Summarize Written Text is an essential part of the Speaking & Writing section in the PTE Academic Exam, where test takers are required to read a passage and then write a concise summary. Summarization tests your ability to grasp the core meaning of a text and express it clearly within a single sentence, while maintaining proper grammar and coherent structure.
In this article, we will explore the influence of social media on mental health by providing realistic Summarize Written Text practice questions. You’ll also find sample answers rated across different PTE proficiency bands, along with a detailed explanation, focusing on Social media’s influence on mental health. This is a highly relevant and common topic in today’s PTE exams.
Why Practice Summarize Written Text on Social Media’s Influence on Mental Health?
Social media is a significant aspect of modern society, with its increasing association to both positive and negative mental health outcomes. This topic frequently appears in the PTE exam as it covers contemporary social issues which are often tested in both written and spoken tasks. By practicing with real-life topics like these, test-takers can better prepare and score well in the Summarize Written Text task.
Sample Summarize Written Text Questions
Example 1: Social Media and Depression
Passage:
Over the course of the last decade, social media has become an integral part of people’s everyday lives, allowing individuals to connect globally. However, studies have identified a strong correlation between heavy social media usage and mental health issues, particularly depression. Adverse effects such as depressive symptoms often stem from exposure to unrealistic portrayals of life, enhanced social comparisons, and online bullying, which significantly contribute to emotional distress. Despite these risks, some proponents argue that social media can also promote mental well-being by offering support communities and providing platforms for emotional expression. Ultimately, the effect of social media on mental health largely depends on the habits and mindset of the user.
Task: Summarize the text in one sentence.
Sample Responses and Analysis:
Answer 1 (Band 90):
Social media contributes to both positive and negative effects on mental health, with excessive use often leading to issues like depression, while it can also provide supportive communities depending on how it is used.
Content: Excellent coverage of both sides of the argument, summarizing the impact on mental health.
Form: Perfect adherence to the word count, one complete sentence.
Grammar & Vocabulary: Correct structure, sophisticated vocabulary.
Spelling: No errors.
Answer 2 (Band 65):
Social media is linked to depression, but can also have positive effects, depending on the user.
Content: Focuses on the key ideas, although less detailed than the Band 90 response.
Form: Adheres to the required word count.
Grammar & Vocabulary: Simplistic sentence structure, minimal vocabulary use.
Spelling: No errors.
Answer 3 (Band 50):
Social media can be good but can also cause depression among users.
Content: Provides a general overview, missing specific details of mental health effects and conditions.
Form: Adheres to word count but lacks sophistication.
Grammar & Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary, some ambiguity in meaning.
Spelling: No errors.
Example 2: Anxiety and Social Media
Passage:
Social media has dramatically transformed how people communicate and maintain relationships, but research increasingly links excessive use of these platforms with rising anxiety levels. Constant exposure to curated content triggers feelings of inadequacy and fear of missing out (FOMO), which can exacerbate anxiety, particularly among younger users. In contrast, social media also offers platforms for spreading mental health awareness and reducing stigma. Yet, these benefits often fail to outweigh the growing concerns over the negative impacts that excessive screen time and online interactions can have on mental well-being.
Task: Summarize the text in one sentence.
Sample Responses and Analysis:
Answer 1 (Band 90):
While social media provides opportunities for mental health awareness, its excessive use can significantly contribute to increased anxiety and feelings of inadequacy, especially among younger users.
Content: Covers both the positive and negative consequences, mentioning specific effects like anxiety and FOMO.
Form: Adheres to the word limit, clear and concise.
Grammar & Vocabulary: Excellent command of language, varied and accurate.
Spelling: No errors.
Answer 2 (Band 65):
Social media can increase anxiety but also spreads mental health awareness.
Content: Includes the main point but lacks elaboration on specific causes or conditions.
Form: Single sentence, meets requirements.
Grammar & Vocabulary: Basic structure and limited vocabulary.
Spelling: No errors.
Answer 3 (Band 50):
Too much social media use may cause anxiety, but it can also be helpful for awareness.
Content: Simplified version, missing details on causes of anxiety or user demographics.
Form: Sentence is complete but lacks advanced expression.
Grammar & Vocabulary: Simple, straightforward vocabulary.
Spelling: No errors.
Vocabulary and Grammar Notes
Below are 10 challenging words from the sample passages, which often appear in exams about social media and mental health:
-
Correlation /ˌkɒr.əˈleɪ.ʃən/ (n.) – A mutual relationship or connection between two or more things.
E.g.: Researchers found a strong correlation between screen time and anxiety. -
Distress /dɪˈstres/ (n.) – Extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain.
E.g.: Excessive social media use can cause emotional distress. -
Inadequacy /ɪˈnæd.ɪ.kwə.si/ (n.) – A lack of quality or quantity required; insufficiency.
E.g.: Feelings of inadequacy arise from unrealistic portrayals on social media platforms. -
Depressive /dɪˈprɛsɪv/ (adj.) – Related to or suffering from depression.
E.g.: Depressive symptoms can be triggered by social media addiction. -
Proponent /prəˈpəʊnənt/ (n.) – A person who advocates for a theory, proposal, or project.
E.g.: Despite its drawbacks, some proponents support social media’s benefits. -
Exacerbate /ɪɡˈzæs.ə.beɪt/ (v.) – To make a problem, bad situation, or feeling worse.
E.g.: Social media often exacerbates existing symptoms of anxiety. -
Stigma /ˈstɪɡ.mə/ (n.) – A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.
E.g.: Online platforms are reducing the stigma around mental health discussions. -
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) /fəʊ.məʊ/ (n.) – Anxiety that an exciting or interesting event may currently be happening elsewhere.
E.g.: Social media creates FOMO, increasing anxiety in users. -
Curated /ˈkjʊə.reɪ.tɪd/ (adj.) – Carefully chosen and presented.
E.g.: People often feel insecure when comparing their lives to curated online content. -
Emotional expression /ɪˈməʊʃənl ɪkˈsprɛʃən/ (n.) – The act of conveying one’s feelings.
E.g.: Social media can be a platform for emotional expression among users.
Conclusion
Summarize Written Text is a critical part of the PTE Speaking & Writing section, and the topic of social media’s influence on mental health provides a perfect opportunity to explore real-world issues and improve your performance. The examples above will help you practice, analyze, and enhance your summarization skills, preparing you for actual exam conditions.
Continuously practicing similar texts on current social issues—like the Social media’s effect on mental health—will ensure you stay ahead in the PTE test. Feel free to share your answers in the comments, and let’s grow together in achieving better results!
