Summarize Written Text in PTE Exam: Effects of Genetic Engineering on Agriculture

Summarize Written Text is an essential part of the PTE Speaking & Writing section, where candidates are required to summarize a given text into a single sentence, typically containing between 5 to 75 words. One …

Genetically modified crops that resist pests and diseases

Summarize Written Text is an essential part of the PTE Speaking & Writing section, where candidates are required to summarize a given text into a single sentence, typically containing between 5 to 75 words. One common theme in this task is the impact of genetic engineering on agriculture, a subject that frequently appears in the PTE Exam. Understanding this topic deeply can help candidates tackle related tasks effectively.

This article will provide sample Summarize Written Text exercises tailored to the topic “Effects Of Genetic Engineering On Agriculture” along with varying band score responses and feedback.

Sample Summarize Written Text Question: Effects of Genetic Engineering on Agriculture

Instructions: Read the paragraph below and summarize it into one sentence.

Genetic engineering in agriculture has revolutionized the way we approach crop production, making it possible to develop crops that are more resistant to pests, diseases, and harsh environmental conditions. Using genetic modification technologies, scientists can insert specific genes into plants to enhance their productivity and nutritional content, thereby addressing food security issues in many parts of the world. However, this practice has also raised ethical and environmental concerns, with critics arguing that genetically modified crops could potentially disrupt ecosystems and long-term biodiversity. Despite these concerns, genetic engineering continues to play an important role in improving agricultural yields to meet the demands of a growing global population.

Genetically modified crops that resist pests and diseasesGenetically modified crops that resist pests and diseases

Candidate Responses

1. Band 90 Response (5/5 Criteria)

Genetic engineering has significantly improved agricultural productivity and food security by enhancing crops’ resistance to pests and tough environments, but it also faces criticism for potentially affecting ecosystems and biodiversity.

Feedback:

  • Content: Full coverage of the key points, including benefits and concerns.
  • Form: Single sentence, within the word limit.
  • Grammar: Flawless grammar and sentence structure.
  • Vocabulary: Effective use of a broad range of academic vocabulary like “enhance,” “resistance,” and “biodiversity.”
  • Spelling: No issues.

2. Band 80 Response (4/5 Criteria)

Genetic engineering helps increase food security by creating crops that resist pests and harsh environments, but it has raised ecological and ethical worries.

Feedback:

  • Content: Good coverage of the main points but lacks specific mention of productivity or crop enhancement.
  • Form: Correct structure and within limits.
  • Grammar: Grammatically sound and well-constructed.
  • Vocabulary: Slightly less sophisticated vocabulary but still appropriate.
  • Spelling: No issues.

3. Band 70 Response (3/5 Criteria)

Genetic engineering leads to better crops and more food, but people are worried about its impact on nature.

Feedback:

  • Content: Basics are addressed, but important details like specific benefits, such as resistance to pests, are missing.
  • Form: The sentence is short but still acceptable, though it could benefit from additional detail.
  • Grammar: Simple grammar, but no mistakes.
  • Vocabulary: Too simple for a high band; “more food” and “better crops” should be more elaborately stated.
  • Spelling: No issues.

4. Band 60 Response (2/5 Criteria)

Crops are made better through genetic engineering, but it is worrying for the environment.

Concerns about environmental impact of genetically modified cropsConcerns about environmental impact of genetically modified crops

Feedback:

  • Content: Incomplete coverage, missing several key points like food security, resistance to environmental conditions, and ethical concerns.
  • Form: Much too short and lacks depth.
  • Grammar: Grammatically correct but simplistic.
  • Vocabulary: Very basic, without proper use of technical terms like “genetic engineering” or “ecosystems.”
  • Spelling: No issues.

Analysis of Responses

Content

In the Summarize Written Text task, it’s crucial to identify the most important points of the passage and condense them properly. In this context, the key points should cover:

  1. The enhancement of crop resistance and productivity via genetic engineering.
  2. Its role in improving food security.
  3. The potential ethical and environmental concerns, such as threats to biodiversity.

Form

Pay attention to keeping your response within the 5-75 word limit and ensuring that it’s a single coherent sentence.

Grammar & Vocabulary

Higher-band responses utilize advanced grammatical structures and a diverse range of vocabulary. In PTE, using academic and technical vocabulary—like “modification,” “resistance,” and “biodiversity”—is highly encouraged.

Spelling

There is no tolerance for spelling errors, as even minor mistakes will detract from the score. Ensure everything is spelled correctly, including technical terms related to genetic engineering.


Vocabulary & Grammar

Here are some advanced words found in the sample passage, along with their explanations, phonetic transcription, and sample sentence.

  1. Enhance /ɪnˈhæns/
    Meaning: To improve the quality or value of something.
    Example: Scientists have developed methods to enhance crop yield through genetic engineering.

  2. Productivity /ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvɪti/
    Meaning: The effectiveness of effort measured in terms of the output.
    Example: Genetic modification techniques significantly increase agricultural productivity.

  3. Food Security /fuːd sɪˈkjʊərɪti/
    Meaning: The condition of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.
    Example: Genetic engineering plays a crucial role in maintaining food security worldwide.

  4. Pests /pɛsts/
    Meaning: Organisms that damage crops.
    Example: Genetic engineering helps create crops that are resistant to pests.

  5. Ecosystem /ˈiː.kəʊ.sɪstəm/
    Meaning: A community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
    Example: Critics claim that genetically modified crops could disrupt ecosystems.

Ecosystem and biodiversity concerns related to genetic engineeringEcosystem and biodiversity concerns related to genetic engineering

  1. Biodiversity /ˌbaɪ.oʊ.daɪˈvɜː.sɪ.ti/
    Meaning: The variety of life in the world or a specific region.
    Example: The introduction of genetically modified species into the wild could negatively affect biodiversity.

  2. Nutritional /njuːˈtrɪʃənəl/
    Meaning: Relating to the nutrients in food.
    Example: Genetic engineering enables scientists to increase the nutritional value of crops.

  3. Ethical /ˈɛθɪkəl/
    Meaning: Relating to moral principles.
    Example: There are ongoing debates about the ethical implications of tampering with crop genes.

  4. Harsh /hɑːʃ/
    Meaning: Severe or cruel in conditions.
    Example: Genetically modified crops can survive in harsh climates better than traditional varieties.

  5. Resistant /rɪˈzɪstənt/
    Meaning: Able to withstand adverse effects.
    Example: Crops modified using genetic engineering are more resistant to droughts and diseases.


Conclusion

In this Summarize Written Text task focusing on the effects of genetic engineering on agriculture, we have demonstrated how to tackle the content, form, grammar, vocabulary, and spelling. The topic is popular in PTE exams and offers rich material for understanding both the benefits and concerns involved in genetic engineering. To further deepen your knowledge, consider reading more about Public attitudes toward genetic engineering and exploring how these technologies are perceived in society.

Feel free to share your thoughts or practice with more Summarize Written Text examples by leaving a comment!

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