This topic is not only frequently discussed due to its relevance to the global energy challenge, but also serves as a common theme in academic writing, adding importance to mastering this kind of summarization for PTE.
Sample Practice Exercise: Nuclear Fusion and Future Energy
Task: Summarize the text below in one sentence.
You have 10 minutes to complete this task. Your response should be between 5 and 75 words.
Sample text for Summarize Written Text:
Nuclear fusion, the process of merging two atomic nuclei, has been identified as a promising potential solution for the future of energy. Unlike nuclear fission, which is widely used in current nuclear power plants and produces toxic waste, nuclear fusion has the potential to generate immense power through a cleaner process. The fuel used for nuclear fusion is usually isotopes of hydrogen, widely available from natural water sources, making it more sustainable compared to fossil fuels. However, achieving controlled nuclear fusion is extremely challenging due to the immense heat and pressure required to keep the reaction stable, a problem that has not yet been fully solved despite the significant advances made in research facilities like ITER. If scientists overcome these challenges, nuclear fusion could revolutionize the energy industry, providing a near-limitless and environmentally friendly power source for humanity’s future needs.
Model Answers and Band Analysis
Band 90+ Answer:
Nuclear fusion is considered a promising future energy source due to its clean, abundant, and sustainable fuel source, but achieving a stable reaction is still a major challenge for scientists.
- Content: Excellent; includes all key details such as the clean energy, sustainability, and the challenges faced.
- Form: Excellent; well within the 5-75 word range, expressed succinctly and clearly in one sentence.
- Grammar: Excellent; clear use of complex sentence structure and accurate grammar throughout.
- Vocabulary: Excellent; uses sophisticated vocabulary like “promising,” “sustainable,” and “stable reaction.”
- Spelling: Flawless.
Band 79-85 Answer:
Nuclear fusion offers potential for clean, limitless energy but is difficult to achieve due to the extreme conditions required for a stable reaction.
- Content: Correct; conveys the main ideas of potential benefits and challenges but omits additional detail like hydrogen as the fuel source.
- Form: Excellent, conforms to the word limit.
- Grammar: Good; correct grammar usage, but less complex structure than the Band 90+ answer.
- Vocabulary: Good; uses appropriate but less precise vocabulary compared to the higher band answer.
- Spelling: Accurate.
Band 65-75 Answer:
Nuclear fusion could provide clean energy, but it is hard to control the process due to complex conditions like heat and pressure.
- Content: Sufficient; covers the basic idea but lacks fuller details such as the sustainability of fusion or research progress.
- Form: Correct; fits the word range and is a single sentence.
- Grammar: Correct but simple sentence structure.
- Vocabulary: Basic; uses simple words like “clean energy” and “hard to control,” lacking more advanced vocabulary.
- Spelling: Accurate.
Band 50-60 Answer:
Nuclear fusion can give energy, but it is very hard to make it work because of challenges like heat and pressure.
- Content: Incomplete/dull; lacks details regarding sustainability and scientific advancements made in nuclear fusion.
- Form: Correct; fits within the word range.
- Grammar: Limited; simple sentence structure with minor errors like “give energy” instead of “generate energy” or “provide energy.”
- Vocabulary: Limited; relies on basic words without using domain-specific or advanced vocabulary.
- Spelling: Correct.
Vocabulary and Grammar Breakdown
Here are 10 advanced words from the provided text that you should take note of:
-
Fusion (/ˈfjuːʒən/): The process of merging two things into one, especially atomic nuclei, releasing energy.
Example: Achieving nuclear fusion on Earth could solve many energy-related problems. -
Sustainable (/səˈsteɪnəbl/): Able to be used in a way that does not deplete resources.
Example: Fusion may provide a sustainable energy source. -
Isotope (/ˈaɪsəˌtoʊp/): Variants of an element’s atoms that differ in neutron number but share the same proton number.
Example: Hydrogen isotopes are used as fuel in fusion reactors. -
Reaction (/riˈækʃən/): A process that leads to chemical changes involving atoms, molecules, or ions.
Example: Controlling the nuclear fusion reaction is still a significant challenge. -
Immense (/ɪˈmɛns/): Extremely large or huge in scale, degree, or capacity.
Example: Immense amounts of energy can be released during the fusion process. -
Toxic (/ˈtɑːksɪk/): Poisonous and harmful to living organisms.
Example: Unlike fission, fusion does not result in toxic by-products. -
Advancement (/ədˈvænsˌmənt/): Progress or development in a field of study.
Example: There have been considerable advancements in fusion energy research. -
Limitless (/ˈlɪmɪtləs/): Without boundaries; infinite.
Example: Fusion promises a nearly limitless energy supply. -
Pressure (/ˈprɛʃər/): The force applied on a surface, in this context relating to the conditions necessary for nuclear fusion.
Example: High pressure and heat are required to sustain a fusion reaction. -
Revolutionize (/ˌrɛvəˈluːʃəˌnaɪz/): To completely transform or significantly alter the way something operates.
Example: Nuclear fusion could revolutionize the global energy industry.
Conclusion
In this exercise focused on “Nuclear Fusion and Future Energy,” we provided a realistic task and several model answers at varying band levels to help you prepare for the ‘Summarize Written Text’ task in the PTE Speaking & Writing section. The topic of nuclear fusion is an empowering one – appearing frequently in both present contexts and future projections of energy solutions.
Training to summarize concisely while maintaining content depth is essential for high scores. Practice consistently, and feel free to ask questions or share your own summaries in the comments to enhance your understanding and skills further!
