The PTE (Pearson Test of English Academic) is a challenging test for non-native English speakers aiming to prove their English proficiency. Among its many sections, one challenging yet highly beneficial task is Summarize Written Text in the Speaking & Writing module.
In this article, we’ll focus on space colonization technologies—a fascinating topic reflecting both futuristic science and real-world applications. We’ll provide you with realistic practice questions relating to this subject for the Summarize Written Text section, followed by sample answers and a detailed analysis of each in terms of band scores.
Why Practice Summarize Written Text on “Future of Space Colonization Technologies”?
Space colonization isn’t just a theoretical idea anymore. Companies like SpaceX are already developing technologies to take humans to Mars, while governments worldwide are investing heavily in space exploration projects. Given these trends, it’s no surprise that space colonization’s future has become a hot topic in academic, scientific, and even political discussions. Summarize Written Text often draws upon globally relevant topics, making space exploration a perfect choice for PTE preparation.
Additionally, studying topics like the economic benefits of space exploration can broaden your knowledge beyond traditional English study. Learn more about these benefits and their implications in Economic benefits of space exploration.
Practice Summarize Written Text Questions: Space Colonization Technologies
Below, we present sample Summarize Written Text practice tasks closely mirroring real PTE situations. Remember, in this task, you must write a single sentence summarizing the paragraph provided in under 75 words.
Sample Summarize Written Text: Space Colonization Technologies
Prompt 1:
The emergence of space colonization technologies has brought about discussions surrounding the possibility of establishing permanent human habitats beyond Earth. Ongoing advancements include space shuttles that reduce travel costs, habitats maintaining life-support systems, and renewable energy sources to power colonies. While technological progress is encouraging, scientists must also solve ethical dilemmas such as planetary protection, the impact on human health in space, and political challenges linked to territorial governance.
Your task: In one sentence, summarize the main idea of the paragraph. Your response should capture the key message and be within 5 to 75 words.
Sample Answers & Band Score Analysis
Answer 1 (High Band Score – 79+):
Space colonization technologies are progressing rapidly with advancements in travel and life-support systems, but scientists must address ethical, health-related, and political challenges.
- Content: Captures the essence of the text by highlighting both progress and challenges related to space colonization.
- Form: 23 words – perfect length.
- Grammar: The sentence is grammatically sound.
- Vocabulary: Accurately uses key terms like “progressing,” “advancements,” and “challenges,” demonstrating advanced vocabulary.
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Answer 2 (Mid Band Score – 65-78):
The development of space colonization technologies is advancing, but ethical issues and governance challenges remain obstacles.
- Content: This summary is mostly accurate but lacks details on health-related concerns.
- Form: 16 words – concise but missing some depth.
- Grammar: Grammatically correct.
- Vocabulary: Simplified but correct.
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Answer 3 (Low Band Score – 50-64):
Space colonization is possible due to new technologies, though there are some concerns about ethics and politics.
- Content: Oversimplifies the paragraph, omitting significant points such as life-support systems and human health.
- Form: 20 words – correctly formatted.
- Grammar: Grammatically accurate.
- Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary without demonstrating advanced fluency (“concerns” is too generic).
- Spelling: No spelling mistakes.
Answer 4 (Very Low Score – 30-49):
Technologies can help space colonization, but there are some problems too.
- Content: Does not provide enough detail or specificity to be an effective summary.
- Form: 11 words – too short.
- Grammar: Lacks sophistication in terms of sentence structure and usage.
- Vocabulary: Overly basic and too general.
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Prompt 2:
Efforts to colonize space are accelerating as private companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and governments around the world race to reach Mars and establish functional human habitats. These ambitious plans rely heavily on emerging technologies, including advancements in propulsion systems, biological engineering to grow food in space, and artificial intelligence to ensure the maintenance of critical systems. However, the long-term success of these missions depends on overcoming a wide range of challenges, from resource shortages to astrobiological risks and psychological stress on human crews.
Your task: In one sentence, summarize the main idea of the paragraph.
Sample Answers & Band Score Analysis
Answer 1 (High Band Score – 79+):
The race for space colonization, led by private companies and governments, is fueled by technological innovation, but various challenges such as resource shortages and psychological stress may hinder mission success.
- Content: Provides a full, accurate summary that balances both the advancements and roadblocks.
- Form: 32 words – optimal word count.
- Grammar: Correct and varied sentence structure.
- Vocabulary: Advanced terms like “psychological stress,” “technological innovation,” and “mission success” are well-incorporated.
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Answer 2 (Mid Band Score – 65-78):
Space colonization is advancing with help from technologies, but resource shortages and stress on human crews pose difficulties.
- Content: Accurate but lacks mention of private companies and other critical details.
- Form: 19 words – acceptable word count.
- Grammar: Generally correct.
- Vocabulary: Uses basic terms such as “difficulties” instead of more specific words.
- Spelling: No spelling issues.
Answer 3 (Low Band Score – 50-64):
Technology is helping space companies to colonize, but there are problems like stress and lack of resources.
- Content: Fails to adequately cover the scope of the paragraph.
- Form: 17 words – fits the word count, but overly simple.
- Grammar: Minimal errors, but simple structure.
- Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary without elaboration.
- Spelling: No errors.
Vocabulary and Grammar
Here are 10 challenging words from the provided practice paragraphs, with their pronunciation, definitions, and examples:
-
Propulsion /prəˈpʌlʃ(ə)n/
- Definition: The act of driving forward or propelling.
- Example: “The new propulsion system allowed the spacecraft to travel faster.”
-
Astrobiology /ˌæstrəʊbaɪˈɒlədʒi/
- Definition: The study of life that could exist on other planets.
- Example: “Astrobiology is crucial in understanding the risks of contamination in space colonization.”
-
Ethical /ˈɛθɪk(ə)l/
- Definition: Relating to moral principles or the branch of knowledge dealing with these.
- Example: “There are many ethical dilemmas involved in outer space colonization.”
-
Renewable /rɪˈnjuːəbl/
- Definition: Capable of being replaced or replenished.
- Example: “Renewable energy will be vital for long-term space missions.”
-
Governance /ˈɡʌvənəns/
- Definition: The act of governing or overseeing the control and direction of something.
- Example: “Legal aspects of governance remain a significant issue in space exploration.”
-
Psychological /ˌsaɪkəˈlɒdʒɪkəl/
- Definition: Related to the mental and emotional state of a person.
- Example: “Psychological health of astronauts is one of the biggest concerns in space travel.”
-
Sustainability /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/
- Definition: The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
- Example: “Sustainability of life-support systems is critical for long-term space habitation.”
-
Territorial /ˌtɛrɪˈtɔːrɪəl/
- Definition: Relating to the ownership of land or sea.
- Example: “Territorial disputes might arise when colonizing new planets.”
-
Artificial Intelligence /ˌɑːtɪˈfɪʃəl ɪnˈtɛlɪdʒəns/
- Definition: The simulation of human intelligence in machines.
- Example: “Artificial intelligence will manage various systems in space colonies.”
-
Biological Engineering /ˌbaɪəˈlɒdʒɪkl ɛndʒɪˈnɪərɪŋ/
- Definition: The application of principles of biology and the engineering field to create usable products.
- Example: “Biological engineering might enable us to cultivate crops in space environments.”
Conclusion
Successfully summarizing academic passages like the ones above is essential for scoring high in the PTE Summarize Written Text task. The topic of space colonization technologies is not just fascinating but also relevant in real-life applications—including challenges that companies face in the global race to explore and inhabit Mars.
We encourage you to keep practicing with different topics, such as the economic benefits of space exploration, since diverse knowledge will help boost your performance. If you have queries or need clarification about this topic, feel free to leave a comment!
