The PTE Summarize Written Text section, found within the combined Speaking & Writing module, assesses your ability to understand academic texts and summarize their content concisely. One of the recurring themes in this section includes Universal Healthcare Systems And Affordability—a highly relevant topic in the global dialogue around healthcare policies. In this practice, we will guide you through sample questions, provide model summaries with various scoring bands, and offer in-depth feedback on the approach to writing a successful summary.
Universal Healthcare Systems: A Common Topic in the PTE Summarize Written Text Section
Universal healthcare is a system where all individuals have access to healthcare services without suffering financial hardship. This topic’s complexity and relevance make it a popular choice for testing critical analysis and summarization skills in the Summarize Written Text section. Candidates must concisely capture key points while maintaining clarity and grammatical accuracy. Let’s dive into a sample exercise focused on this theme.
Sample Summarize Written Text Question: Universal Healthcare Systems and Affordability
Below is a sample reading text, which is constructed similarly to passages found in real PTE exams. The text centers around the issues and challenges of affordability in universal healthcare systems, one of the most discussed subtopics in this field.
Passage for Summarize Written Text:
Universal healthcare systems are designed to ensure that healthcare services are available to all citizens regardless of their socio-economic status. Countries with such systems typically rely on either taxation or social insurance schemes to fund healthcare services. This method ensures that the financial burden of medical care is not a barrier to receiving care. However, the affordability of universal healthcare remains a significant debate due to escalating healthcare costs, demographic shifts like aging populations, and the continuous need for technological advancements in medical treatment. Some argue that universal healthcare can only be sustained by increasing taxes or cutting spending in other vital social services, such as education or infrastructure, thereby affecting overall governmental budgets. Others believe that universal healthcare promotes a healthier society and indirectly boosts economic growth by maintaining a healthier workforce. Consequently, balancing quality healthcare accessibility with sustainable financial models remains a persistent challenge for policymakers globally.
Summarize the passage in one sentence, between 5-75 words.
Model Summaries Based on Different Band Scores
Band 90 (Top Score)
Universal healthcare systems aim to provide healthcare for all citizens but face challenges in maintaining affordability due to high medical costs, changing demographics like aging populations, and the need for technology upgrades, which policymakers must balance with sustainable funding models.
- Content: This summary captures all the critical points, including affordability, demographic shifts, technological advancements, and funding models.
- Form: Fits within the word constraint and is structured in a clear, concise manner.
- Grammar: The sentence uses complex sentence structures that are grammatically correct.
- Vocabulary: Utilizes field-specific vocabulary such as “affordability”, “demographic shifts”, and “funding models.”
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 75
Universal healthcare provides access to healthcare for all, but rising costs and aging populations make it difficult for governments to maintain affordability.
- Content: Key ideas are present, but there is a slight oversimplification by omitting references to technological advancements and spending cuts.
- Form: Well within the allowed word limit.
- Grammar: Correct sentence structure, though less complex compared to the previous example.
- Vocabulary: Good use of vocabulary, but lacks variety seen in the higher band.
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 65
Universal healthcare systems aim to provide care to everyone, but high costs and an aging population create affordability issues.
- Content: This summary includes the main theme but oversimplifies the challenges by not mentioning government budgeting, taxation, or technology.
- Form: Concise and under word count.
- Grammar: Grammatically correct but lacks advanced structures.
- Vocabulary: Adequate but very basic vocabulary.
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 50
Universal healthcare is for everyone, but it costs a lot.
- Content: The summary fails to capture key details, such as demographic trends or possible solutions for sustainability.
- Form: Brevity causes underdevelopment, failing to properly convey the passage’s complexity.
- Grammar: Grammatically correct but overly simplistic.
- Vocabulary: Limited vocabulary, lacking essential terms for clarity.
- Spelling: No errors.
Vocabulary Highlights
Here are 10 advanced vocabulary words from the passage along with their meanings and usage examples:
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Affordability /əˌfɔːr.dəˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/ (noun): The state of being inexpensive or reasonably priced.
- Example: The affordability of healthcare remains a concern for policymakers.
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Demographic /ˌdɛ.məˈɡræf.ɪk/ (adjective): Referring to the characteristics of a population, such as age or income.
- Example: Demographic shifts can greatly influence healthcare costs.
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Sustain /səˈsteɪn/ (verb): To support or maintain something over time.
- Example: It is difficult to sustain a universal healthcare system without raising taxes.
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Policy /ˈpɒl.ɪ.si/ (noun): A course of action adopted by a government, organization, or individual.
- Example: Healthcare policy reforms are often met with strong public opinions.
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Technological advancements /ˌtek.nəˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl ədˈvɑːns.mənts/ (noun phrase): The progress or improvement in technology.
- Example: Technological advancements in medical treatment can increase healthcare costs.
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Barrier /ˈbæ.ri.ər/ (noun): An obstacle that prevents progress or makes it difficult to achieve something.
- Example: High costs are a significant barrier to accessing healthcare services.
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Scheme /skiːm/ (noun): A systematic plan of action.
- Example: Several countries implement universal healthcare schemes funded by taxes.
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Escalate /ˈɛs.kə.leɪt/ (verb): To increase rapidly.
- Example: Medical expenses continue to escalate due to rising demand.
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Socio-economic /ˌsəʊ.si.oʊˌɛk.nəˈmɒm.ik/ (adjective): Related to the interaction of social and economic factors.
- Example: Universal healthcare addresses socio-economic disparities in access to care.
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Sustainable /səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/ (adjective): Capable of being maintained over the long term without causing harm.
- Example: Sustainable funding models are essential for the success of universal healthcare systems.
Conclusion
Universal healthcare systems and affordability are central themes in the PTE Summarize Written Text section, as they touch on globally significant concepts. Mastering the ability to concisely summarize such passages is crucial for boosting your PTE score. By practicing regularly and understanding how to communicate key ideas efficiently, candidates can significantly enhance their skills. Don’t forget to leave a comment below with your questions or experience practicing this particular format!
