The Summarize Written Text task in PTE’s Speaking & Writing section is designed to evaluate test takers’ ability to comprehend complex texts and produce concise summaries. The topic of Global Energy Demand And Renewable Solutions is gaining popularity in recent PTE exams due to its significance in modern discussions on environmental sustainability and energy transitions.
This article provides two well-crafted sample questions along with possible answers for each band score, according to the PTE scoring criteria. These practice samples will help you better understand the structure and challenges posed in the PTE Summarize Written Text section while exploring key issues related to global energy demand and renewable energy solutions.
Sample 1: Global Energy Consumption and Renewable Energy Trends
Question:
Read the following passage carefully and summarize it in one sentence. Your response should be between 5 and 75 words.
Global energy demand has been continuously rising due to an expanding population and increased industrialization in developing countries. While fossil fuels have been the dominant source of energy, their environmental impact has sparked a global shift toward renewable energy like solar, wind, and hydropower. Governments and industries are increasingly investing in the development of renewable energy solutions to offset carbon emissions, reduce dependency on finite resources, and promote sustainable development. However, the transition to renewable energy faces challenges such as infrastructure compatibility and cost of energy storage, which need significant technological advancements to overcome.
Sample Answers and Analysis:
Band 79+ Response:
Global energy demand is growing, prompting a shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy, but the transition faces challenges such as the need for improved infrastructure and energy storage technologies.
- Content: Full marks provided for a complete and coherent summary.
- Form: 34 words; meets word count requirement.
- Grammar: No errors in grammar, sentence structure is complex and well-organized.
- Vocabulary: Advanced use of vocabulary such as “prompting” and “infrastructure compatibility”.
- Spelling: 100% correct.
Band 65-79 Response:
Global energy demand is rising, and governments are focusing on renewable solutions, but the infrastructure and storage technologies need improvements to support this transition.
- Content: Good content, though slightly less detailed than a higher band score response.
- Form: 27 words, concise but within the required limits.
- Grammar: Correct grammar but a simpler sentence structure.
- Vocabulary: Adequate vocabulary, though not as varied.
- Spelling: 100% correct.
Band 50-64 Response:
Energy demand is increasing, and renewable energy is needed, but there are issues with infrastructure and cost.
- Content: Some information is missing, such as technological advancements.
- Form: 20 words; meets minimum word requirement but lacks thoroughness.
- Grammar: Basic grammatical errors; a simpler sentence could be clearer.
- Vocabulary: Limited vocabulary; important details replaced by unspecific terms like “issues.”
- Spelling: Correct.
Related Reading:
Explore further insights into renewable energy systems and grid integration in our article on Renewable energy integration into power grids.
Sample 2: Innovative Solutions For Energy Storage
Question:
Read the following passage carefully and summarize it in one sentence. Your response should be between 5 and 75 words.
Renewable energy solutions have made significant progress; however, energy storage remains an area of concern due to the intermittent nature of sources like solar and wind. Currently, advancements in technologies such as battery storage, pumped hydroelectric storage, and hydrogen fuel cells are being researched to address this issue. When implemented effectively, these solutions could ensure a consistent, reliable flow of renewable energy to meet rising global demand, ultimately facilitating the transition to a low-carbon economy. Despite the promise of these technologies, cost and efficiency remain significant barriers that require further innovation and investment.
Sample Answers and Analysis:
Band 79+ Response:
Although renewable energy shows promise, energy storage technologies such as battery storage and hydrogen fuel cells must overcome cost and efficiency barriers to ensure reliable energy supply and support a low-carbon economy.
- Content: The answer covers all critical points, including technological advancements and their challenges.
- Form: 38 words; precise and within the word limit.
- Grammar: Complex, error-free structure.
- Vocabulary: Correct technical vocabulary, such as “low-carbon economy” and “intermittent nature.”
- Spelling: No mistakes.
Band 65-79 Response:
Advances in renewable energy storage, such as battery and hydroelectric storage, can help meet demand, but cost and efficiency remain challenges.
- Content: Touches on key points but misses some phrases and details about specific technologies.
- Form: 23 words, concise, fits within the required limit.
- Grammar: Minor issues in structure; mostly correct.
- Vocabulary: Good, yet simpler vocabulary choices.
- Spelling: Correct.
Band 50-64 Response:
Renewable energy storage is improving, but cost and efficiency issues remain.
- Content: Important information about specific technologies is missing.
- Form: 12 words; extremely brief and less informative.
- Grammar: Simple sentence with basic structure, no errors.
- Vocabulary: Minimal and basic vocabulary used.
- Spelling: Correct spelling throughout.
Related Reading:
For more information on the cutting-edge developments in renewable energy storage, you can read our detailed piece on Renewable energy storage solutions development.
Renewable energy solutions technology development for storage
Vocabulary and Grammar
Here are ten essential vocabulary words from the passages above, defined with examples to aid understanding:
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Intermittent /ˌɪn.təˈmɪt.ənt/ (adj.): Occurring at irregular intervals.
- The wind’s intermittent availability makes energy storage critical for maintaining a continuous power supply.
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Infrastructure /ˈɪn.frəˌstrʌk.tʃər/ (n.): Basic systems and structures required to operate a society or organization.
- Developing infrastructure to support renewable energy grids is a global priority.
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Finite /ˈfaɪ.naɪt/ (adj.): Limited in size or extent.
- Fossil fuels are a finite resource, prompting the shift towards renewable energy systems.
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Sustainable /səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/ (adj.): Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
- Sustainable energy sources are key to reducing environmental damage.
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Carbon emissions /ˈkɑː.bən ɪˈmɪʃ.ənz/ (n.): The release of carbon into the atmosphere.
- Reducing carbon emissions is essential to combat climate change.
-
Hydropower /ˈhaɪ.drɒʊ.paʊər/ (n.): Power derived from the energy of moving water.
- Hydropower is a significant contributor to the renewable energy mix.
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Synergy /ˈsɪn.ə.dʒi/ (n.): The interaction between different elements that produce a beneficial result.
- The synergy between electric vehicles and renewable energy is transformative for the future.
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Innovation /ˌɪn.əˈveɪ.ʃən/ (n.): The process of creating new methods, ideas, or products.
- Innovation in storage technologies is critical for reliable renewable energy supply.
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Reliability /rɪˌlaɪ.əˈbɪl.ə.ti/ (n.): The quality of being trustworthy or performing consistently well.
- Energy reliability is vital for maintaining stable power grids.
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Transition /trænˈzɪʃ.ən/ (n.): The process or a period of changing from one state to another.
- The world is undergoing a major transition towards renewable energy.
Conclusion
The Summarize Written Text section in the PTE evaluates your ability to produce cohesive and accurate summaries of complex texts. The subject of global energy demand and renewable solutions is a common theme in recent exams, reflecting real-world issues related to sustainable energy transitions. By practicing with sample questions like those presented here, you’ll be better prepared to meet the challenges of the exam while gaining valuable insights into renewable energy technology.
Leave your comments below if you have any questions or would like further practice materials on this topic!