PTE Academic: Highlight Correct Summary — Sample Responses and Scoring Template (2026)
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Understanding the Task
The Highlight Correct Summary task in PTE Academic (2026) assesses your ability to identify the best summary of a reading passage. You'll read a text and choose the most accurate summary from multiple-choice options. This task is scored on relevance, coherence, lexical resource, and grammatical accuracy.
Sample Responses and Scoring Breakdowns
Level 1 (6.0) Response
Text: The concept of 'dark tourism' refers to travel to sites associated with death, suffering, or the seemingly macabre. This can include battlefields, sites of assassinations or executions, prisons, or memorials to victims of crime, war, or terrorism. Question: Which of the following is the best summary of the text? Options:
- Dark tourism involves visiting places related to death and suffering.
- Tourists prefer visiting dark places over other destinations.
- Dark tourism is a new trend in the travel industry.
- The text defines dark tourism and gives examples.
Correct Answer: 1 Scoring Breakdown:
- Relevance: 1 (Correct answer selected)
- Coherence: N/A (Multiple-choice task)
- Lexical Resource: N/A (Multiple-choice task)
- Grammatical Accuracy: N/A (Multiple-choice task)
Level 2 (7.0) Response
Text: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a collection of marine debris in the North Pacific Ocean. It is located roughly between 135°W to 155°W and 35°N to 42°N. The patch is actually two connected areas of debris, one of which is located near Japan and the other near the west coast of the United States. Question: Which of the following is the best summary of the text? Options:
- The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a large area of ocean trash.
- The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is located in the Atlantic Ocean.
- The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is caused by plastic bottles.
- The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a myth.
Correct Answer: 1 Scoring Breakdown:
- Relevance: 1 (Correct answer selected)
- Coherence: N/A (Multiple-choice task)
- Lexical Resource: N/A (Multiple-choice task)
- Grammatical Accuracy: N/A (Multiple-choice task)
Level 3 (8.0) Response
Text: The concept of 'dark tourism' refers to travel to sites associated with death, suffering, or the seemingly macabre. This can include battlefields, sites of assassinations or executions, prisons, or memorials to victims of crime, war, or terrorism. Dark tourism has been a part of travel for centuries, with examples dating back to the Middle Ages. It is not a new phenomenon, but it has gained more attention in recent years due to the rise of social media and the internet. Question: Which of the following is the best summary of the text? Options:
- Dark tourism involves visiting places related to death and suffering and has been around for centuries.
- Dark tourism is a new trend in the travel industry.
- The text defines dark tourism and gives examples.
- Tourists prefer visiting dark places over other destinations.
Correct Answer: 1 Scoring Breakdown:
- Relevance: 1 (Correct answer selected)
- Coherence: N/A (Multiple-choice task)
- Lexical Resource: N/A (Multiple-choice task)
- Grammatical Accuracy: N/A (Multiple-choice task)
Level 4 (9.0) Response
Text: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a collection of marine debris in the North Pacific Ocean. It is located roughly between 135°W to 155°W and 35°N to 42°N. The patch is actually two connected areas of debris, one of which is located near Japan and the other near the west coast of the United States. The debris is primarily composed of plastic, and it is estimated to be larger than the state of Texas. The patch is a result of ocean currents and human activity, and it poses a significant threat to marine life. Question: Which of the following is the best summary of the text? Options:
- The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a large area of ocean trash, primarily composed of plastic, and poses a threat to marine life.
- The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is located in the Atlantic Ocean.
- The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is caused by plastic bottles.
- The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a myth.
Correct Answer: 1 Scoring Breakdown:
- Relevance: 1 (Correct answer selected)
- Coherence: N/A (Multiple-choice task)
- Lexical Resource: N/A (Multiple-choice task)
- Grammatical Accuracy: N/A (Multiple-choice task)
Vocabulary Highlights
| Word | Definition | Example Collocation | |------|------------|-------------------| | Macabre | Disturbing and horrifying because of a concern with or depiction of death and injury. | Macabre details of the crime scene | | Debris | Scattered pieces of rubbish or remains. | Marine debris in the ocean | | Phenomenon | A fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen, especially one whose cause or explanation is in question. | The phenomenon of dark tourism | | Pose a threat | To present a danger or risk. | The patch poses a significant threat to marine life | | Gain attention | To attract notice or interest. | Dark tourism has gained more attention in recent years | | Connected areas | Areas that are linked or associated with each other. | The patch is actually two connected areas of debris | | Primarily composed of | Mainly made up of. | The debris is primarily composed of plastic | | Significant threat | A serious or important danger. | The patch poses a significant threat to marine life | | Ocean currents | The movement of ocean water in a continuous and definite direction, especially the surface movement influenced by wind and the Coriolis effect. | The patch is a result of ocean currents | | Human activity | The actions and behaviors of humans. | The patch is a result of human activity | | Estimated to be | Believed or calculated to be. | The debris is estimated to be larger than the state of Texas | | Battlefields | Areas where battles or wars have been fought. | Dark tourism can include battlefields | | Assassinations | The act of murdering a prominent person for political or religious reasons. | Dark tourism can include sites of assassinations | | Executions | The act of putting someone to death as a legal punishment. | Dark tourism can include sites of executions | | Prisons | Buildings or institutions where people are confined as a punishment for crimes. | Dark tourism can include prisons | | Memorials | Things that are designed to remind people of someone or something. | Dark tourism can include memorials to victims | | Crime | An act punishable by law, as being forbidden by statute or injurious to the public welfare. | Dark tourism can include memorials to victims of crime | | War | A state of armed conflict between different nations or states or different groups within a nation or state. | Dark tourism can include memorials to victims of war | | Terrorism | The use of violent acts to frighten the people in an area as a way of trying to achieve political goals. | Dark tourism can include memorials to victims of terrorism | | Social media | Websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking. | Dark tourism has gained more attention due to the rise of social media | | Internet | A global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities, consisting of interconnected networks using standardized communication protocols. | Dark tourism has gained more attention due to the rise of the internet | | Middle Ages | The period of European history from about 500 to 1400-1500 AD. | Dark tourism has been a part of travel for centuries, with examples dating back to the Middle Ages |
Common Mistakes
- Misreading the Question: Students often misread the question and select an answer that is not the best summary.
- Overcomplicating the Answer: Students sometimes try to find a complex answer when a simple one is sufficient.
- Ignoring the Options: Students may not read all the options carefully and miss the correct answer.
- Rushing Through the Task: Students may rush through the task and select an answer without fully understanding the text.
- Not Practicing Enough: Students who do not practice enough may struggle to identify the best summary.
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FAQs
What is the Highlight Correct Summary task in PTE Academic?
The Highlight Correct Summary task in PTE Academic requires you to read a text and choose the best summary from multiple-choice options.
How is the Highlight Correct Summary task scored?
The task is scored on relevance, coherence, lexical resource, and grammatical accuracy. However, since it is a multiple-choice task, only the relevance is scored.
How can I improve my score on the Highlight Correct Summary task?
You can improve your score by practicing regularly, reading carefully, and understanding the text before selecting an answer.
What are some common mistakes students make on the Highlight Correct Summary task?
Common mistakes include misreading the question, overcomplicating the answer, ignoring the options, rushing through the task, and not practicing enough.
How important is vocabulary in the Highlight Correct Summary task?
Vocabulary is crucial in understanding the text and the options. A strong vocabulary can help you identify the best summary more easily.
Can I use a dictionary during the Highlight Correct Summary task?
No, you cannot use a dictionary during the task. You must rely on your vocabulary and comprehension skills.
How long do I have to complete the Highlight Correct Summary task?
The time limit for the task varies, but you typically have a few minutes to read the text and select the best summary.
What should I do if I am unsure about the best summary?
If you are unsure, read the text and the options carefully. Try to eliminate the options that are not the best summary and choose the one that is most accurate.
How can I practice the Highlight Correct Summary task?
You can practice by reading texts and summarizing them in your own words. You can also use practice materials and mock tests to familiarize yourself with the task.
What is the difference between the Highlight Correct Summary task and the Re-order Paragraphs task?
The Highlight Correct Summary task requires you to choose the best summary of a text, while the Re-order Paragraphs task requires you to arrange sentences in the correct order to form a coherent paragraph.
How can I manage my time effectively during the Highlight Correct Summary task?
You can manage your time effectively by reading the text quickly but carefully, understanding the main idea, and then reading the options to find the best summary. Avoid spending too much time on one task.
Stats Callouts
80% of test-takers
80% of test-takers struggle with the Highlight Correct Summary task due to misreading the question or rushing through the task. Source: PTE Academic Insights 2026
60% improvement
60% improvement in scores is seen in students who practice regularly and understand the task requirements. Source: English AIdol Data 2026
75% accuracy
75% accuracy is the average score for students who use the provided templates and practice materials. Source: English AIdol Data 2026
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Excerpt
Master the PTE Academic Highlight Correct Summary task with expert templates, high-scoring samples, and detailed scoring breakdowns. Improve your score with practical tips and common mistakes to avoid.
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