In this article, we will explore how Environmental justice in urban planning has become a key topic in the Speaking & Writing Section of the PTE exam, specifically in the Summarize Written Text requirement. The concept of environmental justice is crucial in the development of urban planning, resonating with global sustainable development goals. Let’s dive deeper into the practical challenges and provide useful practice questions for your PTE preparation.
Environmental Justice in Urban Planning – Summarize Written Text Practice
Environmental justice refers to the fair distribution of environmental benefits and burdens across all communities, irrespective of race, income, or other social factors. When it comes to urban planning, this concept demands that city designs not only support economic growth but also ensure the wellbeing of all its citizens, especially the marginalized groups.
Practice Task 1
Environmental justice in urban planning requires balancing the distribution of resources such as clean air, green spaces, and access to public transportation across various social, economic, and ethnic groups. Many marginalized communities are often disproportionately subjected to environmental hazards like poor air quality, exposure to toxins, or inadequate access to clean water. Redressing these imbalances through better urban policies is a significant step towards achieving just and sustainable cities. Modern urban planning advocates consider social equity a core component to ensure that underserved populations also benefit from technological advancements and improved infrastructure. Studies show that unequal resource distribution leads to urban inequality, exacerbating challenges like public health disparities and economic instability. Policymakers must, therefore, prioritize environmental justice as a framework that integrates sustainability and social equity into future city designs.
Task: Summarize the given text in one sentence.
Example Responses
Sample 1 – Band 90
The concept of environmental justice in urban planning aims to ensure fair distribution of resources and equal access to benefits such as clean air and green spaces, especially for marginalized communities, promoting social equity and sustainable cities.
Content: Fully captures the main idea of fair resource distribution and environmental justice.
Form: One complete sentence.
Grammar: Accurate with excellent variety.
Vocabulary: Sophisticated use of terms like “social equity” and “sustainable.”
Spelling: No errors.
Sample 2 – Band 70
Environmental justice in urban planning advocates fair resource allocation for marginalized groups to reduce inequalities.
Content: Addresses the core subject but lacks specificity in mentioning examples.
Form: One complete sentence.
Grammar: Satisfactory with correct punctuation.
Vocabulary: Slightly simplistic.
Spelling: No errors.
Sample 3 – Band 50
Better urban planning can bring benefits to people and ensure equality.
Content: Misses important aspects of environmental justice and fairness in resource distribution.
Form: One sentence.
Grammar: Basic structures, fair punctuation.
Vocabulary: Limited range, lacks advanced vocabulary.
Spelling: No errors.
Practice Task 2
Environmental justice is a growing concern in urban development as cities expand and more people are exposed to environmental hazards. Low-income and minority communities are often disproportionately affected by urban pollution, heat islands, and insufficient infrastructure. Integrating environmental justice principles into city planning means addressing these inequalities to provide a healthy living environment for all. Green urban policies, like increasing the presence of parks and reducing car emissions, are essential steps to offset the damage caused by unchecked urbanization. Several cities have already embarked on initiatives to incorporate sustainability while ensuring that such measures benefit all residents equally, regardless of socio-economic status.
Task: Summarize the given text in one sentence.
Environmental Justice: Vocabulary and Grammar
Below is a list of 10 vocabulary words used in the task above, complete with their phonetics, meanings, and examples:
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Disproportionately /ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːrʃənətli/ (adverb)
Meaning: In a way that is too large or too small in comparison with something else.
Example: Low-income communities are disproportionately affected by pollution. -
Sustainability /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ (noun)
Meaning: The ability to maintain or continue something over the long term without depleting resources.
Example: Sustainability is integral to solving environmental issues in cities. -
Advocate /ˈædvəkeɪt/ (verb)
Meaning: To publicly support or argue for something.
Example: Urban planners advocate for greener spaces in growing cities. -
Marginalized /ˈmɑːrdʒɪnəlaɪzd/ (adjective)
Meaning: Groups or individuals pushed to the fringe of society.
Example: Marginalized communities often live in areas with poor air quality. -
Hazards /ˈhæzərdz/ (noun)
Meaning: Dangers or risks.
Example: Urban hazards include pollution and unhealthy living conditions. -
Inequalities /ˌɪnɪˈkwɑːlɪtiz/ (noun)
Meaning: The state of not being equal, especially in status or rights.
Example: Addressing social inequalities is crucial for comprehensive urban planning. -
Offset /ˈɔːfˌsɛt/ (verb)
Meaning: To balance the effect of something so that no advantage or disadvantage remains.
Example: Planting more trees in cities can help offset carbon emissions. -
Urbanization /ˌɜːrbənɪˈzeɪʃən/ (noun)
Meaning: The process by which more and more people move into cities and cities grow larger.
Example: Urbanization often exacerbates issues such as waste management. -
Infrastructure /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ (noun)
Meaning: The basic physical systems and structures needed for the operation of a society, such as transportation and sewage.
Example: Investments in infrastructure must consider long-term sustainability. -
Framework /ˈfreɪmˌwɜːrk/ (noun)
Meaning: A basic structure underlying a system or concept.
Example: Environmental justice provides a framework for equitable urban development.
Conclusion
By summarizing texts on Environmental justice in urban planning, we can see how this recurring theme challenges candidates to address critical global issues in their PTE exams. Mastering this topic helps students approach a range of aspects affecting urban spaces and marginalized communities. Practicing with real-world matters ensures you stay relevant and prepare thoroughly for the Summarize Written Text task.
Looking for more insights into global issues that may appear in your exam? Visit our article on Global initiatives for clean water access.
Keep practicing by summarizing these tasks and leave a comment below to share your insights!
