Space Colonization and Ethical Issues Sample Summarize Written Text Question
Below is a sample Summarize Written Text exercise focusing on the topic of space colonization and its ethical dimensions. Follow the task guidelines carefully, and after you submit your response, compare it to the model answers.
Sample Task:
“With advancements in space technology and private funding, space colonization is becoming a closer reality. While the idea of settling on other planets offers solutions for population growth and resource depletion on Earth, it also presents significant ethical challenges. Critics argue that space colonization could lead to exploitation, environmental degradation, and social inequalities, mirroring the darker aspects of historical colonization on Earth. Moreover, the introduction of large-scale human activities could irreversibly damage extraterrestrial ecosystems and alter the cosmic environment. Supporters, however, focus on space exploration as a necessity for the survival of humanity, viewing it as a natural next step. They emphasize the potential for scientific discovery, economic growth, and the expansion of human civilization beyond our own planet. As the debate over space colonization continues, the ethical dilemmas surrounding its impact on both humans and the universe requires careful consideration by policymakers.”
Your task: Summarize the passage in one sentence.
Model Answers and Analysis
Model Answer for Band Score 90
Space colonization, which promises solutions to Earth’s overpopulation and resource crises, also poses ethical concerns such as potential exploitation, ecological harm, and inequalities, while advocates argue its importance for human survival and scientific advancement.
- Content: The summary encapsulates both the potential benefits and ethical concerns outlined in the text.
- Form: The response is accurate as it’s within the one-sentence requirement.
- Grammar: This sentence contains complex grammatical structures and flows smoothly without errors.
- Vocabulary: The answer uses high-level, relevant vocabulary such as “colonization,” “exploitation,” “inequalities,” and “advancement.”
- Spelling: There are no spelling errors.
Rating: Excellent, scoring full points in Content, Form, Grammar, Vocabulary, and Spelling.
Model Answer for Band Score 80
Space colonization could help address Earth’s problems like overpopulation and resource shortage, but it raises significant ethical concerns, including potential exploitation and environmental issues.
- Content: The key points from the passage are present, though a bit less comprehensive than the Band 90 response.
- Form: The candidate has followed the single-sentence rule accurately.
- Grammar: Mostly strong sentence structure, though slightly simpler compared to the Band 90 version.
- Vocabulary: The vocabulary is effective but slightly less varied, with terms like “ethical concerns” being somewhat basic.
- Spelling: No spelling mistakes are spotted.
Rating: Very good but missing out on some of the more nuanced arguments presented in the text.
Model Answer for Band Score 70
Space colonization provides a solution for resource shortages but brings up ethical issues such as exploitation and environmental harm.
- Content: Some major aspects of the text are included, but the sentence is overly simplified and leaves out key elements, such as scientific advancement and human survival.
- Form: On point in terms of following the single-sentence rule.
- Grammar: Grammatically correct, but lacks complexity.
- Vocabulary: The answer relies on basic vocabulary with no advanced terms or synonyms, which impacts the overall score.
- Spelling: No errors found.
Rating: A good response but lacks the depth and detail needed for a top-tier score.
Model Answer for Band Score 60
Space colonization could be good for population and resources, but it has risks.
- Content: The answer is too general and fails to convey the complexity of the debate or the specific ethical concerns.
- Form: The sentence is very basic and overly short, which detracts from its effectiveness.
- Grammar: Simple sentence structure without variety, limiting its potential for a higher score.
- Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary used throughout, lacking depth.
- Spelling: No spelling mistakes.
Rating: Overall too simplistic to earn a high score.
Vocabulary and Grammar
Here’s a list of some key vocabulary words from the passage and what they mean. These terms can help you improve your Summarize Written Text responses.
| Word/Phrase | Phonetic Pronunciation | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colonization | /ˌkɑː.lə.nəˈzeɪ.ʃən/ | The action of settling among and establishing control over the indigenous people of an area. | The colonization of Mars may soon become reality. |
| Exploitation | /ˌɛksplɔɪˈteɪʃən/ | The action or fact of treating someone unfairly in order to benefit from their work. | Historical colonization often involved the exploitation of native populations. |
| Depletion | /dɪˈpliːʃ(ə)n/ | Reduction in the quantity of something, usually a resource. | The depletion of Earth’s resources encourages the need for new solutions. |
| Ethical | /ˈɛθɪk(ə)l/ | Relating to moral principles or the branch of knowledge dealing with these. | The ethical implications of space exploration must not be ignored. |
| Degradation | /ˌdɛɡrəˈdeɪʃən/ | The process by which something is damaged or reduced in quality. | Deforestation often leads to environmental degradation. |
| Inequalities | /ɪnɪˈkwɒlɪtis/ | Differences in size, degree, or circumstance leading to unfair treatment. | Social inequalities are a major issue to consider during space colonization efforts. |
| Extraterrestrial | /ˌɛkstrəˌtɛrəsˈtriəl/ | Originating or existing outside Earth. | Extraterrestrial life may exist on other planets, adding complexity to space colonization. |
| Advocacy | /ˈædvəkəsi/ | Public support for or recommendation of a particular cause or policy. | Elon Musk is known for his advocacy of colonizing Mars. |
| Ecosystems | /ˈiːkoʊˌsɪstəmz/ | A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment. | Space colonization could disrupt extraterrestrial ecosystems. |
| Cosmic | /ˈkɒzmɪk/ | Relating to the universe, especially as distinct from Earth. | Cosmic exploration offers numerous opportunities for scientific discovery. |
Conclusion
In summary, questions addressing ‘Space Colonization and Ethical Issues’ are becoming more common in PTE exams due to their relevance and depth. It’s crucial to practice your summarization skills by focusing on both sides of the argument—balancing the potential benefits with the ethical concerns. The key is to strike a balance in your one-sentence summary that covers the complexity of the issue while adhering to the task guidelines. To improve, continuously practice using the sample questions provided and feel free to leave any comments for further clarification!
