PTE Summarize Written Text — tips, template & practice

• Content (max 2): covers main points from the passage.
• Form (max 1): one sentence, 5–75 words, no full stops mid-sentence. Miss this = zero on the whole task.
• Grammar (max 2): correct syntax, subject-verb agreement.
• Vocabulary (max 2): accurate, appropriate word choice.

Form is the killer — get the single-sentence requirement wrong and you lose the entire item. Always check before submitting.

Single-sentence template (use semicolons + linking words):

`[Main idea of paragraph 1]; in addition, [main idea of paragraph 2], which [supporting connection]; furthermore, [main idea of paragraph 3].`

Step-by-step (within the 10-minute window):

1. Read the passage once (2 min) — identify the topic sentence of each paragraph. 2. Write three keyword phrases (1 min) — one per paragraph, no full sentences yet. 3. Join with semicolons (3 min) — use linkers: 'in addition', 'furthermore', 'moreover', 'while', 'however'. 4. Check word count + form (2 min) — 30–60 words ideal. One main verb per clause minimum. 5. Proofread (2 min) — fix typos, ensure no full stop appears mid-sentence.

• Aim for 30–60 words. Under 20 looks thin; over 70 risks form errors.
• Use 'while', 'whereas', 'although' to compress contrasting paragraphs efficiently.
• Copy 1–2 unusual nouns directly from the passage — it's not plagiarism, it's content scoring.
• Avoid 'I think' or 'In my opinion' — this is a summary, not an essay.
• Always verify one sentence + no internal full stops before clicking next.
• Type fast and clean — typos cost vocabulary points.

• Including more than one full stop — zero on Form.
• Writing over 75 words or under 5 — zero on Form.
• Adding personal opinion or commentary — content penalty.
• Missing the main idea of the second or third paragraph.
• Spelling errors — they cost vocabulary points even when grammar is correct.