Summarize Written Text in PTE: Global Trade and Environmental Sustainability

Global trade plays a crucial role in modern economies, yet it has a profound impact on environmental sustainability. In this blog, we will explore practice tasks focused on summarizing written text in the PTE Speaking & Writing sections, based on the theme of Global Trade And Environmental Sustainability.

This important global issue is frequently covered in formal exams like PTE, and it encourages candidates to think critically while honing their language skills. Let’s dive into the topic by exploring sample Summarize Written Text questions and their respective model answers to help candidates improve their overall performance.

Sample Task 1: Impact of Global Trade on Environment

International trade allows for increased economic growth, the exchange of goods and services across borders, and access to global markets. However, heightened industrialization and expansion of international transport significantly contribute to environmental issues such as deforestation, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. While some argue that globalization paves the way for technological innovations to reduce environmental harm, others contend that the negative impact outweighs the benefits. Striker policies are necessary to manage sustainable development and maintain a balance between economic growth and environmental protection.

Instructions: Summarize the text in one sentence. Your response should be between 5 to 75 words.

Sample Answer Based on Band Scores

4/5 Band Score Sample:

Global trade contributes to economic growth, but it also leads to environmental problems like pollution and deforestation, necessitating sustainable policies.

Content: Well-summarized, relevant details included
Form: Correct length (19 words)
Grammar: Accurate use of complex structures
Vocabulary: Good, varied word choice
Spelling: No mistakes

3/5 Band Score Sample:

Trade has economic benefits but harms the environment, meaning strict policies are needed.

Content: Adequate but missing some details
Form: Correct length (13 words)
Grammar: Simple but correct
Vocabulary: Limited range of words
Spelling: No mistakes

Sample Task 2: Balancing Trade and Sustainability

The relationship between global trade and environmental sustainability is complex. While trade enables economies to grow, there are concerns regarding unsustainable practices, including overuse of natural resources and carbon emissions from production and transportation. Governments and international organizations are increasingly implementing policies and agreements aimed at reducing environmental damage, promoting renewable energy sources, and fostering sustainable development alongside trade growth.

Instructions: Summarize the text in one sentence. Your response should be between 5 to 75 words.

Sample Answer Based on Band Scores

5/5 Band Score Sample:

Global trade fosters economic growth but poses environmental risks, leading to policies promoting sustainability and reducing resource overuse and emissions.

Content: Comprehensive and concise, covers all key elements
Form: Correct length (22 words)
Grammar: Advanced and accurate
Vocabulary: Sophisticated and varied
Spelling: No errors

3/5 Band Score Sample:

Trade helps economies, but it also harms the environment, so policies are needed.

Content: Too general, lacks some key details
Form: Correct length (12 words)
Grammar: Simple but correct
Vocabulary: Repetitive and basic
Spelling: No mistakes

Sample Task 3: Global Trade, Climate Change, and Sustainable Solutions

Globalization and international trade have led to increased infrastructure, logistical advancements, and connectivity between nations. However, this rapid development has contributed to climate change due to excessive carbon footprints from transportation and production processes. While technological innovations and renewable energy efforts can mitigate these effects, it is essential to prioritize sustainable practices in all sectors of the global economy to address environmental concerns effectively.

Instructions: Summarize the text in one sentence. Your response should be between 5 to 75 words.

Sample Answer Based on Band Scores

5/5 Band Score Sample:

Global trade’s advancements have caused climate damage, yet sustainable practices, renewable energy, and technology are crucial to mitigate environmental challenges.

Content: Thoroughly captures the text’s meaning
Form: Correct length (19 words)
Grammar: Advanced and error-free
Vocabulary: Strong, with precise word choices
Spelling: Perfect

2/5 Band Score Sample:

Trade expands but causes climate damage, and sustainability is important.

Content: Lacks key details and complexity
Form: Correct length (10 words)
Grammar: Very basic
Vocabulary: Inadequate or ambiguous
Spelling: No errors

Vocabulary and Grammar

The passages above include several challenging vocabulary words and expressions useful for Summarize Written Text questions. Here are some important words from the task:

1. Sustainability /səˌsteɪ.nəˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/ (noun): The ability to maintain ecological balance.
   Example: Sustainable practices can help protect the environment in the face of growing global trade.

2. Globalization /ˌɡloʊ.bəl.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/ (noun): The worldwide movement towards interconnectedness.
   Example: Globalization leads to both economic growth and environmental challenges.

3. Carbon emissions /ˈkɑːr.bən ɪˈmɪʃ.ənz/ (noun): Release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
   Example: Increased carbon emissions are a significant factor in climate change.

4. Technological innovations /ˌtek.nəˈlɑː.dʒɪ.kəl ɪn.əˈveɪ.ʃənz/ (noun): New and advanced technological developments.
   Example: Technological innovations can reduce the environmental impact of trade.

5. Renewable energy /rɪˈnuː.ə.bəl ˈen.ɚ.dʒi/ (noun): Energy sources that are replenished naturally.
   Example: Switching to renewable energy is key to mitigating environmental impacts.

6. Mitigate /ˈmɪt.ə.ɡeɪt/ (verb): To reduce the severity of something.
   Example: Sustainable practices are essential to mitigate the effects of climate change.

7. Deforestation /diˌfɔːr.ɪˈsteɪ.ʃən/ (noun): The action of clearing a wide area of trees.
   Example: Deforestation is one of the major environmental downsides of extensive trade activities.

8. Infrastructure /ˈɪn.frəˌstrʌk.tʃɚ/ (noun): The basic physical systems of a business or nation.
   Example: Trade infrastructure advancements have led to environmental degradation.

9. Carbon footprint /ˌkɑːr.bən ˈfʊt.prɪnt/ (noun): The amount of carbon dioxide emissions for which an individual or organization is responsible.
   Example: Large-scale trade results in a higher carbon footprint from logistics and transportation.

10. Striker policies (phrase): Strict regulations or strategies intended to fix or prevent a problem.
    Example: Striker policies are needed to ensure environmental sustainability in trade.

Conclusion

Global trade and environmental sustainability are deeply intertwined issues that regularly appear in PTE Summarize Written Text tasks. Practicing with examples, understanding key vocabulary, and honing summary writing skills can greatly improve overall PTE scores. Remember, sustainability is a key component of global trade discussions, just as economic growth and environmental limits and eco-tourism and its challenges are common themes candidates should explore further.

So, practice writing concise, effective summaries and be prepared to tackle any topic related to global trade, sustainability, and beyond! Feel free to leave comments below if you have any questions or sample summaries to share for peer review and feedback.