Skip to content
小枫叶 PTE Core

小枫叶PTE Core / WRITING TASK GUIDE

Summarize Written Text

In Summarize Written Text, read a passage and write a 25–50 word summary within 10 minutes. Identify the central ideas and their relationship before drafting.

Updated

Practise this task →Check CLB targets

All practice questions are free. AI writing feedback uses an available writing credit.

Understand the task before drafting

Help a reader understand the central message without reading the original passage. Identify the topic, main point and the relationships needed to explain it; avoid filling the word budget with minor examples.

Check meaning and form separately. Confirm that the important ideas remain accurate and the summary fits 25–50 words, then review the language.

Use a four-step summary routine

Before drafting, make a brief note of the main message and whether the ideas express cause, result, contrast or supporting detail. Avoid copying disconnected phrases in their original order.

  1. Read the full passage and identify its central message.
  2. Keep essential supporting ideas; remove repetition and minor examples.
  3. Connect the ideas into a complete, accurate summary.
  4. Check word count, agreement, sentence completeness and spelling.

Review content omissions separately from language

Compare the summary with the passage and mark missing or distorted ideas first. Then check grammar, word choice and spelling. A similar practice score can come from different problems.

Test one change on a new passage. For example, check whether you identify the main point after a contrast more reliably instead of memorising the previous answer.

Connect SWT practice to separate skill goals

Use individual task feedback alongside your separate CLB targets. A practice result helps you choose an exercise; it does not replace a formal language-test result.

Common questions

What is the PTE Core SWT word count?
The task asks for 25–50 words within 10 minutes. After checking form, review the key meaning and language.
How should I select ideas for a summary?
Identify the main point and the relationships needed to explain it, then organise your response. Compare it with the original to check for omissions or distortions.

Official reference