Day 14

PTE Academic Preparation Course – Day 14

Achieve Your Perfect Score of 90 in PTE Academic

Welcome to Day 14 of your comprehensive PTE Academic preparation journey. Today’s focus is on reinforcing your Writing Skills, specifically revisiting the “Summarize Written Text” and “Essay Writing” tasks. You will refine your abilities to structure responses, maintain coherence, use advanced vocabulary, and meet the time and word count requirements.

Objectives

  • Review the “Summarize Written Text” Task Format and Strategies
  • Reinforce Essay Writing Techniques for Structure, Coherence, and Vocabulary Usage
  • Practice Paraphrasing, Summarizing, and Expanding Ideas
  • Improve Grammar, Sentence Variety, and Academic Tone
  • Enhance Time Management and Editing Skills

Estimated Time: 2 Hours

Materials Needed

  • Device: Computer or smartphone with internet access
  • Notebook and Pen
  • Access to Writing Prompts and Sample Essays
  • Dictionary or Thesaurus
  • Grammar Reference Book or Online Resources
  • Timer or Stopwatch

Schedule and Activities

1. Reviewing “Summarize Written Text” Task (20 Minutes)

a. Task Format Overview

  • Instructions:
  • Read a passage (up to 300 words).
  • Summarize it in one sentence of 5–75 words.
  • Focus on capturing the main idea and essential details.
  • You have 10 minutes for this task.
  • Scoring Criteria:
  • Content: Covers main points.
  • Form: One sentence only.
  • Grammar: Correct syntax and punctuation.
  • Vocabulary: Appropriate and precise word choice.
  • Length: 5–75 words.

b. Best Practices

  • Identify the Main Idea First:
    Distinguish between the main argument and supporting details.
  • Paraphrase Key Points:
    Avoid copying phrases directly; use synonyms and restructure sentences.
  • Maintain Coherence:
    Link ideas smoothly to form one cohesive sentence.
  • Check Word Count:
    Keep it concise, yet complete.

c. Quick Refresher Exercise

  • Passage Excerpt (Example):
    “Globalization has led to increased economic interconnectedness, allowing goods and services to move freely across borders. However, it has also raised concerns about cultural homogenization and environmental sustainability.”
  • Sample Summary:
    “Globalization fosters economic links and free trade worldwide, yet it also sparks worries over cultural uniformity and environmental degradation.”

Check that it’s one sentence, concise, and covers main points.

2. Reinforcing Essay Writing Techniques (30 Minutes)

a. Structuring Essays (15 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Recall the Essay Format:
  • Introduction:
    Present the topic and thesis statement.
  • Body Paragraphs (2-3):
    Each with a main idea, explanation, and example.
  • Conclusion:
    Summarize key points, restate thesis, and provide a final thought.
  1. Focus on Coherence:
  • Use linking words (furthermore, however, consequently) to connect ideas.
  • Maintain a logical progression of arguments.
  1. Essay Planning:
  • Spend 2-3 minutes to outline your essay before writing.
  • Ensure each paragraph supports the thesis.

b. Paraphrasing and Expanding Ideas (15 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Paraphrasing Techniques:
  • Change the sentence structure.
  • Use synonyms for key words.
  • Ensure the meaning remains intact.
  1. Expanding Ideas:
  • Add examples and evidence to support claims.
  • Explain the significance of each point.
  1. Practice Exercise:
  • Original Sentence: “Technology has changed the way we communicate.”
  • Paraphrased and Expanded:
    “The advent of modern technology has fundamentally transformed communication methods, enabling instant interactions across the globe and facilitating broader access to information.”

Note how the sentence became more detailed and expressive.

3. Practicing “Summarize Written Text” (40 Minutes)

a. Practice Exercises (30 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Use PTE Practice Websites:
  1. Select 3 Text Passages (200-300 words each):
  • Read the passage thoroughly.
  • Identify the main idea and essential details.
  1. Write a One-sentence Summary (5–75 words):
  • Maintain accuracy and coherence.
  • Paraphrase the original ideas.
  1. **Check:
  • Word count.
  • Grammar and punctuation.
  • Clarity and completeness.

Practice Example:

  • Passage Topic: The impact of diet on cognitive health.
  • Sample Summary:
    “A balanced, nutrient-rich diet supports brain function and may improve cognitive abilities while helping prevent age-related mental decline.”

b. Self-assessment and Review (10 Minutes)

  • Compare Your Summary with a Model Answer (If Available):
  • Identify differences in phrasing or details.
  • Improve Your Summary:
  • Adjust vocabulary to be more precise.
  • Ensure the sentence reads smoothly.
  • Apply Feedback in Next Attempts:
  • Keep refining your summaries to achieve clarity and brevity.

4. Practicing Essay Writing (40 Minutes)

a. Essay Prompt Review (20 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Select an Essay Prompt:
  • Example: “Some people think that environmental problems should be solved internationally rather than nationally. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.”
  1. Planning (5 Minutes):
  • Identify your stance.
  • Brainstorm main points:
    • International cooperation leads to comprehensive solutions.
    • National efforts can be more tailored to local needs.
  • Decide on structure:
    • Introduction
    • Body Paragraph 1: Benefits of international approach
    • Body Paragraph 2: Merits of national efforts
    • Conclusion: Balanced view with a slight preference
  1. Writing (15 Minutes):
  • Write your essay (200-300 words).
  • Focus on coherence, vocabulary, and examples.

b. Self-assessment and Feedback (20 Minutes)

  • Review Your Essay:
  • Check if the introduction sets the tone and clearly states the thesis.
  • Ensure each body paragraph has a clear main idea with supporting details.
  • Check conclusion for a strong final statement.
  • Grammar and Vocabulary:
  • Eliminate repetitive words.
  • Use synonyms and a variety of sentence structures.
  • Ensure correct punctuation.
  • Time Management:
  • Complete writing within 20 minutes.
  • Practice finishing slightly earlier to allow proofreading.

Apply Changes:

  • If you find weaknesses in coherence or grammar, rewrite problematic sentences.
  • Incorporate feedback into the next essay attempt.

5. Vocabulary Building (20 Minutes)

a. Advanced Academic Words

  1. Word List with Examples:
  • 1. Comprehensive (adjective)
    Definition: Including all aspects; complete.
    Sentence: “The essay provides a comprehensive analysis of the issue.”
  • 2. Justify (verb)
    Definition: Show or prove to be right or reasonable.
    Sentence: “Use examples to justify your viewpoint.”
  • 3. Presume (verb)
    Definition: Suppose something is the case based on probability.
    Sentence: “We can presume that international cooperation is beneficial.”
  • 4. Nonetheless (adverb)
    Definition: In spite of that; nevertheless.
    Sentence: “The national efforts are vital; nonetheless, international action remains crucial.”
  • 5. Substantial (adjective)
    Definition: Of considerable importance or size.
    Sentence: “A substantial amount of evidence supports this argument.”
  • 6. Contradict (verb)
    Definition: To be in conflict with.
    Sentence: “Research findings may contradict initial assumptions.”
  • 7. Invoke (verb)
    Definition: To call on (a theory, idea, or principle) in support of an argument.
    Sentence: “The author invokes the principle of fairness to strengthen the claim.”
  • 8. Ultimately (adverb)
    Definition: In the end; eventually.
    Sentence: “Ultimately, cooperation leads to more effective solutions.”
  • 9. Imperative (adjective)
    Definition: Of vital importance; crucial.
    Sentence: “It is imperative to address these issues promptly.”
  • 10. Corroborate (verb)
    Definition: To confirm or give support to (a statement, theory, or finding).
    Sentence: “Additional data can corroborate the initial hypothesis.”

b. Activities

  1. Write Definitions in Your Own Words:
  • Paraphrase each definition.
  1. Create Sentences:
  • Use each word in a sentence related to essay or summary tasks.
  1. Synonyms and Antonyms:
  • Find at least one synonym and one antonym for each word.
  1. Flashcards:
  • Create flashcards for review and test yourself regularly.

6. Improving Grammar, Sentence Variety, and Academic Tone (20 Minutes)

a. Grammar and Sentence Structure Exercises (10 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Compound and Complex Sentences:
  • Combine simple sentences to create more sophisticated structures.
  1. Use Subordinating Conjunctions:
  • Although, since, because, whereas.
  1. Practice:
  • Simple: “Pollution is harmful. It affects public health.”
  • Complex: “Although pollution is harmful, its impact on public health can be mitigated through strict regulations.”

b. Academic Tone (10 Minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Avoid Informal Language:
  • Replace “a lot of” with “a substantial amount of.”
  • Replace “stuff” with more specific terms.
  1. Use Modal Verbs:
  • Can, could, may, might, should to express possibility or recommendations.
  1. Practice:
  • Original: “We can fix problems by working together.”
  • Academic Tone: “It is possible to resolve these issues through collaborative efforts.”

7. Reflection and Goal Setting (15 Minutes)

a. Self-Reflection Questions

  • How effectively can you now summarize written texts in one sentence?
  • What areas of essay writing (organization, vocabulary, grammar) need more attention?
  • How can you improve your academic tone further?

b. Goal Setting for Tomorrow

  • Goal 1: “I will practice more essays with varied topics to improve adaptability.”
  • Goal 2: “I will focus on refining grammar and sentence variety in my writing.”

c. Journal Entry

  • Write About:
  • Your experiences with today’s writing tasks.
  • Any improvements or breakthroughs.
  • Areas you plan to focus on moving forward.

8. Optional Extension Activity (35 Minutes)

a. Peer Review Session

  1. Find a Study Partner (if possible):
  • Exchange essays and summaries.
  1. Provide Constructive Feedback:
  • Highlight strengths in organization and coherence.
  • Suggest improvements in vocabulary or grammar.
  1. Revise Your Work:
  • Implement suggestions to enhance clarity and impact.

b. Explore Sample Essays

  • Resources:
  • Official PTE Guide or academic writing samples.
  • Analyze how they structure arguments and use vocabulary.
  • Action:
  • Note techniques used by expert writers.
  • Apply these insights in your next practice essay.

Summary of Day 14

Today, you have:

  • Revisited the Summarize Written Text Task Format and Strategies.
  • Reinforced Essay Writing Techniques for Structure, Coherence, and Vocabulary.
  • Practiced Paraphrasing, Summarizing, and Expanding Ideas.
  • Improved Grammar, Sentence Variety, and Academic Tone.
  • Enhanced Time Management and Editing Skills in Writing Tasks.
  • Set Personal Goals for Continuous Improvement.

Preparation for Day 15

Focus: Speaking Skills – Describe Image and Re-tell Lecture (Review and Additional Practice)

Action Items:

  • Revisit Describe Image and Re-tell Lecture tasks.
  • Prepare for more advanced practice in delivering clear and structured oral responses.

Additional Resources

  • Writing Practice:
  • PTE Academic Official Practice Tests: Practice Writing Tasks
  • Vocabulary Apps:
  • Vocabulary.com: Daily quizzes to build academic word bank.
  • Grammar Resources:
  • Purdue OWL: Sentence Clarity and Structure
  • Writing Style Guides:
  • APA or Chicago Manual of Style: For formal and academic tone.

Tips for Success

  • Practice Regularly: Continuous writing practice improves speed and quality.
  • Focus on Clarity: Clear and concise writing scores better.
  • Variety in Sentence Structure: Blend simple, compound, and complex sentences.
  • Academic Tone and Vocabulary: Use precise, formal language.
  • Time Management: Allocate time for planning, writing, and reviewing.

Congratulations on Completing Day 14!

By dedicating time and effort today, you’ve strengthened your writing skills, particularly in summarizing written texts and structuring essays for maximum impact. Keep building on these strategies as you progress toward achieving a perfect score in the PTE Academic test.

Stay Tuned for Day 15!

Note: All external links are provided for educational purposes. Ensure internet access to utilize these resources.

Share Your Progress

We encourage you to share your experiences and progress with others:

  • Join Our Community Forum: Connect with fellow learners to exchange tips and resources.
  • Feedback: Let us know how Day 14 went for you and any suggestions to improve the course.

Remember: Consistent practice and a proactive approach to learning are keys to success. Keep pushing forward, and revisit any sections as needed.

Best of luck on your journey to mastering the PTE Academic!

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