About PTE Summarize Written Text

In this task, you’ll summarize a passage—up to 300 words for PTE Academic and 200 words for PTE Core. PTE Academic requires a single sentence of 5–75 words, while PTE Core needs 1–2 sentences of 25–50 words. Complete the task within 10 minutes.

PTE Summarize Written Text Scoring Breakdown

Understand how scores are given in this task.

Prompt Length Text up to 300 words (PTE Academic) & 200 words(PTE Core)
Skills Assessed Reading & Writing
No. of Que 2 (PTE Academic), 1-2 (PTE Core)
Traits Scored Content, Form, Grammar, Vocabulary

PTE Summarize Written Text Practice Tips

Boost your PTE writing score with tips that simplify and sharpen your summaries.

Pro Tip

Identify Core Ideas Clearly

During PTE Summarize Written Text tasks, start by spotting the author’s central message. Read the passage once without taking notes and focus on understanding the main argument so your final sentence captures what truly matters.

Pro Tip

Select Key Details Precisely

Choose only the most essential supporting points instead of rewriting everything. Look for information that directly strengthens the main idea, ensuring your final summary stays meaningful and avoids unnecessary clutter.

Best Tip

Merge Ideas Smoothly

Combine multiple points into one meaningful sentence using connectors like “while,” “because,” or “although.” Smooth transitions help you maintain clarity and create a well-structured sentence that feels natural and complete.

Expert’s Tip

Maintain Clear Focus

Keep the summary tightly centered on the author’s purpose. Avoid drifting into examples, statistics, or side explanations that do not advance the core message. A focused answer leads to a stronger and more concise response.

Best Tip

Ensure Logical Flow

Follow the passage’s original progression—either cause-effect, argument-support, or problem-solution. A logical flow improves readability and keeps your single-sentence summary aligned with the writer’s intention.

Expert’s Tip

Refine Sentence Form

Once drafted, revise your sentence to remove extra words and unnecessary phrases. Make sure grammar, punctuation, and structure remain clean, helping you present a polished summary that meets the scoring standards.