In the PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic exam, the Summarize Written Text task in the Speaking & Writing section plays a crucial role in assessing candidates’ ability to distill essential information. Typical of this task, candidates are required to read a short passage of up to 400 words and summarize it in a single sentence.
One of the growing topics across various exam scenarios is Electric Grids And Renewable Integration. Due to the rise of environmental concerns and energy sustainability goals, the integration of renewable energy into existing grid infrastructures has become a popular subject both in real-world discussions and in PTE exams.
In this article, we will explore sample practice prompts and model responses that reflect the complexity and diversity of this topic in the Summarize Written Text section of the PTE exam.
Additionally, terms related to renewable energy sources, smart grids, and electricity demand management may appear frequently, adding both challenge and topical relevance to your preparation.
Practice Question 1: Electric Grid Challenges with Renewable Energy
Passage:
The global shift towards renewable energy sources such as wind and solar highlights the potential for cleaner energy generation, but it presents challenges to conventional electric grids. Traditional grids were designed for consistent, centralized energy production, which contrasts with the intermittent and decentralized nature of renewables. Another obstacle is the variability of renewable energy supply, which depends on weather conditions—solar panels provide energy only during daylight hours, while wind farms rely on wind availability. This inconsistency can lead to grid instability, requiring innovative storage solutions and more flexible grid management systems. Achieving a balance between supply and demand in such a transformed energy landscape necessitates smarter infrastructure and real-time grid monitoring. Successfully integrating renewable energy will be crucial in maintaining grid reliability and meeting growing energy needs.
Task: Summarize the text in one sentence.
Model Answers
Band 90 Response:
The integration of renewable energy sources like wind and solar into traditional electric grids presents challenges due to their decentralized and intermittent nature, requiring advanced storage solutions and grid management systems to maintain stability.
Evaluation:
- Content: Excellent — captures the key points of grid challenges, variability of renewable energy, and the need for solutions.
- Form: Perfect use of one complete sentence.
- Grammar: Spotless.
- Vocabulary: Advanced with the precise use of technical terms (e.g., “decentralized”, “storage solutions”, “grid management”).
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 75 Response:
Electric grids face challenges with renewable energy’s inconsistent supply and decentralization, requiring improved storage systems to maintain balance and meet energy demands.
Evaluation:
- Content: Very good — touches upon supply inconsistency and storage needs but omits mention of grid instability directly.
- Form: Word limit followed correctly.
- Grammar: Correct usage of punctuation and syntax.
- Vocabulary: Good, but slightly less complex than the Band 90 answer.
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 60 Response:
Renewable energy causes challenges in electric grids because its supply is inconsistent and new systems are needed to help this.
Evaluation:
- Content: Fair — addresses renewable inconsistency but lacks detail on decentralization and specific grid requirements.
- Form: Full sentence, but close to being overly simplistic.
- Grammar: Basic, no major issues.
- Vocabulary: Could use more technical terms related to energy grids.
- Spelling: Correct.
Practice Question 2: Smart Grids and Energy Integration
Passage:
With the rapid adoption of renewable energy, electric grids need to evolve into smart grids, which enable better flexibility, communication, and control over energy distribution. A smart grid is a digital upgrade to the traditional power supply network, integrating advanced technologies to monitor energy flows in real-time. These grids can automatically identify and respond to different energy sources, addressing the growing issue of intermittent supply. Advanced energy storage systems are also crucial for storing excess energy during periods of overproduction and releasing it when demand is higher. The efficiency and stability of electric grids are significantly enhanced through these innovations, making the large-scale incorporation of renewables more feasible.
Task: Summarize the text in one sentence.
Model Answers
Band 90 Response:
Smart grids, through the integration of advanced technologies and real-time monitoring of energy flows, provide greater flexibility, storage, and automation, making the incorporation of renewable energy feasible and enhancing grid stability.
Evaluation:
- Content: Captures all the critical elements of smart grid evolution, flexibility, real-time monitoring, storage, and stability.
- Form: Full, complete sentence within the word count.
- Grammar: Excellent — no errors.
- Vocabulary: Strong use of technical language such as “real-time monitoring”, “energy flows”, and “automation”.
- Spelling: Perfect.
Band 75 Response:
Smart grids allow for real-time energy management, storage, and flexibility required to integrate renewable energy efficiently and enhance grid reliability.
Evaluation:
- Content: Solid summary, though slightly less detailed regarding automation and excess energy handling.
- Form: Proper sentence.
- Grammar: Excellent.
- Vocabulary: Slightly basic but still accurate for the task.
- Spelling: No mistakes.
Band 60 Response:
Smart grids help manage energy flows better and integrate renewables by storing extra energy and improving grid control.
Evaluation:
- Content: Acceptable but lacks depth regarding the real-time capabilities and innovations in smart grids.
- Form: Simple but grammatically correct.
- Grammar: Basic, no errors.
- Vocabulary: Could improve with more advanced terms.
- Spelling: Correct.
Vocabulary and Grammar Focus
Here are some advanced vocabulary terms from the passages, along with their phonetic transcription and meanings:
-
Intermittent /ˌɪntəˈmɪtənt/ – Occurring at irregular intervals.
Example: “The energy supply became intermittent due to weather conditions.” -
Decentralized /diːˈsɛntrəˌlaɪzd/ – Distributed away from a central authority.
Example: “Decentralized grids make energy management more challenging.” -
Real-time /rɪəl ˈtaɪm/ – Immediate processing of data as it comes in.
Example: “Smart grids depend on real-time analysis of energy flows.” -
Renewable /rɪˈnjuːəbl/ – A resource that can be replenished naturally over time.
Example: “Renewable energy sources are key to reducing fossil fuel dependency.” -
Stability /stəˈbɪlɪti/ – The state of being steady and not prone to fluctuation.
Example: “Grid stability is essential when integrating renewable energy.” -
Flexibility /fleksəˈbɪlɪti/ – The ability to adapt readily to different conditions.
Example: “Flexibility is crucial for managing the variability of renewables.” -
Automation /ˌɔːtəˈmeɪʃ(ə)n/ – Technology that allows processes to operate without human intervention.
Example: “Automation simplifies how grids handle energy inputs from multiple sources.” -
Overproduction /ˌəʊvərprəˈdʌkʃən/ – The production of more than is required.
Example: “Overproduction of solar power during sunny days can be stored for later use.” -
Monitoring /ˈmɒnɪtərɪŋ/ – The regular observation and recording of activities.
Example: “Additional monitoring systems ensure the grid functions properly.” -
Feasible /ˈfiːzəbl/ – Capable of being done or achieved.
Example: “Integrating renewable energy on a large scale is becoming more feasible.”
Conclusion
The Summarize Written Text task focusing on electric grids and renewable integration reflects not only a contemporary topic of importance but also the complexity of energy solutions in the modern world. To succeed in this portion of the PTE exam, understanding key issues such as grid stability, renewable variability, and smart technologies will significantly improve your performance. Make sure to practice regularly, and feel free to leave a comment or discuss your thoughts!
For more related topics, check out our articles on Smart city infrastructure and energy use and Renewable energy storage advancements.
