In the PTE exam, specifically in the Summarize Written Text section within Speaking & Writing, candidates are required to summarize a given text in one sentence. Commonly, global and environmental topics are featured, and Global Efforts To Reduce Plastic Waste is one of the main trends in recent tests. This article will provide valuable practice sample questions for Summarize Written Text related to this important topic.
Let’s dive into the details, sample questions, and comprehensive sample responses evaluated under various scoring bands, so you can better understand what it takes to get high scores in PTE’s test.
Sample Summarize Written Text Question: Reduce Plastic Waste Through Global Collaboration
The Summarize Written Text section requires you to summarize the passage below into a single sentence.
Here is an example passage related to Global Efforts to Reduce Plastic Waste:
“Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues of the 21st century, with global plastic waste generated yearly expected to reach over 300 million tons. Governments, corporations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) worldwide are collaborating to establish comprehensive strategies to manage waste effectively and reduce pollution from plastics. Some initiatives include imposing plastic bag bans, promoting the use of biodegradable alternatives, and pushing for better recycling systems. Additionally, global partnerships such as the UN’s Clean Seas initiative aim to engage over 60 countries to ensure that oceans are free from plastic waste by 2050. The collective efforts showcase a growing trend toward sustainable waste management, emphasizing the need for creative solutions to tackling the environmental threats posed by non-biodegradable materials.”
Your task: Based on the passage, summarize the content into one sentence of 5-75 words.
Answer Example for Band 90
Governments, corporations, and NGOs across the globe are collaborating through strategies such as banning plastic bags, using biodegradable materials, and improving recycling systems to manage over 300 million tons of global plastic waste and eliminate ocean pollution in partnership with the UN Clean Seas initiative by 2050.
Evaluation:
- Content: Fully captures the main ideas, including key actions and goals.
- Form: Meets the word count requirement and adheres to the PTE’s summary rules.
- Grammar: Perfect grammar and complex sentence structures.
- Vocabulary: Well-selected words and appropriate terminology for both academic and environmental topics.
- Spelling: No mistakes.
Answer Example for Band 75
Various global efforts, including plastic bag bans, the promotion of biodegradable alternatives, and recycling advancements, are being implemented by governments and organizations to address plastic pollution, with the UN aiming for cleaner oceans by 2050.
Evaluation:
- Content: Good representation, but slightly misses the numerical data (300 million tons).
- Form: Within the word limit.
- Grammar: Adequate grammar but simpler sentence structure.
- Vocabulary: Uses appropriate vocabulary, though not as advanced as a Band 90 response.
- Spelling: No errors.
Answer Example for Band 65
Governments and NGOs are working together to reduce plastic waste and help oceans by creating new strategies like banning plastic bags and improving recycling systems.
Evaluation:
- Content: Captures the essence but lacks details such as the UN initiative and numeric data.
- Form: Meets format requirements.
- Grammar: Grammar is correct but utilizes basic sentence structures.
- Vocabulary: Simpler choices of vocabulary without much variation.
- Spelling: No mistakes.
Answer Example for Band 50
Efforts to reduce plastic include banning plastic bags and encouraging recycling.
Evaluation:
- Content: Misses significant details like NGOs, the UN Clean Seas initiative, and numeric specifics.
- Form: Falls within word limit but oversimplified for the test’s academic expectations.
- Grammar: Very basic, lacking complex sentence structures.
- Vocabulary: Too simple, lacking academic terms.
- Spelling: Free of mistakes.
Relevant Vocabulary and Grammar
Let’s look into some key terms and vocabulary from the provided sample that could benefit your preparation for PTE:
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Biodegradable /ˌbaɪ.oʊ.dɪˈɡreɪ.də.bəl/ (adj.): Able to decay naturally without harming the environment.
- Many countries are shifting to biodegradable plastics to combat pollution.
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Pollution /pəˈluː.ʃən/ (n.): The introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment.
- Plastic pollution is one of the biggest environmental challenges we face.
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Initiative /ɪˈnɪʃ.ə.t̬ɪv/ (n.): A new plan or action to solve a problem.
- The Clean Seas initiative aims to drastically reduce ocean plastic waste.
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Strategy /ˈstræt̬.ə.dʒi/ (n.): A plan of action designed to achieve a long-term goal.
- Recycling and reducing plastic use are key strategies in fighting pollution.
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Collaboration /kəˌlæb.əˈreɪ.ʃən/ (n.): The action of working with others to achieve a goal.
- International collaboration is vital to tackling global plastic waste.
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Corporation /ˌkɔːr.pəˈreɪ.ʃən/ (n.): A large company or group authorized to act as a single entity.
- Large corporations are under increasing pressure to reduce their plastic waste output.
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Sustainable /səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/ (adj.): Capable of being maintained over the long term without depleting resources or causing harm.
- Sustainable practices are crucial for the future of waste management.
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Non-governmental organization (NGO) (n.): A non-profit group that operates independently of government, typically to address social or political issues.
- NGOs play a critical role in advocating for broader environmental policies.
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Threat /θret/ (n.): A danger or something harmful.
- The threat of plastic waste to marine life is significant.
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Ocean pollution /ˈoʊ.ʃən pəˈluː.ʃən/ (n.): Contamination of the ocean by harmful substances like plastic.
- Ocean pollution affects not only sea creatures but also human livelihoods.
Conclusion
In summary, these Summarize Written Text practice questions around global efforts to reduce plastic waste offer a valuable opportunity to refine your summarization skills for the PTE exam. This topic is a relevant, real-world issue, and similar themes are likely to appear in PTE tests. We encourage constant practice and thorough engagement with diverse topics to achieve the highest possible score.
Don’t forget to explore related topics like Biodegradable plastics and waste management and Fast fashion and textile waste management to further understand various modern-day waste challenges, which are often tested in PTE’s exam.
Lastly, keep practicing and refining your skills—you can leave comments or questions below to share your learning and experiences!
