The Summarize Written Text (SWT) task in the Speaking & Writing section of the PTE Academic exam is designed to test your ability to comprehend, condense, and effectively summarize a passage into one sentence. A common theme in the examination is Global Water Scarcity And Solutions, and understanding how to summarize content related to such significant topics can help you succeed. Below are several sample test scenarios related to this subject.
Sample Summarize Written Text Task: Global Water Scarcity
Passage:
Global water scarcity is a significant issue impacting millions of people around the world and is driven by a combination of factors such as population growth, urbanization, inefficient water use, and climate change. Efforts to combat water scarcity include investment in water-saving technologies, implementing sustainable agricultural practices, and improving water management policies that enhance recycling and conservation efforts. Governments, international organizations, and communities must work together to develop long-term strategies to guarantee access to clean, safe water, which is essential for human health and economic growth.
Prompt:
You are required to write a summary of the passage in one sentence.
Write your summary in a single sentence between 5 and 75 words.
Sample Responses with Band Score Analysis
Band 90 Response
International efforts and investments in water-saving technologies, sustainable agricultural practices, and improved management policies are crucial in addressing global water scarcity driven by population growth, inefficient water use, and climate change.
- Content: Fully captures the primary information, highlighting key actions and causes.
- Form: One sentence and within the word limit (42 words).
- Grammar: No issues; complex, correct sentence structure.
- Vocabulary: Excellent use of precise words like “addressing,” “inefficient,” and “driven.”
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 80 Response
Water scarcity worldwide is caused by population growth, climate change, and inefficient water usage, and can be solved by adopting water-saving technology, new policies, and sustainable practices.
- Content: Addresses the main ideas, though “international efforts” could be emphasized more.
- Form: Correct format (33 words).
- Grammar: Grammatical structure is solid.
- Vocabulary: Appropriate choices like “solved,” “adopting,” but lacks the fluency of a higher response.
- Spelling: No issues.
Band 70 Response
Global water shortage is happening due to climate changes, and population increase, and can be tackled by better agricultural practices and improved management.
- Content: Captures some key points but lacks details concerning water-saving technologies.
- Form: Single, concise sentence (27 words), but slightly shorter.
- Grammar: Some minor issues with conjunction use and sentence flow.
- Vocabulary: Simple words used; lacks precision.
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 60 Response
Water scarcity is increasing because of population growth and climate change, and more policies and technologies are needed to fix it.
- Content: Misses some critical points like sustainable agriculture and community involvement.
- Form: Within the word limit (24 words).
- Grammar: Grammatically correct, but lacks variety in sentence structure.
- Vocabulary: Fairly basic.
- Spelling: Correct.
Sample Summarize Written Text Task: Solutions to Water Scarcity
Passage:
Water scarcity affects every continent and roughly one-fifth of the world’s population endures water shortages. Addressing this issue requires innovative changes in water usage, particularly in agriculture, which consumes about 70% of the world’s freshwater supply. Solutions include more efficient irrigation techniques, adopting drought-resistant crops, and enhancing water recycling initiatives. Additionally, public water conservation awareness campaigns can be effective in reducing water wastage in urban areas.
Prompt:
You are required to write a summary of the passage in one sentence.
Write your summary in a single sentence between 5 and 75 words.
Sample Responses with Band Score Analysis
Band 90 Response
Addressing global water scarcity involves increasing efficiency in agriculture, encouraging public campaigns for water conservation, and promoting the adoption of drought-resistant crops and recycling techniques.
- Content: Comprehensive coverage of all suggested solutions with a strong summary.
- Form: Accurate length (24 words).
- Grammar: Superior sentence structure.
- Vocabulary: Advanced terms like “adoption,” “promoting,” and “recycling techniques” add precision.
- Spelling: Correct.
Band 80 Response
To tackle water scarcity, efficient irrigation, water conservation programs, and new farming technologies such as drought-resistant crops and water recycling are essential.
- Content: Effectively summarizes the key solutions, though missing mention of campaign to raise public awareness.
- Form: Fits within format (25 words).
- Grammar: No glaring mistakes, but simpler structure.
- Vocabulary: The use of phrases like “farming technologies” is solid but could be more specific.
- Spelling: No errors.
Vocabulary & Grammar Breakdown
Here are ten difficult words from the passages outlined above, including their meanings, pronunciation, and usage in a sentence:
| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scarcity | /ˈskɛərsɪti/ | A lack or insufficient amount of something. | Water scarcity is a growing problem worldwide. |
| Conservation | /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃən/ | Preservation, protection, or restoration of resources. | Conservation efforts focus on efficiently managing water supplies. |
| Recycling | /riːˈsaɪklɪŋ/ | The process of converting waste materials into new materials. | Improving water recycling helps conserve our freshwater resources. |
| Irrigation | /ˌɪrɪˈgeɪʃən/ | The supply of water to land or crops to help growth. | Modern irrigation techniques reduce water wastage in agriculture. |
| Drought-resistant | /draʊt-rɪzɪstənt/ | Able to survive without much water. | Drought-resistant crops are vital in areas suffering from water shortages. |
| Urbanization | /ˌɜːbənaɪˈzeɪʃən/ | The process of rural areas becoming more city-like. | Urbanization has increased water demand in many regions. |
| Awareness | /əˈweərnəs/ | Knowledge or perception of a situation or fact. | Public awareness about water scarcity is crucial for conservation. |
| Sustainable | /səˈsteɪnəbl/ | Capable of being maintained over the long term. | Sustainable practices in agriculture use water more efficiently. |
| Population growth | /ˌpɒpjʊˈleɪʃən ɡrəʊθ/ | The increase in the number of people. | Population growth puts pressure on freshwater resources. |
| Efficient | /ɪˈfɪʃənt/ | Achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense. | Efficient water use is key to curbing global water scarcity. |
Conclusion
The Summarize Written Text section of the PTE exam often features pressing global issues like global water scarcity and its relevant solutions. Understanding how to extract and summarize critical points in such passages is vital for scoring well in this task. For more practice on topics like Water management in agriculture or other globally relevant issues like Global water crisis and conservation efforts, be sure to explore these resources.
Practice regularly, and don’t hesitate to leave a comment with questions or feedback!
