Renewable energy plays a significant role in reshaping the global markets, and it’s a topic that frequently appears in the Summarize Written Text section of the PTE exam. This article provides realistic practice questions that candidates can use to enhance their skills, along with model answers and evaluations based on the PTE criteria. Let’s dive into some sample questions.
PTE Summarize Written Text: Example 1 — Renewable Energy’s Effects on International Trade
Task: After reading the paragraph below, summarize the text in one sentence, using between 5 and 75 words. Your response will be judged on the quality of your writing and how well your response presents the key points in the passage.
Text:
Traditionally, fossil fuels have long been the cornerstone of global energy markets, driving industrial growth and economic expansion. However, with increasing awareness of climate change and technological advancements, many countries are now shifting towards renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower. This transition is driving a reconfiguration of global trade networks, as many nations become less dependent on importing fossil fuels while exporting renewable energy technologies and expertise. Furthermore, renewable energy is making electricity cheaper and more accessible, which affects global commodity prices and trade balances.
Sample Responses
Band 90+
The shift towards renewable energy sources like solar and wind is reshaping global energy markets by reducing fossil fuel dependency, lowering electricity prices, and reconfiguring international trade networks as countries export renewable technologies.
Content: Accurate and concise summary; successfully covers all key points, including trade reconfiguration and economy impact.
Form: 47 words, fulfilling the task requirement.
Grammar: No grammar issues. Uses complex structures effectively.
Vocabulary: Excellent use of advanced vocabulary like “reconfiguring,” “dependency,” and “export renewable technologies.”
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band 70-79
The growth of renewable energy is driving cheaper electricity and influencing global trade as nations reduce dependence on fossil fuels and export renewable technologies.
Content: Captures key ideas but slightly less detail regarding international trade networks.
Form: 27 words, within the word count limit.
Grammar: Correct, but lacks higher-level structures.
Vocabulary: Adequate but could be more varied.
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band 60-69
Countries are switching to renewable energy like solar power which is helping the global economy by lowering electricity prices and decreasing fossil fuel imports.
Content: Covers main ideas but omits the significant impact on trade networks and technology export.
Form: 24 words, within the required limit.
Grammar: Simple sentence structure, no errors.
Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary, lacks academic tone.
Spelling: No spelling errors.
PTE Summarize Written Text: Example 2 — The Global Economic Impact of Solar Investments
Task: After reading the paragraph below, summarize the text in one sentence, using between 5 and 75 words. Your response will be judged on the quality of your writing and how well your response presents the key points in the passage.
Text:
In the last decade, solar energy has seen unprecedented investment, particularly in emerging economies. Countries such as China, India, and Brazil have embraced solar infrastructure, not only as a way to meet domestic energy needs but also as a strategic export opportunity. Solar technology costs have dropped significantly, making it an attractive alternative to fossil fuels. As a result, this shift is not only helping reduce environmental impact but is also fostering economic competitiveness in regions heavily reliant on fossil fuel imports, thus repositioning global energy dominance.
Sample Responses
Band 90+
Growing investments in solar energy in emerging economies like China and India are reducing environmental impact, lowering energy costs, and repositioning global energy dominance by exporting affordable solar technology.
Content: Captures all key points, including investments, environmental and economic impact, and global dominance.
Form: 34 words; concise while maintaining completeness.
Grammar: Complex sentence structure, no issues.
Vocabulary: Diverse and advanced vocabulary, particularly “repositioning,” “dominance,” and “affordable.”
Spelling: No errors.
Band 70-79
Investment in solar energy is shifting global energy dominance by reducing environmental damage and fossil fuel reliance in countries like China and India, while exporting solar technology.
Content: Covers main ideas but misses the aspect related to economic competitiveness in emerging economies.
Form: 32 words, well within the word count.
Grammar: Correct but slightly simpler structures.
Vocabulary: Appropriate but less detailed compared to Band 90+.
Spelling: No spelling mistakes.
Band 60-69
Emerging economies are investing in solar energy, which helps reduce fossil fuel dependence and improves the global environment.
Content: Covers basic points but omits key aspects like export opportunities and economic competitiveness.
Form: 16 words, on the shorter side but within the requirement.
Grammar: Simple but correct.
Vocabulary: Basic, not particularly academic.
Spelling: No spelling issues.
Vocabulary and Grammar Insights
Here are 10 advanced vocabulary words related to Renewable Energy’s Impact on Global Markets that could be useful in the Summarize Written Text task:
-
Cornerstone /ˈkɔːrnərstoʊn/ – (noun) an essential foundation or basis
Investment in renewable energy is now the cornerstone of many national environmental strategies. -
Infrastructure /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – (noun) the basic physical systems and structures a country or organization needs to function
Upgrading solar infrastructure contributes to economic growth. -
Dependency /dɪˈpɛndənsi/ – (noun) reliance on something
Reducing fossil fuel dependency is critical for sustainable development. -
Reconfigure /ˌriːkənˈfɪɡər/ – (verb) to change structure or arrangement
Countries are reconfiguring their energy sources to prioritize renewables. -
Commodity /kəˈmɒdəti/ – (noun) a basic good traded in markets
Renewable energy systems are affecting the prices of global commodities. -
Competitiveness /kɛmˈpɛtɪtɪvnɪs/ – (noun) the ability of a company or country to compete effectively
Investing in renewable technology enhances national competitiveness. -
Export /ɪkˈspɔːrt/ – (verb) to send goods to a foreign country for sale
Many economies are now exporting renewable energy technologies. -
Emerging economies /ɪˈmɜːrdʒɪŋ iˈkɒnəmiz/ – (phrase) nations in the process of rapid industrial growth
Emerging economies like India have major roles in global solar investment. -
Dominance /ˈdɒmɪnəns/ – (noun) being in control or having power over others
Solar energy is shifting global energy dominance away from fossil fuels. -
Environmental impact /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmɛntəl ˈɪmpækt/ – (phrase) the effect of activities on the natural world
Solar energy reduces the environmental impact of energy consumption.
Conclusion
Mastering the Summarize Written Text task in the PTE exam requires efficient summarization of critical details. The practice questions provided above mimic real PTE exam conditions, particularly focusing on the ever-relevant topic of Renewable Energy’s Impact on Global Markets. As renewable energy continues to shape the global economic landscape, its importance in PTE exam themes remains high.
Practice regularly, focus on accurately capturing key points, and leave your comments or results below to share your progress with others!
