In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in Renewable Energy Solutions For Homes, largely due to environmental concerns and the rising cost of traditional energy sources. This topic has become popular in the PTE exam, particularly in the Summarize Written Text section of the Speaking & Writing section. Practicing with real-world topics like this is essential for candidates aiming to succeed in the exam.
In this article, we will provide you with several well-crafted Summarize Written Text practice tasks related to renewable energy solutions for homes. Each task includes a prompt, sample responses at different scoring levels, and a detailed explanation of how they meet the PTE marking criteria.
Sample Summarize Written Text Tasks
1. Task #1: Benefits of Solar Panels for Homeowners
Prompt:
Solar panels are one of the most popular renewable energy solutions for homes as they provide a sustainable, long-term solution to rising energy costs while reducing a home’s carbon footprint. Solar energy systems can also help homeowners become energy-independent, leading to potential cuts in energy bills of up to 70%. In addition, governments in many countries offer incentives and tax reductions to promote the use of solar power. As installation costs decrease globally, more people are considering switching to solar energy as a viable option for powering their homes, further contributing to cleaner air and environmental conservation.
Summarize this text in one sentence.
Answer Examples:
Scoring Band (Full Marks):
Solar panels are gaining popularity among homeowners due to their ability to substantially reduce energy costs and pollution, and the widespread government incentives encourage more people to adopt this clean energy solution.
Explanation:
- Content: The summary captures all the critical points, including solar panels’ cost-saving benefits, environmental impact, and government incentives.
- Form: The answer is within the required word count (5-75 words).
- Grammar: Grammatically perfect, with proper sentence structure.
- Vocabulary: Lexical choices like “substantially reduce” and “clean energy” are appropriate.
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Scoring Band (Average Marks):
Solar panel use is increasing as they help reduce energy bills and contribute to environmental protection.
Explanation:
- Content: While the summary includes the primary points, the mention of government incentives is missing.
- Form: Adequate word count.
- Grammar: Grammatically correct.
- Vocabulary: Simple but appropriate lexical choices.
- Spelling: No errors.
Scoring Band (Low Marks):
Solar panels help save money and are good for the planet.
Explanation:
- Content: This summary misses key details like government incentives and changing installation costs.
- Form: The word count is too brief, limiting the completeness.
- Grammar/Vocabulary/Spelling: Simple language, with no serious errors but lacks depth.
Home with rooftop solar panels installed
2. Task #2: Wind Turbine Adoption for Suburban Homes
Prompt:
Apart from solar energy, small-scale wind turbines can be another effective renewable energy solution for some homes, particularly those located in suburban and rural areas. Wind turbines use the natural wind flows to generate electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Although the initial installation cost is high, wind turbines can provide clean energy for decades and often come with government subsidies. The choice of wind turbines can vary depending on the typical wind conditions in an area. As more homes adopt wind power, communities become more energy resilient and contribute to overall reductions in carbon emissions.
Summarize this text in one sentence.
Answer Examples:
Scoring Band (Full Marks):
Wind turbines, while costly to install, offer long-term clean energy for homes in areas with suitable wind conditions, with government subsidies aiding adoption and leading to reduced carbon emissions.
Explanation:
- Content: All essential information is included: cost, government subsidies, wind conditions, and environmental benefits.
- Form: Word count is sufficient and structure is clear.
- Grammar/Vocabulary: Good grammar and the vocabulary choices “suitable wind conditions” and “reduced carbon emissions” are appropriate.
- Spelling: No issues.
Scoring Band (Average Marks):
Small wind turbines can provide houses with clean energy, especially in rural areas.
Explanation:
- Content: This summary lacks mention of cost, government subsidies, and exact benefits to communities.
- Form: The length is acceptable.
- Grammar/Vocabulary/Spelling: Simple but accurate language.
Scoring Band (Low Marks):
Wind turbines are useful for homes in the countryside.
Explanation:
- Content: The response omits key details such as cost, government aid, and environmental benefits.
- Form: Too short.
- Grammar/Vocabulary: Poor vocabulary and lacks complexity.
- Spelling: No issues but lacks detail.
3. Task #3: Government Incentives for Homeowners to Install Renewable Energy
Prompt:
Many countries are offering financial incentives to homeowners who choose to adopt renewable energy systems such as solar panels or wind turbines. These incentives come in the form of tax credits, grants, and subsidies which reduce the upfront installation cost. For example, in countries like the United States and Australia, such initiatives have led to a significant rise in renewable energy adoption. By reducing initial costs, governments aim to make clean energy accessible to more people, promoting long-term sustainability and reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
Summarize this text in one sentence.
Answer Examples:
Scoring Band (Full Marks):
Government incentives, including tax credits and grants, have increased the use of renewable energy systems in homes by reducing installation costs and promoting accessible clean energy solutions.
Explanation:
- Content: Captures all important information: tax credits, clean energy promotion, cost reduction, and greater accessibility.
- Form: The sentence fits within the required word count with clear structure.
- Grammar/Vocabulary: Strong grammar and vocabulary with terms like “promoting accessible clean energy.”
- Spelling: No issues.
Scoring Band (Average Marks):
Tax credits and grants encourage more households to use renewable energy.
Explanation:
- Content: Adequate, but misses mention of sustainability, upfront costs, and specific examples.
- Form: Appropriate length.
- Grammar/Vocabulary: Simple grammar and vocabulary but missing some keywords like “clean energy solutions.”
Vocabulary & Grammar Focus
Here are 10 useful vocabulary words from the reading materials:
-
Incentive /ɪnˈsɛntɪv/: Something that motivates or encourages someone to take action.
- Example: The government offers incentives to those installing renewable energy solutions like solar panels.
-
Sustainability /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪlɪti/: The ability to maintain certain processes or states long-term, especially regarding environmental practices.
- Example: Sustainability is key in ensuring our energy systems can support future generations.
-
Subsidy /ˈsʌbsɪdi/: A sum of money granted by the government to assist an industry or business.
- Example: Many countries provide subsidies for renewable energy projects.
-
Carbon Footprint /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/: The amount of carbon dioxide emissions for which an individual or entity is responsible.
- Example: Installing solar panels reduces a household’s carbon footprint.
Conclusion
The Summarize Written Text task in the PTE exam is a crucial part of the Speaking & Writing section, and topics like “renewable energy solutions for homes” are commonly tested because they reflect real-world issues. Practice regularly, focus on including all relevant points in your summary, and remember to pay attention to grammar and vocabulary to improve your score.
Explore more related content such as Renewable energy innovations for homes and Renewable energy incentives for households to broaden your understanding of how renewable energy is shaping modern living.
Feel free to try these tasks and leave your responses in the comments for further feedback!
