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PTE Academic · Writing · W1

PTE Academic Writing: Summarize Written Text

Summarize Written Text asks you to read a passage of up to 300 words and write a summary that is one complete sentence of 5 to 75 words. You have 10 minutes per item. PTE Academic includes 2 of these tasks in Part 1, and they contribute to Reading and Writing.

Items per test
2
Passage
Up to 300 words
Time
10 minutes per item
Response
One sentence, 5–75 words
Scores
Reading and Writing

How it works

  1. 1The passage appears with a text box and a live word count.
  2. 2A 10-minute timer runs for this item only.
  3. 3You write one sentence that captures the main idea and key supporting points.
  4. 4You submit before the timer ends, or your text is saved when it runs out.

Sample task

Original sample · not from an official test

Passage summary (original, shortened): Many cities are replacing car lanes with bus lanes. Supporters say buses move more people per metre of road and cut emissions. Critics argue that drivers simply move to other streets, so congestion shifts rather than falls. Studies in several cities suggest the outcome depends on whether reliable bus services are introduced at the same time. Write a one-sentence summary.

Show a strong response

Outline: Although converting car lanes to bus lanes can carry more people and reduce emissions, critics warn that traffic may simply relocate, and evidence suggests success depends on providing reliable bus services at the same time.

This is one sentence of 35 words. It keeps the main claim, the objection and the deciding factor, joined with 'although' and 'and', and ends with a single full stop.

Tips that work

  • Find the passage's main claim first, then one or two points that support or qualify it. Skip examples and figures unless they are the point.
  • Use joining words that fit a single sentence: although, while, because, which, and as a result.
  • Stay well inside the limit; 25 to 50 words is usually enough to be complete without becoming tangled.
  • Reread for one full stop only, a capital letter at the start, and no bullet points or line breaks.

Common mistakes

  • Writing two sentences, or a sentence joined with a semicolon that reads like two.
  • Copying a long stretch of the passage word for word without connecting the ideas.
  • Going over 75 words, which breaks the form requirement.

Questions candidates ask

Does it have to be exactly one sentence?

Yes. The response must be a single complete sentence between 5 and 75 words.

Can I use words from the passage?

You can reuse key terms, but connecting the main ideas in your own sentence structure shows understanding.

Does EnglishHub mark my summary?

Writing practice on EnglishHub includes AI feedback on content, form and language. It is independent practice feedback, not a Pearson score.

Other PTE Academic Writing tasks

PTE Academic overviewPTE Academic Writing: all partsPTE Academic full mock testsPTE Academic articles on the blog