Ocean Conservation Strategies and Policies: Summarize Written Text for PTE Practice

Introduction

The PTE exam’s Summarize Written Text task in the Speaking & Writing section tests candidates’ ability to condense complex passages into a single, precise sentence. Given the rising concern about environmental issues, topics like “Ocean Conservation Strategies and Policies” frequently appear in this part of the test, reflecting both the relevance and the complexity of modern environmental discussions. Students are required to summarize the given text in 1 sentence within 10 minutes, making it a challenge of both comprehension and conciseness.

To help you practice, we have crafted some sample Summarize Written Text questions based on key ocean conservation topics. These practice questions will assist you not only in understanding how to summarize but also in expanding your knowledge for real-life speaking or writing tasks.

To further your preparation, you may also want to check out related topics on our website like “Water pollution and ecosystem conservation” or “Sustainable fisheries and marine ecosystems” for a broader understanding of environmental topics.

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Summarize Written Text Practice #1: Ocean Conservation Strategies

Question Prompt:

Ocean conservation involves various strategies like establishing marine protected areas, enforcing stricter fishing regulations, and promoting sustainable tourism. Marine protected areas (MPAs) cover around 7% of the world’s oceans, but this is still below the target agreed in the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, which is to cover 10% of coastal and marine areas by 2020. MPAs contribute to biodiversity conservation, prevent habitat destruction, and allow fish populations to recover. However, poor enforcement and inadequate management sometimes render these areas ineffective. Furthermore, climate change poses an additional threat to ocean conservation as warmer waters disrupt ecosystems and exacerbate coral bleaching.

Summarize the text in one sentence (between 5-75 words):

Sample Responses and Analysis

Band 90:

Ocean conservation efforts such as marine protected areas help preserve biodiversity and support fish population recovery, though challenges like insufficient enforcement and climate change hinder their full effectiveness.

• Content: Fully summarizes the passage’s main points.
• Form: Meets the 5-75 word requirement in a single complete sentence.
• Grammar: Flawless use of grammar.
• Vocabulary: Advanced but clear.
• Spelling: Correct.

Marine protected areas help preserve biodiversity and fish recovery but face challenges

Band 65:

Marine protected areas are important for ocean conservation but face challenges, including poor enforcement and climate change.

• Content: Covers the essential points, though it might lack some details compared to a higher band response.
• Form: Form is correct as it fits the word requirement.
• Grammar: Good, minor errors or overly general phrasing.
• Vocabulary: Appropriate.
• Spelling: Correct.

Band 50:

Ocean conservation uses marine protected areas, but they are not managed well.

• Content: Lacks detail and misses some necessary information about climate change.
• Form: Short sentence but within word limit.
• Grammar: Simple sentence structure.
• Vocabulary: Limited use of vocabulary.
• Spelling: Correct.

Summarize Written Text Practice #2: International Ocean Conservation Policies

Question Prompt:

International policies like the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to address both national and global ocean conservation challenges. UNCLOS, signed in 1982, provides legal frameworks for maritime operations, setting boundaries for marine exploration and exploitation, while SDG 14 emphasizes the need to preserve seas and marine resources. However, political will, funding shortages, and gaps in research inhibit the successful global implementation of these policies.

Summarize the text in one sentence (between 5-75 words):

Sample Responses and Analysis

Band 90:

Though the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and Sustainable Development Goals provide frameworks for ocean conservation, their full global implementation is hampered by funding issues, research gaps, and political will.

• Content: Perfect summary, capturing all key facets.
• Form: Length and sentence structure appropriate.
• Grammar: Precise, showcases complex grammar.
• Vocabulary: Advanced yet functional.
• Spelling: No errors.

Global ocean conservation policies hindered by political, financial, and research challenges

Band 65:

International ocean conservation policies are hindered by political, financial, and research challenges, despite the frameworks in UNCLOS and SDG.

• Content: Most key points are covered; minor omissions.
• Form: Correct sentence length.
• Grammar: Some simplification but still correct.
• Vocabulary: Sufficient vocabulary for summarization.
• Spelling: Correct.

Band 50:

Ocean protection policies are difficult to implement because of lack of money and research.

• Content: Somewhat oversimplified, key aspects like political will and specific policies missing.
• Form: Short but acceptable.
• Grammar: Basic.
• Vocabulary: Simplistic.
• Spelling: No mistakes.

Vocabulary and Grammar Focus

Below are 10 advanced words and phrases directly related to the passages in this article, along with their phonetic transcription, meanings, and usage examples:

1. Biodiversity /ˌbaɪ.oʊ.daɪˈvɜː.sɪ.ti/ (n): The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

   • Example: Protecting marine biodiversity is crucial for a balanced ecosystem.

2. Conservation /ˌkɒn.səˈveɪ.ʃən/ (n): The act of preserving and protecting the environment.

   • Example: Conservation efforts are needed to ensure the survival of endangered species.

3. Exploitation /ˌek.splɔɪˈteɪ.ʃən/ (n): The unfair use of resources for profit.

   • Example: The exploitation of marine resources has led to significant ecological damage.

4. Marine protected areas (MPAs) /məˈriːn prəˈtek.tɪd ˈeə.ri.əs/ (n): Designated regions of the ocean where human activities are regulated to protect ecosystems.

   • Example: Marine protected areas are critical for the recovery of fish populations.

5. Sustainable /səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/ (adj): Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depletion.

   • Example: Sustainable fishing practices help ensure the longevity of marine ecosystems.

6. Climate change /ˈklaɪ.mət tʃeɪndʒ/ (n): Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns.

   • Example: Climate change poses a significant threat to coral reefs worldwide.

7. Coral bleaching /ˈkɒr.əl ˈbliː.tʃɪŋ/ (n): The process by which corals lose their color due to stress factors, primarily increased sea temperatures.

   • Example: Coral bleaching is becoming more common as ocean temperatures rise.

8. Ecosystem /ˈiː.kəʊ.sɪs.təm/ (n): A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

   • Example: Ocean ecosystems are essential for supporting the biodiversity of our planet.

9. Legal framework /ˈliː.ɡəl ˈfreɪm.wɜːk/ (n): A structure of regulations that guide such activities as maritime operations.

   • Example: UNCLOS provides the legal framework for resolving territorial disputes in the ocean.

10. Political will /pəˈlɪt.ɪ.kəl wɪl/ (n): Determination of political leaders to achieve certain goals.

    • Example: Without political will, international conservation policies are rarely successful.

Conclusion

The Summarize Written Text task in the PTE Speaking & Writing section, especially focusing on topics related to Ocean Conservation Strategies and Policies, tests your ability to grasp complex global issues in a concise and coherent manner. Regular practice with these sample questions will streamline your understanding of marine policies and improve your ability to summarize effectively.

For further insights, explore related topics like “Climate change and its impact on ecosystems.” Practice regularly, and you’ll be ready to tackle any environmental topic that arises during your PTE exam!