PTE Preparation Summarize Written Text Tips
Summarize Written Text is one of the most important sections for the PTE exam preparation, because it significantly affects both reading and writing scores at the same time. You will use 10minutes time for each question, and each PTE-A test will have 2-3 questions in this section.
TIP 1: How can I get higher score in the Summarize Written Text?
In this section, the scores will be given from 4 aspects which include content, form, grammar and vocabulary. The score guide for this question type is as follows.
| Content: Provides a good summary of the text. All relevant aspects mentioned Form: Is written in one, single, complete sentence in 5-75 words Grammar: Has correct grammatical structure Vocabulary: Has appropriate choice of words |
As long as you written the summary in one sentence with the word limitation of 5-75 words, you will have full mark from the field of “Form”.
In terms of “Content” and “Vocabulary” you might require huge effort to improve, while you can control your “Grammar” score at least. If you’re not confident with your own grammar skill, use simple linking words such as “and”, “but”, and “so”. “FANBOYS” is also frequently recommended in many articles, which using connectors such as “for”, “and”, “nor”, “but” etc. Remember, only use grammatical structures that you’re 100% confident.
Tip 2: How many words should I write for the Summarize Written Text?
Once again, this section should be written in one sentence, which many candidates always forget. Therefore, writing too many words may result in grammatical error, even many PTE institutions recommend write as many words as you can for getting higher “Content” score. Some candidates wrote only 35-55 words for summarize written text and got 90 in reading and writing sections. In other words, as long as you wrote all key points, words count would not affect your result.
Tip 3. Should I find out all the main ideas and points?
Identifying the main idea behind the paragraphs is the toughest part in the summarizing written text. In the “Summarize Spoken Text” and “Retell Lecture” in the PTE test also require this skill.
Summarizing skill may take time to develop, but these tips can save you.
- DO NOT use same words in your answer
- DO NOT use synonyms if you are not sure
- DO NOT use complex sentences
- DO NOT use semi-colons
Since everyone has different goal, appropriate strategies should be used. For example, if the goal is 50+ (equal to IELTS 6.0), you might only require to find out several key words and link them all together. However, if the goal is 79+ (equal to IELTS 8.0), you should practice to develop your summarizing skills and write down all main ideas from the article.
TIP 4. How to improve summarizing skills?
Attempting PTE question bank can improve your sense of writing a summary. These questions are similar to that of the actual test so that it improves your skills in a short time. You can practice your summary in your own way, and compare it with sample answers to find out the space to be improved.
These are some of the important tips which can get more scores in the PTE Summarize Written Text. If you have any questions regarding PTE, you can email us at support@ptebank.com. You can also start your PTE-A practise online by signing up with PTE Bank.