Summarize Written Text - PTE Writing
Master the art of condensing passages into powerful single sentences
⚠️ Critical Rule
You MUST write exactly ONE sentence. Writing multiple sentences = ZERO score!
Your sentence must be between 5-75 words (ideal: 25-35 words)
4-Step Strategy
Step 1: Identify the Main Topic
Read the first and last sentences carefully - they usually contain the main idea
💡 Ask yourself: "What is this passage primarily about?"
Step 2: Find Key Supporting Points
Look for 2-3 major supporting ideas that explain or develop the main topic
💡 Focus on ideas that appear multiple times or have examples
Step 3: Use Connectors Effectively
Connect ideas using words like "and", "but", "although", "while", "moreover"
💡 Avoid using "and" too many times - vary your connectors
Step 4: Maintain Academic Tone
Use formal vocabulary and avoid personal opinions or interpretations
💡 Stick to what the author says, not what you think
Real Examples
Climate Change and Agriculture
Original: 280 wordsSummary (26 words):
Climate change is disrupting global agriculture through altered weather patterns, but farmers are adapting by developing innovative solutions such as drought-resistant crops and precision farming techniques.
Key Points Captured:
Digital Education Revolution
Original: 295 wordsSummary (28 words):
The digital revolution has transformed education by making it more accessible through online platforms and hybrid learning environments, although concerns about the digital divide and screen time remain.
Key Points Captured:
Urban Planning and Sustainability
Original: 275 wordsSummary (27 words):
Modern cities are adopting sustainable urban planning by integrating green spaces, prioritising public transportation and using eco-friendly construction materials to reduce carbon footprints and enhance quality of life.
Key Points Captured:
Pro Tips for High Scores
- 1.You have plenty of time (10 minutes) to complete this question, so do it carefully and aim for full score - it's easy to achieve
- 2.Use the first and last sentences as they usually summarise the main idea, then link them with a comma or "and"
- 3.Always write your summary in present tense (e.g., "The passage discusses..." not "discussed")
- 4.Use semicolons (;) to connect two related independent clauses if needed
- 5.Include numbers or statistics from the passage if they're central to the argument
- 6.Practice typing complex sentences - you'll need good typing speed
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
❌ Writing multiple sentences
Why it's wrong: You will score ZERO if you write more than one sentence
✓ Fix: Use connectors and punctuation (commas, semicolons) instead of full stops
❌ Being too brief (under 5 words)
Why it's wrong: Very short summaries cannot capture the main ideas adequately
✓ Fix: Aim for 25-35 words to include all key points
❌ Exceeding 75 words
Why it's wrong: Summaries over 75 words will be penalised
✓ Fix: Remove unnecessary adjectives and examples, focus on main ideas only
❌ Adding personal opinion
Why it's wrong: The summary should only reflect what the author says
✓ Fix: Use phrases like "the passage states" or "according to the text"
❌ Missing the main point
Why it's wrong: Focusing on minor details instead of the central argument
✓ Fix: Read the first and last paragraphs carefully for the main idea
Grammar Essentials
10-Minute Time Strategy
Useful Connecting Phrases
To Add Information
- • and also demonstrates that...
- • while simultaneously...
- • moreover highlighting...
- • furthermore explaining...
To Show Contrast
- • although... nevertheless...
- • despite... still...
- • while... however...
- • even though... yet...
To Show Cause/Effect
- • resulting in...
- • leading to...
- • consequently causing...
- • thereby creating...
To Conclude
- • ultimately showing...
- • thus demonstrating...
- • therefore indicating...
- • hence proving...
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