In the PTE Speaking & Writing section, Summarize Written Text is a critical part where test-takers need to condense a text into one concise sentence. A frequently discussed topic in Summarize Written Text is Public Perceptions Of Nuclear Power. Let’s take a closer look at a sample prompt and a range of responses to help you better prepare for the PTE test.
Sample Summarize Written Text Prompt
In the following test sentence, condense the paragraph into one sentence. Keep the summary between 5 to 75 words.
Summarize Written Text Example Prompt:
“Nuclear power remains highly controversial, despite being one of the most efficient sources of energy. On the one hand, it produces fewer greenhouse gases than traditional fossil fuels, making it more environmentally friendly in certain respects. On the other hand, incidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima have significantly impacted public perceptions, leading many to question its safety. As a result, the debate over nuclear energy continues to divide societies, with some advocating for its benefits while others highlight its potential dangers.”
Answer Samples
Band 90 (Top Score)
Despite being an efficient energy source producing fewer carbon emissions than fossil fuels, incidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima have caused significant public concern, resulting in a divided opinion on nuclear energy’s safety and future.
Content: The response covers all critical points on both the advantages and controversies surrounding nuclear power.
Form: The word count (37 words) fits the requirement perfectly.
Grammar: The structure is advanced and includes proper use of conjunctions, clauses, and transitions.
Vocabulary: Sophisticated words like “incidents,” “significant public concern,” and “divided opinion” are used accurately.
Spelling: No spelling errors are present.
Band 80
Nuclear energy is efficient and environmentally friendly, yet accidents like Fukushima and Chernobyl inspire fears among the public, leading to divided opinions on its safety.
Content: Covers the key aspects but doesn’t mention the greenhouse gas comparison explicitly.
Form: The word count (25 words) is within the limits.
Grammar: Sentence structure is correct but slightly simpler.
Vocabulary: Uses accurate words but lacks some more sophisticated vocabulary from the prompt.
Spelling: No errors.
Band 70
Nuclear power produces less pollution than fossil fuels, but accidents like Chernobyl make people concerned about whether it is safe.
Content: Misses the societal division and focuses solely on the fear factor.
Form: Word count (22 words) is below the middle range but still acceptable.
Grammar: The sentence is grammatically correct but lacks complex structures.
Vocabulary: Uses basic vocabulary without expanding on key terms, such as “greenhouse gases” or “environmentally friendly.”
Spelling: Accurate.
Band 60
Nuclear power is efficient, but accidents like Chernobyl make people afraid.
Content: Simplified content that omits the full complexity of the public debate surrounding nuclear energy.
Form: Very short at 13 words, missing richness in content.
Grammar: Basic sentence structure with no complexity.
Vocabulary: Simple vocabulary that does not reflect the complexity of the topic.
Spelling: No errors.
Vocabulary and Grammar Breakdown
Here are some key vocabulary and grammatical structures to help you prepare for similar tasks on the PTE:
-
Controversial /ˌkɒntrəˈvɜːʃ(ə)l/ – Causing disagreement or discussion.
Example: “Nuclear power remains highly controversial due to safety concerns.” -
Advocate /ˈædvəˌkeɪt/ – To publicly recommend or support.
Example: “Some advocate for the increased use of nuclear energy due to its efficiency.” -
Greenhouse Gases /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ˈɡæsɪz/ – Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
Example: “Nuclear power emits fewer greenhouse gases compared to coal.” -
Environmental Impact /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈment(ə)l ˈɪmpækt/ – The effect a particular activity has on the natural world.
Example: “The environmental impact of nuclear energy is often debated.” -
Incident /ˈɪnsɪdənt/ – An event, especially one that is either unpleasant or unusual.
Example: “Incidents like Fukushima have damaged the reputation of nuclear energy.” -
Public Perception /ˈpʌblɪk pəˈsɛpʃ(ə)n/ – The opinion held by the general public.
Example: “Public perception of nuclear power is heavily influenced by past accidents.” -
Fossil Fuels /ˈfɒsəl fjʊəlz/ – Natural fuels formed in the geological past, like coal or gas.
Example: “Nuclear energy is often seen as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels.” -
Safety Concerns /ˈseɪfti kənˈsəːnz/ – Worries or doubts regarding the safety of something.
Example: “Numerous safety concerns have emerged after nuclear plant disasters.” -
Debate /dɪˈbeɪt/ – A formal discussion on a particular topic.
Example: “The debate over nuclear power continues to be polarizing.” -
Efficient /ɪˈfɪʃ(ə)nt/ – Achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense.
Example: “Nuclear energy is extremely efficient in terms of energy output.”
Conclusion
Mastering Summarize Written Text in the PTE exam requires you to condense complex topics like Public Perceptions of Nuclear Power efficiently. As demonstrated above, a high-scoring response balances content, grammar, and vocabulary to present a well-rounded summary. The topic is common in both discussion and examination contexts, making it essential to practice frequently.
Test takers are encouraged to continue practicing with more challenging prompts to improve their ability to succinctly summarize varying perspectives on Nuclear energy policies and public opinion.
