Summarize Written Text in the PTE: Renewable Energy in Urban Development

The Summarize Written Text section in the PTE Speaking & Writing tests your ability to identify key points in a given passage and summarize them in one sentence. One of the trending topics in recent exams is Renewable Energy In Urban Development, due to both its relevance and frequency. Below is a set of practice materials designed to help you prepare better for this segment by focusing on the pressing issue of urban sustainability and renewable energy integration.

Sample Summarize Written Text Task 1

Given Passage:

As cities continue to grow, the integration of renewable energy sources becomes crucial in urban development. Modern urban planning now takes into account green technologies and renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. Moreover, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy are becoming more affordable, making them more accessible for cities. However, despite these advancements, many urban areas still face challenges in fully adopting renewable energy systems, primarily due to financial and infrastructural limitations.

Task:

Summarize the passage in one sentence. Your response will be judged on the quality of your writing and how well your response presents the key points in the passage.

Model Answers – Various Band Scores

Band 79+

The adoption of renewable energy in urban areas is critical for reducing carbon emissions, but financial and infrastructural challenges slow down its complete integration, despite the growing affordability of green technologies.

• Content: Fully captures the main points about the importance of renewable energy, its adoption, and the challenges it faces.
• Form: The response is a single, complete sentence between 5 to 75 words.
• Grammar: The sentence structure is complex, but clear and grammatically correct.
• Vocabulary: Advanced vocabulary such as “adoption,” “integration,” and “affordability” enhances the response.
• Spelling: All words are spelled correctly.

Adoption of green technologies in urban areas to reduce carbon

Band 65-78

Renewable energy is important in reducing urban carbon emissions, though many cities struggle with the costs and infrastructure required for its adoption.

• Content: Includes most of the main ideas but lacks some of the nuances, such as the increasing affordability of renewable energy.
• Form: Correct sentence length, with a clear and compliant structure.
• Grammar: Somewhat simpler sentence structure than the Band 79+ response, but still correct.
• Vocabulary: Adequate vocabulary, although less sophisticated than the higher band.
• Spelling: Spelling is accurate.

Band 50-64

Cities are trying to use renewable energy to reduce emissions, but they face problems because of money and infrastructure.

• Content: Simplifies the issues, missing key details, such as progress in technology affordability.
• Form: The sentence adheres to the word count limit, but it is overly simple.
• Grammar: Basic grammar is used, and the sentence feels informal.
• Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary without much variety or complexity.
• Spelling: Correct spelling is maintained.

Sample Summarize Written Text Task 2

Given Passage:

Renewable energy has the potential to radically transform urban environments, contributing to more sustainable city systems. Innovations in green technology, particularly in energy storage and smart grids, allow cities to better manage energy consumption and move away from reliance on fossil fuels. Some urban planners argue that a combination of renewable energy and smart city infrastructure can minimize energy waste and promote more efficient use of resources. However, others emphasize the need for major policy changes and substantial investments to fully realize these benefits.

Task:

Summarize the passage in one sentence. Ensure your response captures the key points effectively.

Model Answers – Various Band Scores

Band 79+

The transformation towards sustainable urban environments depends on innovations in renewable energy, energy storage, and smart grids, but achieving full efficiency will require policy reforms and substantial investments.

• Content: Covers all key aspects, including technological innovations and the need for policy and financial support.
• Form: A well-structured and grammatically sound sentence within word limits.
• Grammar: Advanced sentence structure with appropriate use of clauses and punctuation.
• Vocabulary: Uses academic language like “sustainable,” “innovations,” and “efficiency.”
• Spelling: No spelling errors.

Renewable energy and smart grids improving city sustainability

Band 65-78

Cities can become more sustainable with renewable energy and smart grids, but it needs more policies and money to be fully effective.

• Content: Captures the main ideas but with simpler language and less detail.
• Form: Single sentence with appropriate structure and length.
• Grammar: Clear sentence but simpler than a Band 79+ response.
• Vocabulary: Basic but accurate vocabulary.
• Spelling: Spelling is accurate.

Band 50-64

Using renewable energy and smart grids will help cities, but more government policies and money are needed.

• Content: Simplified version of the passage that omits key terms like “sustainability” and “energy storage innovations.”
• Form: Basic structure is correct, but it lacks the complexity needed for higher bands.
• Grammar: Simple and correct, but basic.
• Vocabulary: The vocabulary is too simple.
• Spelling: Spelling is accurate.

Vocabulary and Grammar Breakdown

Here are 10 advanced vocabulary words from the passages above, along with their usage and meaning:

1. Integration /ˌɪntɪˈɡreɪʃən/
   Noun: The process of combining or coordinating elements into a whole.
   Example: Integration of renewable energy sources is crucial for sustainable cities.

2. Infrastructural /ˌɪnfrəˈstrʌktʃərəl/
   Adjective: Relating to the basic physical structures and facilities needed for operation.
   Example: Infrastructural limitations delay the adoption of renewable energy.

3. Affordability /əˌfɔːdəˈbɪləti/
   Noun: The state of being inexpensive or within financial reach.
   Example: The growing affordability of solar energy has boosted its adoption in cities.

4. Radical /ˈrædɪkəl/
   Adjective: Far-reaching or thorough in nature.
   Example: Renewable energy can bring radical changes to energy grids worldwide.

5. Fossil Fuels /ˈfɒsl fjuːəlz/
   Noun: Natural fuels like coal and oil derived from ancient organic matter.
   Example: Cities are shifting away from reliance on fossil fuels.

6. Sustainability /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/
   Noun: The capacity to endure over time without depleting resources.
   Example: Sustainability in urban development is increasingly reliant on renewable technologies.

7. Efficiency /ɪˈfɪʃənsi/
   Noun: The ability to accomplish a task with minimal waste of time and resources.
   Example: Smart grids promote efficiency in energy use.

8. Innovations /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃənz/
   Noun: New methods, ideas, or products.
   Example: Innovations in energy storage are vital for smart cities.

9. Transform /trænsˈfɔːrm/
   Verb: To make a thorough or dramatic change.
   Example: Renewable energy can transform urban environments.

10. Substantial /səbˈstænʃəl/
    Adjective: Of considerable importance, size, or worth.
    Example: Substantial investments are needed to upgrade energy infrastructures.

Conclusion

Incorporating renewable energy into urban development is a common topic in the Summarize Written Text section of the PTE exam. By practicing with these sample tasks, you can better understand key concepts related to sustainability and energy. This will help you perform effectively in the exam. Don’t hesitate to explore additional resources such as Green technology in urban development and Smart city infrastructure and energy use for further practice.

Feel free to comment below with any questions or challenges you face while practicing!