In the PTE Speaking & Writing section, the Summarize Written Text portion tests your ability to compress a passage into one sentence that communicates the core meaning effectively. Students often encounter topics related to various global issues, with one common theme being the Future Of Renewable Energy In Transport. In this guide, we will break down the essential components of this section and provide valuable practice materials for PTE aspirants.
Understanding the Summarize Written Text Task
The Summarize Written Text task requires test-takers to condense a 150-400 word passage into one sentence. This sentence must be between 5 to 75 words long, and it should include the key concepts, supporting arguments, or causes and effects mentioned in the passage. This is a crucial skill for the PTE exam, as it tests both writing precision and reading comprehension.
As renewable energy continues to gain traction, its impact on the transport sector is a relevant, real-world topic you’re likely to encounter in the Summarize Written Text section of the PTE.
Summarize Written Text Practice Question on the Future of Renewable Energy in Transport
Practice Question 1
Renewable energy has been increasingly recognized as the future of transportation. Over the last two decades, the global transport sector has been one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions, which significantly affects climate change. Various governments and organizations are now heavily investing in renewable energy sources such as electric vehicles (EVs), hydrogen fuel cells, and biofuels to mitigate these impacts. EV technology, in particular, has evolved rapidly, with improvements in battery capacity and charging infrastructure. While obstacles such as high production costs and the need for widespread infrastructure remain, experts are optimistic. The transition to renewable energy in transport promises not only environmental benefits but also economic advantages like job creation in green technology and energy sectors.
Your task: Summarize the above passage in a single sentence.
Answer Model for Different Band Scores
Below are example responses for various band scores, complete with analysis based on Content, Form, Grammar, Vocabulary, and Spelling.
Band Score: 90
The transition towards renewable energy in transportation has gained momentum due to its environmental and economic benefits, with electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells, and biofuels emerging as key technologies to reduce carbon emissions, despite challenges like high production costs and the need for better infrastructure.
- Content: All critical points from the text are covered.
- Form: The sentence is grammatically accurate and concise, adhering to the word limit.
- Grammar: Advanced language structures are used (e.g., “emerging as key technologies”).
- Vocabulary: Proficient use of subject-specific terms such as “carbon emissions” and “hydrogen fuel cells.”
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band Score: 75
Renewable energy in transportation is seen as a solution for reducing emissions, with electric vehicles, biofuels, and hydrogen fuel cells playing an important role, although challenges like high costs remain.
- Content: Most of the key points are well captured.
- Form: The sentence falls well within the word limit.
- Grammar: Use of correct grammar, though not as complex as a band 90 response.
- Vocabulary: Adequate use of key terms like “electric vehicles” and “biofuels.”
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band Score: 65
Electric vehicles and other renewable energy technologies are helping to reduce carbon emissions in transportation, but there are still some challenges to overcome.
- Content: The main idea is present but missing details about economic benefits and specific technologies.
- Form: The response is sufficiently concise, meeting the format requirements.
- Grammar: The grammar is correct but lacks complexity.
- Vocabulary: Limited use of the passage’s vocabulary—missing terms like “hydrogen fuel cells” or “biofuels.”
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band Score: 50
Renewable energy is important for transport, but there are challenges.
- Content: Lack of key details; fails to mention important points like the specific technologies or economic benefits.
- Form: Meets the word count requirement but lacks thoroughness.
- Grammar: Simple sentence structure.
- Vocabulary: Poor range of vocabulary.
- Spelling: No spelling issues.
Vocabulary and Grammar
Here are some words from the passage that may help improve your vocabulary for the PTE Summarize Written Text task:
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Carbon emissions (/ˈkɑːr.bən ɪˈmɪʃ.ənz/): The release of carbon gases into the environment. “Reducing carbon emissions is critical for combating climate change.”
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Infrastructures (/ˈɪn.frəˌstrʌk.tʃərz/): Basic physical systems needed for the operation of a society or enterprise. “Charging infrastructure for electric vehicles is expanding rapidly.”
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Biofuels (/ˈbaɪ.oʊˌfjuː.əlz/): Renewable sources of energy derived from organic plant or animal materials. “Biofuels are being explored as alternatives to traditional fossil fuels.”
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Hydrogen fuel cells (/ˈhaɪ.drə.dʒən fjuːl sɛlz/): A device that generates electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen. “Hydrogen fuel cells may power future modes of transportation.”
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Transition (/trænˈzɪʃ.ən/): The process of changing from one state or condition to another. “The transition to renewable energy is crucial for sustainable transport.”
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Mitigate (/ˈmɪt.ɪ.ɡeɪt/): To make something less severe, serious, or painful. “Governments are implementing policies to mitigate the impact of climate change.”
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Economic advantages (/ˌiː.kəˈnɒm.ɪk ædˈvɑːn.tɪdʒɪz/): Financial benefits that result from an action or situation. “Green energy offers economic advantages such as job creation.”
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Momentum (/məʊˈmen.təm/): The force or speed with which something moves. “Renewable energy is gaining momentum globally.”
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Obstacle (/ˈɒb.stə.kəl/): A thing that blocks one’s way or prevents progress. “High production costs are an obstacle in the renewable energy sector.”
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Sustainability (/səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl ɪˈtıv.ɪ.ziː/): The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level. “Sustainability in energy use is vital for future generations.”
Conclusion
In the PTE Summarize Written Text section, mastering topics like the future of renewable energy in transport ensures you’re prepared for real-world themes that are likely to appear in the exam. The future of renewable transport technologies—whether electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells, or biofuels—remains a critical conversation for the global economy and environment, making it a likely subject in your PTE practice.
Have you faced similar exam topics? Share your thoughts in the comments section!
