The Summarize Written Text task is a PTE Core Writing task that tests your ability to read a short passage and write a clear summary of its main points.
You need to reduce the passage into 25–50 words while keeping the most important information. Your response should be clear, grammatically correct, and focused on the key ideas, not minor details.
Summarize Written Text Scoring
According to Pearson's official PTE Core scoring guide, the Summarize Written Text task is assessed based on content, form, grammar, and vocabulary.
| Criteria | What It Measures | Scoring Range |
|---|---|---|
| Content | How well your summary includes the main points of the passage | 0 to 2 |
| Form | Whether your response follows the required word count and format | 0 to 2 |
| Grammar | Whether your sentence structure is grammatically correct | 0 to 2 |
| Vocabulary | Whether your word choice is appropriate and accurate | 0 to 2 |
Task Format
Your response must stay within the word limit. If it is fewer than 25 words or more than 50 words, it may not be scored.
| Part | Format |
|---|---|
| Number of questions | Usually 1–2 questions |
| Time | 10 minutes |
| Word count | 25–50 words |
| Skills assessed | Reading and Writing |
A Simple Structure to Use
A strong summary should include the main idea and the most important supporting points.
You can use this simple structure:
- Sentence 1: Mention the main topic or main update.
- Sentence 2: Add the most important supporting detail.
- Sentence 3: Add another key point or final important detail.
You do not need to include every detail from the passage. Focus on the information that best represents the whole text.
Example Question
Let's take this Summarize Written Text example and use it throughout the guide.
Read the passage below. Summarize the passage using between 25 and 50 words. You have 10 minutes to finish this task.
Public Library Access Information
Access to the public library has been updated to improve convenience for community members. The library now operates seven days a week and offers extended hours in the evenings on weekdays to better accommodate varied schedules.
Visitors are welcome to use reading areas, computer workstations, and free internet services throughout the day. While a library card is required to borrow books and other materials, entry to the building remains open to all.
To ensure a comfortable experience, the library continues to maintain safety, accessibility, and support services. Current hours and available resources can be found on the library website or by contacting library staff.
Step 1: Read the Passage Quickly
First, skim the full passage to understand the main topic. In this example, the passage is about updated public library access and services.
The main idea is that the library has improved access for community members by offering longer opening hours, public facilities, and continued support services.
Do not focus on memorizing every sentence. Focus on the main message.
Step 2: Identify the Key Points
In the same passage, the important points are:
- The library now opens seven days a week.
- It offers extended weekday evening hours.
- Visitors can use reading areas, computers, and free internet.
- A library card is needed only for borrowing materials.
- Safety, accessibility, and support services are still available.
- More details are available online or from library staff.
You do not need to include every point in the final answer. Choose the details that best summarize the passage.
Step 3: Remove Minor Details
Some details are useful, but not all of them are necessary in a 25–50 word summary.
For example, you do not need to explain every reason why extended hours are useful. You can simply say that the library has updated access with seven-day opening and extended weekday evening hours.
This saves words and keeps the summary focused.
Step 4: Draft the Summary
Now combine the main points into a short response. A simple template you can use is:
Furthermore, [second key point].
Also, [third key point].
For this passage, the ideas fit into the template like this:
- Main idea: Public library access has been updated with seven-day opening and extended weekday evening hours.
- Second key point: Visitors can use reading areas, computers, and free internet without needing a library card to enter.
- Third key point: Safety, accessibility, and support services remain available, with details provided online or by library staff.
Step 5: Check the Word Count and Grammar
Before submitting, check that your response is between 25 and 50 words. Also check grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.
For this example, the final answer is 47 words, so it fits the required range.
Public library access has been updated with seven-day opening and extended weekday evening hours.
Furthermore, visitors can use reading areas, computers, and free internet without needing a library card to enter.
Also, safety, accessibility, and support services remain available, with details provided online or by library staff.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Missing the main idea
If your summary only mentions small details, it may not represent the passage well.
Start with the main topic or main update. -
Including too many minor details
Trying to include everything can make your summary too long or unclear.
Choose only the most important points. -
Writing fewer than 25 words or more than 50 words
Not following the word count can seriously affect your score.
Always check the word count before submitting. -
Paraphrasing too aggressively
Using incorrect synonyms can change the meaning of the passage.
Use original words from the passage when they are clear and accurate. -
Using bullet points
Bullet points are not suitable for this task.
Write one or more complete sentences. -
Adding personal opinions
Your summary should reflect the passage, not your own views.
Do not add ideas that are not in the text. -
Forgetting to proofread
Grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes can reduce your score.
Leave time to check your final response.
Practice more Summarize Written Text tasks to strengthen your reading comprehension, improve concise writing, and summarize key ideas accurately within 25–50 words.
