PTE Academic Writing Test
Time allowed: Approximately 30 minutes Total tasks: 2
Part 1: Summarize Written Text
Read the passage below and summarize it using one sentence. You have 10 minutes to finish this task. Your response will be judged on the quality of your writing and on how well your response presents the key points in the passage.
Word limit: 5-75 words
Passage 1
The concept of artificial intelligence has evolved dramatically since the term was first coined in 1956. Early AI systems were based on explicit programming and rule-based logic, which meant developers had to anticipate and code every possible scenario. These systems, while groundbreaking for their time, were limited in their ability to handle unexpected situations or learn from experience. The 1980s and 1990s saw the development of machine learning algorithms, which enabled computers to improve their performance through exposure to data rather than explicit programming. This represented a fundamental shift in how AI systems were designed and trained.
The modern era of AI, beginning in the 2010s, has been characterized by deep learning and neural networks. These systems, inspired by the structure of the human brain, can process vast amounts of data and identify patterns that would be impossible for humans to detect. They have enabled breakthroughs in areas such as image recognition, natural language processing, and game playing. For instance, AI systems can now diagnose certain diseases from medical images with accuracy matching or exceeding that of human experts, translate between languages in real-time, and defeat world champions in complex games like chess and Go.
However, the rapid advancement of AI technology has also raised important ethical and societal questions. Concerns about job displacement, algorithmic bias, privacy, and the potential for AI systems to be used for harmful purposes have become increasingly prominent. There are also philosophical questions about the nature of intelligence and consciousness, and whether machines could ever truly "understand" in the way humans do. As AI continues to advance, addressing these challenges will be crucial to ensuring that the technology benefits humanity as a whole.
Your summary (5-75 words, ONE sentence only):
Part 2: Write Essay
You will have 20 minutes to plan, write and revise an essay about the topic below. Your response will be judged on how well you develop a position, organize your ideas, present supporting details, and control the elements of standard written English. You should write 200-300 words.
Essay Topic
In many countries, traditional festivals and celebrations are disappearing or becoming less important to young people. What are the reasons for this trend? Is this a positive or negative development?
Support your point of view with reasons and examples from your own experience or observations.
Your essay (200-300 words):