Public transportation systems play an essential role in smart cities, improving mobility, reducing traffic congestion, and contributing to environmental sustainability. In the Summarize Written Text section of the PTE exam, topics regarding public transport are commonly discussed due to their relevance to urban development, technological advancements, and environmental challenges. In this article, we provide PTE candidates with a sample task, a breakdown of model responses at different band levels, and an analysis of critical aspects such as grammar, vocabulary, and spelling.
Sample Task: Summarize Written Text on Public Transportation Systems in Smart Cities
Public transportation systems in smart cities have seen a remarkable transformation over the past decade, driven by technological innovation and growing concerns about the environment. With advancements in AI, real-time data analysis, and renewable energy integration, smart cities are able to create efficient, sustainable, and user-friendly transportation networks. These systems not only alleviate urban traffic but also help in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which are a major contributor to climate change. Furthermore, public transportation in smart cities has also become more inclusive, offering accessibility features for people with disabilities and providing affordable options for low-income groups.
Using only one sentence, summarize the main points of the text.
Band 90 Response:
Public transportation systems in smart cities have improved significantly due to advances in AI and renewable energy, leading to reduced traffic, lower emissions, and increased accessibility and affordability for various groups.
Content: Fully captures all key aspects including technological advances, sustainability, and inclusiveness.
Form: Perfectly within the 5-75 word limit.
Grammar: Flawless grammar with no errors.
Vocabulary: Uses advanced vocabulary such as “inclusive” and “renewable energy integration.”
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band 80 Response:
Smart cities now have better public transportation systems that reduce traffic, lower emissions, and are more accessible and affordable for all types of people.
Content: Covers most key points but lacks mention of AI and data use.
Form: Meets word limit requirements.
Grammar: Well-structured with no mistakes.
Vocabulary: Uses a good range of vocabulary but avoids overly complex terms.
Spelling: No spelling mistakes.
Band 65 Response:
Public transportation in smart cities is now more efficient because of technology and it helps in lowering emissions and making transport inclusive.
Content: Covers main ideas, but the mention of affordability and traffic reduction is missing.
Form: Within the word limit.
Grammar: Minor issue with subject-verb agreement (“it helps”).
Vocabulary: Relatively simple but appropriate.
Spelling: Accurate spelling.
Band 50 Response:
Transportation in smart cities has been improved with technology and it helps reduce pollution.
Content: Misses key details such as inclusivity, affordability, and traffic reduction.
Form: Within acceptable word count.
Grammar: Basic sentence structure, lacks complexity.
Vocabulary: Simple language with limited range.
Spelling: Correct spelling.
Vocabulary and Grammar Focus
Below is a selection of vocabulary from the passage, along with phonetic transcription, meanings, and examples of their use in context to aid in your preparation:
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Sustainability (/səˌsteɪnəˈbɪlɪti/): Noun, the ability to be maintained or continued over time, especially without depleting resources or causing environmental harm.
- Example: Sustainability is a core principle of modern urban planning in smart cities.
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Congestion (/kənˈdʒɛstʃən/): Noun, overcrowding, particularly in terms of urban traffic.
- Example: Public transportation helps reduce congestion in densely populated urban areas.
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Renewable Energy (/rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈɛnədʒi/): Noun, energy from natural sources that are replenished, such as solar or wind power.
- Example: Cities are increasingly relying on renewable energy to power their public transport networks.
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Accessibility (/æksɛsɪˈbɪlɪti/): Noun, the quality of being easy to reach, use, or understand; often related to public services being available to people with disabilities.
- Example: The new subway system’s design prioritizes accessibility for users with physical disabilities.
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Inclusiveness (/ɪnˈkluːsɪvnəs/): Noun, the practice or policy of including people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized.
- Example: Modern smart cities focus on inclusiveness by ensuring affordable and disability-friendly public transport.
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Emission (/ɪˈmɪʃən/): Noun, the act of sending out something, in this case, particularly harmful gases or substances.
- Example: By switching to electric buses, the city has significantly cut down on carbon emissions.
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Affordability (/əˌfɔːdəˈbɪlɪti/): Noun, the state of being within one’s financial means.
- Example: Developing affordable public transit options is key to promoting its use among lower-income populations.
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Efficiency (/ɪˈfɪʃənsi/): Noun, the ability to accomplish a task using the least amount of time or resources.
- Example: The efficiency of public transportation is a critical factor for reducing congestion in smart cities.
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Integration (/ˌɪntɪˈgreɪʃən/): Noun, the process of combining different systems or entities to function together as one.
- Example: The integration of AI technology has made it easier to manage public transportation systems in real time.
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Mobility (/məʊˈbɪlɪti/): Noun, the ability to move freely and easily.
- Example: Public transportation improves urban mobility while reducing dependence on personal vehicles.
Conclusion
The subject of Public Transportation Systems In Smart Cities is prominent in Summarize Written Text tasks in the PTE exam due to its relevance in today’s urban planning and environmental discourse. Practicing with our sample tasks helps candidates understand the essential aspects of content, grammar, and vocabularies, such as those related to sustainable urban development. If you’re looking to refine your skills further, consider reviewing related topics such as Public transportation in smart cities or Renewable energy integration into cities for a broader understanding of this key issue.
Public transport is not just about moving people—it’s about creating sustainable, inclusive, and efficient cities. Ready to share your thoughts? Feel free to leave a comment with your practice summaries!
