Practice Summarize Written Text – The Role of Education in Sustainable Development

In the Pearson Test of English (PTE) exam, the Summarize Written Text task within the Speaking & Writing section is crucial. Here, you’ll be required to summarize a given passage into one sentence, capturing the main idea while maintaining clarity, specificity, and adhering to formal grammar rules. One key topic that frequently appears is sustainable development and education’s role in promoting it — a global concern that resonates with many test-takers.

Below are sample Summarize Written Text practice questions related to the theme of “Education’s role in sustainable development”. Use them to improve your skills and enhance your approach to exam preparation.

Sample Summarize Written Text Questions on Education’s Role in Sustainable Development

Question 1:

Education plays a pivotal role in advancing sustainable development as it empowers individuals with critical thinking skills, awareness of environmental challenges, and the ability to take informed actions. It fosters the growth of global citizenship, equipping learners with knowledge and values necessary for promoting sustainability. Sustainable development also calls for an inclusive and equitable education system, breaking the cycle of poverty by offering equal opportunities, especially for children in developing regions. More so, countries worldwide have adopted strategies like the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) initiative, aiming to introduce sustainable development concepts in schools to prepare future leaders for unresolved global issues.

Summarize the paragraph in one sentence.

Sample Responses:

Band 90 Response:

Education plays a critical role in promoting sustainable development by equipping individuals with environmental awareness, critical thinking, and values necessary for global citizenship, and fostering inclusive systems that reduce poverty.

Analysis:

• Content: Full coverage including critical thinking, environmental awareness, and global citizenship principles.
• Form: Adheres to the single sentence requirement and proper length.
• Grammar: Accurate usage of complex structures.
• Vocabulary: Uses appropriate academic terminology such as “equipping,” “sustainable development,” and “global citizenship.”
• Spelling: Correct spelling throughout.

Band 70 Response:

Education helps sustainable development by teaching people about environmental issues and fostering equality through informed decision-making, especially in developing regions.

Analysis:

• Content: Covers most key ideas but misses the specific mention of global citizenship and the ESD initiative.
• Form: Meets the one-sentence requirement.
• Grammar: Lightly simplified sentence structure but grammatically correct.
• Vocabulary: Limited variety but appropriate terminology.
• Spelling: No spelling mistakes.

Band 50 Response:

Education teaches people about the environment and helps to give poor people a chance to have a better future.

Analysis:

• Content: Lacks key points such as critical thinking, global citizenship, and the systematic role of education.
• Form: Understandable but overly simplified with limited connection between ideas.
• Grammar: Straightforward structure with no complex grammar use.
• Vocabulary: Basic language, missing academic terms.
• Spelling: Correct with no major errors.

Students learning about sustainable development in classroom

Question 2:

The interconnection between education and sustainable development is evident, as education provides the foundation for enabling society’s transition towards sustainability. Learners develop competencies, including problem-solving, innovation, and the ability to produce viable solutions for environmental challenges. Education systems that integrate sustainable development create heightened awareness of global issues, encouraging responsibility for today’s and future generations’ welfare. The relationship between quality education and sustainable progress is so vital that it is enshrined as Goal 4 in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting education’s importance for equitable and inclusive development worldwide.

Summarize the paragraph in one sentence.

Sample Responses:

Band 90 Response:

Education is fundamental to society’s transition towards sustainability by equipping learners with problem-solving skills, raising awareness of global issues, and serving as a pillar in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Band 70 Response:

Education supports sustainable development by teaching problem-solving and creating global awareness, which are necessary for addressing future challenges.

Band 50 Response:

Education helps people solve problems and understand the importance of sustainability for future generations.

Classroom setting discussing SDGs and sustainability concepts

Vocabulary and Grammar Insights

Here are 10 advanced vocabulary terms from the sample passages that may strengthen your Summarize Written Text responses:

1. Pivotal (/ˈpɪvətl/): Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something.

   • Education has a pivotal role in promoting sustainable development.

2. Empower (/ɪmˈpaʊər/): Give someone the authority or power to do something.

   • Education empowers people to make informed decisions about the environment.

3. Informed (/ɪnˈfɔːrmd/): Having or showing knowledge of a subject or situation.

   • Informed citizens are more likely to take sustainable actions.

4. Global citizenship (/ˈɡloʊbl ˈsɪtɪzənʃɪp/): A phrase defining the responsibility of individuals to contribute to the community and world.

   • Students are taught the values of global citizenship through education.

5. Inclusive (/ɪnˈkluːsɪv/): Not excluding any section of society.

   • An inclusive education promotes equal opportunities for all students.

6. Foster (/ˈfɒstər/): Encourage or promote the development of something.

   • Learning systems foster environmental awareness.

7. Viable (/ˈvaɪəbl/): Capable of working successfully.

   • Learners must develop viable solutions to environmental problems.

8. Heightened (/ˈhaɪtənd/): Intensified or made stronger.

   • Education creates heightened awareness of global sustainability issues.

9. Foundation (/faʊnˈdeɪʃn/): The basis on which something is grounded.

   • Education forms the foundation for sustainable development.

10. Equitable (/ˈɛkwɪtəbl/): Fair and impartial.

    • Governments should focus on providing equitable access to education.

Students learning SD-related vocabulary in a workshop

Conclusion

In PTE’s Summarize Written Text task, the topic of “Education’s role in sustainable development” is both relevant and prevalent. Understanding how to effectively condense complex ideas into a single, cohesive sentence is an essential skill. By practicing regularly with realistic examples and highlighting key details, you’ll not only enhance your time management but also boost your scores.

If you have more questions or want to practice further, feel free to leave a comment below!