Summarize Written Text Practice for PTE Exam: Economic Impacts of Climate Change

PTE Academic’s Speaking & Writing section offers a unique test of applicants’ language skills in Summarize Written Text. One of the most popular topics is the Economic impacts of climate change, which is frequently examined as more and more people are seeking answers to how climate change influences economies globally.

In this article, we will provide a sample Summarize Written Text task based on the Economic Impacts Of Climate Change. These exercises will be valuable for PTE candidates, improving their writing and comprehension skills through realistic practice.

Summarize Written Text is particularly important as it integrates multiple PTE skill areas such as grammar, content accuracy, and form. Candidates are asked to read a short passage of 150-400 words about a specific topic, like the economic effects of climate shifts, and summarize it in a single sentence of no more than 75 words. After the task, we will analyze performance according to the PTE score criteria.

Sample Summarize Written Text Task: Economic Impacts of Climate Change

Below is a Summarize Written Text task focused on the economic challenges posed by climate change.

Instructions: You will have 10 minutes to read a passage and summarize it in one sentence using no more than 75 words.

Climate change continues to have a significant impact on various aspects of the global economy. As temperatures rise, agriculture suffers from irregular weather patterns, leading to reduced crop yields and heightened food insecurity. Additionally, sectors like insurance, tourism, and real estate are experiencing increased risks due to unpredictable climates, natural disasters, and rising sea levels. Governments are forced to allocate more funds for disaster relief, reducing available resources for development and economic growth.

Model Answer Key and Band Scores

Here we offer three sample answers for this Summarize Written Text task at various performance bands, alongside a discussion of strengths and errors.

Band Score 79+

Sample: Climate change poses a significant threat to the global economy by diminishing crop yields, increasing financial risks for sectors like insurance and real estate, and requiring more governmental resources for disaster relief, which negatively impacts economic growth.

Analysis:

• Content: 100% of relevant points from reducing crop yields to increased governmental expenses are covered.
• Form: One sentence, 43 words long, complying with PTE’s word limit.
• Grammar: A variety of grammatical structures used successfully, with no mistakes.
• Vocabulary: Well-chosen words such as “diminishing” and “negative impact” provide clarity.
• Spelling: No mistakes.

Band Score 65-78

Sample: Climate change is causing economic complications, including lower crop yields, disruptions in sectors such as insurance, and increased governmental financial burdens for disaster recovery.

Analysis:

• Content: Most major points are included, but the impact of tourism and real estate industry risks could be elaborated on.
• Form: One sentence, 32 words, correct.
• Grammar: Generally accurate, though the phrase “causing economic complications” is slightly vague.
• Vocabulary: Appropriate but lacks more precise terms.
• Spelling: No issues.

Band Score Below 65

Sample: Climate change affects the economy in many ways like crop damage, higher risks for the insurance industry, and governments paying more.

Analysis:

• Content: Only partially accurate; the explanation of how governments are “paying more” lacks detail.
• Form: One sentence, 22 words, correct.
• Grammar: Overly simple sentence structure without sufficient variety.
• Vocabulary: Basic and unclear terms, e.g., “paying more” and “affects the economy.”
• Spelling: Correct.

Vocabulary & Grammar Insights

Here are ten challenging words from the passage with explanations and examples:

1. Agriculture /ˈæɡ.rɪ.kʌl.tʃər/ (noun) – The practice of farming, including growing crops and raising animals.
   Example: Climate change negatively affects agriculture by disrupting rainfall patterns.

2. Insecurity /ˌɪn.sɪˈkjʊə.rɪ.ti/ (noun) – Uncertainty or anxiety about oneself or something, in this case, food or resources.
   Example: Food insecurity rises when crop yields decrease due to unpredictable weather.

3. Sector /ˈsɛk.tər/ (noun) – A distinct part or type of activity or business in the economy.
   Example: The tourism sector suffers due to unstable weather conditions.

4. Disaster /dɪˈzɑː.stər/ (noun) – A sudden event, such as a flood or hurricane, causing damage or destruction.
   Example: Governments face increased costs when natural disasters become more frequent due to climate change.

5. Unpredictable /ˌʌn.prɪˈdɪk.tə.bəl/ (adjective) – Not able to be predicted; subject to changing conditions.
   Example: The unpredictable weather significantly affects planning for agricultural production.

6. Risk /rɪsk/ (noun) – Exposure to the chance of loss or injury.
   Example: Businesses in coastal areas face an increasing risk of flooding due to rising sea levels.

7. Allocate /ˈæ.lə.keɪt/ (verb) – To distribute resources or duties for a specific purpose.
   Example: More funds are allocated towards disaster relief efforts as climate change intensifies.

8. Development /dɪˈvɛləpmənt/ (noun) – The process of growth, progress, or improvement in a specific area.
   Example: Economic development suffers when governments divert funds to address climate emergencies.

9. Yield /jiːld/ (noun) – The amount produced by a plant or farm, often crops.
   Example: The yield of certain crops can fall drastically under changing climate conditions.

10. Impact /ˈɪm.pækt/ (noun) – The effect or influence of one thing on another; in this case, climate on economic systems.
    Example: The impact of climate change on global insurance markets has been substantial.

Conclusion

In today’s global economy, the economic impacts of climate change are becoming more prevalent, making this type of topic essential for Summarize Written Text tasks in the PTE exam. By practicing with realistic questions and analyzing sample answers, candidates can sharpen their skills and rise in their performance. Remember, it’s also helpful to explore how different sectors are adapting using innovative solutions, such as Green technology in urban planning.

For further practice on related topics and understanding how environmental changes can shape human interactions, check the discussion on Ocean biodiversity and human activities.