PTE Summarise Written Text: Complete Guide with Tips, Template, and Solved Examples

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PTE Summarise Written Text: Complete Guide with Tips, Template, and Solved Examples

The PTE Academic exam, used for study, work, or PR purposes in Australia, places strong emphasis on accuracy, efficiency, and clarity in its writing tasks. One of the most underestimated question types is Summarise Written Text (SWT) — where you are given a passage and asked to write a single-sentence summary within a limited word count and time.

Although it sounds simple, many test-takers lose valuable points because they mishandle structure, exceed word limits, make grammatical errors, or include unnecessary details. With the right strategy, you can confidently tackle SWT and significantly boost your overall writing score.

What is the Summarise Written Text Task?

In this task, you’ll be given a passage (typically up to around 300 words) and 10 minutes to write your summary.

Your summary must:

  • Be one single sentence (for PTE Academic)

  • Stay within 5–75 words (ideal range: 35–50 words)

The response is assessed on four main criteria:

  • Content: How well you capture the main idea(s) of the passage.

  • Form: Whether you write exactly one sentence within the word limit.

  • Grammar: Correct and complex grammatical structures.

  • Vocabulary: Effective use of academic words and paraphrasing.

The real challenge lies not in writing long sentences but in identifying the central idea and expressing it clearly in a compact, grammatically sound structure.


Related Reading: To strengthen your reading and logical thinking for PTE Academic, read our detailed guide on PTE Re-order Paragraphs Tips and Techniques. Understanding paragraph logic can greatly help in identifying main ideas, which directly improves your Summarise Written Text performance.


Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s:

  • Read the entire passage carefully (1–2 minutes). Identify the main idea.

  • Find supporting ideas that explain or reinforce the main concept.

  • Paraphrase — express ideas in your own words instead of copying from the passage.

  • Write a single clear sentence containing both the main and supporting ideas.

  • Use connectors like although, because, therefore, thus, while to join ideas smoothly.

  • Stay within the word limit (under 75 words).

  • Proofread your sentence for punctuation, capitalization, and grammatical accuracy.

Don’ts:

  • Do not write more than one sentence — this will reduce your “form” score.

  • Do not exceed or fall short of the word limit.

  • Do not add personal opinions or irrelevant examples. Stick strictly to the text.

  • Do not copy long phrases directly from the passage.

  • Do not ignore punctuation — misplaced commas or missing capitalization can affect your score.

Universal Template for Summarise Written Text

Here’s a reliable template you can modify for almost any passage type:

“The passage explains that [main idea], showing that [sub‐idea 1] and [sub‐idea 2], and thus highlighting [conclusion/implication].”

Depending on the type of passage, you can adapt the structure:

Cause and Effect:
“The passage argues that [main cause], which has led to [effect 1] and [effect 2], indicating that [implication].”

Problem and Solution:
“The text highlights a problem of [problem], suggests that [solution 1] and [solution 2] could address it, thereby emphasising that [implication].”

Contrasting Views:
“While earlier it was believed that [old idea], the passage shows that [new evidence] and [fact], demonstrating that [conclusion].”

Key Steps:

  1. Identify the main idea (what is the text mainly about?).

  2. Note two supporting points that develop or explain it.

  3. End with the implication or conclusion (why it matters).

  4. Combine them into one sentence using logical connectors.

  5. Check grammar and word count before submission.


Example Solved Summary

Passage (shortened version):
Recent research by environmental scientists has revealed that urban expansion continues to consume vast amounts of natural resources, which not only disrupts ecosystems but also increases pollution and undermines the long-term sustainability of cities. Although urban centres were traditionally seen as engines of progress, the study shows that unchecked growth in population and infrastructure has created severe environmental challenges that may threaten future urban prosperity.

Summary Answer (one sentence):
The passage reveals that while cities have traditionally driven progress, rapid urban expansion has consumed natural resources and increased pollution, thus threatening long-term urban sustainability.

Why this works:

  • Captures the main idea (urban expansion threatens sustainability).

  • Includes two supporting ideas (resource consumption and pollution).

  • Ends with a logical conclusion (threat to future sustainability).

  • Written as one grammatically correct, paraphrased sentence.


Final Tips to Excel

  • Practice regularly with real articles or academic passages and summarise them in one sentence.

  • Time yourself: 1–2 minutes reading, 4–5 minutes writing, 1 minute proofreading.

  • Maintain a list of linking words and practice combining clauses.

  • Keep it simple and clear — complex sentences with errors lose marks.

  • After writing, re-read and ask: “Can someone who hasn’t read the passage understand this?” If yes, your summary works.

Comprehensive Practice and Templates

If you are aiming for a 79+ score in PTE Writing, check out this comprehensive practice book that includes:

  • Full-length PTE practice tests

  • Ready-to-use templates for Summarise Written Text and Essay

  • Proven strategies tailored for test-takers in Australia and the UK

Get your copy here:
Amazon Australia: https://amzn.asia/d/cPidE2E
Amazon UK: https://amzn.eu/d/a0DYBdH

This book is an excellent addition to your preparation plan — ideal for university admission, professional roles, or PR applications.


Final Thought

Mastering the Summarise Written Text task is not about using difficult words or long sentences. It is about clarity, structure, and precision. Learn to extract the essence of the passage, paraphrase effectively, and write one cohesive sentence. With consistent practice and the right approach, you will steadily improve both your writing skills and your overall PTE Academic performance.

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