In the PTE Academic exam, the Summarize Written Text task in the Speaking & Writing section requires test-takers to condense a lengthy text into a single sentence of 5–75 words. Topics typically cover a wide range of subjects, and one commonly explored theme is the controversial and complex issue of Genetic Modification Benefits And Risks. This article provides practice examples and answers following the score rubrics used in actual PTE exams.
Read the following text carefully and summarize it in one sentence. Ensure you maintain academic accuracy while focusing on the main ideas.
Practice Example – 1
The Genetic Modification Debate: Benefits and Risks
Genetic modification is the process of altering the genetic material of an organism to achieve desirable characteristics. Many proponents argue that genetic modification holds vast potential, especially in agriculture, where genetically modified crops can lead to increased yield, pest resistance, and improved nutritional content. However, there are significant concerns about its environmental impacts and long-term effects on both human health and biodiversity. Critics claim that the cross-contamination of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) with natural species can create “superweeds” resistant to herbicides, and there are insufficient studies to conclude that GMOs are entirely safe for consumption. This divide between potential benefits and risks has been the subject of heated public and scientific debate for decades.
Summarize the text in one concise sentence.
Sample Answers
High Band Response (75-90 points)
Genetic modification offers substantial benefits in agriculture through enhanced crop yield and pest resistance, but its adverse effects on the environment and human health raise ongoing concerns.
Evaluation:
- Content: The sentence captures both benefits and risks, fully reflecting the major points of the original passage.
- Form: Complies with the word limits.
- Grammar: No grammatical errors.
- Vocabulary: Appropriate academic vocabulary with precise word use.
- Spelling: Correct spelling, no issues detected.
Mid Band Response (50-74 points)
While genetic modification can improve agriculture, it also poses potential risks to human health and the environment.
Evaluation:
- Content: Covers the key ideas, but the answer lacks elaboration on some details like ‘superweeds’.
- Form: Fits the word limit.
- Grammar: Grammatically correct.
- Vocabulary: Simplified vocabulary, but still appropriate.
- Spelling: Correct.
Low Band Response (25-49 points)
Genetic modification helps improve crops but may be harmful.
Evaluation:
- Content: Oversimplified — misses crucial details about the environmental and human health risks.
- Form: Extremely brief but within the word limit.
- Grammar: Correct but rudimentary.
- Vocabulary: Basic and lacking complexity.
- Spelling: Correct.
Practice Example – 2
The Ethical Considerations of Genetic Modification
The ability to modify genes has traditionally been restricted to scientific experimentation, but advances in technology have made it possible to manipulate the genetic makeup of various organisms, including humans. While this opens the door to curing genetic diseases and improving quality of life, ethical concerns about “playing God” and the potential misuse of genetic modification for non-therapeutic enhancements are ever-present. As practices like designer babies become a real possibility, society must grapple with the implications for equality, ethics, and autonomy. This leads to an ongoing debate on how far genetic engineering should go.
Summarize the text in one concise sentence.
Sample Answers
High Band Response (75-90 points)
Although genetic modification promises to cure genetic diseases and enhance quality of life, ethical concerns about misuse, equality, and the boundaries of science remain a contentious issue.
Evaluation:
- Content: Effectively summarizes the text, balancing both promise and ethical challenges.
- Form: Follows the word count requirements.
- Grammar: No errors.
- Vocabulary: Rich and varied vocabulary suited to an academic setting.
- Spelling: Accurate.
Mid Band Response (50-74 points)
Genetic modification has immense potential, but it also raises ethical questions about its usage and limits.
Evaluation:
- Content: It captures the main point but lacks specific examples or refined details.
- Form: Word count appropriate.
- Grammar: Correct.
- Vocabulary: Adequate but could be more sophisticated.
- Spelling: Correct.
Low Band Response (25-49 points)
Genetic modification is powerful, but some people think it is not ethical.
Evaluation:
- Content: Misses the complexity of the ethical debate and misuse concerns.
- Form: Fits the word limit but is overly simplistic.
- Grammar: Correct but very basic.
- Vocabulary: Lacks range and variation.
- Spelling: Correct.
Key Vocabulary from the Texts
-
Genetic modification (dʒəˈnɛtɪk ˌmɑdɪfɪˈkeɪʃən) (noun): The act of altering the DNA of organisms.
Example: Scientists believe genetic modification can make crops more resilient. -
Cross-contamination (krɔs kənˌtæmɪˈneɪʃən) (noun): The unintentional transfer of genetic material between organisms.
Example: Cross-contamination between GMO crops and natural species is a key concern. -
Superweeds (ˈsuːpərˌwidz) (noun): Weeds that have developed resistance to pesticides due to gene transfer from GMOs.
Example: Superweeds are becoming a significant issue for farmers. -
Therapeutic (ˌθɛrəˈpjutɪk) (adjective): Related to treating disease.
Example: Therapeutic use of genetic engineering offers hope for curing certain illnesses. -
Designer babies (dɪˈzaɪnər ˈbeɪbiz) (noun): Babies with genetically modified traits chosen by their parents.
Example: The concept of designer babies raises ethical dilemmas about human rights. -
Autonomy (ɔˈtɑnəmi) (noun): Independence or freedom of will.
Example: Genetic modification debates often touch on issues of individual autonomy. -
Biodiversity (ˌbaɪoʊdɪˈvɜrsɪti) (noun): The variety of plant and animal life in a region.
Example: There are fears that GMOs could reduce biodiversity. -
Herbicide (ˈhɜrbɪˌsaɪd) (noun): A substance used to kill unwanted plants.
Example: Some genetically engineered crops are resistant to herbicides. -
Misuse (mɪsˈjus) (verb): Incorrect or harmful use of something.
Example: The misuse of genetic modification could lead to societal inequalities. -
Equality (ɪˈkwɑləti) (noun): The state of being equal in rights, status, and opportunities.
Example: Genetic engineering could create a gap in equality between rich and poor.
Conclusion
In summary, practicing Summarize Written Text for the PTE requires focus on understanding the text’s main ideas while maintaining clarity and conciseness in writing. The topic of genetic modification benefits and risks is widely used due to its relevance and complexity. Test-takers should aim to balance different perspectives in their responses, showcasing both sides of the debate — benefits potentially brought by advancements in science vs. ethical and environmental concerns.
To deepen your understanding of related topics, consider exploring further on Public attitudes toward genetic engineering or examining the Public perception of genetic modification. These resources will provide a fuller perspective on how society views evolving technologies like genetic modification.
