In the PTE Academic test, Summarize Written Text is one of the key tasks in the Speaking & Writing section. Candidates are required to read a passage and then summarize it in one sentence. Incorporating important terms such as carbon tax policies and their economic impact can help improve your understanding of both content and structure for this section. This article offers practice summaries focused on carbon tax implementation and its influence on economies, similar to the Renewable energy adoption in public infrastructure.
Practice Task: Summarize Written Text in PTE
Read the passage below and summarize it in one sentence in no more than 75 words.
Carbon tax policies have been implemented by various governments around the world in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by placing a financial burden on the use of carbon-intensive energy sources. The primary goal is to drive businesses and individuals towards more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as solar and wind energy. While the environmental benefits are clear, some critics argue that the economic impact introduces challenges, such as the increased cost of goods and the potential for economic slowdowns in energy-dependent industries.
However, proponents counter that these taxes foster innovation, pushing companies to adopt cleaner technologies and stimulating sectors related to renewable energy. Additionally, revenues generated by carbon taxes can be invested in sustainable infrastructure, potentially offsetting the economic burden in the long term by creating jobs and benefiting the larger economy.
Illustration of economic and environmental impacts of carbon tax policies
Sample Responses and PTE Band Score Analysis
High Band Response (79+):
Carbon tax policies aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging the use of renewable energy, although some critics highlight potential economic challenges, proponents suggest that these taxes could foster innovation, create jobs, and economically benefit society in the long run through reinvestment in sustainable infrastructure.
- Content: Fully captures both environmental and economic arguments.
- Form: Follows strict word limit (67 words).
- Grammar: Clear, complex structures with no errors.
- Vocabulary: Strong; includes terms like “foster innovation” and “sustainable infrastructure.”
- Spelling: No errors.
Moderate Band Response (65-78):
While carbon tax policies are designed to reduce emissions and encourage green technology, critics argue they can harm the economy, though revenues generated may be used for infrastructure, creating long-term benefits.
- Content: Good coverage of the key points, though lacks some details on innovation and job creation.
- Form: Adheres to word limit well (47 words).
- Grammar: Grammar is generally correct, with fewer complex structures.
- Vocabulary: Uses adequate but less varied vocabulary.
- Spelling: No errors.
Low Band Response (Under 65):
Carbon taxes help reduce emissions but harm the economy, though they can lead to benefits if invested in other areas.
- Content: Partial coverage, missing core points such as technological innovations and long-term economic advantages.
- Form: Grammatical issues with short and simple structures (26 words).
- Grammar: Basic grammar with no complex sentence structures.
- Vocabulary: Simple terms, no advanced vocabulary or collocations used.
- Spelling: No errors, but lacks sophistication.
Vocabulary & Grammar for the Task
Below are 10 advanced vocabulary words related to carbon tax policies and economic impact that you can incorporate into your PTE preparations:
- Emissions /ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – The release of gases or pollutants, such as carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere. (e.g., The reduction of emissions is a key goal of carbon tax policies.)
- Greenhouse gases /ˈɡriːnˌhaʊs ˈɡæsɪz/ – Gases that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, like CO2 and methane. (e.g., Limiting greenhouse gas emissions is crucial for mitigating climate change.)
- Renewable energy /rɪˈnjuːəbəl ˈɛnərdʒi/ – Energy from sources that do not deplete, such as wind or solar power. (e.g., Adoption of renewable energy is incentivized through carbon tax policies.)
- Economic slowdown /iːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈslaʊdaʊn/ – A reduction in the rate of economic growth, which may occur due to higher production costs. (e.g., Critics of carbon taxes warn of an economic slowdown in energy-dependent sectors.)
- Innovation /ˌɪnəʊˈveɪʃən/ – The act of creating new technologies or methods to improve efficiency. (e.g., Carbon tax policies encourage innovation in renewable energy technologies.)
- Stimulate /ˈstɪmjʊˌleɪt/ – To encourage activity or growth, particularly in an economic context. (e.g., These policies can stimulate the renewable energy sector.)
- Infrastructure /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌkʧər/ – The basic systems and services that a country or organization needs to function. (e.g., Revenue from carbon taxes can be invested in green infrastructure.)
- Financial burden /faɪˈnænʃəl ˈbɜːdn/ – The stress caused by expenses, often referring to increased costs for businesses or consumers. (e.g., A financial burden may result from higher expenses due to carbon taxes.)
- Reinvestment /ˌriːɪnˈvɛstmənt/ – The process of putting money back into an initiative or asset to generate more value. (e.g., The reinvestment of carbon tax revenue in sustainable infrastructure can foster long-term economic growth.)
- Long-term benefits /ˈlɒŋtɜːrm ˈbɛnɪfɪts/ – Advantages that accrue over an extended period, usually referring to economic or environmental improvements. (e.g., Despite initial hardships, long-term benefits such as job creation and innovation are possible with carbon tax policies.)
Key principles of carbon tax and economic transition
Conclusion
In conclusion, Carbon Tax Policies And Economic Impact form a recurring theme in many Summarize Written Text sections of the PTE exam due to their relevance to both environmental and economic discussions. Understanding these principles and practicing your summaries will not only prepare you for higher scores but also increase your knowledge of Renewable energy policies worldwide. Continue to practice and leave a comment below if you need further clarification or help in building your summary writing skills.
