In the PTE exam, one key task in the Speaking & Writing section is Summarize Written Text, which challenges candidates to condense a lengthy passage into one single sentence. The summaries must reflect the main ideas accurately and be grammatically correct. Today, we will explore the popular topic of “Urbanization’s impact on public health” that frequently appears in real PTE tests.
By practicing with realistic sample tasks, candidates can better prepare themselves for the actual exam. Below are sample Summarize Written Text prompts and candidate responses, graded across different proficiency levels based on PTE criteria. These examples aim to help learners enhance their performance in this challenging part of the test.
Sample Task 1 – Urbanization’s Impact on Public Health
Prompt:
The rapid and unplanned expansion of urban areas has led to a range of public health challenges, from inadequate sanitation to increased pollution. Poor waste management systems contribute to the spread of infectious diseases, while air quality deteriorates due to vehicle emissions and industrial activities. In addition, densely populated cities face issues with mental health as residents cope with the stresses of overcrowded living conditions and limited access to green spaces. Despite these challenges, urban centers also offer benefits such as better healthcare facilities and opportunities for economic growth, which could improve public health outcomes if managed effectively.
Task:
Summarize the text in one sentence. Your response must be between 5 and 75 words.
Response Analysis:
Band 90 Response (High proficiency)
Urbanization brings both challenges, such as pollution, infectious diseases, and mental health issues due to overpopulation, and positive aspects like improved healthcare and economic opportunities, which, if managed properly, can enhance public health.
Content: ✔️
The response mentions both the negative and positive impacts of urbanization, capturing the main points effectively.
Form: ✔️
One sentence between 42-45 words in length, meeting the word limit requirement.
Grammar: ✔️
No major grammatical issues; the sentence is clear and grammatically correct.
Vocabulary: ✔️
Effective vocabulary use (e.g., “pollution,” “mental health issues,” “economic opportunities”).
Spelling: ✔️
No spelling errors.
Band 70 Response (Intermediate proficiency)
Urbanization causes pollution, mental health problems, and diseases due to overpopulation, but also provides economic growth and better healthcare that can improve public health outcomes.
Content: ✔️
Covers most key points, but lacks the nuance of proper urban management to improve health outcomes.
Form: ✔️
One sentence, well within the word limit.
Grammar: ✔️
Generally correct, though some restructuring could improve clarity.
Vocabulary: ✔️
Good, but slightly repetitive (e.g., “provides” and “causes”).
Spelling: ✔️
No spelling errors.
Band 50 Response (Low proficiency)
Urbanization helps increase healthcare and economic growth but also causes problems like pollution and diseases.
Content: ❌
Important points are missed, such as mental health challenges and the necessity of efficient management.
Form: ✔️
One sentence well within the word count, although it simplifies the original text too much.
Grammar: ✔️
Acceptable grammar, no major mistakes.
Vocabulary: ❌
Very simple vocabulary, failing to convey the full complexity of the original text.
Spelling: ✔️
No spelling errors.
Sample Task 2 – Environmental Consequences of Urban Expansion
Prompt:
The growth of urban areas significantly increases demand for natural resources, such as water and energy, resulting in deforestation and habitat destruction to accommodate the expanding human population. This has led to biodiversity loss and worsened climate change, as the conversion of land from rural to urban uses amplifies greenhouse gas emissions. However, urban development also presents opportunities for ecological innovations that can mitigate the environmental damage, such as green buildings and renewable energy projects.
Task:
Summarize the text in one sentence. Your response must be between 5 and 75 words.
Response Analysis:
Band 90 Response
Urban growth harms the environment through deforestation, biodiversity loss, and increased greenhouse emissions, yet it also facilitates the development of sustainable innovations like green buildings and renewable energy solutions.
Content: ✔️
Main ideas and contrast between negative impacts and potential solutions are well captured.
Form: ✔️
Sentence is concise and within the word count.
Grammar: ✔️
Grammatically correct with accurate conjunctions and structure.
Vocabulary: ✔️
Excellent use of terms like “deforestation,” “greenhouse emissions,” and “sustainable innovations.”
Spelling: ✔️
No spelling errors.
Band 70 Response
As urban expansion leads to environmental problems like habitat destruction and emissions, it also offers sustainable solutions like green buildings and renewable energy.
Content: ✔️
Conveys both the negative and positive aspects, though not as detailed as the original text.
Form: ✔️
Sentence length is appropriate.
Grammar: ✔️
No significant grammatical issues.
Vocabulary: ✔️
Solid vocabulary, but lacks complexity in some phrases.
Spelling: ✔️
No errors.
Band 50 Response
Urban areas grow and destroy the environment, but they can also use new technology to help the planet.
Content: ❌
Misses key points like greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss.
Form: ✔️
Sentence is within the word count, but overly simplifies the message.
Grammar: ✔️
Acceptable grammar but could be more sophisticated.
Vocabulary: ❌
Very simple and vague language without sufficient detail.
Spelling: ✔️
No spelling errors.
Vocabulary and Grammar
Here are 10 difficult words from the tasks, with their meanings and example usage:
-
Deforestation /ˌdiːfɔːˈreɪʃən/
The process of clearing trees to accommodate urban growth- Example: Deforestation contributes to biodiversity loss.
-
Biodiversity /ˌbaɪoʊdaɪˈvɜːˌsɪti/
The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat- Example: Urbanization has greatly reduced biodiversity in many regions.
-
Emissions /ɪˈmɪʃənz/
Gases released into the atmosphere, typically from vehicles or industrial facilities- Example: Greenhouse gas emissions have risen with the growth of industrial activities.
-
Overcrowded /ˌoʊvərˈkraʊdɪd/
Filled with more people than is comfortable or safe- Example: Living in overcrowded neighborhoods harms mental health.
-
Innovations /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃənz/
New methods, ideas, or products- Example: Urban innovations like green buildings are crucial to sustainability.
-
Sanitation /ˌsænɪˈteɪʃən/
Measures to protect public health by keeping areas clean- Example: Poor sanitation in cities often leads to health issues.
-
Mitigate /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/
To make something less severe- Example: Efforts to mitigate the effects of pollution are essential for healthier cities.
-
Renewable /rɪˈn(j)uːəbl/
Capable of being replenished or used again- Example: Cities are increasingly adopting renewable energy solutions.
-
Waste management /weɪst ˈmænɪdʒmənt/
The collection, transportation, and disposal of waste- Example: Improved waste management systems are crucial for overcrowded cities.
-
Greenhouse gases /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ˈɡæsɪz/
Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere- Example: Cities are major sources of greenhouse gas emissions.
Conclusion
The examples above demonstrate how urbanization is a prevalent topic in the PTE Summarize Written Text tasks. By understanding the balance of pros and cons caused by urban growth, candidates can enhance their summarizing skills and score higher in the PTE exam.
Make sure to practice frequently! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or check out Urbanization and its social challenges for more insights into related topics.
