In the PTE Speaking & Writing section, the task “Summarize Written Text” requires test takers to summarize a passage into one sentence using between 5 and 75 words. Due to the increasing focus on Alternative Energy Sources And Sustainability, this topic becomes highly relevant in PTE exams. Let’s explore a sample test on this theme and analyze strategies for answering effectively.
Instructions:
Read the passage below and summarize it in one sentence. Your response must include key information from the text and be between 5 and 75 words long.
Sample Summarize Written Text Task on Alternative Energy Sources and Sustainability
Energy sustainability is centered on the adoption and integration of renewable resources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, which are naturally replenished and have minimal environmental impact. These alternatives not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also deliver long-term economic benefits by decreasing dependence on finite fossil fuels and curbing the rising costs associated with them. While technologies like nuclear energy present a low-carbon option, their disposal and safety concerns remain significant hurdles. Thus, transitioning towards fully renewable energy systems is essential for sustaining future generations and combating climate change effectively.
Summarize the text in one sentence.
Suggested Answers for Different PTE Bands
Band Score: 79+
Transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar and wind is critical for reducing dependence on fossil fuels, addressing climate change, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and ensuring long-term sustainability despite challenges faced by other low-carbon alternatives like nuclear energy.
- Content: The sentence includes all key points about renewable sources, fossil fuels, climate change, and nuclear energy.
- Form: The sentence is one complete sentence under 75 words.
- Grammar: Correct use of transitions and clause structures.
- Vocabulary: Advanced word choices such as “transitioning,” “sustainability,” and “low-carbon.”
- Spelling: No errors.
Band Score: 65-78
Renewable energy sources, including solar and wind, are crucial for reducing environmental and economic problems caused by fossil fuels, while nuclear energy, despite being low-carbon, poses safety risks.
- Content: Most critical information is included, but does not expand on all the long-term benefits.
- Form: Meets the requirement of a single sentence.
- Grammar: Sentence is grammatical with clear linkages.
- Vocabulary: Good use of terms like “crucial,” “low-carbon,” and “poses.”
- Spelling: No mistakes.
Band Score: 50-64
Renewable energy like wind and solar reduces pollution and reliance on fossil fuels, but nuclear energy is risky.
- Content: Covers basic ideas but lacks depth in details about sustainability and economic factors.
- Form: One sentence and within word limit.
- Grammar: Simple sentence structure without complex linking.
- Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary “reduces pollution” and “risky.”
- Spelling: No errors.
Band Score: Below 50
Using wind and solar power is better than fossil fuels and nuclear power.
- Content: Misses key points about emissions, sustainability, and economic benefits.
- Form: The sentence is short and too simplistic.
- Grammar: The sentence lacks complexity.
- Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary with words such as “better” instead of specific terms like “sustainability” and “renewable.”
- Spelling: No errors.
Vocabulary and Grammar Analysis
Here are 10 useful words from the passage to help improve both your PTE writing skills and understanding around the theme of alternative energy sources and sustainability. These words will help you articulate more sophisticated summaries:
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Sustainability (/səˌsteɪ.nəˈbɪl.ə.t̬i/) – The ability to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.
- Example: Renewable energy plays a crucial role in maintaining environmental sustainability.
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Adoption (/əˈdɒp.ʃən/) – The action or fact of adopting or being adopted.
- Example: The adoption of solar energy has been increasing worldwide.
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Renewable (/rɪˈnjuː.ə.bəl/) – Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.
- Example: Wind and solar are examples of renewable sources of energy.
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Replenish (/rɪˈplen.ɪʃ/) – Restore (a stock or supply) to a former level or condition.
- Example: Solar energy can continually replenish itself without harming the environment.
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Greenhouse gas emissions (/ˈɡriːnhaʊs ˌɡæs ɪˈmɪʃ.ənz/) – Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
- Example: Fossil fuel combustion leads to excessive greenhouse gas emissions.
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Curbs (/kɜːbz/) – Controls or limits something.
- Example: Shifting to renewable energy curbs environmental degradation.
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Fińite (/ˈfaɪ.naɪt/) – Having limits or bounds; not infinite.
- Example: Fossil fuels are finite resources that will eventually be depleted.
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Disposal (/dɪˈspəʊ.zəl/) – The action or process of getting rid of something.
- Example: The disposal of nuclear waste is a key environmental concern.
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Long-term (/ˈlɒŋ.tɜːm/) – Over a long period of time.
- Example: Transitioning to clean energy offers long-term environmental and economic benefits.
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Transition (/trænˈzɪʃ.ən/) – The process of changing from one state or condition to another.
- Example: Countries are making a transition towards more sustainable energy sources.
Conclusion
The Summarize Written Text task in the PTE exam serves as an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of content while using advanced grammatical structures and vocabulary. The topic of alternative energy sources and sustainability often comes up in global discussions, making it a popular subject in the PTE exam. Practicing such real-life issues not only boosts your chances in the exam but also makes you aware of critical global challenges such as the innovations in renewable transportation.
For more practice on renewable energy sources, check out Renewable energy costs and benefits and explore the intricacies of green energy policies shaping our future.
