In the PTE Academic exam, the Summarize Written Text section, which falls under the Speaking & Writing part, is crucial for those aiming for high scores. In this task, test-takers are required to condense the information provided in the text into a single sentence of 5-75 words.
This article focuses on Renewable Energy Subsidies For Homeowners, a prominent topic for discussion in the modern landscape of sustainability and environmental responsibility. Below you can find a detailed breakdown of the task and model answers to help you effectively prepare for your PTE exam.
Summarize Written Text – Sample Task
Task: Renewable Energy Subsidies for Homeowners
Question Prompt:
The availability of renewable energy subsidies for homeowners is growing worldwide. Governments offer various incentive programs to promote the adoption of clean energy systems, such as solar panels and wind turbines. These subsidies lower the upfront costs, making renewable energy more affordable for middle-income families. In addition to financial benefits for households, renewable energy systems can reduce reliance on fossil fuels, thus contributing to energy sustainability. However, some critics argue that subsidy programs may disproportionately benefit wealthier individuals who are better positioned to purchase these systems despite high initial costs. This imbalance potentially hinders the widespread adoption among lower-income households, raising concerns about the equity of these initiatives.
Your task is to summarize the text in one sentence using between 5 and 75 words.
Model Responses Based on Different Band Scores
High Band Response (80-90)
Governments worldwide offer renewable energy subsidies to encourage the adoption of clean energy systems, despite some critics arguing that these initiatives disproportionately benefit wealthier families while limiting access for lower-income households, raising concerns about fairness.
Content: Fully captures all key ideas: the promotion by governments, financial incentives, concerns over wealth disparity, and environmental benefits.
Form: Concise, well-structured sentence within 5-75 words.
Grammar: Sentence construction and punctuation are flawless.
Vocabulary: Strong and varied vocabulary with precise language use such as “disproportionately,” and “initiatives.”
Spelling: No errors.
Mid Band Response (60-70)
Governments provide subsidies to make renewable energy systems like solar panels and turbines affordable, but some argue that wealthier individuals benefit more than lower-income households, questioning the fairness.
Content: Covers most ideas but lacks mention of the wider environmental benefits and sustainability impact.
Form: Clear sentence structure and within word limit.
Grammar: Minor issues with usage, specifically “wealthier individuals benefit more” could be phrased more concisely.
Vocabulary: Adequate but not as rich as higher-band response, misses the complexity of the topic.
Spelling: No errors.
Low Band Response (40-50)
Renewable energy subsidies help people install clean energy systems, but some critics say it is unfair to poorer households.
Content: Partial content coverage; lacks the balance of advantages offered by subsidies or the global context. Mentions critics but doesn’t delve into the financial or environmental aspects.
Form: Very basic form with limited word count, but fits within guidelines.
Grammar: Use of basic sentence structure, lacks complexity.
Vocabulary: Very elementary vocabulary with limited range.
Spelling: No errors.
Vocabulary & Grammar Focus
To enrich your performance in the Summarize Written Text section, let’s explore some challenging vocabulary items from the provided sample, along with pronunciation and definitions to broaden your language skills.
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Subsidies /ˈsʌb.sɪ.diz/: (noun) Financial support provided by the government to encourage specific industries or individuals.
- Example: Many countries are increasing subsidies for renewable energy projects.
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Incentive /ɪnˈsen.tɪv/: (noun) Something that encourages action or motivates someone to do something.
- Example: The tax incentives make it easier for homeowners to invest in solar panels.
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Adoption /əˈdɒp.ʃn/: (noun) The act of starting to use something new or beneficial.
- Example: The adoption of renewable energy can lower overall reliance on fossil fuels.
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Affordable /əˈfɔː.də.bəl/: (adjective) Reasonably priced and accessible to most people.
- Example: With financial subsidies, renewable energy systems are becoming more affordable to the public.
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Reliance /rɪˈlaɪ.əns/: (noun) Dependence on something or someone.
- Example: Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels is crucial for combating climate change.
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Disproportionately /ˌdɪs.prəˈpɔːr.ʃən.ət.li/: (adverb) In a way that is too large or too small in comparison to something else.
- Example: The subsidy program benefits disproportionately wealthier families.
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Imbalance /ɪmˈbæl.əns/: (noun) A state in which different elements are not in equal or stable proportion.
- Example: Critics argue that the imbalance in subsidy allocation undermines its effectiveness.
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Equity /ˈek.wɪ.ti/: (noun) Fairness or justice in the way people are treated.
- Example: Concerns about the equity of renewable energy subsidies have been raised by various groups.
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Fossil fuels /ˈfɒs.əl ˌfjʊəlz/: (plural noun) Natural fuels such as coal, oil, and gas formed from the remains of living organisms.
- Example: Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable sources is essential for long-term sustainability.
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Sustainability /səˌsteɪ.nəˈbɪlɪ.ti/: (noun) The ability to maintain or improve systems without causing damage to the environment.
- Example: Renewable energy systems play a key role in promoting sustainability.
Conclusion
The Summarize Written Text task in the PTE exam challenges you to condense complex information concisely and accurately. Practicing with topics like “Renewable Energy Subsidies for Homeowners” can help you develop essential summarization skills for real exam scenarios. These subsidies not only offer financial aid but raise important social questions about the fairness of who benefits most. The demand for renewable energy discussions will continue to grow, making topics like this increasingly relevant.
Leave a comment below with your own responses to practice, and let’s discuss the best strategies to prepare for this important PTE section!