In the PTE Speaking & Writing section, the “Summarize Written Text” task is a crucial component where test-takers are required to read a passage and summarize its content in one sentence. Given the increasing relevance of renewable energy, it’s highly possible that such themes as “Renewable energy investments and risks” may appear in your exam. This article provides practice questions and complete responses, guiding you through potential challenges and effective strategies for maximum success.
Renewable energy plays a pivotal role in modern economies, but it does come with significant risks — a key topic that is often featured in academic assessments as it involves complex decision-making, financial implications, and environmental sustainability. This article presents PTE-based questions and solutions around this increasingly relevant subject.
Summarize Written Text: Practice Question 1
Read the following passage and summarize it in one sentence. You have 10 minutes to finish the task.
Investing in renewable energy is becoming increasingly attractive due to the long-term financial gains and the positive environmental impact it offers. Governments and corporations are pouring funds into wind, solar, and hydropower projects to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels while contributing to the global effort to reduce carbon emissions. However, these investments are not without risks. Among the key challenges are the high initial capital costs, political instability in regions rich in renewable resources, and the uncertainty of technological advancements. As many investors struggle to balance profitability with sustainability, it’s crucial to rigorously analyze the risks involved and ensure that long-term benefits outweigh short-term losses.
Answer Samples
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Band 90:
Renewable energy investments promise long-term financial gains and environmental benefits, but they also entail significant risks due to high initial costs, regional instabilities, and unpredictable technological advancements.Content: Full coverage of the key points.
Form: Correct length, consisting of one sentence.
Grammar: Excellent use of compound and complex structures.
Vocabulary: Precise and academic (e.g., entail, unpredictable).
Spelling: No errors. -
Band 80:
Investing in renewable energy offers financial benefits and helps lower carbon emissions but comes with risks like high upfront costs and uncertainty in technology.Content: Covers the core ideas but lacks some minor details (regional instability).
Form: Correct in structure, no run-on sentences.
Grammar: Grammatical structures are mostly correct but less advanced than Band 90.
Vocabulary: Adequate, but less sophisticated.
Spelling: No issues. -
Band 70:
Renewable energy investments reduce reliance on fossil fuels but are risky due to high costs and political instability.Content: Misses a few key points, such as technological uncertainties.
Form: One sentence, within the word limit.
Grammar: Simple sentence structure, grammatical choices are correct.
Vocabulary: Relatively basic.
Spelling: Correct.
Summarize Written Text: Practice Question 2
Read the passage and summarize it in one sentence. You have 10 minutes to complete the task.
The renewable energy sector presents lucrative investment opportunities as countries transition to greener economies to mitigate the effects of climate change. Yet, companies and governments must be aware of the potential risks involved. Key concerns include fluctuating costs of materials, regulatory changes, and varying public support, particularly in regions where renewable energy initially experiences resistance. While renewable energy reduces long-term operational costs and contributes significantly to the energy transition, investors must assess both macroeconomic and local factors that could affect profitability and project viability.
Answer Samples
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Band 90:
Although renewable energy investments support the global transition toward greener economies, they face risks from fluctuating material costs, regulatory shifts, and varying public support.Content: Comprehensive inclusion of all the points in the text.
Form: Correct number of words, concise.
Grammar: Complex sentence structure implemented flawlessly.
Vocabulary: Advanced, academic-level usage (e.g., viability, fluctuating).
Spelling: No errors. -
Band 80:
Investing in renewable energy is crucial for green economies, but risks exist, such as changes in regulations and public support.Content: Covers most points, but could be more comprehensive.
Form: Correct sentence structure.
Grammar: Almost flawless; minor issues in clarity.
Vocabulary: Good choice of words but not as sophisticated.
Spelling: Accurate. -
Band 70:
Renewable energy helps the environment but has risks like cost uncertainties and lack of public support.Content: Misses some important details like regulatory changes.
Form: Sentence is simple but grammatically correct.
Grammar: Basic grammar structure, but no major issues.
Vocabulary: Lacks professional depth.
Spelling: No spelling issues.
Vocabulary and Grammar
Here are 10 key words and phrases from the passages that can help improve your vocabulary for PTE:
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Lucrative /ˈluː.krə.tɪv/ – Producing a large profit.
Example: Renewable energy investments are often seen as lucrative despite the risks. -
Entail /ɪnˈteɪl/ – Involve something as a necessary or inevitable part.
Example: These developments entail significant upfront costs. -
Fluctuating /ˈflʌk.tʃu.eɪt/ – Rise and fall irregularly in number or amount.
Example: The fluctuating prices of materials can affect project costs. -
Macroeconomic /ˌmækroʊɛkəˈnɑmɪk/ – Relating to the large-scale economic factors.
Example: Investors must consider macroeconomic trends before committing to renewable energy projects. -
Greener economies /ˈɡriː.nər ɪˈkɒn.ə.mi/ – Economies that prioritize sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
Example: The shift towards greener economies is driving renewable energy growth. -
Mitigate /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – Make less severe or painful.
Example: Renewable energy can help mitigate the carbon footprint. -
Viability /ˌvaɪəˈbɪlɪti/ – Capability of working successfully.
Example: Ensuring the financial viability of a project is crucial. -
Upfront costs /ʌpˈfrʌnt kɔːsts/ – Costs paid in advance before an action occurs.
Example: Many renewable energy projects require significant upfront costs. -
Profitability /ˌprɒfɪtəˈbɪlɪti/ – The degree to which a venture is profitable.
Example: The profitability of renewable energy investments depends on various factors. -
Sustainability /səˌsteɪ.nəˈbɪl.ə.ti/ – The ability to maintain or continue over the long term without harming the environment.
Example: Sustainability is key to the success of renewable energy policies.
Conclusion
“Renewable Energy Investments And Risks” is a popular topic in today’s energy discourse and has significant implications for PTE candidates. Through practicing with these model questions about renewable energy, you not only improve your summarization skills but are also better prepared for actual test questions. Consistent practice, along with analyzing high-band responses, is the key to mastering Summarize Written Text in PTE. For more insights on how renewable energy contributes to broader economic stability, refer to the article on Renewable energy and economic resilience. Keep practicing and feel free to leave comments below with your summaries for expert feedback!
