Summarize Written Text in PTE: Carbon Capture and Storage Technology

The Summarize Written Text section in the PTE Speaking and Writing test challenges test-takers to condense complex texts into one clear, concise sentence. In this article, we will provide you with practice tasks specifically focused on “Carbon Capture And Storage Technology,” a topic that is increasingly relevant due to its role in mitigating climate change.

By practicing with these sample tasks, you will not only improve your PTE summarization skills but also enhance your comprehension of key concepts related to energy and environmental technology. Additionally, you can explore topics like Renewable energy and carbon neutrality to deepen your understanding of the broader context.

Sample PTE Task: Summarize Written Text – Carbon Capture and Storage Technology

Task 1 Prompt:

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a technology designed to prevent the release of large quantities of CO2 into the atmosphere. It involves capturing the carbon dioxide produced by power stations, factories, and other industrial sources, then transporting it to a storage site, often deep underground in geological formations. CCS is emerging as a necessary tool to address greenhouse gas emissions because renewable energy sources alone may not be enough to meet global carbon reduction targets. Despite its potential, the widespread adoption of CCS faces significant challenges, including high costs, public skepticism, and regulatory hurdles. Thus, while it is crucial for advancing toward global carbon neutrality, CCS remains a technology still in its infancy and requires more investment to become viable on a large scale.

Write one sentence that best summarizes the text.

Carbon Capture and Storage technology helping mitigate CO2 emissions

Sample Responses and Evaluation:

Score Band: 90 (High)
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology is essential for mitigating global CO2 emissions, but its high costs, public skepticism, and regulatory barriers make widespread adoption challenging despite its potential to complement renewable energy sources in achieving carbon neutrality.

• Content: The response fully covers the core aspects of the text, including the importance of CCS and the challenges it faces.
• Form: The sentence is well-structured and concise.
• Grammar: Excellent use of parallel structures and complex sentences.
• Vocabulary: Strong, appropriate word choice like “mitigating,” “potential,” and “complement” demonstrate a robust vocabulary.
• Spelling: Error-free.

Score Band: 75 (Competent)
CCS is a technology that can reduce CO2 emissions, but it faces problems like cost issues and public concerns, making its large-scale adoption slower.

• Content: Covers the key points but misses the connection to renewable energy sources.
• Form: The sentence is clear but could be more concise by merging phrases.
• Grammar: Instances of redundancy can be avoided.
• Vocabulary: Adequate but could be stronger with varied word choice.
• Spelling: No errors.

Score Band: 65 (Average)
Carbon capture technology is good for the environment, but it’s expensive and people are not sure about it.

• Content: The general idea is correct, but key points like transportation, storage, and regulatory issues are missing.
• Form: The sentence is too simplistic for an academic setting.
• Grammar: Simple sentence structure, lacking complexity.
• Vocabulary: Basic and not diverse enough for higher scoring bands.
• Spelling: No spelling errors, but word choice could be improved.

Task 2: Summarize Written Text – CCS and Global Climate Goals

Task 2 Prompt:

Scientists and industrial experts agree that Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) will play an increasingly important role in the global effort to combat climate change. The International Energy Agency suggests that CCS could contribute to reducing emissions by 19% by 2050, a target that aligns with the global aim of reaching net-zero emissions. However, to achieve these ambitious goals, a combination of policy support, technological innovations, and significant financial investments is vital. Current CCS projects are limited, primarily because of high operation costs and the absence of a strong market incentive for the private sector to adopt such technologies. In contrast, other clean technologies, like solar and wind power, have rapidly advanced due to decreasing costs and stronger market demand.

Write one sentence that best summarizes the text.

CCS contributing to net-zero targets with challenges in cost and policy

Sample Responses and Evaluation:

Score Band: 90 (High)
While Carbon Capture and Storage is crucial to reaching net-zero emissions, overcoming its high costs and lack of market incentives will require stronger policy, technological developments, and investments.

• Content: The summary captures the essential points: the significance of CCS, its current challenges, and the need for policy and innovation.
• Form: Well-structured and covers all key points concisely.
• Grammar: Accurate use of complex sentence structures.
• Vocabulary: Strong, with correct specific terms like “market incentives” and “net-zero emissions.”
• Spelling: Error-free.

Score Band: 75 (Competent)
Although CCS can help reduce carbon emissions, it’s currently expensive and needs more investment and government support to be more widely used.

• Content: Good grasp of the core idea but lacks the specific data from the prompt (e.g., the 19% reduction by 2050).
• Form: Clear but could be more precise.
• Grammar: Correct, though structural improvements could be made.
• Vocabulary: Sufficient but could be more varied.
• Spelling: No mistakes.

Score Band: 65 (Average)
Carbon Capture and Storage is helpful, but it’s too expensive, and the market isn’t interested.

• Content: Misses the broader points such as the need for growth in technology and policy support.
• Form: Sentence is too short and lacks complexity.
• Grammar: Basic sentence construction without rich variety.
• Vocabulary: Simplistic, insufficient for a higher score.
• Spelling: Spelling is correct, but word choice could be more sophisticated.

Vocabulary and Grammar Focus

Here are 10 challenging vocabulary words used in the tasks, along with their meanings, pronunciation, and usage examples:

1. Mitigating (/ˈmɪtɪɡeɪtɪŋ/): To make something less severe or serious.
   Example: The company is mitigating its carbon footprint through technological innovations.

2. Complement (/ˈkɒmplɪment/): Something that completes or enhances something else.
   Example: CCS will complement renewable energy in reducing emissions.

3. Ambitious (/æmˈbɪʃəs/): Having a strong desire for success or achievement.
   Example: The world has set ambitious climate goals for 2050.

4. Skepticism (/ˈskɛptɪsɪzəm/): Doubt as to the truth or utility of something.
   Example: Public skepticism remains a challenge for the adoption of CCS technology.

5. Neutrality (/njuːˈtrælɪti/): The state of not supporting either side in a conflict or disagreement.
   Example: Carbon neutrality will be a major milestone for the global community.

6. Incentive (/ɪnˈsɛntɪv/): Something that motivates an individual to perform an action.
   Example: Tax incentives could boost the development of solar power.

7. Viable (/ˈvaɪəbl/): Capable of working successfully; feasible.
   Example: CCS needs to become a more viable option as we transition to a green economy.

8. Regulatory (/ˈreɡjʊlətəri/): Concerning rules or regulations.
   Example: The regulatory framework needs to be more adaptable to new technologies.

9. Adoption (/əˈdɒpʃən/): The action or fact of choosing to take up, follow, or use something.
   Example: The slow adoption of CCS is partly due to high upfront costs.

10. Geological (/ˌdʒiːəˈlɒdʒɪkl/): Relating to the science concerned with the earth’s physical structure and substance.
    Example: Geological formations are considered ideal storage sites for captured CO2.

Conclusion

Mastering the skill of summarizing written texts in the PTE exam is crucial, especially when faced with topics of growing global importance such as “Carbon Capture and Storage Technology.” These tasks are realistic representations of what you can expect in the exam. By practicing them, you’ll gain insight into structuring high-scoring responses.

Remember, regular practice and familiarity with topics like Energy storage solutions for renewable power can contribute significantly to your exam success. Please feel free to share your attempts or ask any questions in the comments below!