Summarize Written Text in PTE: Space Debris and Its Environmental Risks

Example Summarize Written Text Question on Space Debris

Below is a sample exercise that simulates what you might encounter during your PTE test. You are required to summarize the written text in one sentence of no more than 75 words.

Sample Task

The term “space debris” refers to defunct man-made objects left in Earth’s orbit, including parts of old satellites and discarded rocket stages. This growing accumulation of debris poses a risk to operational spacecraft, leading to potential collisions and the release of even more debris. As a result, the worsening debris field can threaten essential services like weather monitoring, global communication, and GPS navigation, while also increasing the environmental impact on space and Earth’s atmosphere.

Summarize the written text in one sentence.

Sample Answers for Different Band Scores

Band 90+

Space debris, which consists of inactive human-made objects in Earth’s orbit, increases risks of collisions with operational satellites, leading to further debris generation and posing significant hazards to essential services such as communication, navigation, and weather forecasting.

• Content: Accurately covers all key details related to debris, its risks, and the affected services.
• Form: One sentence with no more than 75 words.
• Grammar: Correct usage of tenses and subject-verb agreement.
• Vocabulary: Specific and precise vocabulary describing “space debris” and “operational satellites.”
• Spelling: No mistakes.

Band 79-85

Space debris, including old satellite parts and discarded rocket stages, poses a growing threat to operational spacecraft and critical services like navigation and communication through potential collisions.

• Content: Captures most key elements but does not elaborate on the environmental impact.
• Form: One sentence, within the word limit.
• Grammar: Proper use of sentence structure.
• Vocabulary: Good use of terms like “pose a threat” and “operational spacecraft.”
• Spelling: No spelling errors.

Band 65-78

Space debris is made up of old satellites and other objects that can cause collisions and endanger services like weather monitoring and communication.

• Content: The basic idea is conveyed, but some details such as environmental impact and increasing debris are missing.
• Form: Correct structure and length.
• Grammar: Overall fine, though slightly simpler sentence formation.
• Vocabulary: Basic terms like “old satellites” and “cause collisions” are used.
• Spelling: No errors.

Band 50-64

Space debris is harmful to satellites and affects services like communication.

• Content: Information lost; lacks details about collisions or environmental risks.
• Form: A single sentence but overly simple.
• Grammar: The sentence is grammatically correct but lacks complexity.
• Vocabulary: Limited, repetitive use of simple words.
• Spelling: No errors.

Vocabulary and Grammar Analysis

Let’s break down some of the advanced vocabulary and grammar seen in the sample text and answers:

1. Defunct (/dɪ’fʌŋkt/) – no longer in use or functioning.
   Example: The satellite has become defunct after years in orbit.

2. Accumulate (/əˈkjuːmjʊleɪt/) – to collect or gather, often gradually.
   Example: Space debris accumulates as more objects enter orbit.

3. Collision (/kəˈlɪʒn/) – an impact between two moving objects.
   Example: The collision between two satellites generated even more debris.

4. Operational (/ˌɒpəˈreɪʃənl/) – functional and usable for its intended purpose.
   Example: The operational spacecraft avoided a dangerous collision.

5. Hazard (/ˈhæzərd/) – a danger or risk.
   Example: Space debris creates a significant hazard for space missions.

6. Impact (/ˈɪmpækt/) – the action of one object coming forcibly into contact with another; also the effect or influence of something.
   Example: The environmental impact of space debris could be catastrophic.

7. Threaten (/ˈθrɛtn/) – pose a danger to something.
   Example: The continued rise of space debris threatens essential services.

8. GPS Navigation (/ˌdʒiːpiːˈɛs ˌnævɪˈɡeɪʃn/) – a system that determines one’s exact location on Earth.
   Example: GPS navigation could be disrupted by collisions with space debris.

9. Discarded (/dɪsˈkɑːdɪd/) – to throw away or abandon something.
   Example: Many parts of old rockets are discarded and left orbiting Earth.

10. Worsening (/ˈwɜːsənɪŋ/) – becoming progressively worse.
    Example: The worsening space debris field is becoming a significant issue for satellites.

Conclusion

The topic of “Space debris and its environmental risks” frequently appears in PTE Summarize Written Text tasks due to its importance and relevance to modern science, technology, and environmental concerns. By practicing with sample questions like the one above, you can improve not only your ability to summarize effectively but also your understanding of critical global issues. Don’t forget to check out more on space debris and its management to further familiarize yourself with this topic and its intricacies.

For all test-takers, remember that practice and exposure to diverse topics are key to success in the PTE exam. Share your experiences or questions in the comment section and keep honing your skills!