Summarize Written Text in PTE: Nuclear Power and Renewable Energy Coexistence

In the Summarize Written Text section of the PTE exam, candidates need to condense a given passage into one sentence covering the essential points, adhering to the form and grammatical guidelines. This article introduces several practice tasks based on the topic “Nuclear Power And Renewable Energy Coexistence”, a frequent subject in discussions about energy and sustainability, and highly relevant to current global challenges.

Practice Task 1: Coexistence of Nuclear Power and Renewable Energy

Summarize the following text in one sentence.

As global energy demands increase, many countries face the challenge of producing large quantities of electricity without adding excessive carbon emissions to the atmosphere. Nuclear power is seen by some as an essential tool in this effort. Unlike fossil fuels, nuclear power plants do not release carbon dioxide during energy production, making them a potential ally in combating climate change. On the other hand, reliance on renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower is growing rapidly. These sources also produce clean energy and are largely considered safer and more sustainable in the long term. However, renewable energy sources face challenges such as intermittent supply and the need for storage solutions. Some experts argue that the future of energy production must involve a combination of these systems—nuclear power, while controversial, can complement renewables as countries strive to achieve carbon neutrality by mid-century.

Word count: 162 words

Model Answers with Band Score Analysis

High Band Score (80-90):

Nuclear power is a low-carbon energy source, and while renewables present a safer and cleaner alternative, a combination of both energy systems is seen as a pathway to achieving carbon neutrality given the challenges with renewable energy intermittency and storage.

• Content: Fully addresses all key points, including the role of both nuclear power and renewables in carbon reduction.
• Form: Complete sentence that adheres to the one-sentence requirement and stays within the word limit.
• Grammar: Correct and complex structures.
• Vocabulary: Advanced terms such as “pathway to carbon neutrality” and “intermittency.”
• Spelling: No errors.

Mid Band Score (65-79):

While renewables are seen as a safer and cleaner energy option, nuclear power remains essential for reducing carbon emissions and achieving climate goals due to challenges with renewable energy intermittency.

• Content: Covers most of the key points but is slightly lacking in depth.
• Form: Correct sentence structure.
• Grammar: Suitable, but structures are less complex.
• Vocabulary: An appropriate range of terms like “climate goals,” but less precise.
• Spelling: No errors.

Low Band Score (50-64):

Renewable energy is environmentally friendly but nuclear power is still necessary to fulfill energy needs and cut down emissions.

• Content: Misses some important aspects, such as the challenges with intermittent renewable energy and the role of nuclear in complementing renewables.
• Form: The sentence meets the requirements, but lacks detail.
• Grammar: Basic structures, no errors but lacks variety.
• Vocabulary: Simple words are used.
• Spelling: No errors.

Practice Task 2: Safety Concerns in Nuclear vs. Renewables

Summarize the following text in one sentence.

Nuclear power has often been cited as a controversial energy source due to concerns over accidents, radioactive waste, and the dangers involved in maintaining older reactors. Despite these concerns, it has largely maintained an excellent safety record during normal operations. Renewable energy, by contrast, poses few serious hazards as it derives power from naturally occurring, replenishable sources. Wind and solar power, for example, emit no harmful by-products, and the primary risks involve technological and financial uncertainties rather than large-scale safety threats. As energy demand increases and calls for greener alternatives grow, nuclear and renewable energy are both seen as vital to meeting future targets. Balancing the safety risks of nuclear against the benefits of a stable power supply with renewables’ cleaner but more fluctuating output remains a central debate in global energy strategies.

Word count: 157 words

Model Answers with Band Score Analysis

High Band Score (80-90):

While nuclear energy has safety concerns such as accidents and radioactive waste, its stable output and safety record complement renewable energies like wind and solar, which have lower environmental risks but technological uncertainties.

• Content: Covers both the key concerns of safety and energy stability for nuclear and renewable power.
• Form: Maintains a clear, cohesive sentence.
• Grammar: Well-structured with complex sentence forms.
• Vocabulary: Precise use of terms like “radioactive waste,” “stable output,” and “technological uncertainties.”
• Spelling: No errors.

Mid Band Score (65-79):

Nuclear power, though with safety issues and waste problems, is more reliable in energy output, while renewables are safer but face technological uncertainties.

• Content: Addresses the general contrast between nuclear and renewables but lacks depth.
• Form: Correct sentence structure, though not as fluid.
• Grammar: Mostly appropriate.
• Vocabulary: Adequate, but less precise; terms like “safety issues” are used generally.
• Spelling: No errors.

Low Band Score (50-64):

Nuclear energy has risks like radioactive waste, but renewable energy is safer and more environmentally friendly.

• Content: Lacks complexity, fails to address key elements like technological uncertainties and energy output stability.
• Form: The sentence is not sufficiently comprehensive.
• Grammar: Simple structure.
• Vocabulary: Very basic, lacking in variety or technical terms.
• Spelling: No errors.

Vocabulary and Grammar

Here is a list of 10 advanced vocabulary items used in the practice tasks, along with their definitions, phonetics, and example sentences:

1. Intermittency (/ˌɪntəˈmɪtənsɪ/)
   Definition: The quality of being irregular or not continuous.
   Example: The intermittency of solar power makes it difficult to ensure a consistent energy supply.

2. Carbon Neutrality (/ˈkɑːrbən njuːˈtrælɪti/)
   Definition: A state of net-zero carbon emissions.
   Example: Many countries are striving to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

3. Technological Uncertainty (/ˌtɛknəˈlɒdʒɪkəl ʌnˈsɜːrtntɪ/)
   Definition: The lack of surety about new technological developments.
   Example: Technological uncertainty is one of the major issues affecting renewable energy deployment.

4. Replenishable (/rɪˈplɛnɪʃəbəl/)
   Definition: Able to be refilled or restored.
   Example: Solar energy is replenishable as it relies on the sun, which is abundant.

5. Stable Output (/ˈsteɪbl ˈaʊtpʊt/)
   Definition: Consistent production without fluctuations.
   Example: One advantage of nuclear plants is the stable output regardless of weather conditions.

6. Radioactive Waste (/ˌreɪdɪəʊˈæktɪv weɪst/)
   Definition: Hazardous waste that emits radiation.
   Example: Managing radioactive waste remains one of the biggest challenges for nuclear energy.

7. Sustainability (/səˌsteɪnəˈbɪlɪti/)
   Definition: The ability to maintain or continue for a long time.
   Example: Renewable energy sources are often praised for their sustainability.

8. Controversial (/ˌkɒntrəˈvɜ:ʃəl/)
   Definition: Something that evokes public disagreement or dispute.
   Example: Nuclear energy remains a controversial choice due to its potential risks.

9. Hazard (/ˈhæzərd/)
   Definition: A possible danger or threat.
   Example: There are few environmental hazards associated with harnessing wind energy.

10. Combating Climate Change (/ˈkɒmbætɪŋ ˈklaɪmɪt tʃeɪndʒ/)
    Definition: Taking actions to reduce or prevent changes in climate patterns due to human activities.
    Example: Many countries are adopting renewable energy as a critical strategy for combating climate change.

Conclusion

Summarizing complex texts like those on the coexistence of nuclear power and renewable energy is a crucial skill for candidates preparing for the PTE exam. These practice examples align closely with real PTE exam questions, helping you become more proficient with this challenging task. To improve further, consider practicing regularly and focusing on balancing the variety of energy topics you encounter.

Feel free to leave any thoughts or questions in the comments section for additional advice!