In the PTE Speaking & Writing section, “Summarize Written Text” is one of the tasks where test-takers must demonstrate their ability to compress extensive information into one concise summary sentence. One of the trending topics in recent academic discussions is Youth mental health in schools, reflecting the growing global concern about student well-being. This article will help candidates practice this pressing issue through sample exercises, providing insights into the format of the test and tips on crafting strong summaries.
Why Youth Mental Health in Schools is a Common Topic
Mental health challenges among students have become increasingly prevalent, with reports suggesting that as many as 20% of youth experience mental health disorders. School environments play a crucial role in either mitigating or worsening these issues. Given the topic’s relevance, it frequently appears in academic discussions, making it a strong candidate for PTE exams, particularly in the Summarize Written Text section.
If you’re interested in learning more about schools’ role in this pressing issue, check out our article on the importance of mental health support services in schools.
Sample Summarize Written Text Question 1: Youth Mental Health Awareness in Schools
Text for Summary:
Schools play a critical role in identifying and supporting students with mental health needs. Proper training for teachers and staff to recognize early signs of mental health issues can lead to timely interventions and improve outcomes for students. Research indicates that students in schools with comprehensive mental health programs are less likely to experience severe crises, leading to better academic performance and overall well-being. Despite the known benefits, many schools lack these essential programs and services due to funding constraints, emphasizing the need for government and community support in addressing this issue.
Task: In one sentence, summarize the main idea of the text.
Answers for Different Band Scores
High Band 79+ Sample:
Schools play a crucial role in supporting students’ mental health by providing early intervention through trained staff, though a lack of resources hampers widespread implementation of such programs.
Analysis:
- Content: The summary captures the essence of the argument, highlighting both the necessity of mental health support in schools and the challenges posed by resource constraints.
- Form: One sentence, 34 words, within word count limits.
- Grammar: Correct use of complex sentence structures and punctuation.
- Vocabulary: Rich vocabulary (e.g., “crucial role,” “early intervention,” “resource constraints”).
- Spelling: Accurately spelled.
School role in mental health programs, teacher training and support
Band 65-79 Sample:
Schools can help students’ mental health by training staff, but many schools lack enough resources to do so.
Analysis:
- Content: The summary is accurate but lacks details on the significance of these programs, such as improved academic performance.
- Form: One sentence, 19 words, fits within the word limit.
- Grammar: Simplified sentence structure, but still grammatically sound.
- Vocabulary: Adequate vocabulary use, though simpler compared to the high band.
- Spelling: Correct.
Band Below 65 Sample:
Schools have trouble helping students with mental health issues because they don’t have enough resources.
Analysis:
- Content: The summary simplifies the text too much, omitting key points about teacher training and potential benefits for students.
- Form: One sentence, 17 words, within the word limit.
- Grammar: Basic sentence structure, lacks complexity.
- Vocabulary: Very simple word choice (e.g., “trouble,” “helping”), not ideal for an academic test.
- Spelling: Correct.
Sample Summarize Written Text Question 2: The Impact of Early Mental Health Programs in Schools
Text for Summary:
Recent studies reveal the growing concern regarding mental health problems in youth, which often manifest during school years. Early intervention in schools, focusing on the emotional and psychological well-being of students, has shown to reduce the occurrence of major depressive episodes and anxiety disorders. Additionally, schools that focus on building mental health awareness foster more supportive environments, encouraging students to seek help. However, many institutions fail to implement these programs due to budget cuts and low prioritization of mental health in educational policies.
Task: In one sentence, summarize the main idea of the text.
Answers for Different Band Scores
High Band 79+ Sample:
Early mental health interventions in schools can significantly reduce depression and anxiety among students, but their implementation is often hindered by budget cuts and a lack of prioritization in educational policies.
Analysis:
- Content: Complete representation of the text, incorporating both the benefits of mental health programs and the challenges facing their implementation.
- Form: One sentence, 31 words.
- Grammar: Complex compound sentence with correct punctuation.
- Vocabulary: Academic vocabulary with precise use (e.g., “interventions,” “prioritization”).
- Spelling: Accurate.
Mental health intervention programs in school, reducing depression and anxiety
Band 65-79 Sample:
Early mental health programs in schools reduce anxiety and depression but are not implemented because of budget cuts.
Analysis:
- Content: Basic content provided without discussing lower prioritization in educational policies, making it slightly incomplete.
- Form: One sentence, 17 words.
- Grammar: Simple sentence structure but accurate.
- Vocabulary: Fair but more basic than a high-band response.
- Spelling: Correct.
Band Below 65 Sample:
Mental health programs in schools help students, but they are not common due to cuts in funding.
Analysis:
- Content: Omits crucial elements like specific mental health improvements (anxiety, depression) and mentions of educational policy challenges.
- Form: One sentence, 15 words.
- Grammar: Basic structures, lacks depth.
- Vocabulary: Excessively simple (“help students”), not suitable for higher bands.
- Spelling: Correct.
For more information on the importance of mental health awareness, you can refer to our article on Mental health awareness in youth.
Vocabulary and Grammar Breakdown
Here are 10 important vocabulary terms from the passage, along with their pronunciation and meanings:
- Intervention /ˌɪntərˈvɛnʃən/: (noun) The process of intervening in a situation to improve it.
Example: Early intervention can greatly reduce future mental health issues. - Well-being /ˈwɛlˈbiːɪŋ/: (noun) The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.
Example: Schools that focus on students’ well-being often see better academic results. - Comprehensive /ˌkɑmprɪˈhɛnsɪv/: (adjective) Complete and thorough.
Example: A comprehensive mental health program addresses both prevention and support. - Manifest /ˈmænɪˌfɛst/: (verb) To show or demonstrate clearly.
Example: Mental health issues often manifest during adolescence. - Supportive /səˈpɔrtɪv/: (adjective) Providing help or encouragement.
Example: Schools with a supportive environment improve students’ mental health. - Prioritization /praɪɔrətaɪˈzeɪʃən/: (noun) The action of arranging things in order of importance.
Example: Prioritization of students’ mental health is crucial for creating a positive environment. - Counseling /ˈkaʊnsəlɪŋ/: (noun) Professional advice on a personal or psychological problem.
Example: Many schools offer counseling to address students’ needs. - Awareness /əˈwɛrˌnɛs/: (noun) Knowledge or perception of a situation.
Example: Mental health awareness can lead to early detection of problems. - Implementation /ˌɪmplɪmɛnˈteɪʃən/: (noun) The process of putting a decision or plan into effect.
Example: The implementation of mental health programs remains a major challenge. - Funding /ˈfʌndɪŋ/: (noun) Financial support for a project or program.
Example: Many schools struggle to secure funding for mental health services.
