PTE exams revolves around remote working and productivity challenges, drawing from current and real-world situations where many workplaces have shifted to a remote setting.

Below, we will explore a sample test prompt that focuses on remote working and the associated productivity challenges. Additionally, we will provide example responses across different score bands to help you improve your own performance.

Remote Working and Productivity Sample Prompt

The following is a Summarize Written Text task with a sample passage based on the keyword topic. Read the passage below and summarize the main point in one sentence. The summary must be written within the word limit of one sentence (between 5 to 75 words).

Sample Passage:

Modern workplaces are increasingly adopting remote work setups due to advancements in technology and shifting employee expectations. However, while remote work offers more flexibility, it also presents new productivity challenges. Employees often struggle to maintain focus due to domestic distractions, blurred boundaries between work and life, and lack of structured routines. Research suggests that these aspects can negatively impact both individual and corporate productivity, though some argue that with proper tools and time management techniques, remote working can rival, if not surpass, traditional office environments in efficiency.

Remember: Your task is to summarize the text in one sentence.

Sample Answers and Score Breakdown

Band 90 (Full Score)

Remote work, while offering flexibility, presents productivity challenges such as domestic distractions and a lack of structured routines, but some research shows that effective time management and proper tools can alleviate these issues.

• Content: The sentence covers all major aspects of the passage: flexibility, distractions, routines, and potential solutions.
• Form: The response is a single sentence and falls within the word count limit.
• Grammar: Flawlessly constructed with correct punctuation and conjunctions.
• Vocabulary: Vocabulary use is sophisticated yet accurate, with varied wording across key points.
• Spelling: No spelling errors.

Band 70

Remote work provides flexibility but challenges employees with distractions from home and blurred work-life boundaries, though research suggests that productivity can improve with proper tools.

• Content: Most points are covered, though “lack of structured routines” is somewhat omitted.
• Form: Adheres to the format of a single sentence.
• Grammar: Strong usage of conjunctions, but lacks fluidity in phrasing as compared to the 90 band response.
• Vocabulary: Adequately varied, but less nuance than higher-band responses.
• Spelling: No errors found.

Band 50

Remote work has both flexibility and distractions from home, which can lower productivity, but research says tools can help.

• Content: Key points briefly mentioned but lacks elaboration, especially on the productivity challenges and examples.
• Form: Single sentence within the word limit.
• Grammar: Simple sentence structure, but grammatically correct.
• Vocabulary: Basic use of vocabulary—repetitions and lacks complexity.
• Spelling: No spelling errors.

Band 30

Remote work causes distractions and lowers productivity.

• Content: Only the main idea of lower productivity is mentioned, missing focus on flexibility and solutions.
• Form: Single sentence but falls short of the word count range.
• Grammar: Basic grammar used; transition or conjunctions missing.
• Vocabulary: Very basic, lacking in diversity.
• Spelling: No spelling errors.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

Understanding some key vocabulary related to the passage is essential for effectively tackling such PTE tasks. Below are 10 words and phrases featured, along with their explanations and examples:

1. Flexibility /ˌflɛksɪˈbɪlɪti/ – (n) The ability to adapt easily to changes.

   • Example: Remote work offers employees increased flexibility in managing their personal and professional time.

2. Distractions /dɪˈstrakʃ(ə)nz/ – (n) Things that prevent focus.

   • Example: Household distractions often decrease work productivity during remote work.

3. Boundaries /ˈbaʊnd(ə)riz/ – (n) Limits that separate two areas.

   • Example: It’s vital to set clear boundaries between work hours and personal life while working remotely.

4. Productivity /ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvɪti/ – (n) How efficiently tasks or goods are completed.

   • Example: Productivity often decreases when employees are distracted by home-related tasks.

5. Structured /ˈstrʌktʃəd/ – (adj) Organized or arranged in a clear manner.

   • Example: Workers struggle more without a structured routine in remote setups.

6. Techniques /tɛkˈniːks/ – (n) Methods or procedures used to accomplish a specific task.

   • Example: Time management techniques can aid remote workers in staying productive.

7. Domestic /dəˈmɛstɪk/ – (adj) Relating to the home.

   • Example: Domestic responsibilities often interfere with remote working productivity.

8. Efficiency /ɪˈfɪʃ(ə)nsi/ – (n) Doing tasks quickly and effectively.

   • Example: Remote work can improve efficiency with the right tools and environment.

9. Alleviate /əˈliːvɪeɪt/ – (v) To lessen or reduce intensity.

   • Example: To alleviate stress, remote teams should focus on more collaborative tools.

10. Rival /ˈraɪv(ə)l/ – (v) To compete with someone or something.

    • Example: In some cases, remote work can rival the productivity of traditional office spaces.

Conclusion

In conclusion, remote working and productivity challenges are commonly tested in the Summarize Written Text section of the PTE exam. This task not only evaluates your understanding of the topic but also gauges how well you can condense complex information into a single statement. Practice summarizing various topics under this format regularly, and you’ll find it easier to handle this portion of the exam.

Be sure to check out more related materials on how Remote working's impact on work-life balance, which is a crucial part of understanding both remote work productivity and efficiency.

Interested in more practice? Share your own summaries in the comments section for feedback!