PTE Summarize Written Text Task Sample 268

Read the passage below and summarize it using one sentence. Type your response in the box at the bottom of the screen. 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.

Post-Truth Era

The concept of post-truth, a term that gained prominence in the 21st century, reflects a disconcerting shift in the way information is perceived and processed in modern society. Post-truth refers to a situation where emotional or personal beliefs have more influence on public opinion and policymaking than objective facts and evidence.

One of the key elements of the post-truth era is the prevalence of misinformation and disinformation facilitated by digital technology and social media. False or misleading information can spread rapidly, gaining traction before fact-checking can catch up. This phenomenon has significant implications for public discourse, elections, and public health, as seen in the spread of conspiracy theories and vaccine hesitancy.

The post-truth era challenges the foundations of democratic societies, where informed citizenry is essential for responsible governance. It raises questions about the role of media, critical thinking, and digital literacy in an age where information is abundant but accuracy is often elusive.

Addressing the challenges of the post-truth era requires a concerted effort to promote media literacy, fact-checking, and critical thinking skills. It also necessitates responsible journalism and the development of tools and strategies to combat misinformation in the digital age.

Summary:

The concept of post-truth, emblematic of the 21st century, signifies a concerning shift where emotional or personal beliefs exert more influence than objective facts, driven by the proliferation of misinformation through digital technology and social media, posing significant challenges to public discourse, elections, and democratic foundations, necessitating a collective effort to promote media literacy, fact-checking, and critical thinking skills.