Summarize Written Text is a crucial component of the PTE Academic exam within the Speaking & Writing section. This task requires candidates to condense complex passages into a short and coherent sentence while maintaining essential details. One common theme found in this section is how space exploration has influenced advancements in technology. Below you’ll find a practice exercise designed to familiarize you with this topic.
Sample PTE Summarize Written Text Exercise: Space Exploration’s Impact on Technology
Practice Passage
The exploration of space has substantially contributed to technological advancements in fields as diverse as communications, materials science, and health care. One of the most significant outcomes was the development of satellite-based technologies, which today support global communications, GPS navigation, and environmental monitoring. Additionally, the materials used in spacecraft construction have led to improvements in insulation and lightweight yet durable materials for everyday use. Health care has also benefited from space research, resulting in advancements in imaging technologies, robotic surgery, and even non-invasive diagnostic techniques that are now widespread in hospitals. As space agencies collaborate on more ambitious missions, the potential for further technological breakthroughs remains enormous, likely ushering in new technologies that will again transform life on Earth.
Instructions: Summarize the passage in one sentence. Your response must be between 5 and 75 words.
Sample Responses for PTE Summarize Written Text
Band 90 Response (High Quality)
Space exploration has led to significant advancements in various fields, including satellite communications, material sciences, and health care, contributing profoundly to technologies like GPS, medical imaging, and insulation, with future missions expected to drive even more breakthroughs that will impact life on Earth.
Analysis:
- Content: Covers all main points and specific examples.
- Form: Correct length (42 words).
- Grammar: Complex sentence structure with proper connectors.
- Vocabulary: Correct use of advanced terms like “advancements,” “insulation,” and “breakthroughs.”
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band 80 Response (Good Response)
Space exploration has resulted in technological progress in satellite communication, materials science, and health care, with developments like GPS systems and medical imaging that have a lasting impact on human life.
Analysis:
- Content: Includes most key points but lacks detail on future potential.
- Form: Correct length (27 words).
- Grammar: Grammatically accurate; less complex sentence structure.
- Vocabulary: Proper word choices, but slightly simpler than the Band 90 response.
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 70 Response (Average Response)
The exploration of space has led to improvements in technology such as satellite communications, GPS, and medical advancements.
Analysis:
- Content: Misses depth and future potential; simplistic ideas.
- Form: Correct length (17 words).
- Grammar: Structurally sound but overly simplistic.
- Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary with limited range and precision.
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 60 Response (Below Average Response)
Space exploration has helped with technology in communication and materials.
Analysis:
- Content: Fails to offer any depth or examples; lacks critical information.
- Form: Correct length (9 words), but far too brief.
- Grammar: Incomplete sentence; lacks conjunctions and connectors.
- Vocabulary: Very limited range; “helped with” is too vague.
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 50 Response (Poor Response)
Space exploration is important for technology inventions for the future.
Analysis:
- Content: Virtually no details reflect the original passage’s content.
- Form: Too short (10 words).
- Grammar: Basic errors, no elaboration.
- Vocabulary: Very vague and lacking any specific terminology.
- Spelling: No errors.
Vocabulary and Grammar Boost for Space Exploration Topics
Key Vocabulary from the Passage
-
Substantial /səbˈstan(t)ʃəl/ – (adj.) of considerable importance or size.
E.g., Space exploration has led to substantial technological innovations. -
Insulation /ˌɪnsəˈleɪʃən/ – (n.) material used to prevent the passage of heat, electricity, or sound.
E.g., Advanced insulating materials developed for spacecraft are now used in homes. -
Breakthrough /ˈbreɪkˌθruː/ – (n.) a significant development or discovery.
E.g., Space exploration often pushes the boundaries of what’s possible, leading to major scientific breakthroughs. -
Communications /kəˌmjunəˈkeɪʃənz/ – (n.) the means of sending or receiving information, such as satellite communications.
E.g., Advances in satellite communications have improved global access to information. -
Non-invasive /nɑn-ɪnˈveɪsɪv/ – (adj.) not involving the introduction of instruments into the body.
E.g., Non-invasive diagnostic techniques, such as MRI and ultrasound, have revolutionized health care. -
Robotic surgery /rəʊˈbɒtɪk ˈsɝdʒ(ə)ri/ – (n.) surgery performed using robotic systems.
E.g., Robotic surgery allows doctors to perform delicate procedures with greater precision. -
Durable /ˈdjʊrəbl/ – (adj.) able to withstand wear, pressure, or damage.
E.g., Space-grade materials are known for being incredibly durable. -
GPS navigation /ˌdʒi pi ɛs ˌnævɪˈɡeɪʃən/ – (n.) a satellite-based system used for determining precise locations.
E.g., GPS navigation simplifies everyday tasks like driving and food delivery. -
Collaborate /kəˈlæbəˌreɪt/ – (v.) work jointly with others.
E.g., Space agencies across the world collaborate on major projects such as the International Space Station. -
Potential /pəˈtɛnʃəl/ – (n.) latent qualities or abilities that may be developed into something useful.
E.g., Space exploration holds enormous potential to spur future technological advancements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, space exploration’s impact on technology is a frequent topic in the PTE Summarize Written Text task, as seen in the practice exercise above. Understanding how to structure an answer and utilize effective vocabulary is essential for a strong performance. Keep practicing with varied topics to sharpen your summarization skills and ensure higher band scores.
Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions or need more practice tips!
