Sample Task: Summarize Written Text – Green Roofs and Urban Biodiversity
Task 1
Green roofs have become an emerging method of promoting biodiversity in urban environments. These green spaces, located on the rooftops of buildings, not only provide intrinsic environmental benefits but also foster habitats for a variety of plant and animal species. By insulating buildings and absorbing rainwater, they reduce pollution and contribute to energy efficiency. Moreover, green roofs help mitigate the heat island effect typically found in cities, where the concentration of concrete and metal raises temperatures.
Urban biodiversity, previously compromised by human expansion, can receive a boost through the installation of green roofs. These ecosystems support native bees, birds, and insects, which are often displaced by development. Additionally, green roofs can act as stepping stones for species that are trying to navigate through heavily built-up areas. By incorporating a variety of flora, such spaces not only beautify the urban landscape but also aid in the ecological rejuvenation of cities.
Summarize the text in one sentence.
Answer Sample 1: High Band (80-90 points)
Green roofs in cities enhance urban biodiversity by providing habitats for various species, supporting energy efficiency, reducing the heat island effect, and acting as stepping stones for wildlife navigating heavily developed areas.
Content: Fully addresses all key points about green roofs and their benefits, particularly for biodiversity and the environment.
Form: Adheres exactly to the one-sentence format within the 5-75 word limit.
Grammar: Flawless and complex sentence structure, using commas appropriately.
Vocabulary: Precise and appropriate use of words like “enhance,” “habitats,” and “stepping stones.”
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Answer Sample 2: Mid Band (60-70 points)
Green roofs, by improving urban biodiversity, contribute to energy savings, reduce the heat island effect, and provide habitats for displaced species such as bees and birds.
Content: Accurately captures the main points but omits information about green roofs acting as stepping stones for species.
Form: Correct one-sentence format, with a concise structure.
Grammar: Good command over sentence construction, no major flaws.
Vocabulary: Proper word usage, though lacks some depth compared to the high-band answer.
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Answer Sample 3: Low Band (40-50 points)
Green roofs help cities’ biodiversity because they give space for different living organisms and help to reduce pollution.
Content: Fails to cover all the key points such as energy efficiency, the heat island effect, and stepping stones for wildlife.
Form: Adheres to the one-sentence format, but the sentence is overly simplistic.
Grammar: Basic sentence structure with minor errors, e.g., “help cities’ biodiversity” (awkward phrasing).
Vocabulary: Limited vocabulary and less precise terminology.
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Task 2
As urban development spreads, green roofs have emerged as a relatively simple way to counteract some of the negative effects of city living on plant and animal life. They create new environments that help foster diverse ecosystems and offer nesting and feeding grounds for urban wildlife. Importantly, their ability to absorb rainwater and pollutants, combined with their contribution to lowering surrounding air temperatures, makes them beneficial for both the environment and human health.
Socially, green roofs increase access to green spaces for city dwellers who otherwise may have limited interaction with nature. Beyond their social and ecological functions, these roofs also serve as sustainable architectural solutions, contributing to long-term resilience in cities by making urban environments more livable as well as reducing energy consumption.
Summarize the text in one sentence.
Answer Sample 1: High Band (80-90 points)
Green roofs create ecosystems that enhance urban biodiversity, absorb rainwater and pollutants, reduce heat, support human interaction with nature, and contribute to sustainable and resilient city development.
Content: Summarizes all major aspects of green roofs, covering their environmental, social, and architectural benefits.
Form: Confidently fits into the one-sentence model with a clear, logical flow.
Grammar: Strong command of complex sentence structure.
Vocabulary: Exemplary use of advanced vocabulary, including “ecosystems,” “resilient,” and “sustainable.”
Spelling: Flawless.
Answer Sample 2: Mid Band (60-70 points)
By creating ecosystems, green roofs improve biodiversity, reduce air temperature, absorb rainwater, and contribute to urban ecology and human health.
Content: Covers most key points but omits details regarding green roofs’ social benefits, such as fostering human interaction with nature.
Form: Well-formed sentence within the required length.
Grammar: Correct grammar and punctuation, balanced complexity.
Vocabulary: Good range of vocabulary, but less sophisticated compared to high-band answers.
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Answer Sample 3: Low Band (40-50 points)
Green roofs are important because they reduce the heat, absorb pollutants, and create better space for plants and animals.
Content: Limited focus on the environmental benefits only, missing the social, architectural, and human health aspects.
Form: Correct form but overly simplistic for higher-level scoring.
Grammar: Simple but generally correct grammar; lacks compound structures.
Vocabulary: Basic language, not reflective of academic rigor.
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Vocabulary and Grammar
Here are a few essential words and terms from the passage that you may encounter in the real PTE exam, along with their meanings and examples:
-
Ecosystem /ˈiːkoʊˌsɪstəm/ (n.): A complex network of organisms interacting with their environment.
Example: The green roof created a small but thriving ecosystem for various insects and plants. -
Biodiversity /ˌbaɪoʊdaɪˈvɜrsɪti/ (n.): The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
Example: Green roofs can significantly improve urban biodiversity. -
Resilient /rɪˈzɪliənt/ (adj.): Able to recover quickly from difficult conditions; strong and sustainable.
Example: Resilient cities are capable of withstanding environmental challenges. -
Mitigate /ˈmɪtɪˌɡeɪt/ (v.): To make less severe or serious.
Example: Green roofs help mitigate the negative effects of urban pollution. -
Heat island effect /hiːt ˈaɪlənd ɪˈfɛkt/ (n.): The phenomenon where urban areas are warmer due to human activities and infrastructure.
Example: The heat island effect is a major concern for densely populated cities. -
Pollutants /pəˈluːtənt/ (n.): Harmful substances that contaminate the environment.
Example: Green roofs help absorb harmful pollutants from the air. -
Sustainable /səˈsteɪnəbəl/ (adj.): Capable of being maintained over the long term without depleting resources.
Example: Green roofs represent a sustainable approach to urban development. -
Architecture /ˈɑːrkɪˌtɛktʃər/ (n.): The art or practice of designing building structures.
Example: Green roofs are becoming a new trend in sustainable architecture. -
Habitat /ˈhæbɪtæt/ (n.): The natural home of a plant or animal.
Example: Green roofs provide a crucial habitat for bees and urban wildlife. -
Flora /ˈflɔːrə/ (n.): The plants of a particular region, habitat, or geological period.
Example: The diverse flora on the green roof attracted many pollinators, including butterflies.
Conclusion
Summarizing passages on important topics like green roofs and urban biodiversity in the PTE Academic exam requires a well-rounded understanding of the task. Using both environmental knowledge and advanced language skills will help you produce concise yet accurate summaries. Given the environmental focus of recent exam trends, practicing with such passages will improve your proficiency and readiness. If you have any questions or need further practice, feel free to comment below!
