Practise now
Passage 1 of …. Read it, write one sentence, then press Mark my writing.
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Unofficial practice. We wrote these questions to match the official PTE Academic task types and timings. They are not real exam questions, and points shown are practice feedback, not a PTE score. For an official estimate, use Pearson's scored practice tests.
How it's scored
| Trait | Points | What top marks need |
|---|---|---|
| Content | 0–4 | The main idea and key points, paraphrased and combined concisely |
| Form | 0–1 | One complete sentence of 5–75 words, not in capitals |
| Grammar | 0–2 | Correct grammatical structure |
| Vocabulary | 0–2 | Appropriate word choice |
If form or content scores zero, the whole answer scores zero, so one sentence is non-negotiable. This task counts towards both reading and writing. Source: Pearson's PTE Academic score guide (2025).
The rules
- One sentence only. It starts with a capital letter and ends with one full stop.
- 5 to 75 words. Outside this, Pearson scores the response zero.
- Main idea plus key supporting points. Misunderstand the topic and it's zero.
Sentence patterns that work
Join ideas with linking words so one sentence can carry the main point and its support:
- While [point A], [main point], because [reason].
- [Main point], which [supporting detail], although [contrasting detail].
- [Subject] argues that [main point], as [reason 1] and [reason 2].
Worked example
Text (shortened): Urban heat islands form when cities replace natural ground with pavement and buildings that absorb heat. City centres can be several degrees warmer than surrounding areas. Planting trees, installing reflective roofs and creating parks can lower temperatures, and these measures also reduce air-conditioning use, though they need long-term investment.
Summary (44 words): Cities become hotter than surrounding areas because buildings and pavement absorb heat, but measures such as planting trees, installing reflective roofs and creating parks can reduce temperatures and energy use, although they require long-term investment and maintenance.
More practice
- Paste any passage and your summary into the free PTE essay checker (choose Summarize Written Text).
- Practise all four writing tasks in the PTE writing practice test.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a PTE Summarize Written Text answer be?
One sentence of 5 to 75 words. Most good answers are 25 to 50 words.
How is Summarize Written Text scored?
On content, form (one sentence within the word limit), grammar and vocabulary.
Can I copy words from the passage?
Yes, key words are fine, but join the main ideas with your own linking words.