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PanaceaPTE Core

PTE Core Summarize Written Text: Format and Tips

Important tips and strategies to help you excel in the PTE Core Summarize Written Text task for better scores.

Summarize Written Text is the first question type of Writing Module and it comes immediately after Answer Short Question. In this question type the given paragraph has to be summarized in 25 and 50 words. This type of question adds score in Writing and Reading.

 

 

Task Format


  • Prompt Length: Text up to 200 words
  • Skills Assessed: Reading And Writing
  • Time to Answer: 10 minutes
  • Skills Profile: Short Writing 
  • No. of Tasks: 1-2

     

Scoring Pattern of Summarize Written Text

Content: Content score is out of 2 and to get full points, the main key points of the paragraph are to be addressed without misrepresenting the purpose or topic. The misinterpretation of the topic into summary will not be given any score points. The best responses are based on the following components of the Summary:
The main idea with the supporting points must be included.

The focus should be on the interpretation of the key information given in the paragraph.

Form: Form is out of 2, the summary should be written within word limit of 25 and 50 words. If the summary is written in 5-24 words or 51-60 words, then 1 point will be given in Form. If you write less than 5 words or more than 60 words, your summary will be scored zero.

Grammar: Grammar score is out of 2, grammar score is based on the basic grammar structure, for instance, Punctuation and the proper usage of the verb form as per the sentence formation. The basic elements of the grammar are not to be ignored and the best response usually has the main clause and subordinate clause in it.

Vocabulary: Vocabulary is scored out of 2 and responses evaluation is based on the relevance, appropriateness in an academic context, and effective synonym use, demonstrating understanding and language variety while appropriately incorporating words from the passage.

Summarize Written Text carries around 8-16 points in Writing and Reading skills. Points will depend on the range of questions comes in the test.

 

How to Answer Summarize Written Text?

You are provided with 10 minutes in which you have to write type the summary in between 25 and 50 words. Be sure that the main points are included in the summary.

There is a word count in the bottom of the screen which counts the number words typed by you. CUT, COPY and PASTE tabs are provided which can be used if required, while constructing the summary.

Cut: If you want to remove the group of words and any single word, select the words and click on “CUT” tab.

Copy: If you want to copy any word, select the word and click on “COPY” tab.

Paste: Place the cursor where you wish to paste the cut/copied text and click on “Paste” tab.

 

Difference Between Summarize Written Text In PTE Core And PTE Academic

 PTE CorePTE Academic
Prompt lengthUp to 200 wordsUp to 300 words
Summary length25 to 50 wordsOne sentence, not longer than 75 words
Scoring (form)

2 points for writing from 25 to 50 words

1 point for writing from 5 to 24 words or from 51 to 60 words

0 points for writing fewer than 5 words or over 60 words

1 point for one complete sentence in 5-75 words.

0 points for not writing in a single sentence or containing over 75 words or fewer than 5 words.

 

 

TEST TIPS

  • Type your response in one or more complete sentences, every sentence should start with capital letter at the beginning and have a full stop at the end.
  • The response has to be between 25 and 50 words, if the summary is below 5 words and above 60 words then the response will not be scored.
  • You may wish to write your summary in one sentence, so practice writing compound and complex sentences to cover the main points in the summary.

For example, look at the clause structures used in these summaries to link supporting ideas to the main point:

 

Compound sentence is the combination of two independent clauses which are connected with the usage of conjunction, comma and semicolon. FANBOYS are used to combine two independent clauses. FANBOYS is the acronym of seven coordinating conjunctions.

 

Strategies to Follow:

  • Follow the time management properly.
  • Divide the given paragraph in THREE parts. Read the first part, summary it into 10 to 15 words, follow the same step for the second and third part. Combine the information using conjunctions.
  • Usage of complex sentence and compound sentence will help you combine the information in a right way.
  • Try to write summary up to 40 words, spare sometime for revision as grammatical and spelling mistakes may reduce your score.
  • Don’t forget to put full stop in the end, as there will no score for the sentence if you don’t end the sentence with full stop.
  • Practice the task as much as you can.

 

Test-Day Strategies for Summarize Written Text

 

Preparation Time

  • Understand the Passage: Go through the passage quickly for its main ideas. Understand what is the central theme and key points.
  • Identify Key Points: Spend a quick moment jotting down the main points, supporting arguments, and any other important details that must be included in your summary.
  • Plan Your Summary: In your head, formulate how you will write up your summary. Consider how to combine the main points into one sentence.

 

During the Task

  • Conciseness and Completeness: Write one brief sentence which will cover all of the key points of the passage. There is no need to include extra details.
  • Use Correct Grammar and Punctuation: Your sentence should be grammatically correct and correctly punctuated. This will enhance clarity in your summary.
  • Stay on Topic: Keep focused on the relevant information. Do not deviate from the key points of the passage.

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Including Irrelevant Information: Stick to key details and stay away from adding personal opinions.
  • Incorrect Use of Connectors: Be careful of using connectors (like "and," "but," and "because") to connect your ideas in the sentence. Their misapplication can make your sentences unclear or even incorrect.
  • Spelling and Punctuation: Carefully check for any spelling and punctuation mistake in the sentence before submitting.
  • Incoherent Sentences: Be sure that your summary is logical and coherent. The ideas must flow naturally, which will make the sentence easy to understand.

 

By keeping these strategies in mind, you will be well on your way to mastering the Summarize Written Text task on test day and be assured of receiving a high score on this section of the exam.

 

Summarize Written Text Practice

Now, practice the mock test on ptepanacea.com. You will realise your strengths and weaknesses in the four PTE skills: Speaking, Writing, Reading & Listening. We are here with real exam simulations and question-wise practices especially for Summarize Written Text to concentrate on weak areas. If you compare our material closely, it closely resembles actual PTE content. You get the same format and question types in time limits. Such comprehensive practice will help you to be very well prepared and confident enough to ace the Summarize Written Text test item and the whole PTE exam.

 

Click here for Free PTE Mock Test & Question Wise Practices