In the PTE Speaking & Writing section, one of the challenging tasks is the Summarize Written Text (SWT). This task tests your ability to understand, summarize, and condense academic content into a single sentence. A recurring theme in recent PTE exams is The Digital Divide In Education, which reflects the growing global concern over technological inequality in learning environments. This article will offer you some authentic sample tasks around this topic to help you prepare for the PTE by focusing on its Speaking & Writing segment.
Sample Summarize Written Text on The Digital Divide in Education
When you’re working on Summarize Written Text tasks in the PTE exam, it’s essential to convey the key points of the passage in a single, grammatically correct sentence within 5-75 words. Below are some valuable sample tasks, along with suitable high-level responses.
Sample Task 1
Prompt:
The digital divide in education refers to the gap between those who have access to modern information and communication technology and those who do not. This divide affects the ability of students, particularly in rural or underdeveloped areas, to learn effectively. Despite efforts to provide universal access to the internet, millions of students, especially in developing countries, still lack reliable connectivity. The lack of access to technology exacerbates educational inequalities, as students without it struggle to keep up with their peers. Addressing this issue is considered critical to ensuring equal opportunities for all students in a rapidly digitizing world.
Task Instruction (Summarize Written Text):
Summarize the text in one sentence. Your response must be between 5-75 words.
Response Samples by Band Score
-
High Band (79+)
The digital divide in education refers to the disparity in access to technology, particularly affecting students in rural or underdeveloped areas, which exacerbates educational inequalities globally despite continuous efforts to provide universal internet access.Content: Full understanding of the passage, covering all major points
Form: One clear sentence
Grammar: Correct usage of clauses and punctuation
Vocabulary: Academic and varied (“disparity,” “exacerbates”)
Spelling: No errors -
Mid Band (58-63)
The digital divide affects students in rural areas due to a lack of technology, making it harder for them to access education compared to their peers.Content: Covers the main idea
Form: One sentence (limited scope)
Grammar: Simple sentence structure
Vocabulary: Basic but clear
Spelling: No errors -
Low Band (30-40)
Some students cannot access the internet, which affects their education.Content: Misses key points (“rural or underdeveloped areas,” “global”)
Form: Very short, lacks complexity
Grammar: Sentence is correct but too basic
Vocabulary: Limited
Spelling: No errors
Sample Task 2
Prompt:
Education has increasingly shifted to online platforms, particularly in the wake of global events, showcasing the importance of reliable internet connections and technological resources. However, the digital divide remains a significant barrier for millions of students, particularly in low-income countries, where access to the necessary technology is currently limited. This inequality not only affects students’ learning outcomes but also their long-term opportunities, making it an urgent issue for policy to address.
Task Instruction (Summarize Written Text):
Condense the text into one sentence with 5-75 words.
Response Samples by Band Score
-
High Band (79+)
Online education has become vital, but millions of students, especially in low-income countries, face significant educational disadvantages due to the digital divide, which urgently calls for policy intervention to ensure equal opportunities.Content: Addresses both the technological challenge and policy urgency
Form: A complete yet concise sentence
Grammar: Proper usage of complex sentence structures
Vocabulary: Strong vocabulary (“disadvantages,” “urgently,” “policy intervention”)
Spelling: Accurate -
Mid Band (58-63)
Many students in low-income countries cannot equally access online education because of the lack of technology.Content: Captures the divide but misses “urgency” and “policy” points
Form: Complete sentence, lacks complexity
Grammar: Correct but simple
Vocabulary: Basic but understandable
Spelling: No errors -
Low Band (30-40)
Students without technology cannot access education equally.Content: Too vague and lacks key information
Form: Short, overly simplified sentence
Grammar: Small errors in clarity
Vocabulary: Limited
Spelling: No errors
Relevant Vocabulary for Summarize Written Text
Here are ten essential vocabulary words related to The Digital Divide in Education, which can improve the quality of your summaries:
-
Exacerbate (/ɪɡˈzæsərˌbeɪt/)
To make a bad situation worse.
Example: The lack of internet access exacerbates educational disparities worldwide. -
Equality (/ɪˈkwɒlɪti/)
The state of being equal, especially in status, rights, or opportunities.
Example: Ensuring technological equality is vital for modern education systems. -
Disparity (/dɪˈspærɪti/)
A great difference.
Example: There is a huge disparity in access to digital resources across the world. -
Inequality (/ɪnɪˈkwɒlɪti/)
Lack of fairness.
Example: Inequality in access to education technology is a major issue. -
Infrastructure (/ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃər/)
The physical or organizational structure needed for the operation of a society.
Example: Many rural areas still lack the necessary infrastructure for reliable internet access. -
Intervention (/ˌɪntərˈvɛnʃən/)
The action of becoming involved in a situation to change the outcome.
Example: Policy intervention is required to address the digital divide. -
Universal (/ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsəl/)
Applicable everywhere or in all cases.
Example: Universal access to the internet is a fundamental goal in modern education. -
Opportunity (/ˌɒpərˈtjuːnɪti/)
A set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something.
Example: Equal opportunities in education rely on access to technology. -
Access (/ˈæksɛs/)
The ability to reach something or use a resource.
Example: Providing access to digital resources is key to resolving educational inequality. -
Barrier (/ˈbærɪər/)
Something that blocks or limits progress.
Example: The digital divide is a major barrier to educational reform in many countries.
Conclusion
Working through sample Summarize Written Text tasks based on the digital divide in education can significantly improve your preparation for the PTE Speaking & Writing section. This topic is not just common in academic texts but also highly relevant given contemporary global challenges. Feel free to explore more related topics like Remote learning and educational equity and The rise of virtual education to further enhance your understanding and preparedness.
By practicing these tasks and expanding your vocabulary, you’ll improve your ability to summarize effectively during the actual test. Good luck, and if you have any questions, leave a comment for further guidance!
