Public transportation plays a critical role in addressing global climate change, making it a frequent topic in Summarize Written Text tasks in the PTE exam. In this section of the PTE Speaking & Writing, test-takers are required to summarize a given text into one single sentence, emphasizing the main idea while observing the format and maintaining good grammar, vocabulary, and spelling.
Below, you will find several practice prompts and sample responses to help you prepare for your PTE exam. These prompts are designed to reflect real exam scenarios and cover the theme of public transportation’s role in climate action, a highly relevant topic in today’s world.
Practice Summarize Written Text Questions
Prompt 1: Public Transit and Environmental Impact
Public transportation is a key solution to the challenges of climate change, mainly because it allows for significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions compared to private car use. A single bus or train can transport dozens or even hundreds of passengers, reducing the carbon footprint per individual compared to cars that typically carry only one or two passengers. Additionally, many cities are transitioning to electric or hybrid modes of public transit, further reducing emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. Public transport is also more space-efficient, reducing traffic congestion and associated pollution. By encouraging the wider use of buses, trains, and trams, cities can make substantial progress toward their climate goals.
Summarize the text in one sentence.
Sample Answers and Analysis
Score Band: 90
Public transportation is a crucial solution to combating climate change as it significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions per person, promotes the use of electric or hybrid vehicles, and helps alleviate traffic congestion.
- Content: The main points about reducing emissions, using electric transport, and alleviating congestion are all covered.
- Form: Correct single sentence with fewer than 75 words.
- Grammar: Correct use of clauses, punctuation, and transitions.
- Vocabulary: Appropriate level, no errors.
- Spelling: No errors.
Score Band: 80
Public transportation helps to decrease the amount of greenhouse gas emissions and uses electric or hybrid vehicles while reducing traffic jams.
- Content: Covers the main ideas but leaves out specificity about reducing individual carbon footprints and the space-efficiency of public transit.
- Form: Correct format as a single sentence.
- Grammar: Minor simplifications in clause structure but still correct.
- Vocabulary: Adequate but less precise.
- Spelling: No errors.
Score Band: 70
Public transportation lowers greenhouse gases and can use better technologies like electric or hybrid vehicles to reduce congestion.
- Content: The mention of ‘better technologies’ simplifies the topic, and misses the emphasis on space efficiency and the number of passengers.
- Form: Single sentence, fewer than 75 words.
- Grammar: Sentence structure could be more varied.
- Vocabulary: Simplified language, though still correct.
- Spelling: No errors.
Score Band: 60
Public transportation helps to reduce emissions and traffic by using electric vehicles.
- Content: Simplified and lacking depth, omits key elements such as greenhouse gas reduction per person and space efficiency.
- Form: Correct structure but the sentence lacks complexity.
- Grammar: Simple sentence without varying clauses.
- Vocabulary: Insufficient detail.
- Spelling: No errors.
Prompt 2: Urban Transit and Sustainability
Urban transportation systems are evolving rapidly in response to the urgent need for climate action. Cities around the globe are updating their public transportation fleets with greener alternatives such as electric buses, trams, and trains. Public transit not only reduces individual vehicle use but also helps curb the overall consumption of fossil fuels, as mass transit systems are more energy-efficient than personal cars. Additionally, increased investment in infrastructure like bike lanes and pedestrian walkways complements public transit, allowing for more sustainable travel options and a reduced reliance on automobiles for short trips. Ultimately, by integrating these modes of transport, cities promote a healthier, more sustainable future.
Summarize the text in one sentence.
Sample Answers and Analysis
Score Band: 90
Urban transportation systems contribute to sustainable development by reducing individual car use and fossil fuel consumption through the promotion of energy-efficient public transit systems, such as electric buses and trains, as well as complementary infrastructure like bike lanes and walkways.
- Content: Captures all major themes including sustainable transport, investing in infrastructure, and reduced fossil fuel dependence.
- Form: Correct format as a single sentence.
- Grammar: Well-composed and varied sentence structure.
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated but readable.
- Spelling: No errors.
Score Band: 80
Public transportation systems in cities reduce fossil fuel use and encourage sustainable practices with electric vehicles and supporting infrastructure.
- Content: Covers the essence but abbreviates the details such as energy efficiency and wider impact on climate action.
- Form: Single sentence, fewer than 75 words.
- Grammar: Accurate but not as complex.
- Vocabulary: Lower level of specificity but acceptable.
- Spelling: No errors.
Vocabulary and Grammar Notes
Here are ten advanced vocabulary terms that appeared in the texts, useful for Summarize Written Text tasks:
-
Greenhouse gas /ˈɡriːn.haʊs ɡæs/: a gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation.
Example: Carbon dioxide is a major greenhouse gas contributing to global climate change. -
Carbon footprint /ˈkɑːr.bən ˈfʊt.prɪnt/: the total amount of greenhouse gases produced directly or indirectly by human activities.
Example: Reducing your carbon footprint is essential in combating climate change. -
Hybrid vehicle /ˈhaɪ.brɪd ˈviː.ə.kəl/: a car powered by both an internal combustion engine and electric power.
Example: Many cities are introducing hybrid vehicles into their public transport fleets. -
Fossil fuels /ˈfɒs.əl fjʊəl/: natural fuels such as coal or gas, formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms.
Example: Moving away from fossil fuels is vital for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. -
Mass transit /mæs ˈtræn.sɪt/: public transportation, especially in urban areas.
Example: Mass transit is a sustainable alternative to individual car use. -
Sustainability /səˌsteɪ.nəˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/: the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level, particularly regarding environmental impact.
Example: Governments are prioritizing sustainability in their public transportation policies. -
Congestion /kənˈdʒes.tʃən/: overcrowding, particularly on roads leading to traffic jams.
Example: Public transport plays a big role in reducing city congestion. -
Infrastructure /ˈɪn.frəˌstrʌk.tʃər/: the basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society, such as transportation facilities.
Example: Investment in infrastructure is essential for supporting eco-friendly transport options. -
Pedestrian /pəˈdes.tri.ən/: a person walking, especially in an area set aside for people to walk.
Example: Cities are expanding pedestrian zones to encourage walking instead of driving. -
Energy-efficiency /ˈen.ə.dʒi ɪˈfɪʃ.ən.si/: using less energy to provide the same level of output.
Example: Energy-efficient public transport reduces the environmental impact of commuting.
Conclusion
Public transportation plays a significant role in climate action, making it a prominent topic in Summarize Written Text sections of the PTE. By practicing with prompts that reflect real-world issues such as transport and sustainability, you can improve your summarizing abilities while staying informed on key global concerns. Feel free to share your own responses in the comments below and continue sharpening your skills for the PTE exam!
