Summarize Written Text Examples in PTE Exam: Energy-efficient Architecture in Cities

Overview of Summarize Written Text in PTE

The Summarize Written Text task in the PTE Speaking & Writing section is an essential skill-testing component. As a test-taker, you are required to condense a provided passage into a single sentence that covers the main idea efficiently. This task tests both your reading comprehension and writing skills, as you must carefully digest a text of about 150-400 words and eloquently summarize it. One of the popular topics in this section is energy-efficient architecture in cities, as it represents a global concern with urban sustainability and technological advancements.

In this post, we will discuss this topic and provide practice examples, alongside detailed sample responses across different PTE score bands.

Example Prompt: Energy-efficient Architecture in Cities

Here is a sample Summarize Written Text prompt focused on energy-efficient architecture in cities, which you can use to practice.

The rapid growth of urbanization has led to increased demand for energy within cities, putting undue pressure on natural resources and exacerbating climate change. Energy-efficient architecture, which focuses on reducing energy consumption through innovative design and technology such as solar panels and natural ventilation systems, has become a crucial solution. By implementing green building standards and renewable energy sources, cities can reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainable growth. Beyond the environmental benefits, energy-efficient buildings also offer economic savings, as reduced energy use leads to lower operating costs in the long run. As cities continue to expand, it becomes imperative that architects and urban planners focus on creating structures that not only meet human needs but also preserve the environment for future generations.

Task: Summarize the passage in one sentence.

Sample Responses

Band 90+ (High-level response)

Energy-efficient architecture offers cities a solution to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact by utilizing innovative designs, such as solar panels and natural ventilation systems, while simultaneously providing economic savings and promoting sustainability.

• Content: Covers key elements—energy reduction, design solutions, economic benefits, and sustainability.
• Form: Correct single sentence under 75 words.
• Grammar: Grammatical structure is accurate, with proper use of conjunctions and transitions.
• Vocabulary: Advanced word choices such as “innovative designs,” “promoting sustainability.”
• Spelling: No errors.

Band 75-85 (Mid-level response)

Energy-efficient architecture reduces energy consumption in cities, provides economic savings, and makes buildings more sustainable by using solar panels and renewable energy sources.

• Content: Includes the main ideas but is less detailed than the high-level response.
• Form: Correct single sentence.
• Grammar: Generally correct, but simpler sentence structure.
• Vocabulary: Adequate use of vocabulary but lacks variety.
• Spelling: No errors.

Band 50-65 (Basic-level response)

Energy-efficient buildings in cities reduce energy use and help save money.

• Content: Misses several key elements, focusing too much on simplification.
• Form: Single sentence but too simplified.
• Grammar: Simple sentence structure; no errors.
• Vocabulary: Very basic vocabulary, lacks sophistication.
• Spelling: No errors.

Vocabulary and Phrases

Below are some useful words from the above prompt, including their meanings and practical examples to expand your academic vocabulary:

1. Urbanization /ˌɜːrbənəˈzeɪʃn/ (noun): The process of cities expanding and the migration of people to urban areas.
   Example: The rapid urbanization of many developing countries has led to a surge in construction demands.

2. Exacerbating /ɪɡˈzæsərbeɪt/ (verb): Making a problem, situation, or negative condition worse.
   Example: The increase in car emissions is exacerbating the climate crisis.

3. Sustainability /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ (noun): The ability to maintain something over the long term without negatively impacting the environment.
   Example: Energy-efficient designs are key to achieving sustainability in urban development.

4. Carbon footprint /ˈkɑːrbən ˌfʊtprɪnt/ (noun): The total amount of greenhouse gases produced to directly or indirectly support human activities.
   Example: Cities can significantly reduce their carbon footprint by adopting clean energy technologies.

5. Natural ventilation /ˈnætʃrəl ˌvɛntɪˈleɪʃn/ (noun): The process of allowing fresh air to flow naturally into buildings, reducing the need for artificial cooling.
   Example: The building is designed to maximize natural ventilation, lowering the need for air conditioning.

6. Renewable energy /rɪˈnuːəbl ˈɛnərdʒi/ (noun): Energy that is collected from renewable resources, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat.
   Example: Governments encourage the use of renewable energy by offering tax incentives for solar panel installations.

7. Green building standards /ɡriːn ˈbɪldɪŋ ˈstændɚdz/ (noun): Guidelines that certify a building’s environmental responsibility and resource efficiency.
   Example: Adhering to green building standards can significantly reduce energy costs over time.

8. Innovative designs /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv dɪˈzaɪnz/ (noun): Creative and novel approaches to architecture that improve functionality while conserving resources.
   Example: The architects came up with innovative designs that minimize energy consumption.

9. Economic savings /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈseɪvɪŋz/ (noun): Financial savings, typically through reduced consumption or lower operational costs.
   Example: An energy-efficient building provides long-term economic savings by cutting electricity costs.

10. Architects /ˈɑːkɪtɛkts/ (noun): Professionals who design buildings and oversee their construction to meet the needs of human habitats.
    Example: Architects today are increasingly focusing on sustainable designs.

Conclusion

Energy-efficient architecture is a frequent subject in PTE Summarize Written Text because it is critical for addressing global challenges like climate change, sustainability, and urban expansion. Practicing this type of content will help you prepare for the kinds of topics you are likely to encounter in the real exam. Moreover, this practice sharpens not only your writing skills but also your understanding of current urban design challenges.

For more practice on related PTE topics, check out Environmental sustainability in urban design. Don’t hesitate to explore effective ways to articulate concepts that matter for both the PTE exam and real-world situations.