The Summarize Written Text (SWT) task in the Speaking & Writing section of the PTE exam requires test-takers to read a paragraph and write a concise one-sentence summary of the content. One prevalent topic in this task is “Renewable Energy And Grid Stability,” which reflects the growing public interest in sustainable energy sources and their integration into power grids.
In this article, we will explore several SWT practice prompts, focusing on the integration of renewable energy and its impact on grid stability. This will allow you to practice summarizing effectively and hone your skills for the actual exam.
Let’s dive into example prompts related to the subject and provide model answers with different band scores. We also analyze each response’s strengths and weaknesses based on PTE grading criteria like content, form, grammar, vocabulary, and spelling.
Practice Prompt on Renewable Energy and Grid Stability
Prompt 1
Renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, provide sustainable options to meet global energy demands. However, the intermittent nature of these sources presents challenges to grid stability and reliability. Inconsistent energy generation caused by variable sunlight and fluctuating wind speeds leads to instability in power supply, requiring advanced energy storage solutions and grid management systems. Innovations such as battery technology and smart grids are essential to balance supply and demand, enhance resilience, and ensure continuous, stable electricity distribution as reliance on renewable energy increases.
Summarize the text in one sentence.
Model Answers
Answer Band 90
The intermittent nature of renewable energy like wind and solar poses challenges to grid stability, which can be addressed by innovations such as battery storage and smart grid systems to balance supply and demand.
Content: The content is excellent, covering all key points related to renewable energy’s intermittent nature and the role of innovations in grid stability.
Form: The sentence adheres to the word limit and is properly structured.
Grammar: The grammar is flawless and appropriate for academic writing.
Vocabulary: The terms “intermittent,” “innovations,” and “supply and demand” fit the academic context well.
Spelling: There are no spelling errors.
Answer Band 75
Intermittent renewable energy like wind and solar requires the use of energy storage and smart grids to maintain grid stability.
Content: The sentence includes most of the main ideas but slightly lacks the explanation about specific issues like variable sunlight and wind speeds.
Form: The form is correct, and the one-sentence length is maintained.
Grammar: The grammar is good, with no major errors.
Vocabulary: The vocabulary is appropriate; however, it could benefit from more specific terms like “inconsistent generation.”
Spelling: There are no spelling mistakes.
Answer Band 65
Renewable energy such as solar and wind causes problems for grids but can be fixed with battery technology.
Content: While mentioning renewable energy’s impact on grid stability, the sentence fails to elaborate on key challenges and misses the balanced explanation related to supply and demand.
Form: Adheres to the one sentence format but lacks sophistication.
Grammar: There’s no serious grammatical problem, but the sentence structure is simple.
Vocabulary: The vocabulary is basic, and terms like “smart grids” are omitted.
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Answer Band 50
Wind and solar energy are good for the environment but make energy generation unstable.
Content: This response touches on the instability but lacks mentioning any potential solutions like battery technology or smart grids.
Form: It is a sentence, but it may be too short and simplistic for a high-scoring answer.
Grammar: The grammar is correct, but the sentence would need improvement in complexity.
Vocabulary: The vocabulary is very simplistic without necessary academic terms.
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Solar panels and wind turbines as renewable energy sources requiring grid stability improvements
Prompt 2
The transition to renewable energy has revolutionized the way electricity is generated, with growing attention to sustainability. However, ensuring the consistent stability of electrical grids is a major concern, as unpredictable weather conditions result in inconsistent energy production from solar or wind systems. To safeguard grid reliability, energy storage solutions, responsive grids, and updated technologies are being developed to support smoother integration of renewable energy sources.
Summarize the text in one sentence.
Model Answers
Answer Band 85
While renewable energy offers sustainable benefits, inconsistent production due to weather conditions requires innovative solutions like energy storage and grid responsiveness for stability.
Content: Captures all main elements including the inconsistent production, and the role of new technologies.
Form: The sentence follows the one-sentence rule while being packed with relevant information.
Grammar: Excellent grammar structure with no errors.
Vocabulary: The use of “responsive grid,” “inconsistent production,” and “sustainable” strengthen the academic tone.
Spelling: No spelling issues noted.
Answer Band 70
Renewable energy is beneficial, but its instability due to weather requires new technologies like energy storage for grid stability.
Content: Covers most points but lacks some detail about grid responsiveness.
Form: Meets the form criteria well, maintaining a concise summary.
Grammar: Grammatically strong, with no mistakes.
Vocabulary: A slight simplification of the vocabulary, but terms like “instability” and “energy storage” are understandable and clear.
Spelling: No errors.
Answer Band 60
Renewable energy is unstable due to weather changes and needs storage solutions to ensure electrical grid stability.
Content: It is too simplistic, missing the mention of new technology developments beyond storage.
Form: The form is correct but needs more detail.
Grammar: The grammar works, although the structure is very simple.
Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary that lacks depth for a higher score.
Spelling: No mistakes in spelling.
Vocabulary and Grammar
Here are 10 key vocabulary words from the prompts:
-
Intermittent /ˌɪntərˈmɪtənt/ (adj.): Occurring at irregular intervals; not steady.
- Example: The intermittent energy production from solar panels requires balancing with battery storage.
-
Grid Stability /ɡrɪd stəˈbɪlɪti/ (noun): The ability of a power grid to maintain consistent electrical delivery without interruptions.
-
Inconsistent /ɪnkənˈsɪstənt/ (adj.): Not staying the same throughout.
- Example: Inconsistent wind speeds can affect the overall energy generation.
-
Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/ (noun): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
- Example: Improving the resilience of electrical grids is crucial to handle energy fluctuations.
-
Battery Storage /bætəri ˈstɔːrɪdʒ/ (noun): A technology used to store surplus electricity for later use.
-
Sustainability /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪlɪti/ (noun): The ability to maintain or uphold practices that cause no harm to the environment.
-
Fluctuating /ˈflʌktʃueɪtɪŋ/ (adj.): Varying irregularly, especially in amount or intensity.
-
Integration /ɪntəˈgreɪʃən/ (noun): The process of combining parts into a whole.
- Example: The integration of renewable energy into the grid requires smart systems.
-
Innovations /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃənz/ (plural noun): New methods, ideas, or products brought into use.
-
Safeguarding /ˈseɪfɡɑːrdɪŋ/ (verb): Protecting from harm or danger.
- Example: Safeguarding grid stability is essential for the future of energy systems.
Conclusion
The Summarize Written Text section in PTE serves as a valuable tool for mastering concise writing and enhancing your reading comprehension of broad topics like renewable energy and grid stability. These practice prompts help simulate real exam scenarios, giving you realistic examples to work with. As you move forward, focus on integrating more complex vocabulary and maintaining precision in your answers.
For broader information on renewable energy solutions, check out our other related articles on the impact of renewable energy policies, energy storage solutions for renewable power, and the future of renewable energy grids.
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