Green Technology in Building Construction: PTE Summarize Written Text Practice

In the PTE Academic exam, the Summarize Written Text task is a significant component of the Speaking and Writing section. Candidates are required to read a passage and provide a summary in one sentence. Green Technology In Building Construction is a key topic that carries increasing relevance in the modern world. This article provides candidates with realistic practice questions, specifically focused on green technology in building construction, along with example answers and a detailed breakdown of PTE scoring criteria.

Why Green Technology in Building Construction is Important for PTE Writing?

Green technology or sustainable construction refers to the practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient. This concept is becoming pivotal in urban planning and architecture due to increasing concerns about climate change, energy consumption, and resource wastage in construction projects. Including this topic in your Summarize Written Text preparation helps ensure you’re familiar with real-world issues that may frequently appear in PTE exam passages. Explore Energy-efficient architecture in cities to learn more about its significance.

Sustainable building with solar panels and green roof

Summarize Written Text Practice Questions

Below are sample Summarize Written Text questions for practicing, based on real-world content related to green technology in building construction. Each question includes a passage, followed by multiple response examples reflecting various performance levels.

Practice Question #1

Green building technology encourages the use of sustainable materials in construction. Recycled steel and concrete are two major alternatives that reduce carbon emissions, energy consumption, and material waste. Additionally, solar panels and wind turbines integrated within construction designs provide renewable energy. Such innovations reduce dependence on non-renewable energy sources and minimize environmental degradation. Furthermore, green roofs help insulate buildings, thereby reducing heating and cooling costs, making the buildings even more energy-efficient.

Summarize the passage in one sentence.

High Score (Band 79+)

Green building technology reduces carbon emissions, minimizes environmental impact, and improves energy efficiency by using sustainable materials and integrating renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines.

• Content: Excellent coverage of key points.
• Form: Correct length, concise.
• Grammar: Great use of complex structures.
• Vocabulary: Advanced terminology used appropriately (minimizes, renewable energy).
• Spelling: No issues.

Medium Score (Band 65-79)

Green technology in construction helps the environment by using recycled materials and creating energy-efficient buildings with solar panels and wind turbines.

• Content: Most key points included, but lacks depth.
• Form: Well formed.
• Grammar: Some variation in sentence structure.
• Vocabulary: Simpler, but sufficient.
• Spelling: No errors.

Low Score (Band 50-65)

Green technology is used in construction to reduce energy and environmental impact.

• Content: Misses several key points (specifics on materials, methods).
• Form: Minimal sentence, below word limit.
• Grammar: Simple sentence structure with minor errors.
• Vocabulary: Very basic.
• Spelling: Correct, but limited vocabulary.

Practice Question #2

Green technology seeks to improve the sustainability of the construction industry by ensuring that building designs are energy-efficient and eco-friendly. Technologies such as geothermal heating, rainwater harvesting systems, and high-performance insulation provide a reduction of carbon footprint while reducing utility costs. Moreover, the use of such eco-friendly innovations creates less waste and encourages the reuse of natural resources in harmony with their surroundings.

Summarize the passage in one sentence.

High Score (Band 79+)

Green technology in construction promotes sustainability by incorporating geothermal heating, rainwater systems, and high-performance insulation to minimize carbon emissions and reduce waste.

• Content: All critical points included, clear.
• Form: Well-formed sentence.
• Grammar: Faultless complex sentence.
• Vocabulary: High-level vocabulary (minimize, sustainability, incorporation).
• Spelling: Accurate.

Medium Score (Band 65-79)

Sustainable construction technologies such as geothermal heating and rainwater harvesting reduce waste, emissions, and utility costs.

• Content: Covers most major points.
• Form: Correct, slightly shorter than recommended.
• Grammar: Sound, though lacking complexity.
• Vocabulary: Adequate, though not expansive.
• Spelling: Correct, no issues.

Low Score (Band 50-65)

Green technology in construction focuses on reducing energy and improving sustainability.

• Content: Misses key points (technologies).
• Form: Too short.
• Grammar: Simplistic.
• Vocabulary: Minimal use of topic-related terms.
• Spelling: Fine, but lacks varied word choice.

Key Vocabulary for Green Technology in Building Construction

To score well in the Summarize Written Text task of the PTE, a solid command of relevant vocabulary is crucial. Below are 10 useful terms related to green technology in construction:

1. Sustainable /səˈsteɪnəbl/ (adj.)

   • Definition: Capable of being maintained at a steady level without depleting natural resources.
   • Example: Sustainable materials are key in eco-friendly building designs.

2. Renewable energy /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈɛnəʤi/ (n.)

   • Definition: Energy from sources that do not deplete over time, like wind or solar power.
   • Example: The building is powered entirely by renewable energy.

3. Eco-friendly /ˈiːkəʊ ˈfrɛndli/ (adj.)

   • Definition: Having little or no impact on the environment.
   • Example: The project employed eco-friendly practices throughout.

4. Carbon emissions /ˈkɑːbən ɪˈmɪʃənz/ (n.)

   • Definition: The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
   • Example: The new insulation helped cut carbon emissions by 50%.

5. Insulation /ˌɪnsjʊˈleɪʃ(ə)n/ (n.)

   • Definition: Material used to prevent heat, sound, or electricity from escaping.
   • Example: High-performance insulation reduces the need for energy consumption.

6. Geothermal heating /ˌʤiːə(ʊ)ˈθɜːməl ˈhiːtɪŋ/ (n.)

   • Definition: The process of using heat from beneath the Earth’s surface to provide warmth.
   • Example: The building uses geothermal heating to lower energy costs.

7. Rainwater harvesting /ˈreɪnˌwɔːtə ˈhɑːvɪstɪŋ/ (n.)

   • Definition: Collecting and storing rainwater for future use.
   • Example: Rainwater harvesting is an important part of the building’s water supply system.

8. Carbon footprint /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ (n.)

   • Definition: The total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual or entity.
   • Example: Green construction helps reduce the carbon footprint of cities.

9. Waste reduction /weɪst rɪˈdʌkʃən/ (n.)

   • Definition: The process of reducing the amount of waste produced.
   • Example: One objective of the design was achieving better waste reduction.

10. Energy-efficient /ˈɛnəʤi-ɪˈfɪʃənt/ (adj.)

    • Definition: Using less energy to achieve the same output.
    • Example: Solar panels make the building highly energy-efficient.

Rainwater harvesting system on an eco-friendly building

Conclusion

Green technology in building construction presents a crucial topic that is increasingly relevant in the PTE Summarize Written Text tasks. Practicing questions related to this theme improves your ability to grasp complex real-world content and organize it cohesively into your summaries. Explore our resources like Eco-friendly innovations in construction for deeper insights, and keep refining your PTE writing skills by practicing related questions. Leave a comment if you need more practice material or advice!