The Summarize Written Text task in the PTE Speaking & Writing section often incorporates crucial contemporary topics, such as the growing significance of renewable energy in national security. In this section, we will explore this pressing matter, present a model test prompt, and provide multiple sample responses with a detailed analysis of content, grammar, and other relevant criteria for the PTE exam.
Importance of Renewable Energy in National Security
The theme of renewable energy’s role in national security is gaining increasing attention in the world of international politics and global development. With the rise of diverse energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, nations are no longer solely dependent on fossil fuels, which can increase vulnerability to international conflicts or economic crises.
Renewable energy minimizes reliance on fossil fuels for national security
To help you practice effectively for the PTE exam, below is a Summarize Written Text task based on this crucial subject.
Summarize Written Text Model Task
Read the following passage and summarize it in one sentence. Your response should be between 5 to 75 words.
The growing adoption of renewable energy resources such as wind and solar not only reduces a nation’s carbon footprint but also enhances national security by reducing dependence on foreign oil imports. Countries reliant on fossil fuels often face energy insecurity when geopolitical tensions arise, causing disruptions in supply chains and price volatility. Renewable energy provides a reliable alternative, fostering energy independence, mitigating the risks of international conflicts, and contributing to long-term stability by shifting to cleaner, domestically-sourced energy solutions. Many governments are also investing heavily in green infrastructure, recognizing the dual benefits of safeguarding their national security while addressing urgent climate challenges.
Summarize the text in one sentence.
Sample Responses and Analysis
Band 90 (High Score Response)
By adopting renewable energy, nations can reduce their reliance on foreign fuel imports, enhance national security, and address climate change while fostering energy independence and stability.
Analysis:
- Content: Complete and accurate recognition of key points – reliance on renewable energy for both national security and environmental benefits.
- Form: Well-structured, concise (24 words).
- Grammar: Excellent control over complex sentence structures.
- Vocabulary: Uses specific, topic-related terms such as “enhance”, “national security”, “climate change”, “energy independence”.
- Spelling: Perfect.
Band 75 (Proficient Response)
Nations adopting renewable energy can gain energy independence and improve security by reducing the reliance on imported fossil fuels, which are vulnerable to geopolitical tensions.
Analysis:
- Content: Successful identification of the key ideas, though omits minor details about climate change and stability.
- Form: Concise (21 words), effective sentence.
- Grammar: Proper use of sentence structure; grammatically correct.
- Vocabulary: Strong, topic-centric terms such as “energy independence”, “geopolitical tensions”, “fossil fuels”.
- Spelling: Correct.
Band 65 (Moderate Response)
Countries using renewable energy can lessen their dependence on foreign fuel, which helps with security and improves stability by reducing risks related to fossil fuels.
Analysis:
- Content: Captures the essential idea, though lacks depth regarding specific advantages like climate benefits.
- Form: Sufficiently concise (23 words).
- Grammar: Adequately constructed, although shorter and simpler sentence structures could improve fluidity.
- Vocabulary: Basic terms used; lacks depth (e.g., “helps with security” rather than “enhances national security”).
- Spelling: Correct.
Band 50 (Basic Response)
Nations that use renewable energy make their country safer from foreign threats and prevent energy issues from causing problems in the future.
Analysis:
- Content: Touches on the broad concept but lacks detail and specificity regarding national security and geopolitical aspects.
- Form: Simple and unvaried structure (19 words).
- Grammar: Basic use of grammar; lacks complexity.
- Vocabulary: General terms, simplistic language (“make their country safer”, “energy issues”).
- Spelling: Correct.
Band 40 (Low Score Response)
Renewable energy makes countries less reliant on foreign power and keeps them safe.
Analysis:
- Content: The response simplifies the original passage excessively, omitting critical details about security, geopolitical risks, and environmental impact.
- Form: Very short (10 words); much below the required word count.
- Grammar: Flawless but extremely elementary.
- Vocabulary: Overly simplistic, vague (“keeps them safe”).
- Spelling: Correct.
Vocabulary and Grammar Focus
In this practice task, several topic-specific vocabulary words are used, which may be challenging for test-takers. Below are 10 key words with their meanings and usage examples:
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Adoption /əˈdɑːpʃən/ (n) – The act of accepting something enthusiastically.
- Example: The adoption of renewable energy technologies is vital for national sustainability.
-
Carbon footprint /ˈkɑːr.bən ˈfʊt.prɪnt/ (n) – The amount of carbon dioxide emissions for which an individual or organization is responsible.
- Example: Reducing our carbon footprint is essential to combat climate change.
-
Fossil fuels /ˈfɑːsəl ˈfjuːəlz/ (n) – Non-renewable energy sources like coal, oil, and natural gas.
- Example: Over-dependence on fossil fuels can lead to energy insecurity.
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Geopolitical /ˌdʒiːoʊpəˈlɪtɪkəl/ (adj) – Relating to politics, especially international relations, influenced by geographical factors.
- Example: Energy security is often threatened by geopolitical conflicts.
-
Renewable energy /rɪˈnuː ə bəl ˈɛnərdʒi/ (n) – Energy generated from natural sources that are replenished constantly, like solar or wind power.
- Example: Investing in renewable energy has become a priority for many governments.
Examples of renewable energy sources including solar and wind
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Energy independence /ˈɛnərdʒi ɪndɪˈpɛndəns/ (n) – A state in which a country does not rely on imported energy sources for its energy needs.
- Example: Energy independence can enhance national security and stabilize energy markets.
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Supply chain /səˈplaɪ tʃeɪn/ (n) – The sequence of processes involved in the production and distribution of a commodity.
- Example: Disruptions in the energy supply chain can have severe economic impacts.
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Volatile /ˈvɑːl ə təl/ (adj) – Likely to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse.
- Example: Fossil fuel prices are notoriously volatile due to global market fluctuations.
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Mitigate /ˈmɪtɪˌɡeɪt/ (v) – To make something less severe or harmful.
- Example: Renewable energy can mitigate the risks of resource-based conflicts.
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Infrastructure /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ (n) – Basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
- Example: Green infrastructure investments are key to transitioning to cleaner energy solutions.
Conclusion
Renewable energy plays an essential role in national security by reducing dependency on foreign fuels, fostering energy independence, and mitigating risks from geopolitical events or market volatilities. Given the increasing prominence of this issue in the Summarize Written Text section of the PTE exam, regular practice with realistic tasks like the one above is crucial for achieving high scores.
Feel free to explore other related topics, such as Renewable energy and job creation or delve deeper into Renewable energy’s role in climate action, to further broaden your understanding of this subject.
