Introduction
In recent years, innovations in desalination technology have garnered significant attention, especially in the context of global water scarcity. As a crucial topic in the arena of sustainability and technological advancements, it frequently appears in the Summarize Written Text section of the PTE exam. This section requires candidates to read a passage and summarize the main ideas into one single sentence. Below, we provide a variety of sample questions and model answers to help you thoroughly prepare for your exam.
Summarize Written Text Sample Test
Practice Question 1
Read the passage below and summarize it in one sentence.
Desalination technology has emerged as a vital solution to meet global fresh water demands. This technology, which primarily relies on reverse osmosis and electrodialysis processes, can remove salt and impurities from seawater, making it drinkable. However, traditional desalination plants are energy-intensive and expensive to operate. Recent innovations focus on developing cost-effective, energy-efficient techniques, such as solar desalination and the use of graphene membranes, which can filter water without the need for high pressure. These advancements have the potential to revolutionize water provisioning in arid regions and reduce dependency on freshwater sources.
Write your response in one sentence.
Sample Answers
Band Score 90:
Innovations in desalination technology, such as solar-powered systems and graphene membranes, are transforming traditional energy-intensive water purification methods into more cost-effective and efficient solutions, helping alleviate global water scarcity.
Analysis:
- Content: Fully captures the main ideas of innovation in desalination technology and its potential impact.
- Form: Single, grammatically correct sentence.
- Grammar: Perfect use of advanced grammar structures.
- Vocabulary: Wide range of key terms, such as “solar-powered systems” and “graphene membranes.”
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band Score 75:
While traditional desalination methods require high energy consumption, newer technologies like solar desalination and graphene membranes offer more sustainable and cost-effective solutions.
Analysis:
- Content: Captures most of the main ideas, though information on the global impact is slightly downplayed.
- Form: Correct structure and format.
- Grammar: Strong use of academic language.
- Vocabulary: Relevant without overly technical terms, managing the key aspects well.
- Spelling: No issues.
Band Score 60:
Desalination is being improved with new technologies that reduce energy and cost, like solar desalination and graphene membranes.
Analysis:
- Content: Covers the essentials, but lacks introduction and conclusion in terms of global significance.
- Form: Sentence is short and misses some complexity.
- Grammar: Limited range of complex grammar.
- Vocabulary: Very basic.
- Spelling: No mistakes.
Water desalination technology advancements have been transformative in addressing fresh water shortages globally, particularly in regions suffering from scarce natural water resources. Continue reading to practice more questions and enhance your knowledge.
solar-desalination-system-efficiency
Practice Question 2
Read the passage below and summarize it in one sentence.
As global freshwater resources become more scarce, regional governments are turning to advanced desalination methods to turn seawater into a valuable resource. Leading innovations like forward osmosis and membrane distillation are replacing outdated methods, providing higher efficiency and lower energy consumption. Furthermore, integrating renewable energy sources like solar or wind power with desalination plants is decreasing operation costs and benefiting the environment, making them more sustainable and viable options for long-term water production.
Write your response in one sentence.
Sample Answers
Band Score 90:
Governments are increasingly adopting advanced desalination methods, such as forward osmosis and membrane distillation, coupled with renewable energy sources, to meet freshwater demands while enhancing sustainability and reducing costs.
Analysis:
- Content: Thoroughly addresses both technological advancements and integration with renewable energy sources.
- Form: Flawlessly written in one complete sentence.
- Grammar: Sophisticated grammar and sentence structure.
- Vocabulary: Extensive use of appropriate academic language.
- Spelling: Excellent.
Band Score 75:
New desalination techniques, including forward osmosis and renewable energy integration, offer more efficient and environmentally friendly solutions to freshwater scarcity issues.
Analysis:
- Content: Adequately covers the essential points of technological improvement.
- Form: Correct sentence structure.
- Grammar: Good structure, although slightly less complex.
- Vocabulary: Clear, but simpler than the Band 90 response.
- Spelling: No mistakes.
Band Score 60:
Desalination is getting better with forward osmosis and renewable energy, making it more affordable and easy on the environment.
Analysis:
- Content: Lacks some nuance, especially regarding sustainability and efficiency.
- Form: Simple but effective sentence.
- Grammar: Basic grammar use.
- Vocabulary: Limited vocabulary, basic word choices.
- Spelling: No issues.
For further reading on the impact of desalination technologies in addressing water crises, consider checking out Global water crisis and technology.
Vocabulary and Grammar Review
Understanding and mastering vocabulary is key to excelling in the Summarize Written Text section of the PTE exam. Below are some critical terms from the above exercises:
-
Desalination /dᵻˌsælɪˈneɪʃən/ (noun): The process of turning seawater into drinkable water by removing salt and impurities.
Example: Desalination plants are important for providing fresh water in arid regions. -
Graphene Membrane /ˈɡræfiːn ˈmɛmˌbreɪn/ (noun): A thin filter made from graphene, used to purify water more efficiently than traditional methods.
Example: Graphene membranes are revolutionizing the desalination process. -
Reverse Osmosis /rɪˈvɜːs ɔsˈməʊsɪs/ (noun): A water treatment method that removes particles, impurities, and contaminants by pushing water through a membrane.
Example: Reverse osmosis is a common technology in modern water desalination plants. -
Electrodialysis /ɪˌlɛktrəʊdaɪˈælɪkəˌsɪs/ (noun): A process that uses electrical current to remove ions from the water supply.
Example: Electrodialysis is less commonly used than reverse osmosis but still effective in desalination. -
Solar-Powered /ˈsəʊlər ˈpaʊərd/ (adj.): Describing a technology or device that runs using solar energy.
Example: Solar-powered desalination is becoming more popular due to its energy efficiency. -
Membrane Distillation /ˈmɛmˌbreɪn dɪsˈtɪl.neɪʃən/ (noun): A separation process that uses a membrane to evaporate and condense fresh water from saltwater.
Example: The innovation of membrane distillation has reduced energy costs in water desalination. -
Forward Osmosis /ˈfɔːrwərd ɒzˈməʊsɪs/ (noun): A process where water naturally moves from lower to higher concentration due to the osmotic gradient, often used in desalination.
Example: Forward osmosis is considered more energy-efficient compared to reverse osmosis. -
Freshwater /ˈfrɛʃˌwɔːtər/ (noun): Water that is not salty, especially when compared to seawater.
Example: Freshwater supplies are crucial for human consumption and agriculture. -
Sustainability /səˈsteɪnəbɪlɪti/ (noun): The capacity to maintain environmental balance by avoiding depletion of natural resources.
Example: Solar-powered desalination plants are imperative for achieving long-term sustainability. -
Arid /ˈærɪd/ (adj.): Describing areas with little or no rainfall; dry.
Example: Arid regions greatly benefit from the advancements in desalination technology.
Conclusion
Mastering the Summarize Written Text section of the PTE exam requires practice and familiarity with recurring topics, such as innovations in desalination technology. These exercises not only improve your writing skills but also expand your knowledge of critical technologies addressing the global water crisis. We encourage you to practice these questions regularly to enhance your test performance.
Feel free to share your thoughts or results in the comments below. Happy practicing!
