In the Summarize Written Text section of the PTE exam, candidates are required to condense a provided written passage into a single sentence. This exercise tests your skills in identifying the key points of a text efficiently. As renewable energy plays an increasingly important role in global geopolitics, it has become a frequently discussed topic in this part of the exam. In this article, we’ll provide exam-like practice questions on Renewable energy’s impact on geopolitics as well as model answers for different score bands.
Sample Summarize Written Text: Renewable Energy’s Impact on Geopolitics
Task 1:
Summarize the following text in one sentence.
The global shift towards renewable energy sources is changing the geopolitical landscape across the world. As nations seek to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels, the influence of traditional oil-rich countries is diminishing, while renewable resource-rich nations such as China, the U.S., and Germany gain prominence. This transition has the potential to reduce conflicts over nonrenewable resources but also introduces new challenges related to mineral extraction needed for renewable technology. Furthermore, countries leading the development of green technologies will have an economic advantage in the future, reshaping international power dynamics.
Model Answers:
Band 79+:
The global transition to renewable energy is shifting geopolitical power from traditional oil-rich countries to nations that possess renewable resources and green technologies, while creating new challenges over mineral extraction for renewable technologies.
Content: This covers all critical points such as the shift in geopolitical power, the rise of renewable resource-rich nations, and the challenges of mineral extraction.
Form: Just one sentence (complies with PTE’s word limit).
Grammar: Correct use of complex structures with appropriate punctuation and conjunctions.
Vocabulary: Advanced (e.g., geopolitical power, mineral extraction, renewable technology).
Spelling: Accurate.
Band 65-75:
The move to renewable energy is changing geopolitical power from fossil fuel countries to those with renewable resources, although it creates challenges over mineral extraction.
Content: Completes the main idea, mentioning a shift in power and the challenges of mineral extraction, though lacks the nuance of green technology leadership.
Form: The sentence is well-structured and within the required length.
Grammar: Uses correct grammar with basic conjunctions but lacks the complexity of the higher band.
Vocabulary: Uses appropriate but simpler vocabulary (e.g., move instead of transition, changing instead of shifting).
Spelling: Accurate.
Band 50-60:
Renewable energy is reducing the power of oil-rich countries and gives importance to those with resources like China, but also brings new challenges.
Content: Some key points are missing or unclear (e.g., the mention of mineral extraction and green technology).
Form: Correct form but the sentence could be more concise and lack focus.
Grammar: Minor issues in clarity and sentence structure (e.g., gives importance).
Vocabulary: Less varied and less precise than higher bands.
Spelling: Accurate.
Vocabulary and Grammar
To assist you in grasping this topic more fluently and prepare for the test, here are some key vocabulary words found in the text with definitions and examples:
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Geopolitical /ˌdʒiːoʊpəˈlɪtɪkl/ (adj.) – Relating to the influence of geography on politics and international relations.
Example: The geopolitical landscape is impacted by the shift toward renewable energy. -
Prominence /ˈprɒmɪnəns/ (n.) – The state of being important or famous.
Example: China has gained prominence in renewable energy production. -
Diminish /dɪˈmɪnɪʃ/ (v.) – To reduce or lessen in size, extent, or importance.
Example: The influence of oil nations is diminishing as renewable energy takes over. -
Transition /trænˈzɪʃən/ (n.) – The process of changing from one state or condition to another.
Example: The world is undergoing a major transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
Global shift towards renewable energy and the geopolitical impact
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Nonrenewable /ˌnɒnrɪˈnjuːəbəl/ (adj.) – Resources that cannot be replenished once used.
Example: Fossil fuels, unlike wind and solar power, are nonrenewable. -
Mineral Extraction /ˈmɪnərəl ɪkˈstrækʃən/ (n.) – The process of removing minerals from the earth.
Example: The growing demand for renewable technology has increased mineral extraction. -
Fossil Fuels /ˈfɑːsəl fjʊəlz/ (n.) – Energy resources derived from plant and animal matter millions of years ago.
Example: Oil and coal are common fossil fuels that contribute to global pollution. -
Renewable Technology /rɪˈnjuːəbl tɛkˈnɒlədʒi/ (n.) – Technologies that utilize renewable resources to generate energy.
Example: Solar panels and wind turbines are examples of renewable technology.
Solar panels and wind turbines powering renewable energy
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Economic Advantage /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ædˈvɑːntɪdʒ/ (n.) – A beneficial position in terms of wealth, resources, or production.
Example: Nations investing in renewable energy technologies gain economic advantage. -
Power Dynamics /ˈpaʊə daɪˈnæmɪks/ (n.) – The way in which power is distributed among different groups or nations.
Example: Renewable energy is altering international power dynamics.
Shifting international power dynamics due to renewable energy
Conclusion
The increasing importance of renewable energy in shaping global geopolitics has made this topic a popular choice in the PTE Summarize Written Text section. Understanding the core ideas of energy transitions, shifts in power dynamics, and associated challenges will not only prepare you for the exam but also enhance your general knowledge on significant global issues. Practice summarizing passages like the ones provided, and don’t forget to engage in discussions or leave comments to further grasp the key concepts!
