PTE Summarize Written Text Tips: Templates That Will Help You Score Higher

Practice Exams:

View All

PTE Summarize Written Text Tips: Templates That Will Help You Score Higher

The PTE Academic exam is designed to assess a range of skills that are vital for success in academic settings. One of the most challenging sections of the exam is the Summarize Written Text (SWT) task, which evaluates both reading comprehension and writing ability. This task requires test-takers to read a short passage and then summarize its key points in just one sentence. Although the concept may sound simple, mastering it involves understanding both the content and structure required to perform well.

What is the PTE Summarize Written Text Task?

The PTE Summarize Written Text task is a crucial section of the PTE Academic exam, designed to assess both your reading comprehension and writing precision. In this task, you will be provided with a passage of approximately 300 words, typically covering topics such as scientific discoveries, social issues, historical events, or other academic themes. Your goal is to condense the passage into a single sentence that effectively summarizes the core idea.

The key challenge of this task lies in capturing the essential meaning of the passage while excluding unnecessary details or excessive elaboration. The passage will often contain a mix of main ideas and supporting details, and your job is to identify and synthesize the most critical points into a clear and concise summary.

Key Skills Assessed

The Summarize Written Text task assesses two primary skills:

Reading Comprehension:
You need to demonstrate your ability to quickly grasp the central theme of the passage. This involves understanding the main point, recognizing supporting ideas, and filtering out irrelevant information. The ability to scan and skim the passage effectively is crucial to identifying the most important elements in a short amount of time.
Writing Precision:
After identifying the main idea, you must express it in one grammatically correct sentence. This sentence must be concise, clear, and to the point. You are expected to avoid unnecessary details, redundancy, and overly complex sentences. Writing a precise summary means effectively communicating the core concept in as few words as possible without distorting the meaning.

The Task Structure

The Summarize Written Text task is relatively straightforward, but it requires careful attention to detail. You are given a passage to read, and after reading it, you are expected to produce a single sentence summary. This summary should be a reduction of the passage, focusing solely on the main idea and the key supporting points. It’s important to keep the summary objective, meaning it should not include personal opinions or interpretations.

Your summary should also stay neutral and avoid any personal commentary. The language you use should be formal and academic, as the PTE exam aims to assess your ability to communicate effectively in academic and professional settings.

Tips for Success

Read the Passage Carefully:
Take time to understand the passage before attempting the summary. Quickly identify the main idea, key supporting points, and any conclusions.
Focus on the Core Idea:
Resist the temptation to include every detail from the passage. Instead, narrow down to the central theme. This will help you write a concise summary without including irrelevant information.
Use Concise Language:
In the summary sentence, make sure every word counts. Avoid unnecessary words and complex sentence structures. Aim for clarity and simplicity.
Avoid Rewriting:
Your summary should be an interpretation of the passage in your own words. Avoid directly copying phrases or sentences from the passage.

Scoring Criteria

The scoring for the Summarize Written Text task is based on several factors:

Content: Whether the summary accurately captures the core meaning of the passage.
Form: Whether the summary is a single sentence and follows the task’s requirements.
Grammar and Spelling: Correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling are essential for a high score.
Vocabulary: The appropriate use of vocabulary, without redundancy or unnecessary elaboration.

The PTE Summarize Written Text task is not just about shortening a passage; it’s about capturing its essence in a clear and precise sentence. By practicing your reading comprehension and writing skills, you can improve your ability to identify the most relevant information and express it effectively in a single sentence. Preparing for this task requires focusing on clarity, conciseness, and grammatical accuracy. With enough practice, you’ll be able to navigate this section successfully and score well on the exam.

Time Limit and Word Count

You will be given a total of 10 minutes to complete each SWT task. While this may seem like a lot of time, it can pass quickly, so managing your time effectively is crucial. Your summary should be between 5 and 75 words, and it must be written in a single sentence. Adhering to this word limit is important for both clarity and scoring purposes.

The PTE Summarize Written Text Scoring Criteria

Your response will be evaluated according to four main criteria:

Content: Does your summary accurately represent the key points from the passage? Are the main ideas captured without any distortion or omission?
Form: Is your summary written as a single, grammatically correct sentence? It’s important to avoid writing a list or multiple sentences.
Grammar: Proper grammar is essential. Even a small mistake in sentence structure or punctuation can impact your score.
Vocabulary: Are you using appropriate and precise words to convey the ideas? Using the right words shows your understanding of the passage and your ability to express it clearly.

In the following sections, we’ll break down the steps for completing the Summarize Written Text task and explore effective strategies for maximizing your score.

Step-by-Step Approach to the PTE Summarize Written Text Task

To successfully complete the PTE Summarize Written Text task, it’s essential to develop a systematic approach that allows you to both understand the passage quickly and construct an effective summary. Below is a detailed, step-by-step strategy that will help you maximize your score.

1. Skim the Passage Quickly

The first step in tackling the Summarize Written Text task is to skim the passage to get a general sense of its content. During this initial read, do not focus on every word or detail; instead, aim to understand the broad topic and structure of the text. Look for:

The main idea or theme: What is the text about?
Key points or arguments: What important details or points does the author highlight?
Conclusion or implications: Does the passage conclude with a specific finding, recommendation, or observation?

This step will help you identify what the passage is discussing and the central idea that you need to summarize. Understanding the flow of the text will enable you to distill the most relevant points in the next step.

2. Identify the Key Information

Once you have a general sense of the passage, your next task is to identify the key information that you need to include in your summary. Focus on:

The main argument or idea: This is typically found in the introduction or the conclusion, though it may also be spread throughout the passage.
Supporting points or evidence: Look for the main facts, examples, or explanations that back up the main idea.
Essential details: Avoid focusing on minor details that do not directly contribute to the overall understanding of the passage. These can be left out of your summary to maintain conciseness.

It’s important to distinguish between primary and secondary information. Primary information is crucial to the meaning of the passage, while secondary information can be omitted. The goal is to capture the essence of the passage in a single sentence, which means you need to be selective about what to include.

3. Use a Template to Organize Your Thoughts

One of the most effective ways to approach the Summarize Written Text task is by using a structured template. A good template helps ensure that your summary includes all the necessary information while staying concise and coherent.

Here are two common templates you can use:

Template 1: Simple Connector Approach

Select 2-3 important sentences from the passage that cover the main ideas.
Write the first sentence that explains the central idea of the passage.
Add a comma and then a connector (such as “and,” “but,” “since,” “however”) to link the second sentence.
Write the second sentence, which includes a supporting detail or example.
If necessary, add a third sentence using a connector to elaborate further on the main idea.
End with a full stop to complete the sentence.

This approach ensures that your summary is coherent and flows logically. You can modify it depending on the length of the passage and the number of key points you need to include.

Template 2: Cause and Effect Approach

Choose the main idea of the passage as the starting point.
Begin with “Since” to introduce the cause or reason for the main idea.
Add the first key point or argument that supports the main idea.
Add a comma, followed by the second key point that adds further explanation.
If applicable, include a third sentence that supports the argument or adds complexity.
Conclude the sentence with a full stop.

This approach is useful when the passage discusses causes, effects, or relationships between concepts, as it emphasizes the connections between different ideas.

4. Write the Summary

Now that you have selected the key information and have a template to guide you, it’s time to write the summary. Keep these points in mind:

Use your own words: Avoid copying phrases directly from the passage. Paraphrasing demonstrates your understanding of the material and ensures that your summary is original.
Be concise: Stick to the word limit (between 5 and 75 words). If your summary is too long, it may lose focus; if it’s too short, it may omit important details.
Write in a single sentence: As per the instructions, your summary must be written as one sentence. Do not break it into multiple sentences.
Use simple, clear language: The goal is clarity, not complexity. Avoid overly complicated words or phrases. Focus on clear communication.

5. Review Your Summary for Grammar and Clarity

After writing your summary, take a moment to review it carefully. Check for:

Grammar: Ensure that your sentence is grammatically correct. Pay attention to verb tenses, subject-verb agreement, and punctuation.
Clarity: Read your summary aloud to ensure that it makes sense and clearly expresses the main idea of the passage.
Word count: Make sure your summary falls within the required 5 to 75 words. If it’s too short, you may not have captured enough of the passage’s content; if it’s too long, you may need to revise it.

Advanced Strategies for Summarize Written Text Tasks

While a basic approach to the PTE Summarize Written Text (SWT) task can help you achieve decent results, there are advanced strategies that can significantly improve your chances of scoring highly. These strategies are designed to refine your understanding of the passage and fine-tune your ability to craft a well-structured and coherent summary. Let’s dive into these techniques.

1. Focus on the Passage Structure

Understanding the structure of the passage is key to writing an effective summary. The PTE Summarize Written Text task typically presents a passage that follows a logical flow, which you can use to guide your summary.

Introduction: The first few sentences typically introduce the main idea or theme of the passage. This is often the most crucial part of the passage and should be included in your summary.
Body: The middle section elaborates on the main idea, presenting supporting points, examples, or evidence. While you don’t need to capture every detail, you should ensure that the core arguments or evidence are represented in your summary.
Conclusion: The final sentences often restate or expand on the main idea. If the passage includes any predictions, recommendations, or conclusions, these can be helpful to include in your summary if they are central to the message of the text.

2. Identifying Keywords and Phrases

When skimming the passage, it’s important to focus on keywords and key phrases. These words or phrases are usually related to the central idea or primary arguments in the text. By identifying these, you can ensure that your summary captures the essential content without unnecessary detail.

Keywords: These are typically nouns or concepts that are central to the passage’s argument (e.g., “climate change,” “economic growth,” “technological innovation”).
Key Phrases: Look for phrases that convey important points or relationships (e.g., “due to,” “as a result of,” “in conclusion”).

Once you’ve identified these keywords and phrases, use them to build your summary. Paraphrasing these terms effectively is crucial in maintaining the meaning while demonstrating your own understanding of the passage.

3. Prioritize Content Over Style

While grammar and vocabulary are important for your score, content should always be your priority. It’s essential to focus on distilling the central message of the passage, which may require you to leave out less important details. Here are some tips to help you prioritize content:

Omit examples and statistics: These are often used to support a claim but are not always necessary for the summary. Only include them if they are integral to the passage’s overall message.
Avoid personal opinions or interpretations: Stick to summarizing the content provided in the passage. Your own opinions or interpretations can detract from the accuracy of your summary.
Use general language: While you need to be accurate, it’s better to generalize in the summary than to delve into overly specific details. For example, instead of saying “In 2020, the U.S. economy grew by 2.3%,” you could say “The economy saw growth during this period.”

4. Paraphrasing for Clarity and Accuracy

Effective paraphrasing is one of the most important skills in Summarizing Written Text. Rather than copying sentences directly from the passage, you should aim to express the ideas in your own words. This helps demonstrate your understanding of the content and ensures your response is original.

Here are some paraphrasing strategies to keep in mind:

Change sentence structure: Rearrange the order of phrases and clauses while maintaining the meaning. For example, “The temperature is rising because of human activities” could be paraphrased as “Human activities are causing the temperature to rise.”
Use synonyms: Substitute words with similar meanings to show variety and avoid repetition. For instance, replace “significant” with “substantial” or “important,” or use “challenge” instead of “difficulty.”
Combine sentences: When summarizing longer passages, combine multiple ideas into one concise sentence, while still retaining the original meaning. For example, “The increase in pollution is a direct result of industrial expansion, which has led to adverse health effects” can be paraphrased as “Industrial expansion has caused increased pollution, leading to negative health impacts.”

Paraphrasing helps make your summary both original and concise, which is essential for achieving a high score.

5. Avoiding Common Pitfalls

There are several common mistakes that students often make when attempting the Summarize Written Text task. Being aware of these pitfalls can help you avoid them and improve your performance.

Excessive detail: Including too many specifics can make your summary unnecessarily long. Remember, you only need to convey the main ideas in a concise manner. Stick to the most important points.
Omitting crucial details: On the flip side, it’s important not to leave out essential information that conveys the main argument. If you fail to include key points, your summary may lack coherence or completeness.
Overusing connectors: While connectors (like “but,” “and,” “since”) are useful for linking ideas, avoid using too many in a single sentence. This can make your summary sound awkward or overly complex.
Poor grammar or spelling: Since grammar and vocabulary are part of the scoring criteria, it’s essential to write clearly and correctly. A single grammatical error can significantly impact your score, so always review your work before submitting.

6. Practicing with Various Text Types

Another advanced strategy is to practice with different types of passages. Summarize Written Text passages in the PTE exam can cover a wide range of topics, including:

Scientific and technical subjects: Passages may discuss scientific principles, research findings, or technological advancements. Familiarizing yourself with common terminology and writing styles used in these fields can improve your comprehension.
Social and political topics: These passages may cover issues like global politics, societal challenges, or economic changes. In these cases, understanding the broader implications of the content is key.
Historical and cultural discussions: Some passages may discuss historical events, cultural phenomena, or social movements. These texts often require a deeper understanding of context.

By practicing with various types of passages, you will improve your ability to quickly analyze different kinds of content and summarize them effectively.

Refining Your Summarize Written Text Task for High Scores

In the previous sections, we’ve covered the importance of understanding passage structure, identifying key elements, and refining paraphrasing techniques. In this final part, we will explore strategies for refining your performance on the PTE Summarize Written Text (SWT) task. The key to excelling in this task lies in practice, consistency, and applying advanced strategies that elevate your summary to the next level.

1. The Importance of Timing in the SWT Task

One of the most critical aspects of the PTE exam is managing your time effectively. In the Summarize Written Text task, you are typically given 10 minutes to read the passage and write a concise summary. While this might seem like plenty of time, it can easily become a challenge if you don’t manage it well.

Here are a few tips to help you stay on track:

Skim the passage first: Spend the first minute or two quickly reading through the passage. This will give you an overview of the content, helping you to identify the central idea and key supporting points.
Highlight key points: As you read, underline or highlight important sentences or keywords that you can use in your summary. This helps save time during the writing phase.
Allocate time for writing: After skimming and marking the passage, dedicate around 6-7 minutes for writing your summary. This should give you enough time to write a clear and concise sentence while reviewing it for any grammar or spelling mistakes.
Avoid overthinking: Don’t waste too much time trying to craft the perfect summary. Focus on getting the main ideas across clearly and concisely.

By refining your time management skills, you will have a smoother experience in the Summarize Written Text task, leaving you with enough time to check your work before submitting.

2. Improving Cohesion in Your Summary

Cohesion is the quality that ensures your summary reads smoothly and logically. To achieve high cohesion, it is essential to organize your thoughts clearly and use the right connectors. Effective cohesion makes your summary easy to follow, which is important for both the examiner’s understanding and your score.

Here are some tips to improve cohesion in your summaries:

Use logical connectors: Words like “because,” “therefore,” “however,” and “in addition” link ideas and show relationships between points. By using these connectors, you help the reader (or examiner) follow your logic more easily.
Maintain consistent subject focus: In your summary, ensure that you consistently focus on the main subject or idea without wandering off into irrelevant details. This keeps your summary organized and straightforward.
Sentence structure variety: While it’s important to keep your sentences concise, varying your sentence structure can improve readability. Mixing simple, compound, and complex sentences adds variety and sophistication to your writing.

A cohesive summary not only makes it easier for the examiner to understand but also demonstrates your command of written communication.

3. Mastering Paraphrasing for Higher Scores

In the Summarize Written Text task, paraphrasing is your most powerful tool. It’s not just about changing a few words here and there, but rather reworking the content in a way that shows you’ve fully understood the original passage. To elevate your paraphrasing skills, try the following techniques:

Use a variety of synonyms: Instead of sticking to the same few words, explore multiple ways to convey the same idea. For example, if the passage uses “increase,” you could choose alternatives like “growth,” “rise,” or “expansion.” The more synonyms you use, the better your response will be.
Switch up sentence structure: If the passage uses a passive voice, try to convert it into an active voice. For instance, “The report was analyzed by the scientist” could become “The scientist analyzed the report.”
Replace phrases with single words: If the passage contains phrases that can be summarized with a single word, use that word to tighten your summary. For example, “due to the fact that” can be replaced with “because.”

By consistently practicing and refining your paraphrasing techniques, you will be able to create more accurate and fluent summaries, which will contribute to a higher score.

4. Practicing with Sample Passages

Practice is the key to mastering the Summarize Written Text task. The more you practice, the more familiar you’ll become with the passage types and the types of questions that are typically asked. By practicing with sample passages, you will build your reading and writing speed, increase your ability to identify key points, and improve your paraphrasing skills.

Here’s how to make the most of your practice:

Work with a variety of passages: Since the PTE Summarize Written Text task can cover a wide range of topics, it’s essential to practice with different kinds of passages. This includes passages on science, technology, politics, economics, history, and social issues.
Time yourself: Practice completing the task within the 10-minute time limit. This will help you become comfortable with the time constraints and enable you to pace yourself better during the exam.
Review your practice summaries: After completing each practice task, review your summary carefully. Look for any areas where you could improve content accuracy, paraphrasing, grammar, and cohesion. Also, consider whether your summary captures the main points of the passage effectively.

By regularly practicing with different types of passages, you will develop a strong foundation for tackling the Summarize Written Text task under timed conditions.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

As you refine your skills for the Summarize Written Text task, it’s important to be aware of the common mistakes students often make. Being able to avoid these pitfalls will help you perform better during the actual exam.

Misunderstanding the passage: It’s easy to misinterpret complex passages, especially when the information is technical or abstract. Always make sure to read carefully and ensure you understand the key points before attempting to summarize them.
Writing more than one sentence: The PTE Summarize Written Text task requires you to summarize the passage in one sentence. If you write more than one, your score may be affected. Always ensure that your summary fits within the given guidelines.
Over-simplifying the content: While you need to avoid excessive detail, over-simplifying the passage can lead to a loss of important information. Make sure your summary captures all the critical points without missing essential ideas.
Grammar and spelling errors: Even small grammar or spelling mistakes can lower your score. Proofread your summary to ensure it is free of errors.

By practicing consistently, refining your paraphrasing, and being mindful of common errors, you will be in a much better position to score highly on the Summarize Written Text task.

Final Thoughts

The PTE Summarized Written Text task can initially seem like a challenge, but with the right approach, it becomes a manageable and even rewarding aspect of the exam. By focusing on understanding the passage, identifying the key ideas, practicing effective paraphrasing, and maintaining proper cohesion in your writing, you set yourself up for success.

Here are the key takeaways:

Strong Understanding of Passage: First and foremost, ensure you grasp the central idea and the critical details of the passage. This allows you to distill the main message and write a clear and accurate summary.
Paraphrasing: Effective paraphrasing is crucial. Instead of copying phrases directly, express the ideas in your own words while preserving their original meaning.
Time Management: Efficiently manage your time by skimming the passage first and leaving enough time to review your summary. Being quick and accurate will help you stay within the 10-minute limit.
Practice Makes Perfect: Like any skill, writing a good summary gets easier with practice. Regularly practicing with sample passages will build your confidence, refine your technique, and help you tackle any challenges that come your way.
Attention to Detail: Pay attention to small but important details—grammar, sentence structure, and clarity. Even minor errors can affect your score, so make sure to proofread your summary before submission.

By integrating these strategies into your preparation routine, you will be well on your way to mastering the Summarize Written Text task and achieving a high score in the PTE exam. With dedication and consistent practice, you’ll not only improve your performance in this section but also enhance your overall English proficiency.

Good luck as you continue your PTE preparation journey—keep practicing, stay focused, and success will follow.