PTE Academic Summarize Written Text: Step-by-Step 80+ Score Tutorial (LingExam | Ultra-Interactive)
Format: You read a passage (~300 words), then summarize it in one sentence (5–75 words). Time: 10 minutes per task.
Hover each step to unlock Band 8+ strategies and professional tips!
How to Answer PTE Academic Summarize Written Text: 12 Crucial Steps
Example Notes & Advanced Tips
Tip 2: “Avoid copying more than 4–5 words in a row from the original passage.”
Example High-Scoring Sentence: “While global warming is accelerating due to increased greenhouse gas emissions, international cooperation and investment in renewable energy are highlighted as essential solutions, which could mitigate catastrophic climate impacts, according to scientists.”
PTE Academic Summarize Written Text
Read the passage below and summarize it in one sentence (between 5 and 75 words).
Your summary must be only one sentence. You have 10 minutes for this task.
Paragraph 1: The global demand for fresh water is rapidly increasing due to population growth, urbanization, and rising agricultural needs. Many regions, especially in developing countries, are facing severe shortages that threaten health and food security.
Paragraph 2: Traditional solutions such as building more dams or extracting groundwater are proving unsustainable, as they often cause environmental harm and deplete natural resources further. Scientists and policymakers now recognize the urgent need for alternative, sustainable water management practices.
Paragraph 3: Innovations such as water recycling, desalination, and efficient irrigation techniques offer hope, but require substantial investment and international cooperation. The passage emphasizes that securing a sustainable water future will depend on both technological advances and responsible global policy.
Write your summary below (one sentence, 5–75 words):
Universal PTE Academic Summarize Written Text: One-Sentence Templates
Memorize the blue text, and fill in your information where shown. Tap/click each question type to see the template.
Example start:
“The passage explains that [main point: e.g., global water demand is rising] because [main reason(s)], and highlights that [solution or result].”
Template:
“The passage states that [main fact/event], which is caused by [key reasons], and as a result, [outcome/consequence/solution].”
Example start:
“The author argues that [main argument], supporting this by stating [supporting reasons/examples] and concluding that [final implication].”
Template:
“According to the author, [main claim], because [key supporting evidence], suggesting that [final recommendation or implication].”
Example start:
“The text compares [first idea] with [second idea], noting that [difference/similarity], and concludes that [overall evaluation].”
Template:
“While [first aspect] is characterized by [key point], [second aspect] differs in that [contrast/second key point], leading the author to conclude that [overall result or suggestion].”
Example start:
“The passage describes how [phenomenon or process] occurs, outlining that [main stages/causes], and emphasises that [final implication/importance].”
Template:
“The text explains that [main phenomenon/process] happens because [main causes/stages], highlighting that [main result/significance].”
Band 9+ Model Summary & Step-by-Step Explanations
Click/tap each segment to reveal detailed expert explanations for maximum PTE score.
The passage states that global demand for fresh water is rising rapidly, which is caused by population growth, urbanization, and agriculture, and as a result, a sustainable water future depends on investment in new technology and international cooperation.
20 Crucial Words for PTE Summarize Written Text (This Task)
Part of speech: noun
Pattern: water/food/resource scarcity
Definition: A situation in which something is not easy to find or get.
Example: “Water scarcity affects millions worldwide.” (Meaning: Water is not enough for people’s needs.)
Common synonym: shortage
Common mistakes: Writing “scareness” (incorrect).
Part of speech: noun, verb
Pattern: high/low/increasing demand for
Definition: The need or desire for something by people willing to buy or use it.
Example: “The demand for fresh water is increasing.” (Meaning: More people need water.)
Common synonym: need, requirement
Common mistakes: Confusing with “command.”
Part of speech: adjective
Pattern: sustainable solution/development
Definition: Able to be continued for a long time without causing harm.
Example: “We need sustainable water management.” (Meaning: Methods that do not destroy resources.)
Common synonym: long-lasting, viable
Common mistakes: Using “sustain” (verb) instead.
Part of speech: noun
Pattern: technological/social innovation
Definition: A new idea, method, or device.
Example: “Innovation in water recycling can solve shortages.” (Meaning: New technology helps solve the problem.)
Common synonym: invention, advancement
Common mistakes: Spelling as “innovasion.”
Part of speech: verb
Pattern: deplete resources/energy
Definition: To reduce something in amount or value.
Example: “Extracting too much groundwater depletes reserves.” (Meaning: It uses up the water.)
Common synonym: exhaust, drain
Common mistakes: Using “delete” instead.
Part of speech: verb
Pattern: recycle water/waste/material
Definition: To process and use again.
Example: “Some cities recycle wastewater for drinking.” (Meaning: They clean and use water again.)
Common synonym: reuse
Common mistakes: Confusing with “reuse” (not exactly the same).
Part of speech: noun
Pattern: desalination plant/process
Definition: Removing salt from seawater to make it drinkable.
Example: “Desalination provides fresh water in dry regions.” (Meaning: Making sea water safe to drink.)
Common synonym: water purification
Common mistakes: Using “salination” (opposite meaning).
Part of speech: verb
Pattern: emphasize that/emphasize the importance
Definition: To give special importance or attention.
Example: “The passage emphasizes cooperation.” (Meaning: Stresses that it’s important.)
Common synonym: stress, highlight
Common mistakes: Spelling as “emphesize.”
Part of speech: noun
Pattern: international/cooperation with
Definition: The act of working together to achieve something.
Example: “International cooperation is needed for water security.” (Meaning: Countries must work together.)
Common synonym: collaboration
Common mistakes: Using “corporation” (different meaning).
Part of speech: verb
Pattern: threaten health/safety/life
Definition: To put something at risk.
Example: “Shortages threaten food security.” (Meaning: Cause danger to food supply.)
Common synonym: endanger
Common mistakes: Using as a noun (“threat” is the noun).
Part of speech: noun
Pattern: government/environmental policy
Definition: A plan of action agreed by a government, organization, or individual.
Example: “Water policy must focus on sustainability.” (Meaning: The plan must protect resources.)
Common synonym: strategy, plan
Common mistakes: Using for “police” (different word).
Part of speech: verb
Pattern: extract water/minerals/information
Definition: To remove or take out, especially using effort or force.
Example: “Extracting groundwater can cause depletion.” (Meaning: Taking water out reduces supply.)
Common synonym: remove, draw out
Common mistakes: Using as a noun for “extract” meaning a small part of something written.
Part of speech: adjective
Pattern: efficient system/technology/irrigation
Definition: Working well without wasting time, money, or energy.
Example: “Efficient irrigation saves water.” (Meaning: It uses less water for the same effect.)
Common synonym: effective (but not always exactly the same)
Common mistakes: Using “sufficient” (which means enough).
Part of speech: verb, adjective
Pattern: secure a future/secure resources
Definition: To make safe or protect from risk.
Example: “New policies are needed to secure water supplies.” (Meaning: Protect and guarantee future water.)
Common synonym: ensure, safeguard
Common mistakes: Spelling “secur” or confusing with “sure.”
Part of speech: noun
Pattern: effective/innovative solution
Definition: A way of solving a problem.
Example: “Desalination is one solution to water scarcity.” (Meaning: It can help solve the lack of water.)
Common synonym: answer, remedy
Common mistakes: Using “solve” as a noun.
Part of speech: noun
Pattern: water/resource/environmental management
Definition: The control and organization of something.
Example: “Sustainable management is vital for resources.” (Meaning: Careful control is needed.)
Common synonym: administration
Common mistakes: Spelling as “managment.”
Part of speech: noun
Pattern: developing/affected/remote region
Definition: A part of a country or the world.
Example: “Some regions face severe shortages.” (Meaning: Some areas don’t have enough water.)
Common synonym: area, zone
Common mistakes: Using for “religion.”
Part of speech: adjective
Pattern: agricultural needs/practices/sector
Definition: Related to farming.
Example: “Rising agricultural needs drive water use.” (Meaning: Farms need more water.)
Common synonym: farming
Common mistakes: Spelling as “agrecultural.”
Part of speech: noun
Pattern: rapid/increased urbanization
Definition: The process of people moving to cities and cities growing.
Example: “Urbanization leads to more water use.” (Meaning: More people in cities means more water needed.)
Common synonym: city growth
Common mistakes: Spelling as “urbanisation” (BrE is correct, AmE: -zation).
Part of speech: noun
Pattern: natural/limited/scarce resource
Definition: Something useful that a country, person, or organization has.
Example: “Fresh water is a vital resource.” (Meaning: It’s very important for life.)
Common synonym: asset, supply
Common mistakes: Spelling as “resourse.”
20 Crucial Phrases & Expressions for PTE Summarize Written Text
Parts of speech: verb + adjective + noun
Pattern: face severe shortages of [resource]
Definition: Experience a very serious lack of something.
Example: “Many regions face severe shortages of water.” (They do not have enough water.)
Synonym: experience major lack
Common mistakes: Saying “have severe shortage” (missing ‘face’ as the verb).
Parts of speech: adjective + adjective + noun
Pattern: rising agricultural needs
Definition: Increasing requirements for farming purposes.
Example: “Rising agricultural needs put pressure on water supplies.” (More farming means more water is needed.)
Synonym: increasing farming demands
Common mistakes: Pluralizing “need” as “needs” only when appropriate.
Parts of speech: adjective + noun
Pattern: unsustainable solutions/methods
Definition: Methods that cannot continue over time without harm.
Example: “Dams are often unsustainable solutions.” (They harm the environment long-term.)
Synonym: nonviable options
Common mistakes: Saying “not sustainable solutions.”
Parts of speech: verb + adjective + noun
Pattern: deplete natural resources
Definition: Use up or reduce the amount of useful materials from nature.
Example: “Over-farming depletes natural resources.” (Reduces resources in nature.)
Synonym: exhaust supplies
Common mistakes: Saying “finish” resources (wrong verb).
Parts of speech: adjective + noun + noun + noun
Pattern: alternative [resource] management practices
Definition: Different ways of controlling water use that are better for the environment.
Example: “Alternative water management practices are essential for sustainability.” (New ways help protect resources.)
Synonym: different management approaches
Common mistakes: Saying “another management” (not idiomatic).
Parts of speech: adjective + noun
Pattern: international cooperation on/for [topic]
Definition: Countries working together to achieve a goal.
Example: “International cooperation is vital for solving water scarcity.” (Countries must work together.)
Synonym: global collaboration
Common mistakes: Confusing “corporation” with “cooperation.”
Parts of speech: adjective + noun
Pattern: substantial investment in [something]
Definition: A large amount of money, time, or resources put into something.
Example: “Desalination requires substantial investment.” (A lot of money is needed.)
Synonym: major funding
Common mistakes: Using “invest” (verb) for “investment” (noun).
Parts of speech: verb + noun
Pattern: offer hope for/to [someone/something]
Definition: Give reason to believe something good will happen.
Example: “Innovations offer hope for the future.” (They might solve the problem.)
Synonym: give optimism
Common mistakes: Saying “give hope” (possible but less academic here).
Parts of speech: verb + noun
Pattern: require investment in/for
Definition: Need someone to spend money, time, or resources.
Example: “Water recycling requires investment.” (Money/time is needed.)
Synonym: need funding
Common mistakes: “Need investment” (not incorrect but less formal).
Parts of speech: adjective + noun + noun
Pattern: efficient irrigation techniques/systems
Definition: Smart ways to water crops without wasting water.
Example: “Efficient irrigation techniques conserve water.” (They save water.)
Synonym: water-saving methods
Common mistakes: Saying “effect irrigation.”
Parts of speech: verb + conjunction
Pattern: emphasizes that [clause]
Definition: Stresses the importance of something.
Example: “The text emphasizes that cooperation is essential.”
Synonym: highlights that
Common mistakes: Using “emphasize on” (incorrect).
Parts of speech: verb + adjective + noun + noun
Pattern: securing a sustainable [resource] future
Definition: Making sure that future supplies of water can continue long-term.
Example: “Securing a sustainable water future is a global priority.”
Synonym: guaranteeing lasting resources
Common mistakes: Using “secure” instead of “securing” (verb form needed).
Parts of speech: verb + preposition
Pattern: depends on [noun/clause]
Definition: Needs something in order to exist or be true.
Example: “The solution depends on cooperation.”
Synonym: relies on
Common mistakes: “Depends of” (wrong preposition).
Parts of speech: verb + adverb + adjective
Pattern: [something] highlighted as essential
Definition: Shown to be very important.
Example: “Investment is highlighted as essential for progress.”
Synonym: shown as crucial
Common mistakes: “Highlight as essential” (verb tense).
Parts of speech: verb + adjective + noun
Pattern: cause environmental/social harm
Definition: To make the environment worse.
Example: “Old dams can cause environmental harm.”
Synonym: damage the environment
Common mistakes: Saying “make environment bad” (too informal).
Parts of speech: adjective + noun
Pattern: traditional solutions/methods/approaches
Definition: Older or established ways of solving a problem.
Example: “Traditional solutions are not enough anymore.”
Synonym: conventional methods
Common mistakes: Using “old solutions” (less formal).
Parts of speech: verb + adjective + noun
Pattern: recognize the urgent/critical need for
Definition: Understand that something is needed right now.
Example: “Policymakers recognize the urgent need for change.”
Synonym: realize the immediate necessity
Common mistakes: Using “know the urgent need.”
Parts of speech: verb + preposition + determiner
Pattern: depends on both [noun] and [noun]
Definition: Needs two things equally.
Example: “Success depends on both investment and policy.”
Synonym: relies equally on
Common mistakes: Missing “on both” before listing two things.
Parts of speech: adjective + adjective + noun
Pattern: responsible [national/global] policy
Definition: International rules that are careful and moral.
Example: “A responsible global policy can solve the crisis.”
Synonym: ethical worldwide strategy
Common mistakes: Using “policies” for singular context.
Parts of speech: verb + preposition + adjective + noun
Pattern: depends on technological advances/innovation
Definition: Needs improvements in technology to succeed.
Example: “The solution depends on technological advances.”
Synonym: relies on scientific progress
Common mistakes: Using “technologies advances” (grammar error).
Practice Exercise 1: Crucial Words & Phrases (Multiple Choice)
Practice Exercise 2: More Key Words & Phrases (Multiple Choice)
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