In the PTE Writing module, the Summarize Written Text activity examines how well you can read a piece and sum it up in one phrase. It checks your grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, and understanding of the primary point.
This exercise may seem easy, but a lot of students lose points because they write phrases that are too long, too short, or don’t follow the rules of grammar. This is how to always write flawless summaries.
1. Read the Passage Carefully
Read the passage carefully for the first one or two minutes. Concentrate on:
The main point (what the passage is mostly about)
Supporting points (facts or examples that help convey the primary theme)
Tip: Don’t let examples or other details distract you; your goal is to uncover the main point.
2. Find the main idea, the supporting points, and the conclusion.
In your mind, break the passage into three parts:
What the text is about
Supporting points—how or why it is described
Conclusion: The final result or message
This will help you put together a reasonable one-sentence synopsis that makes sense.
3. Write Just One Sentence
Your summary must be one phrase that ends with a period. This is the most crucial guideline.
Use words like:
and, but, while, however, despite, because, so, and so forth
For example:
“The passage talks about how important exercise is and how regular physical activity can help your mental health and lower your risk of chronic diseases.”
4. Use language that is easy to understand and formal
Don’t use words that are hard to understand or that are too complicated. Your phrase should be easy to understand, short, and grammatically correct. Don’t duplicate the passage word for word; instead, use your own words to show that you know how to use language.
5. Keep it between 5 and 75 words.
The best length is between 25 and 35 words. It may overlook important facts if it’s too short, and if it’s too long, it may not be clear or make sense. One strong sentence is all you need; don’t worry about how many you have.
6. Use your time wisely
You have ten minutes to answer each question. Spend:
Reading time: 1 to 2 minutes
2–3 minutes to find the main points
Three to four minutes of writing and checking grammar
Always give yourself a minute to check for mistakes in grammar and capitalization.
7. Practice putting things in your own words
Writing in your own words is an important skill for the PTE. Every day, try to summarize brief news stories or paragraphs in different ways. This helps you learn new words and make big phrases that are grammatically correct.
🏁 Last Piece of Advice
To earn full points, remember this formula: Main Idea + Supporting Points + Connector + Conclusion = Perfect Summary
If you practice this approach every day with small sections, you’ll see a quick improvement in your score, structure, and clarity.
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Expert input makes a big difference if you wish to do well on all writing projects, like Summarize Written Text.
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