PTE Summarise Written Text: Step-by-Step Guide

The Summarise Written Text (SWT) task tests both your reading comprehension and writing efficiency. You are required to read a passage (up to 300 words) and write a single-sentence summary within 10 minutes.

Step 1: Analyse the Task Requirements & Constraints

Before typing, understand the strict scoring parameters evaluated by the PTE algorithm:

• Word Count: Your summary must be between 5 and 75 words. Aiming for 35–50 words is optimal.

• Sentence Structure: The entire summary must be a single sentence. It must start with a capital letter and end with a single full stop.

• Grammar & Punctuation: Ensure flawless grammar. Use complex or compound sentence structures with appropriate conjunctions (e.g., although, while, furthermore, which).

• Vocabulary & Content: Include key points without copying irrelevant details, examples, or statistics.

Step 2: Skim and Identify Main Ideas

Spend the first 2 to 3 minutes reading the text strategically:

• Locate Topic Sentences: Pay close attention to the first and last sentences of each paragraph, as they usually contain the core thesis.

• Filter Out Filler: Ignore supporting examples, numbers, percentages, quotes, and repetitive explanations.

• Highlight Key Phrases: Identify 2 to 4 central concepts or main keywords that connect the overall argument.

Step 3: Draft Your Single-Sentence Summary

Spend the next 3 to 4 minutes constructing your response:

• Use a Compound/Complex Structure: Connect main ideas using coordinating conjunctions (and, but, so) or subordinating conjunctions (because, although, since).

• Maintain Original Meaning: Do not introduce personal opinions or external information not present in the text.

• Use Synonyms Wisely: Paraphrase where possible, but retain essential technical or topic-specific keywords to preserve context.

Formula Example:

Main Idea A + [Conjunction/ Relative Clause] + Main Idea B + , which leads to + Main Idea C.

Step 4: Review and Proofread

Use the remaining 2 to 3 minutes to edit your response against this final checklist:

• Single Full Stop Check: Verify there is only one period at the very end of your response.

• Word Count Verification: Check the word counter on the screen to confirm your summary is strictly between 5 and 75 words.

• Capitalisation & Spelling: Ensure the sentence starts with a capital letter and all proper nouns are capitalised correctly.

Essential PTE SWT Rules Table