PTE Summarize Written Text: Alternative Energy in the Automotive Industry

In the PTE Academic exam, the Summarize Written Text task under the Writing & Speaking section requires test-takers to read a passage between 150-400 words and summarize it in one sentence that includes the key points of the text. This task assesses content comprehension, grammar, and the ability to express ideas concisely. The topic of Alternative Energy In The Automotive Industry is quite common, reflecting the growing importance of eco-friendly practices in today’s world. Below, we provide sample questions and responses related to this topic.

Sample Summarize Written Text Exercise 1: The Role of Electric Vehicles in Reducing Emissions

Electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a prominent solution to address global climate and environmental issues caused by the transportation sector. Unlike traditional internal combustion engine vehicles reliant on fossil fuels, EVs use electricity stored in rechargeable batteries, resulting in fewer greenhouse gas emissions. While the environmental benefits of EVs are undeniable, their adoption faces challenges such as charging infrastructure availability, battery efficiency, and overall affordability. Governments and industries are actively investing in research and development of advanced batteries and charging solutions to encourage greater use of EVs. For the automotive industry to contribute significantly to environmental sustainability, the widespread and efficient deployment of electric vehicles is necessary.

Instruction: Summarize the text in one sentence.

High Band Response (79-90)

Electric vehicles are seen as a solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation but face challenges such as infrastructure and cost, with ongoing efforts to improve their technology.

• Content: Full content comprehension with clear mention of EVs’ benefits and challenges.
• Form: Complete sentence structure that adheres to the 5-75 word limit.
• Grammar: Correct usage of tenses and sentence structure.
• Vocabulary: Appropriate academic words such as greenhouse gas emissions, infrastructure, and technology.
• Spelling: No spelling errors present.

Mid Band Response (65-79)

Electric vehicles help reduce emissions, but there are problems like charging infrastructure and cost for them to become widespread.

• Content: Covers key points, though slightly less detailed regarding research investments.
• Form: Adheres to word limit with clear sentence structure.
• Grammar: Generally correct but simpler sentence construction.
• Vocabulary: Adequate word choice, but less sophisticated than the high band response.
• Spelling: No spelling issues.

Low Band Response (50-64)

Electric cars reduce pollution but are expensive and hard to charge.

• Content: Misses essential aspects, such as government efforts and focus on technological advancements.
• Form: The sentence is shorter and incomplete compared to the 5-75 word limit requirement.
• Grammar: Basic sentence structure, lacks complexity.
• Vocabulary: Simple; reliance on everyday language such as cars instead of vehicles or pollution rather than emissions.
• Spelling: No evident spelling problems, but style is informal.

Sample Summarize Written Text Exercise 2: Hydrogen Fuel as Alternative Energy

Hydrogen fuel is increasingly considered a promising alternative to fossil fuels in the automotive industry. Unlike gasoline or diesel, hydrogen fuel cells produce electricity by converting hydrogen into energy with the only by-product being water, making them an eco-friendly option. Despite offering lower emissions and potentially higher fuel efficiency than electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered cars are not widely available due to high production costs, limited refueling stations, and the complex storage requirements of hydrogen itself. However, governments are funding initiatives to enhance the development of hydrogen fuel infrastructure and technology to overcome these challenges and popularize its use.

Instruction: Summarize the text in one sentence.

High Band Response (79-90)

Hydrogen fuel, while offering significant environmental benefits over fossil fuels through zero emissions, faces logistical and cost challenges that hinder its widespread use, though ongoing government investments aim to address these issues.

• Content: Comprehensive coverage of both the pros and current limitations of hydrogen fuel.
• Form: Follows PTE format with 51 words, well within the limit.
• Grammar: Advanced use of clauses and contrasting conjunctions such as while.
• Vocabulary: Excellent handling of vocabulary with terms like logistical, zero emissions, and infrastructure.
• Spelling: No spelling mistakes or typographical errors.

Mid Band Response (65-79)

Hydrogen fuel has environmental advantages over fossil fuels, but it is expensive, difficult to store, and needs more stations, although efforts are being made to improve its infrastructure.

• Content: Touches on the major benefits and limitations, but lacks detail regarding government investments.
• Form: Well-formed sentence within the word limit.
• Grammar: Clear and mostly correct use of grammar, though simpler clauses are used.
• Vocabulary: Sufficient vocabulary, but missing some higher-level synonyms, such as using advantages instead of benefits.
• Spelling: No spelling errors.

Low Band Response (50-64)

Hydrogen fuel is cleaner than gasoline but is too expensive and there aren’t enough stations.

• Content: Summary is surface-level and excludes discussion of future efforts or storage difficulties.
• Form: Very brief, closer to the minimum word count but lacks thoroughness.
• Grammar: Basic and lacks complex sentence structures.
• Vocabulary: Simple vocabulary, relies on cleaner and gasoline, missing technical terms.
• Spelling: No evident errors, but style is overly simplistic.

Vocabulary & Grammar Breakdown

To help improve your preparation for the Summarize Written Text task, here are 10 challenging words derived from the passages above along with their meanings and example sentences:

1. Infrastructure /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃər/ (n.) – The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
   Example: The electric vehicle market is expanding, but charging infrastructure needs to improve.

2. Emissions /ɪˈmɪʃənz/ (n.) – Pollutants released into the air, often from burning fossil fuels.
   Example: The reduction of carbon emissions is critical to combating climate change.

3. Rechargeable /riˈʧɑrʤəbəl/ (adj.) – Capable of being recharged after being used.
   Example: Rechargeable batteries have revolutionized the portable electronics market.

4. Sustainability /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪlɪti/ (n.) – The endurance of systems and processes, often with a focus on environmental balance.
   Example: Sustainability is now a major focus for many global industries, including automotive manufacturing.

5. Refueling /riˈfjʊəlɪŋ/ (n.) – The process of restoring the supply of fuel to a vehicle.
   Example: One challenge with hydrogen vehicles is the scarcity of refueling stations.

6. Initiative /ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/ (n.) – A strategy or plan to solve a problem or improve a situation.
   Example: Governments across the world are introducing initiatives to promote clean energy.

7. Affordable /əˈfɔrdəbəl/ (adj.) – Reasonably priced; within one’s financial means.
   Example: The affordability of electric cars is improving as production costs decline.

8. Efficiency /ɪˈfɪʃənsi/ (n.) – The ratio of useful energy output to total energy input.
   Example: Hydrogen fuel offers higher energy efficiency compared to gasoline engines.

9. Logistical /ləˈdʒɪstɪkəl/ (adj.) – Relating to the coordination of complex operations or movement, particularly in supplying materials or facilities.
   Example: There are significant logistical challenges in distributing hydrogen fuel at scale.

10. Deployment /dɪˈplɔɪmənt/ (n.) – The act of bringing resources or forces to effective action.
    Example: The deployment of electric vehicles requires a huge investment in infrastructure.

Conclusion

The Summarize Written Text task is a critical component of the PTE exam that requires you to concisely summarize complex information. Topics like alternative energy in the automotive industry, specifically electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel, are increasingly relevant and commonly appear in examinations. Practicing with these sample tasks will help enhance your summarization skills. Remember to focus on key points, maintain proper grammar and vocabulary, and keep your response within the required word limits.

For more practice or queries, feel free to leave a comment below!