Social media’s influence on youth has become a widely discussed topic in today’s digital age. In the PTE Summarize Written Text task, candidates are frequently asked to summarize related subjects, making this topic crucial for practice. Below are detailed examples to help you master this skill.
Example Summarize Written Text Task 1: Social Media Addiction and Its Effects
Over recent years, social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat have shaped the way young people interact and view their surroundings. Although these platforms encourage self-expression, they also lead to significant drawbacks, with addiction being one of the most concerning issues. Social media addiction often leads to sleep deprivation, anxiety, and depression among youth. Constant usage of these platforms can reduce face-to-face interaction, leading to isolation in the real world.
Instruction: Summarize the given passage in one sentence.
Model Answers:
Band 90 Sample:
Social media platforms foster interaction but can result in addiction, which negatively affects youth by contributing to mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and isolation.
Content: All points in the lectures are covered perfectly.
Form: 1 sentence with correct punctuation.
Grammar: Accurate complex sentences used.
Vocabulary: Relevant and formal word choice.
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band 80 Sample:
Social media addiction can harm youths by causing anxiety, depression, and isolation, which outweigh the benefits of online interaction.
Content: Key ideas are covered, though slightly less detailed.
Form: Concise and clear.
Grammar: Correct use of tense but simpler structures.
Vocabulary: Appropriate and formal language used.
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band 70 Sample:
While social media lets people connect, it can also cause addiction and mental health issues like depression.
Content: Some important ideas are missing, such as isolation and sleep deprivation.
Form: Well-formed sentence but lacks depth.
Grammar: Basic grammar used; lacks complexity.
Vocabulary: Adequate but not varied.
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Example Summarize Written Text Task 2: The Role of Social Media in Political Engagement
Social media’s role in encouraging political engagement among youth has been highly debated. Some studies argue that platforms such as Twitter and Facebook mobilize young people to participate in discussions and encourage activism; however, critics warn that misinformation and filter bubbles can lead to a distorted understanding of political issues. Despite these challenges, millions of young people around the globe use social media to engage in discourse around governance, rights, and policy-making, making these platforms critical for modern political engagement.
Instruction: Summarize the given passage in one sentence.
Model Answers:
Band 90 Sample:
Social media effectively motivates young people to engage politically, despite potential dangers such as misinformation and online echo chambers.
Content: All points are covered effectively.
Form: 1 complete sentence with excellent cohesion.
Grammar: Uses advanced syntax and varied structures.
Vocabulary: Precise and appropriate terms used.
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band 80 Sample:
Social media helps youth engage in politics but also presents challenges due to misinformation and filter bubbles.
Content: Key points included but could be more detailed.
Form: Concise and to the point.
Grammar: Correct sentence structure but less complex than Band 90.
Vocabulary: Accurate and fit for the purpose.
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band 70 Sample:
Young people use social media to talk about politics, but it can spread false information.
Content: Some important ideas (e.g., filter bubbles) are missing.
Form: Short and clear but lacks complexity.
Grammar: Simplistic grammar and sentence structure.
Vocabulary: Basic word choices.
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Vocabulary and Grammar Focus
Here are ten challenging words from the passages above, complete with pronunciation, meaning, and usage examples:
-
Isolation (/ˌaɪ.səˈleɪ.ʃən/) – the state of being separated from others.
Example: Social media addiction often results in isolation, as individuals disengage from real-world interactions. -
Mobilize (/ˈmoʊ.bə.laɪz/) – to organize or prepare people for a purpose, often political.
Example: Social media has the power to mobilize communities for protests or movements. -
Activism (/ˈæk.tɪ.vɪ.zəm/) – efforts to promote or direct social, political, or environmental change.
Example: Youth activism on platforms like Twitter has brought attention to urgent issues like climate change. -
Misinformation (/ˌmɪs.ɪn.fərˈmeɪ.ʃən/) – false or inaccurate information spread unintentionally.
Example: The spread of misinformation online can distort public opinion. -
Filter bubble (/ˈfɪl.tər ˈbʌb.əl/) – a situation in which a person only encounters information or opinions matching their interests.
Example: Filter bubbles can limit a young person’s exposure to diverse views on political issues. -
Echo chamber (/ˈɛk.oʊ ˌtʃeɪm.bər/) – a situation where beliefs are amplified and reinforced by communication within a closed system.
Example: Social media often becomes an echo chamber, reinforcing users’ preconceived ideas. -
Governance (/ˈɡʌv.ən.əns/) – the process or manner of governing or overseeing a state or organization.
Example: Young people are increasingly interested in discussions surrounding governance through social media. -
Emotionally vulnerable (/ɪˈmoʊʃənəli ˈvʌlnərəbl/) – susceptible to emotional harm.
Example: Youth exposed to cyberbullying are typically more emotionally vulnerable to the harmful impacts. -
Disengage (/dɪs.ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ/) – to withdraw involvement or attention from something.
Example: Due to social media overuse, many young people tend to disengage from personal social relationships. -
Self-expression (/ˌself.ɪkˈspreʃən/) – showing one’s thoughts and feelings through actions or words.
Example: Social media platforms encourage self-expression, where young users can share their creative ideas globally.
Conclusion
Social media’s influence on youth is substantial, reflected clearly in PTE Summarize Written Text tasks. By practicing with topics such as online addiction, political engagement, and misinformation, test-takers can better prepare for the exam. Stay focused on effectively summarizing key points, using accurate grammar, and incorporating advanced vocabulary to reach a high score. Don’t forget to explore related topics such as Youth participation in climate action or Cyberbullying’s impact on mental health for further practice.
