The “Summarize Written Text” task in the PTE Speaking & Writing section requires candidates to read a passage and summarize it in one accurate sentence. This section tests your ability to see the main theme and key ideas while putting them into a coherent statement. One of the trending topics in recent tests is “Technology’s Impact on Employment Trends.” Let’s explore how this topic often shows up in the PTE exam and get some summaries under practice.
Explore the Topic: Technology’s Impact on Employment Trends
In recent years, technology has been a driving factor in changing employment patterns across various industries. Concepts like automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital transformation are reshaping traditional job roles and giving rise to new employment trends. From increased productivity to job displacement, this topic reflects a common theme in the PTE “Summarize Written Text” as it incorporates varying points of view, detailed arguments, and an analytical lens on technological advancements.
Sample Summarize Written Text Task Based on Technology’s Impact on Employment Trends
Task: Summarize the passage below in one sentence. Your response will be judged on the quality of your writing and on how well your response presents the key points in the passage.
Passage 1:
In the era of rapid technological advancement, many jobs that were foundational to industrial economies, such as those in manufacturing, are being replaced by automation, robotics, and AI-driven systems. This technological transformation is reshaping employment, shifting the emphasis from labor-intensive occupations to roles that require advanced technological expertise. While some argue that automation leads to unemployment, others believe that new job categories are emerging with the expansion of the technology sector. From AI developers to data analysts, the technological revolution requires a new range of skills, thus creating fresh opportunities for those equipped with the right knowledge.
Submit your response in one single sentence:
Answer Samples with Band Scores
Band 90:
The rise of automation and AI has transformed traditional roles, replacing labor-intensive jobs with those requiring advanced technological skills, while also creating new opportunities in tech-centered domains such as data analysis and AI development.
Analysis:
- Content: Complete, covers both job loss and job creation.
- Form: Follows the sentence length and ends with a period.
- Grammar: Strong use of complex sentence structure.
- Vocabulary: Advanced, includes specific terms like “AI development” and “data analysis.”
- Spelling: Flawless.
Band 80:
Automation and AI are transforming industries, replacing manual jobs and creating demand for technology-focused skills, which is viewed by some as an opportunity and by others as a threat.
Analysis:
- Content: Covers the main points.
- Form: Well-structured, within the word limit.
- Grammar: Good, slight ambiguity in differentiating the benefits and drawbacks.
- Vocabulary: Adequate but could include more specific job examples.
- Spelling: Accurate.
Band 70:
Automation and AI are changing jobs by replacing traditional roles and need workers with new skills, although some people think it will make more jobs difficult to find.
Analysis:
- Content: Covers the essentials but misses more detailed insights into new jobs.
- Form: Adequate, but a little less concise.
- Grammar: Basic structure, lacks variety in sentence complexity.
- Vocabulary: Simple, could be more refined.
- Spelling: Correct.
Band 60:
Technology like AI replaces many manual jobs and leads to some becoming obsolete, but at the same time creates new job roles.
Analysis:
- Content: Partial explanation, lacks depth in covering the entire passage.
- Form: Simple sentence but fulfills length requirement.
- Grammar: Could benefit from using more compound sentences.
- Vocabulary: Basic, lacks subject-specific terms.
- Spelling: Fine.
Band 50:
Technology is changing jobs, affecting people by replacing them with computers and sometimes giving new jobs.
Analysis:
- Content: Lacks precision and depth.
- Form: Meets the word count requirements, but needs refinement.
- Grammar: Too simplistic; lacks proper explanation of how jobs are changing.
- Vocabulary: Extremely simple, lacks varied and academic terms.
- Spelling: No errors.
Vocabulary and Grammar Guide
Here are some advanced vocabulary words taken from the passage to enhance your writing:
-
Automation /ˌɔːtəˈmeɪʃən/ (n): the use of machines to perform tasks that were previously done by humans.
Example: The factory introduced automation to reduce labor costs. -
Artificial Intelligence (AI) /ˌɑːrtɪˈfɪʃəl ɪnˈtɛlɪdʒəns/ (n): the simulation of human intelligence in machines.
Example: AI is transforming industries by automating complex decision-making processes. -
Data Analyst /ˈdeɪtə ˈænəlɪst/ (n): a professional who collects and interprets data to help businesses make decisions.
Example: Companies are increasingly hiring data analysts to interpret their large datasets. -
Displacement /dɪsˈpleɪsmənt/ (n): the process of being replaced or moved, especially referring to workers being displaced by technology.
Example: Technological advancements resulted in the displacement of numerous factory workers. -
Technological Expertise /tɛkˈnɑlədʒɪkl ˌɛkspərˈtiz/ (n): advanced knowledge or skills in technology.
_Example: The demand for technological expertise is rising across different sectors.* -
Industrial Economies /ɪnˈdʌstriəl ɪˈkɑnəmiz/ (n): economies based on manufacturing and industry rather than services or information.
_Example: Industrial economies have been significantly reshaped by mechanization.* -
Labor-intensive /ˈleɪbər ɪnˈtɛnsɪv/ (adj): a type of work requiring a large amount of labor.
_Example: Agriculture is traditionally a labor-intensive industry, though automation is changing that.* -
Revolution /ˌrɛvəˈluʃən/ (n): a complete change in something, especially referring to rapid advancements.
_Example: The tech revolution is disrupting traditional business models.* -
Obsolete /ˌɑbsəˈlit/ (adj): no longer in use or needed, often replaced by something newer and better.
_Example: Many manual jobs are becoming obsolete due to innovations like AI.* -
Expansion /ɪkˈspænʃən/ (n): the action of becoming larger or more extensive.
_Example: The expansion of the tech sector has opened up new employment opportunities.*
Conclusion
To excel in the PTE Summarize Written Text task, mastering how to pick up the key points and delivering them concisely is essential. This specific example on “Technology’s Impact on Employment Trends” is common in real PTE exams since it raises topics about changes in the workforce — a subject that is timely and relevant. Consistent practice with similar topics will help you develop strategies to summarize effectively. Feel free to share your answers in the comments for feedback or additional practice!
