The Summarize Written Text (SWT) section in the PTE Speaking and Writing exam tests a candidate’s ability to condense complex information into a single sentence. This task requires a concise understanding, where the main idea from one or more paragraphs is captured in about 5 to 75 words. Today, we’re looking at a highly topical and complex subject: The Psychology Behind Fake News.
This article not only dives into the psychological aspects of why fake news spreads but also presents practice exercises tailored for the PTE exam. Let’s get started with an introduction to the task before exploring sample test questions and responses.
What is Summarize Written Text?
The Summarize Written Text task in PTE requires you to read a passage of 150-300 words and summarize it in one sentence. You’ll be judged on how well you capture the core idea, adhere to form and structure, and correctly use grammar and vocabulary within the given word count restrictions.
Sample SWT Question: The Psychology Behind Fake News
Read the passage below and summarize it in one sentence. Be sure to keep your response between 5 and 75 words.
Fake news spreads online faster than genuine news items due to a combination of cognitive biases and emotional manipulation. People are often more likely to share news that aligns with their beliefs, regardless of its accuracy. This effect is amplified by social media algorithms, which prioritize sensational, controversial content designed to provoke stronger emotional reactions. Moreover, studies show that people find it difficult to differentiate between real and fake news when distracted, increasing the likelihood of misinformation being accepted as truth. In an age of information overload, the psychology behind why we believe and share fake news is tied to our instinctive reactions to emotional content and social reinforcement from our peers.
Model Answers Based on Different Band Scores
High Band Score (79+):
Fake news spreads rapidly because of emotional manipulation, cognitive biases, and reinforcement from social media algorithms, with people more likely to share stories that align with their beliefs, often failing to differentiate between real and false information.
Analysis:
- Content: The core idea of the passage is fully captured, nothing essential is omitted.
- Form: The summary fits the word count limit, meets the sentence structure requirement and avoids multiple independent clauses.
- Grammar: All verbs are used in the correct tense; subject-verb agreement is flawless.
- Vocabulary: Uses relevant academic terms such as “cognitive biases,” “reinforcement,” and “emotional manipulation.”
- Spelling: Correct spelling throughout.
Mid Band Score (65-78):
Fake news spreads faster than real news due to cognitive biases and emotional manipulation, with people finding it difficult to differentiate real and false stories, especially when distracted.
Analysis:
- Content: Major ideas are included, though there is less focus on social media amplification compared to the high band example.
- Form: The summary utilizes appropriate length and is grammatically correct.
- Grammar: The verb tense usage is correct, though could be more varied.
- Vocabulary: Academic vocabulary is present, but slightly less varied.
- Spelling: No issues found.
Low Band Score (50-64):
Emotional manipulation and cognitive biases cause people to spread fake news more than real news.
Analysis:
- Content: The main idea is oversimplified, with missing references to social media algorithms and the difficulty in recognizing fake news.
- Form: Within the word count range and properly structured.
- Grammar: Sentence is grammatical but too basic.
- Vocabulary: Lacks the variety and specificity of higher-level responses.
- Spelling: No spelling mistakes.
Vocabulary from the Text:
Below is a list of advanced words found in the passage, their definitions, and example sentences to aid your understanding of the subject.
-
Cognitive (ˈkɒɡ.nə.tɪv) — Related to conscious mental activities such as thinking, reasoning, or remembering.
Example: Cognitive scientists study how people think, perceive, and learn. -
Bias (ˈbaɪ.əs) — An inclination that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation.
Example: Social media often perpetuates bias by showing users content that aligns with their beliefs. -
Algorithm (ˈælɡ.ə.rɪð.əm) — A process or set of rules used to sort through and prioritize data.
Example: Search engines use algorithms to deliver the most relevant information. -
Manipulation (məˌnɪp.jʊˈleɪ.ʃən) — The act of controlling or influencing someone in a clever or unscrupulous way.
Example: The broad reach of fake news highlights how easily manipulation of information can occur. -
Sensational (sɛnˈseɪʃənəl) — Causing great public interest and excitement, often exaggerated.
Example: Sensational stories tend to attract more clicks, even if they lack credibility. -
Reinforcement (ˌriː.ɪnˈfɔːs.mənt) — The process of encouraging or establishing a pattern of behavior through repeated exposure or rewards.
Example: Positive reinforcement increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. -
Overload (ˈəʊvəˌləʊd) — An excessive amount of something, making it difficult to process.
Example: Information overload can make it hard to discern what’s true. -
Provoke (prəˈvəʊk) — To stimulate or incite a reaction, often emotional.
Example: Some fake news is designed to provoke anger and controversy. -
Differentiate (ˌdɪf.əˈrɛn.ʃɪ.eɪt) — To recognize or identify differences.
Example: It can be difficult for people to differentiate between real and fake news. -
Misinformation (ˌmɪs.ɪn.fəˈmeɪ.ʃən) — Incorrect or misleading information spread unintentionally.
Example: Misinformation can spread quickly, especially on social media platforms.
Conclusion
In the Summarize Written Text section of the PTE exam, it’s essential to grasp the core elements of the text while maintaining clarity and brevity in your response. The psychology behind why fake news spreads is a common theme in modern media literacy, and understanding it makes for a relevant topic on which to test your skills. Regular practice of crafting summaries with precision will improve your performance in this section. Feel free to leave your thoughts or additional questions in the comments to further hone your skills!
