In the PTE exam, the Summarize Written Text section is a critical part of the Speaking & Writing module. Test-takers are required to read and condense a passage into one sentence, which accurately represents the core idea. One popular theme that frequently appears in this section is the impact of modern technology on human health. Below, we’ve created sample questions and answers to help you practice for this exam section.
Summarize Written Text: Sample Question 1
Topic: The Influence of Modern Technology on Physical Health
Technology has undeniably changed the way we live, but it has also had a significant impact on human health. The increasing reliance on mobile devices, computers, and televisions has resulted in reduced physical activity levels, contributing to issues such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and musculoskeletal disorders. Prolonged exposure to screens has also been linked to eye strain and poor sleep quality due to disruption of natural circadian rhythms. However, technology is not all bad for our health. Advances in medical technology have improved patient outcomes and facilitated better diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. Nevertheless, the question remains whether the benefits outweigh the growing physical health concerns caused by a sedentary lifestyle.
Task: Summarize the passage in one sentence.
Band 90 Answer
Although modern technology has led to advancements in healthcare, its widespread use has caused a decline in physical activity and has led to health problems such as obesity and poor sleep quality, raising concerns about its overall impact on human health.
Analysis
- Content: This answer captures the core idea of the passage succinctly. It mentions both the negative and positive impacts of technology on health, with a balanced evaluation that mirrors the original text.
- Form: The sentence is within the word limit (5-75 words) and well-structured.
- Grammar: Excellent use of complex sentence structures, with appropriate conjunctions.
- Vocabulary: Correctly chosen vocabulary with accurate paraphrasing such as “decline in physical activity” and “health problems.”
- Spelling: No errors detected.
Band 75 Answer
While modern technology has improved healthcare, it has also contributed to physical inactivity, leading to obesity and other health problems like eye strain and disrupted sleep patterns.
Analysis
- Content: This response correctly summarizes both sides of the argument but does not delve as deeply into the negative consequences as the Band 90 answer.
- Form: Clear structure and correctly within word count.
- Grammar: Grammar is mostly effective but slightly less varied than the Band 90 response.
- Vocabulary: Adequate vocabulary usage, although “disrupted sleep patterns” could be made more academic (e.g., “disrupted circadian rhythms”).
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 60 Answer
Technology helps medical advancements, but people get less active and develop health problems like obesity, eye strain, and bad sleep.
Analysis
- Content: This sentence conveys the key points but in a very simplistic way, lacking nuanced explanation.
- Form: Adheres to the word count limit, though overly simplistic.
- Grammar: Some basic sentence structures are used, without much variety.
- Vocabulary: Limited use of academic vocabulary, with phrases like “bad sleep” that could be enhanced.
- Spelling: No major spelling issues, but informal wording detracts from quality.
Summarize Written Text: Sample Question 2
Topic: The Psychological Effects of Modern Technology
While modern technology has brought great convenience, it has also had profound psychological effects on individuals. The excessive use of social media, for instance, has been linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. People increasingly compare their lives to the carefully curated, idealized versions of others’ lives, leading to dissatisfaction with their own. Furthermore, the constant connectivity created by smartphones and devices contributes to stress and an inability to fully disconnect from work or social obligations. Despite these drawbacks, technology has made mental health resources more accessible through apps and online counseling services, suggesting a complex relationship between technology and mental well-being.
Task: Summarize the passage in one sentence.
Band 90 Answer
Modern technology, while making mental health resources more accessible, has contributed to a rise in anxiety, depression, and constant stress due to social media comparisons and the inability to disconnect from work and personal obligations.
Analysis
- Content: The core themes of the passage are captured, including both the positive and negative impacts of technology on mental health.
- Form: Well-structured and within word limit.
- Grammar: Uses complex sentence constructions and appropriate conjunctions.
- Vocabulary: Essential terms such as “inability to disconnect,” “constant stress,” and “anxiety” are well incorporated.
- Spelling: Error-free.
Band 75 Answer
Even though modern technology has made accessing mental health resources easier, it causes stress, anxiety, and depression due to social media influence and the inability to switch off from work.
Analysis
- Content: Covers most of the main ideas, though lacking some detail about the psychological effects like loneliness and social comparisons.
- Form: Well-organized and meets the word limit.
- Grammar: The sentence structure is effective but not as complex as the Band 90 response.
- Vocabulary: Adequate but slightly less precise in word choice (“switch off” instead of “disconnect”).
- Spelling: No issues.
Advanced Vocabulary for Summarize Written Text
To help you excel in this section, here are 10 advanced vocabulary words that will enrich your responses:
-
Sedentary /ˈsɛdntəri/ (adj.): involving a lot of sitting and little exercise.
Example: A sedentary lifestyle can lead to various health problems. -
Cardiovascular /ˌkɑːdiəʊˈvæskjʊlər/ (adj.): related to the heart and blood vessels.
Example: Long periods of inactivity can increase cardiovascular risk. -
Circadian /sərˈkeɪdiən/ (adj.): relating to biological processes that occur in a 24-hour cycle.
Example: Exposure to blue light can disrupt the natural circadian rhythm. -
Musculoskeletal /ˌmʌs.kjʊ.ləʊˈskɛl.ɪ.təl/ (adj.): relating to the muscles and the skeleton.
Example: Poor posture at a desk can lead to musculoskeletal disorders. -
Dissatisfaction /ˌdɪsˌsætɪsˈfækʃ(ə)n/ (noun): lack of contentment.
Example: Comparing oneself to others on social media can lead to dissatisfaction. -
Anxiety /æŋˈzaɪəti/ (noun): a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease.
Example: Continuous notifications can heighten feelings of anxiety. -
Loneliness /ˈloʊnlinəs/ (noun): sadness because one has no friends or company.
Example: Virtual interactions can sometimes increase feelings of loneliness. -
Curate /ˈkjʊəreɪt/ (verb): to select, organize, and present content.
Example: People often curate their social media profiles to show their best selves. -
Facilitate /fəˈsɪlɪteɪt/ (verb): to make an action or process easier.
Example: Online platforms facilitate virtual counseling sessions. -
Disruption /dɪsˈrʌpʃən/ (noun): disturbance or problems that interrupt an event, activity, or process.
Example: Prolonged screen time causes disruption to normal sleep patterns.
Conclusion
Summarizing key information accurately and concisely is essential to performing well in the Summarize Written Text task of the PTE exam. Regular practice with real-world topics, like the influence of modern technology on health, will help improve your abilities in this section. Keep practicing, and if you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment!
