The Speaking and Writing part of the PTE Academic test is the longest section, spanning 77-93 minutes. Within the Writing section, you will encounter two question types: Summarize Written Text (SWT) and Essay. While SWT is considered less challenging than Essay Writing, it can still consume valuable time if you lack the right strategies. Running out of time on SWT may hinder your ability to achieve a good Writing score. In this article, we provide you with tips and guidance to effectively tackle the SWT part of the PTE Writing test. By understanding the format, requirements, and applying these strategies, you can approach SWT with confidence and enhance your overall Writing performance.
Understanding the Format and Requirements:
In the Summarize Written Text task, you will be presented with a paragraph conveying information. After reading the text, your task is to write a one-sentence summary. You will have 10 minutes to complete this task.
Expert Tips for SWT Writing Practice:
To improve your performance in the SWT part of the PTE Writing test, consider the following expert tips:
- Include main points within a concise sentence: Ensure that your answer captures the main points of the reading passage in a single sentence of no more than 75 words. Begin your response with a capital letter and end with a full stop. Aim for a response that effectively summarizes the passage.
- Monitor the word count: The word count at the bottom of the screen indicates the number of words you write. Your response should be between 5-75 words. Utilize the “Total Word Count” counter below the response box to keep track of your word count accurately.
- Avoid introducing personal ideas: While the text may cover various subjects, such as art, history, medicine, sports, politics, or chemistry, refrain from including any additional information not presented in the text. Focus solely on the information provided in the passage, even if the topic is unfamiliar to you.
- Address the questions “What are they talking about?” and “What did they do?”: To grasp the main topic and ideas of the paragraph, consider these two questions: “What is the text talking about?” and “What happened within the context of the topic?” Answering these questions will help you identify the main ideas for your summary.
- Adopt a two-step reading approach: Read the entire paragraph carefully once to understand its meaning. During the second reading, focus on noting down keywords and phrases that appear repeatedly, while disregarding other supporting details. Allocate approximately one minute for each reading step.
- Practice using compound and complex sentences: Since your response must be expressed within a single sentence, employing complex or compound sentences is essential. Use a complex sentence structure by merging one independent clause with one or more dependent clauses, indicating distinctions with commas. Similarly, construct compound sentences by joining independent clauses with conjunctions like “and,” “but,” or “if,” with distinctions indicated by commas.
- Utilize synonyms and avoid copying the entire sentence: Try to rephrase the information using synonyms and express it in your own words as much as possible. Avoid copying the entire sentence from the original passage.
- Avoid using phrases like “The paragraph says/tells”: Your response should not contain phrases like “The text/paragraph says…”. Present your summary in a concise and direct manner without referring to the paragraph itself.
- Maintain correct grammar and vocabulary: Ensure proper usage of articles (a, an, the) in appropriate places. If unsure about a word or phrase, substitute it with another suitable option. Avoid including excessive details, as it can make constructing grammatically correct sentences more
