In the PTE Speaking & Writing section, the Summarize Written Text task tests your ability to comprehend, condense, and reproduce key ideas from a short text in just one sentence. One of the increasingly common topics seen in these exams is related to sustainability, especially gene editing in agriculture. This article provides valuable practice questions and sample answers modeled on the specific subject of “Gene Editing In Agriculture For Sustainability.”
Let’s get started by creating some practice questions targeting the Summarize Written Text task, then analyze sample responses. We will also explore some challenging vocabulary, perfect for enhancing your skills as you prepare for the test.
Summarize Written Text Practice
Practice Question 1: Gene Editing and Crop Resilience
No more than 75 words. Summarize the paragraph in one sentence.
Agriculture has faced unprecedented challenges due to climate change, soil degradation, and increasing global demand for food. Gene editing is now seen as a solution to enhance security for agriculture by making crops more resilient to harsh environmental conditions and pests. Techniques like CRISPR enable precise alterations to the DNA of crops, potentially improving yields and reducing dependency on chemical pesticides and fertilizers, thus contributing to sustainable farming practices.
Gene editing improves crop resilience, enabling sustainability
Practice Question 2: The Ethics of Gene Editing in Food Production
No more than 75 words. Summarize the paragraph in one sentence.
While gene editing in crops holds tremendous promise, there are concerns around its ethical impact, environmental risks, and long-term consequences for biodiversity. Proponents advocate that it can address food shortages and improve farming efficiency, especially in regions vulnerable to climate change. However, critics argue that altering food DNA without adequate research can result in unintended ecological consequences. Balancing innovation with safety remains an ongoing debate within the agricultural community.
Ethical debate surrounds gene editing and its effect on future biodiversity
Practice Question 3: Gene Editing and Global Food Security
No more than 75 words. Summarize the paragraph in one sentence.
As the global population continues to grow, food security becomes increasingly critical. Gene editing offers new opportunities to create plants that are drought-resistant, capable of growing in poor soil, and more nutritious. This biotechnological innovation is seen as a game changer for countries where traditional agriculture methods fail. Despite skepticism, advancements in gene-editing technology are proving essential in the fight against hunger, malnutrition, and climate change.
Biotech helps feed growing populations with gene-edited plants
Sample Responses and Band Insights
Answer for Practice Question 1
Band Score 90 (Top score)
Gene editing aids in supporting sustainable agricultural practices by enhancing crop resilience to environmental stress and reducing reliance on chemical inputs through precise DNA modifications.
Analysis
- Content: Complete coverage of all key points (resilience, CRISPR, sustainability).
- Form: One clear, concise sentence.
- Grammar: Excellent structure with no fragments.
- Vocabulary: Appropriately advanced (“resilience,” “precise DNA modifications”).
- Spelling: No errors.
Band Score 75
Gene editing helps crops survive harsh conditions and reduces the need for chemicals, contributing to sustainable agriculture.
Analysis
- Content: Most key points are included, although CRISPR isn’t explicitly mentioned.
- Form: Clear, concise sentence.
- Grammar: Strong grammar, no errors.
- Vocabulary: Suitable but less sophisticated (“survive harsh conditions”).
- Spelling: No errors.
Band Score 60
Crops can be made stronger through gene editing, which is important for sustainability and avoiding chemical use.
Analysis
- Content: Fairly basic; omits the specific mention of environmental challenges and techniques like CRISPR.
- Form: One sentence but lacks complexity.
- Grammar: Simple but correct.
- Vocabulary: Basic (“stronger” instead of “resilient”).
- Spelling: No errors.
Answer for Practice Question 2
Band Score 90 (Top score)
The use of gene editing in agriculture raises ethical concerns regarding long-term environmental risks, despite its potential to solve food shortages.
Analysis
- Content: Perfect summarization, capturing both sides of the ethical debate.
- Form: Well-formed sentence.
- Grammar: No issues with sentence structure or complexity.
- Vocabulary: Excellent use of academic terms (“long-term environmental risks,” “food shortages”).
- Spelling: No errors.
Band Score 75
Gene editing has the potential to combat food scarcity, but many raise concerns about its possible environmental risks and ethical issues.
Analysis
- Content: Most points are included, except the ongoing nature of the debate.
- Form: Clear sentence structure.
- Grammar: Strong but slightly less complex sentence.
- Vocabulary: Correct but slightly less precise diction.
- Spelling: No errors.
Vocabulary and Grammar
Studying these topics will enhance your vocabulary for the Summarize Written Text task:
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Resilience /rɪˈzɪljəns/ (n.): the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.
Example: “Crops with greater resilience are more likely to survive drought.” -
Biodiversity /ˌbaɪ.oʊ.daɪˈvɝː.sə.ti/ (n.): the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.
Example: “Gene editing may pose risks to biodiversity.”
CRISPR simplifies genome editing in agricultural research labs
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CRISPR /ˈkrɪspər/ (n.): a technology used for editing genomes.
Example: “CRISPR is revolutionizing genetic modifications in agriculture.” -
Sustainability /səˌsteɪ.nəˈbɪlɪt.i/ (n.): the ability to be maintained at a steady level.
Example: “Gene editing contributes to agriculture’s sustainability.” -
Ecosystem /ˈiː.koʊˌsɪs.təm/ (n.): a biological community of interacting organisms.
Example: “Gene editing could affect the ecosystems where modified crops grow.” -
Ethics /ˈɛθɪks/ (n.): moral principles that govern a person’s behavior or activities.
Example: “Ethics must be considered in gene-editing discussions.” -
Pesticides /ˈpɛstɪˌsaɪd/ (n.): chemicals used to kill pests.
Example: “Gene-modified crops may reduce the need for pesticides.” -
Malnutrition /ˌmæl.njuːˈtrɪʃ.ən/ (n.): lack of proper nutrition.
Example: “Gene editing could help combat global malnutrition.” -
Degradation /ˌdɛɡ.rəˈdeɪʃən/ (n.): the process of something being destroyed or worn down.
Example: “Soil degradation forces farmers to seek innovative solutions.” -
Alteration /ˌɔːl.təˈreɪ.ʃən/ (n.): the act of making changes to something.
Example: “Gene editing involves precise alterations to DNA.”
Conclusion
Gene editing is a prominent topic in several sections of the PTE exam, especially in the Summarize Written Text section. Understanding the intricacies of sustainability in agriculture, along with mastering the vocabulary around this concept, can provide you with the knowledge and confidence necessary to excel in this test. Regular practice with questions like those provided above will ensure continuous improvement. Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions or need further clarification.
