The Summarize Written Text
Practice Task: Summarize Written Text
Task Instructions:
Write one sentence that summarizes the main points of the passage below. Your response must be between 5-75 words.
Passage: The Impact of Virtual Influencers
Virtual influencers, computer-generated personas that resemble real humans, are becoming increasingly popular on social media platforms. Brands are drawn to their customizable appearance, consistent behavior, and the ability to avoid human controversies, unlike real influencers who might cause harm to brand image due to unpredictable actions or scandals. However, some critics argue that virtual influencers lack authenticity, thus limiting their credibility in comparison to genuine influencers. Additionally, these digital personas do not possess actual personal experiences, leading to concerns about their potential to mislead audiences. Despite these criticisms, companies continue to invest in virtual influencers, recognizing their ability to engage with younger, tech-savvy audiences who value innovation and digital aesthetics over traditional human interaction.
Virtual influencers are gaining popularity on social media platforms
Sample Answers & Band Score Analysis
High Band Score (80-90):
Virtual influencers, despite criticism for lacking authenticity, are continually employed by brands seeking controllable public figures to engage tech-savvy audiences, as their customizable nature and avoidance of human controversies outweigh concerns about misleading consumers.
Analysis:
- Content: Excellent summary that covers both the advantages and concerns about virtual influencers.
- Form: Correct single sentence between 5-75 words.
- Grammar: The use of complex sentence structures is flawless.
- Vocabulary: Utilizes advanced vocabulary, such as “customizable nature”, “tech-savvy audiences”, and “avoidance of human controversies”.
- Spelling: No errors detected.
Medium Band Score (65-79):
Brands are increasingly using virtual influencers due to their customizable features and ability to avoid scandals, although some believe they lack credibility because they are not real people.
Analysis:
- Content: Includes the main points but does not fully capture the idea of engagement with younger, tech-savvy audiences.
- Form: Fits the one-sentence requirement.
- Grammar: Mostly correct but simpler sentence structures are used.
- Vocabulary: A mix of basic and moderate vocabulary; missed opportunities to use more sophisticated words.
- Spelling: Error-free.
Low Band Score (50-64):
Virtual influencers are used by brands because they cannot cause scandals, but they do not have real experiences.
Analysis:
- Content: Only partially covers the passage’s main ideas, omitting important nuances like brand benefits or criticisms of lacking authenticity.
- Form: One sentence but leans towards being oversimplified.
- Grammar: Oversimplified sentence structure with no errors.
- Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary lacking diversity.
- Spelling: Correct but shows limited range.
Vocabulary and Grammar
To perform well in Summarize Written Text, mastering specific vocabulary and grammar is crucial. Below are key terms from the sample passage along with their definitions and usage examples.
10 Key Vocabulary Words:
-
Persona /pəˈsoʊnə/: A character or identity assumed by an individual or organism in a particular setting.
- Example: The virtual influencer’s persona was designed to appeal to younger audiences.
-
Consistent /kənˈsɪstənt/: Acting in the same way over time.
- Example: Virtual influencers offer a more consistent image than human celebrities.
-
Credibility /ˌkrɛdəˈbɪlɪti/: The quality of being trusted and believed in.
- Example: Social media users question the credibility of virtual influencers.
-
Engage /ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ/: To attract and hold the attention or interest of.
- Example: The brand wants to engage with a younger, tech-savvy audience.
Brands using virtual influencers to engage tech-savvy audiences
-
Aesthetic /esˈθetɪk/: A set of principles concerned with the nature and appreciation of beauty.
- Example: The influencers’ aesthetic was carefully crafted to suit digital trends.
-
Customization /ˌkʌz·tə·mɪˈzeɪ·ʃən/: The action of modifying something to suit a particular individual or task.
- Example: Brands like virtual influencers due to their high customization capabilities.
-
Innovation /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/: A new method, idea, or product.
- Example: The virtual influencer represents innovation in digital marketing.
-
Scandal /ˈskændəl/: An event regarded as morally or legally wrong and causing public outrage.
- Example: Virtual influencers can help brands avoid scandals associated with human figures.
-
Mislead /mɪsˈliːd/: To cause someone to have a wrong idea or impression.
- Example: There is concern that virtual influencers might mislead audiences.
-
Tech-savvy /ˌtek ˈsævi/: Well-informed about or proficient in the use of modern technology.
- Example: Marketers see virtual influencers appealing most to tech-savvy consumers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Summarize Written Text task in the PTE exam challenges candidates to condense complex ideas into clear and concise summaries. By understanding the topic “The Impact of Virtual Influencers,” learners can practice with real-world, relevant content. To improve your skills, focusing on tasks like this one will help you enhance content analysis, grammar, vocabulary utilization, and overall accuracy. Leave a comment below if you have any questions or want further practice opportunities!
