Water conservation is a vital consideration in modern farming practices due to increasing concerns over global water scarcity. For PTE exam takers preparing for the Speaking & Writing section, learning how to Summarize Written Text while mastering agricultural techniques plays a crucial role in achieving high scores.
Below, we present sample PTE practice questions focusing on “Water Conservation Techniques In Agriculture.” These samples reflect real-life challenges faced in agriculture, fitting well with the overall goals of achieving sustainable farming solutions.
Summarize Written Text Practice Questions
Sample 1: Water Conservation Techniques in Agriculture
Prompt: Read the following passage and summarize it in one sentence.
Your response should be between 5-75 words.
“With increasing challenges of water scarcity globally, agriculture, being one of the largest consumers of water, must adapt sustainable practices to conserve water. Techniques such as drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and soil moisture monitoring provide efficient water usage, while reducing waste. Furthermore, crop selection plays an important role, as drought-resistant crops reduce water needs and boost food security. Complementing these techniques with technologies like AI-driven irrigation management ensures that water use is optimized for higher efficiency and sustainability, thus contributing to more resilient agricultural systems.”
Responses:
Band 90+
Agriculture needs to adopt water-saving methods like drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and drought-resistant crops, combined with AI technology, to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and ensure sustainable farming in response to global water shortages.
Content: Excellent coverage of water-saving techniques and technology.
Form: Clear and concise, 38 words.
Grammar: Accurate.
Vocabulary: Strong paraphrasing.
Spelling: Perfect, no errors.
Band 79-85
Efficient water use in agriculture can be achieved by using methods such as drip irrigation, rainwater collection, and selecting drought-resistant crops supported by AI technology to conserve water and improve farming sustainability.
Content: Comprehensive but slightly less detailed regarding advanced methods.
Form: Concise, 30 words.
Grammar: Flawless, no issues.
Vocabulary: Minor paraphrasing from the original text.
Spelling: No errors.
Band 65-70
By using drip irrigation, AI, and drought-resistant crops, farming can become more sustainable and reduce water waste.
Content: Covers main ideas but lacks full details.
Form: Short but within the word range, 21 words.
Grammar: Correct.
Vocabulary: Limited paraphrasing, lower-level vocabulary.
Spelling: Correct.
Band 50-60
Farmers can conserve water by using drip systems and growing drought-resistant crops.
Content: Lacks key techniques and detail.
Form: Just meets the word minimum, 11 words.
Grammar: Simple sentence structure, no grammatical errors.
Vocabulary: Basic, minimal paraphrasing.
Spelling: Accurate.
Sample 2: Efficient Water Management in Agriculture
Prompt: Summarize the following passage in one sentence.
Make sure your answer is between 5-75 words.
“In order to maintain food production while reducing water usage, farmers need to employ advanced systems like precision irrigation and automated water sensors. These systems allow real-time water monitoring and prevent over-irrigation or under-irrigation. Additionally, planting perennial crops or cover crops can improve water retention in soil, decreasing the need for frequent watering, thereby supporting both water conservation and sustainable farming.”
Responses:
Band 90+
Precision irrigation, automated water sensors, and water-retaining crops help farmers reduce water consumption and improve efficiency, promoting both sustainable farming practices and food security.
Content: Excellent coverage with key details and advanced ideas.
Form: Concise and well-organized, 26 words.
Grammar: Grammatically correct with complex sentence structure.
Vocabulary: Effective paraphrasing, high-level terms.
Spelling: Perfect.
Band 79-85
Advanced irrigation systems combined with soil moisture improvements through perennial crops enable farmers to save water and support sustainable farming.
Content: Covers essential information, fewer specifics on monitoring techniques.
Form: Within range and concise, 20 words.
Grammar: Complex but accurate sentence structure.
Vocabulary: Good paraphrasing, adequate vocabulary.
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band 65-70
Using automated sensors and crops that retain water, farmers can reduce water use and improve sustainability.
Content: Basic information but key elements are missing, such as irrigation types.
Form: Short, 17 words.
Grammar: Grammatically correct; simple sentence structure.
Vocabulary: Basic, limited paraphrasing.
Spelling: No errors.
Band 50-60
Farmers can use sensors and certain crops to save water and farm more sustainably.
Content: Very basic, missing much of the technique involved.
Form: Meets minimum word requirement, 13 words.
Grammar: Simple grammar, no errors.
Vocabulary: Repetitive, minimal paraphrasing.
Spelling: Accurate.
Vocabulary & Grammar Focus
Below is a list of useful vocabulary found from the text, along with their pronunciation and example sentences:
-
Irrigation /ˌɪr.ɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/ – (n) The supply of water to land or crops to help growth.
Example: Efficient irrigation is key to reducing water consumption in agriculture. -
Drought-resistant /draʊt rɪˈzɪs.tənt/ – (adj) Able to withstand dry conditions.
Example: Drought-resistant crops are essential in regions with scarce water resources. -
Harvesting /ˈhɑːr.vəstɪŋ/ – (n) The process of gathering mature crops.
Example: Rainwater harvesting helps in collecting water for future use. -
Perennial /pəˈrɛn.i.əl/ – (adj) Lasting or existing for a long period.
Example: Perennial crops reduce the need for regular irrigation. -
Efficient /ɪˈfɪʃ.ənt/ – (adj) Achieving maximum productivity with minimal waste.
Example: Using efficient irrigation techniques ensures better resource management. -
Sustainability /səˌsteɪ.nəˈbɪl.ə.ti/ – (n) The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
Example: Sustainable agriculture promotes the responsible use of natural resources. -
Conservation /ˌkɒn.səˈveɪ.ʃən/ – (n) The protection and careful management of natural resources.
Example: Water conservation is crucial for sustaining future generations. -
Over-irrigation /oʊ.vər ˌɪr.ɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/ – (n) Using excess water for irrigation.
Example: Over-irrigation contributes to water wastage and must be avoided. -
Sensor /ˈsen.sər/ – (n) A device that detects changes in the environment.
Example: Water sensors provide real-time data for optimal irrigation. -
Resilient /rɪˈzɪl.i.ənt/ – (adj) Able to recover quickly from difficult conditions.
Example: Resilient farming practices are key to surviving environmental challenges.
Conclusion
The Summarize Written Text task in PTE exams requires understanding and accurately summarizing key points within a limited word count. Topics like water conservation in agriculture are highly relevant in today’s global context as well as in PTE exams. Regular practice focusing on such subjects will enhance your awareness of global issues while strengthening your summarizing and writing skills.
For more information on related topics, check out our articles on Water scarcity solutions in agriculture and Global water scarcity and solutions.
