PTE Core Summarize Written Text: Strategy, Template & Solved Samples

PTE Core: Mastering the “Summarize Written Text” Task

If you are preparing for the PTE Core test, one of the most crucial writing tasks you’ll encounter is Summarize Written Text. This task checks how well you can understand a passage and express its essence in a concise, grammatically correct, and logically structured form.

Before we dive deep into the strategies, it’s worth mentioning the best and most comprehensive resource for PTE Core preparation — this book on Amazon.ca. It covers all modules, provides tips, templates, strategies, and full-length practice tests for every question type. It’s not just the most complete book on the subject — it’s also the best-selling and highest-rated PTE Core preparation book in the world.

Understanding the “Summarize Written Text” Task

In this task, you are given a passage of about 150–200 words. Your job is to write a summary of the passage in one or more sentences within 25–50 words. You will have 10 minutes to read, understand, and write your summary.

This task measures two core English abilities — reading comprehension and academic writing. You need to show that you can identify what truly matters in a text and express it clearly in your own words.

Your response is evaluated based on four key criteria:

Content – Does your summary capture the main idea and key supporting points?
Form – Is it within 25–50 words and written in complete, grammatically correct sentences?
Grammar – Is the sentence structure accurate and error-free?
Vocabulary – Have you used a range of suitable words and avoided repetition from the text?

Why This Task Matters in PTE Core

“Summarize Written Text” is not just about writing — it’s about understanding. It tests how fast and accurately you can process information and present it concisely.

Students who master this task perform significantly better in both Writing and Reading modules because the same skills — comprehension, paraphrasing, and clarity — are essential in other parts of the exam too.

That’s why in the Amazon.ca PTE Core book, special focus has been given to this task with step-by-step templates, vocabulary banks, and multiple practice passages.

Step-by-Step Strategy to Score High in Summarize Written Text

1. Skim the Passage (1–2 minutes)

Start by reading the passage quickly to get a general sense of the topic, tone, and main purpose. Ask yourself simple questions:

What is the passage about?
Why was it written?
What’s the author’s main message?

This helps you identify the core focus before going into details.

2. Identify the Main Idea and Key Points (2–3 minutes)

Now read more carefully and underline or note down:

The main idea — the single sentence that sums up what the whole passage says.
Two or three key supporting details that explain, justify, or expand that main idea.

Avoid minor examples, numbers, or unnecessary data. Your summary must reflect the concept, not the statistics.

3. Plan Your Structure (1 minute)

Plan your summary before you start typing. Use a reliable two-sentence framework:

Sentence 1 – Introduce the main idea.
Sentence 2 – Mention key supporting points or effects.

If needed, you may add a short concluding sentence that highlights the outcome or implication.

4. Write the Summary (4–5 minutes)

Start with a clear subject. Use connectors like while, however, moreover, consequently, or in addition to link ideas smoothly. Avoid copying entire phrases from the text — use synonyms and paraphrase wherever possible.

Keep it concise and academic. Combine ideas into complex or compound sentences to fit within the 25–50-word limit.

5. Proofread (1 minute)

Before you submit, check your work carefully:

Is it within 25–50 words?
Are all sentences complete and error-free?
Does it reflect the main point accurately?
Have you avoided repetition and spelling errors?

A single grammar or punctuation error can lower your score, so always review before submitting.

Useful Template for PTE Core Summarize Written Text

You can use this ready-to-apply structure from the PTE Core Book on Amazon.ca:

“The passage discusses [main topic] and explains that [key idea 1], [key idea 2], and [key idea 3]. It concludes that [result or implication].”

This template ensures that your summary stays relevant, cohesive, and grammatically sound while remaining within the ideal word count range.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Writing below 25 or above 50 words — your answer may be marked invalid.
Including minor examples or statistics that don’t support the main idea.
Writing multiple disconnected sentences — your summary should read as one coherent piece.
Copying exact words from the text without paraphrasing.
Ignoring the time limit — always practise finishing within 10 minutes.

Solved Sample 1

Passage:
“Team, as we continue to grow and evolve, flexibility in how and where we work is crucial for our success. I am excited to announce our new remote work policy. From next month, employees can work remotely up to three days per week. The decision follows positive results from our trial phase, where we observed increased productivity, improved work-life balance, and greater employee satisfaction. Resources for remote work are available on the intranet. Let us embrace this new model and continue to innovate beyond boundaries.”

Sample Summary (38 words):
The memo announces a new remote work policy allowing employees to work from home up to three days a week. It highlights that the decision follows successful trials showing higher productivity, better work-life balance, and overall employee satisfaction.

Why it works:

Word count within 25–50 words.
Captures the main idea and key reasons.
Uses concise language and good sentence flow.
Avoids unnecessary examples or repetition.

Solved Sample 2

Passage:
“Climate change has dramatically altered the Arctic ecosystem, with rising temperatures causing sea-ice and permafrost to melt. These changes threaten species such as polar bears and walruses that depend on sea-ice for hunting and resting. The melting ice has also shifted migration patterns, increased calf mortality among walruses, and altered marine food webs. Furthermore, warmer conditions are pushing red foxes northward, creating competition for the Arctic fox. The overall warming of the Arctic region is disrupting the delicate balance of life in this fragile environment.”

Sample Summary (46 words):
The passage explains how climate change is warming the Arctic, melting sea-ice and permafrost, and threatening species such as polar bears, walruses, and Arctic foxes. It describes how altered migration patterns, increased competition, and disrupted food chains have destabilised the region’s fragile ecosystem.

Why it works:

Captures the essence of the passage in one flowing summary.
Combines key causes and effects logically.
Maintains an academic tone and precise vocabulary.
Word count = 46, perfect for PTE Core.

How to Strengthen Your Writing Skills Further

The “Summarize Written Text” task is only one part of the PTE Core Writing module. To get a complete grip over all writing tasks — especially the ones that test your tone, structure, and clarity — you should also read:

Both these guides complement your preparation for Summarize Written Text by improving your ability to write naturally, structure arguments logically, and express ideas with clarity and professionalism.

Final Thoughts

Mastering the Summarize Written Text task requires discipline, structure, and consistent practice — all of which are made easier through the best-selling PTE Core preparation book on Amazon.ca. It offers practice passages, ready-made templates, and tested strategies for every module, including detailed writing tasks like this one.

Remember, success in PTE Core isn’t about writing lengthy or complex sentences — it’s about accuracy, relevance, and control over language. With the right practice material, smart techniques, and the templates provided here and in your book, you can easily turn this task into one of your strongest sections in the exam.

Stay consistent, stay calm, and let your preparation reflect your understanding — not just your memory.

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