Summarize Written Text in PTE Speaking & Writing: Education for Climate Resilience

In the PTE Academic test, the Summarize Written Text task in the Speaking & Writing section is a vital component that evaluates your writing proficiency. The goal is to read a paragraph or passage, identify the main ideas, and condense the information into a single sentence. One of the popular topics in recent tests relates to “Education For Climate Resilience,” reflecting the growing importance of global awareness and education in building a more sustainable future.

In this article, we will provide model questions on the topic “Education for Climate Resilience” along with sample answers categorized by PTE band scores. We will also analyze the responses and offer insights into improving your performance in the Summarize Written Text task.

The Importance of Summarizing Texts in PTE Academic

The Summarize Written Text task requires you to condense a 150-400 word passage into one accurate and coherent sentence of 5-75 words. This skill evaluates several aspects of your English proficiency, including the ability to extract key information, paraphrase, and express ideas clearly using perfect grammar, spelling, and vocabulary. Let’s dive into actual model topics and detailed analysis to help you improve in this task.

Sample Summarize Written Text Question 1: Education for Climate Resilience

Here’s a model passage about “Education for Climate Resilience.” Practice condensing the passage into a single sentence within the word limit.

Prompt:

Climate change poses significant risks to ecosystems, economies, and communities globally, and education has become increasingly recognized as a key solution to enhance climate resilience. Education for climate resilience is not just about understanding scientific facts but also entails equipping future generations with the skills and knowledge needed to adapt to changes, mitigate risks, and implement solutions effectively. This form of education fosters an interdisciplinary approach, including environmental, economic, and social dimensions, to ensure individuals and communities are better prepared for climate impacts. Furthermore, integrating climate literacy in formal education systems can drive behavioral change and promote sustainable development, especially in regions prone to climate-related challenges. Educators and policymakers alike are called to prioritize climate resilience education to nurture responsible citizens who can contribute actively to combating climate change.

Summarize the passage in one sentence using 5-75 words.

Model Answers Categorized by PTE Band Score

Band 90 Example:

Education for climate resilience involves not just the understanding of climate science but also the development of practical skills across environmental, economic, and social dimensions to help individuals proactively mitigate climate risks and adapt sustainably to changing environments.

Analysis:

• Content: 5/5 – Covers all major ideas, including the role of education, practical skills, and the interdisciplinary nature.
• Form: 2/2 – Only one sentence, within the word limit.
• Grammar: 2/2 – Flawless grammar and punctuation.
• Vocabulary: 2/2 – Varied and appropriate use of vocabulary.
• Spelling: 2/2 – No spelling mistakes.

Band 75 Example:

Climate resilience education equips individuals with knowledge and skills in various fields like environment and economy to help them adapt to changes prompted by climate risks.

Analysis:

• Content: 4/5 – Covers significant ideas but lacks emphasis on integrating multiple disciplines and long-term community impact.
• Form: 2/2 – Meets the form requirement.
• Grammar: 2/2 – Grammar is correct.
• Vocabulary: 2/2 – Vocabulary is appropriate and varied.
• Spelling: 2/2 – No spelling errors.

Band 65 Example:

Education for climate resilience teaches people to understand climate risks and how to prepare for them in different ways, including environmental and social approaches.

Analysis:

• Content: 3/5 – Covers only part of the idea, omitting the broader implication of sustainable development and interdisciplinary focus.
• Form: 2/2 – Meets the form requirement.
• Grammar: 1.5/2 – The expression “prepare for them in different ways” could be clearer.
• Vocabulary: 1.5/2 – Limited vocabulary range; could use more specific terms.
• Spelling: 2/2 – No spelling mistakes.

Band 50 Example:

Climate resilience education teaches people to understand climate change and its risks to society and the environment.

Analysis:

• Content: 2/5 – Very basic summary missing several layers of information like practical skills and interdisciplinary approach.
• Form: 2/2 – One sentence, within the word limit.
• Grammar: 1.5/2 – Simple grammar but grammatically correct.
• Vocabulary: 1.5/2 – Basic and repetitive vocabulary.
• Spelling: 2/2 – No spelling mistakes.

Key Vocabulary and Grammar from the Passage

Here are 10 keywords from the passage to expand your vocabulary skills:

1. Resilience /rɪˈzɪl.i.əns/ (n.): the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

   • Example: The community showed great resilience after the hurricane.

2. Mitigate /ˈmɪt.ɪ.ɡeɪt/ (v.): make less severe, serious, or painful.

   • Example: Efforts to mitigate climate risks include reducing carbon emissions.

3. Interdisciplinary /ˌɪn.təˌdɪs.ɪˈplɪn.ər.i/ (adj.): involving two or more academic disciplines.

   • Example: An interdisciplinary approach is crucial for tackling climate change.

4. Sustainable /səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/ (adj.): able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.

   • Example: Sustainable development is key to global economic stability.

5. Climate Literacy /ˈklī.mət ˈlɪt.rə.si/ (n.): the understanding of climate science and its implications.

   • Example: Improving climate literacy can help reduce global warming.

6. Ecosystem /ˈiː.kəʊˌsɪs.təm/ (n.): a biological community of interacting organisms and their environment.

   • Example: Climate change threatens the balance of entire ecosystems.

7. Community /kəˈmjuː.nə.ti/ (n.): a group of people living in the same place or having particular characteristics in common.

   • Example: The local community joined forces to fight the environmental crisis.

8. Climate Change /ˈklaɪ.mɪt tʃeɪndʒ/ (n.): long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns.

   • Example: Climate change is accelerating faster than predicted.

9. Behavioral Change /bɪˈheɪ.vɪər əl tʃeɪndʒ/ (n.): modification in human behavior to achieve specific outcomes.

   • Example: Education can encourage behavioral change towards energy conservation.

10. Policy Maker /ˈpɒl.ɪ.siˌmeɪ.kər/ (n.): someone who creates policies, particularly in the government or educational institutions.

    • Example: Policymakers should prioritize integrating climate education into curriculums.

Conclusion

The “Summarize Written Text” task tests your ability to condense information effectively for reader comprehension. As seen in the example related to “Education for Climate Resilience,” mastering this format can lead to high scores if you manage to capture key details while maintaining grammatical accuracy. Practice consistently, and review sample answers to improve your content, form, grammar, and vocabulary. Let us know your thoughts or challenges in the comments below!