In the PTE exam, the Summarize Written Text
Example Summarize Written Text Tasks
Task 1: The Emotional Toll of Climate Change
In recent years, the emotional and psychological toll of climate change has become evident, particularly among vulnerable populations. Studies reveal that individuals who have experienced natural disasters, such as hurricanes, wildfires, and floods, report long-lasting feelings of anxiety, depression, and grief. These mental health effects are closely linked to the loss of homes, livelihoods, and community support systems. In addition, the gradual and more insidious consequences of climate change, such as rising sea levels and extreme heat, can exacerbate mental health problems by creating a sense of uncertainty and helplessness among affected populations. This phenomenon, now known as ‘eco-anxiety,’ is increasingly affecting youth who are particularly concerned about the state of the planet they will inherit.
Your task: Summarize the main ideas of the passage in one sentence.
Task 2: Climate-Induced Stress in Urban Areas
As the climate continues to change, stress induced by environmental degradation is expected to rise, especially in rapidly urbanizing regions. Heatwaves, air pollution, and water scarcity are some of the environmental factors driving up levels of psychological distress in many cities around the world, disproportionately affecting low-income residents. People living in crowded urban environments with insufficient green spaces are often more exposed to these stressors, leading to both physical and mental health challenges. Chronic stress and anxiety triggered by environmental concerns, alongside the inability to adapt due to limited resources, exacerbate inequality and vulnerability in urban populations.
Your task: Summarize the main ideas of the passage in one sentence.
Model Answers and Breakdown
Answer for Task 1
Band 90:
Climate change worsens mental health by increasing anxiety, depression, and ‘eco-anxiety’ among vulnerable and especially young populations, particularly following natural disasters and gradual environmental degradation.
- Content: This answer accurately captures all the key points, including vulnerable populations, specific mental health outcomes, and the concern among youth.
- Form: Single sentence under 75 words.
- Grammar: Complex sentence with correct grammar.
- Vocabulary: Appropriate use of terms like “vulnerable populations” and “eco-anxiety.”
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 75:
Facing natural disasters and slow climate changes, people experience anxiety, depression, and grief, which are made worse by the growing concern about the planet’s future.
- Content: Captures the main ideas but doesn’t mention youth’s concerns specifically.
- Form: A single complete sentence under 75 words.
- Grammar: Good range but not as complex as Band 90.
- Vocabulary: Adequate, though less specific. Misses the term “eco-anxiety.”
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 65:
Climate change causes anxiety and depression in people, especially when faced with disasters.
- Content: Limited; covers only the basics like anxiety and disasters while missing eco-anxiety and several details.
- Form: Single sentence, meets word count.
- Grammar: Simple but accurate.
- Vocabulary: Simple and lacks specificity.
- Spelling: No errors.
Answer for Task 2
Band 90:
The environmental consequences of climate change, including heatwaves, pollution, and water shortages, are increasing psychological distress, particularly among low-income urban populations who face heightened stress and inequality due to limited green spaces and adaptation resources.
- Content: Fully detailed with references to all key points: environmental factors, psychological distress, and disproportionately affected populations.
- Form: Single complex sentence, within the word count.
- Grammar: Accurate with complex sentence structures.
- Vocabulary: Suitable for the academic context with terms like “psychological distress” and “limited adaptation resources.”
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 75:
Environmental factors like heatwaves and pollution are contributing to increased stress and anxiety, especially in urban areas, where low-income people with limited resources are most vulnerable.
- Content: Captures the main point, though it lacks specific references like green spaces.
- Form: A single sentence under the 75-word limit.
- Grammar: Correct, with some complexity.
- Vocabulary: Adequate but could be more specific.
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 65:
Pollution and heatwaves from climate change cause stress for people in cities, especially the poor.
- Content: Too brief, simplifies the details about psychological distress and environmental factors.
- Form: Short but meets the requirement of a single sentence.
- Grammar: Simple but without mistakes.
- Vocabulary: Basic.
- Spelling: No errors.
Essential Vocabulary for Climate Change and Mental Health
Here are ten important vocabulary words from the text, with IPA pronunciation and usage examples:
-
Anxiety /æŋˈzaɪ.ə.ti/ – A feeling of worry or fear.
Example: The uncertainty about the future climate leads to increased anxiety among many people. -
Vulnerable /ˈvʌl.nər.ə.bəl/ – Capable of being hurt or easily affected.
Example: Vulnerable populations suffer disproportionately from the adverse effects of climate change. -
Eco-anxiety /ˈiː.koʊ æŋˈzaɪ.ə.ti/ – Anxiety caused by environmental threats.
Example: Young adults are increasingly experiencing eco-anxiety due to climate change. -
Psychological /ˌsaɪ.kəˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl/ – Related to the mind or emotions.
Example: The psychological impact of rising temperatures includes heightened stress and depression. -
Degradation /ˌdeɡ.rəˈdeɪ.ʃən/ – The process of something becoming worse.
Example: Urban areas face both environmental degradation and escalating stress levels. -
Disaster /dɪˈzæstər/ – A catastrophic event causing damage or loss.
Example: Natural disasters like floods worsen mental health crises in affected regions. -
Insidious /ɪnˈsɪd.i.əs/ – Proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects.
Example: The insidious nature of climate change means that its mental health impacts are often overlooked. -
Scarcity /ˈskeə.sɪ.ti/ – A lack of something.
Example: Water scarcity due to climate change puts additional stress on urban populations. -
Chronic /ˈkrɒn.ɪk/ – Continuing for a long time or recurring.
Example: Chronic stress caused by environmental degradation has serious health implications. -
Adaptation /ˌæd.æpˈteɪ.ʃən/ – Adjusting to new conditions.
Example: Adaptation to climate change is necessary to reduce its harm to mental health.
Conclusion
In summary, the mental health effects of climate change are increasingly featured in exams like the PTE due to their global relevance. Preparing for the Summarize Written Text task on topics such as these will help boost your score. Practice regularly with passages like those provided here. If you need further support, explore related topics like Urbanization’s impact on public health or the Public health and clean water access for more insights into environmental health issues.
