In this blog, we will discuss everything about the Summarize Written Text task: its format, scoring criteria, preparation tips, test-day strategies, common mistakes to avoid, and useful resources to help you excel.
Understanding the Summarize Written Text
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 into one sentence and the length of the sentence will be between 5 and 75 words. This type of question adds score in Writing and Reading.
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Task Format
· Prompt Length: Text up to 300 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 1, the summary should be written in one complete sentence and within word limit of 5 and 75 words. If the summary written not in single sentence or have less than 5 words or more than 75 words, then 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 7-15 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 type the summary in one sentence and the word limit is in between 5 and 75 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.
Summarize Written Text TIPS
· Type your response in one sentence only, the first letter of the first word has to be capital and one full stop in the end is required. First letter of all the proper nouns will be capital and there has to be no full stop in between the sentence, otherwise the score will be zero.
· The response has to be between 5 and 75 words, if the summary is below 5 words and above 75 words then the response will not be scored.
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· As the summary is 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:
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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 50 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.
Writing more than one Sentence: Do not write more than one sentence, else you will get zero scores in this task.
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.
