The topic of “Urban Sprawl And Environmental Consequences” is a frequent subject in the PTE Academic test, particularly in the Summarize Written Text section under Speaking and Writing. This theme refers to the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into peripheries, accompanied by many environmental and social implications. In this article, we will discuss the various aspects of urban sprawl and its consequences, while offering practice tests with sample answers.
Urban Sprawl in PTE Summarize Written Text
One of the recurring patterns noted in PTE Summarize Written Text exercises is the focus on global urbanization and its positive and negative side effects. You’ll often be asked to condense a passage of around 200-300 words about topics like urban growth or environmental damage into a single concise sentence. Examples from actual PTE exam questions have included themes such as the rising demand for urban housing and the strain on environmental resources.
For more details on topics related to global urban changes, you can check out our article on the Effects of rapid urbanization globally.
Let’s dive into the practice questions and sample answers tailored specifically for “Urban sprawl and environmental consequences.”
Sample Task: Summarize Written Text Practice Question
Below is an example question related to urban sprawl:
Summarize Written Text Sample Question 1:
Read and summarize the following passage:
Urban sprawl is a significant modern phenomenon, characterized by the rapid expansion of cities into previously rural or undeveloped areas. It is often driven by population growth and economic development; however, it also leads to considerable environmental impacts. Urban sprawl contributes to increased air and water pollution as more people rely on cars for transportation, and housing developments encroach on natural ecosystems. Wildlife habitat loss, reduced biodiversity, and a rising carbon footprint are additional concerning consequences. Although urbanization supports economic progress, it exacerbates environmental degradation when proper planning and sustainable development practices are not followed.
Summarize the text in one sentence:
Sample Answers with Band Scores
Band 90 Answer:
Urban sprawl, while often driven by population growth and economic development, results in adverse environmental impacts such as increased pollution, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss, especially when improper urban planning is involved.
Analysis:
- Content: Excellent; all key ideas from the passage are covered.
- Form: One sentence; less than 75 words.
- Grammar: Perfect use of grammar and complex sentences.
- Vocabulary: Accurate use of topic-related vocabulary.
- Spelling: No mistakes.
Band 80 Answer:
Urban sprawl, caused by population growth and economic development, brings serious environmental consequences like pollution and wildlife habitat loss due to inadequate urban planning efforts.
Analysis:
- Content: Very good; most key ideas are included, though some specific details about water and air pollution have been simplified.
- Form: One sentence; under the 75-word limit.
- Grammar: Strong grammar, though less complex than Band 90.
- Vocabulary: Good use of academic and relevant terms.
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 70 Answer:
The expansion of cities known as urban sprawl leads to pollution and damage to ecosystems caused by population growth without proper planning.
Analysis:
- Content: Adequate; it captures the main idea, but misses some details such as biodiversity loss and the rising carbon footprint.
- Form: Correct sentence structure, within the word limit.
- Grammar: Simple sentence structure, slight room for improvement in complexity.
- Vocabulary: The vocabulary is relevant, but lacks academic depth.
- Spelling: No mistakes.
Band 60 Answer:
Urban sprawl is caused by population and economic growth, and it harms the environment.
Analysis:
- Content: Basic; it mentions the causes and effects but does not elaborate on specifics like pollution or destruction of habitats.
- Form: Simple and relatively short, but correct.
- Grammar: Simple sentence structure; could use more complexity.
- Vocabulary: Very basic, not enough academic language.
- Spelling: No errors.
Vocabulary and Grammar Highlights
Here are some key vocabulary words and their meaning based on the sample passage above:
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Sprawl /sprɔ:l/ (noun): The spreading of urban developments (such as houses and shopping centers) into open, undeveloped land; “The city’s rapid urban sprawl contributed to the destruction of local ecosystems.”
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Encroach /ɪnˈkroʊtʃ/ (verb): To gradually take over land or rights; “Housing developments began to encroach on the natural habitats of many species.”
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Biodiversity /ˌbaɪoʊdaɪˈvɜːrsɪti/ (noun): The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat; “Urban sprawl can lead to the significant reduction of biodiversity in affected areas.”
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Degradation /ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃən/ (noun): The process by which something is made less effective or worse in quality; “Environmental degradation is one of the most serious consequences of unchecked urban sprawl.”
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Carbon footprint /ˈkɑːrbən fʊtprɪnt/ (noun): The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted by human activities; “Urban areas typically have more significant carbon footprints due to industrial activities and traffic.”
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Sustainable /səˈsteɪnəbl/ (adjective): Refers to development practices that do not deplete natural resources; “Implementing sustainable development plans can mitigate the negative effects of urban sprawl.”
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Pollution /pəˈluːʃn/ (noun): The introduction of harmful substances into the environment; “Air pollution is higher in areas affected by urban sprawl.”
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Habitat /ˈhæbɪtæt/ (noun): The natural environment where a plant or animal lives; “Urban expansion has led to the destruction of many wildlife habitats.”
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Development /dɪˈveləpmənt/ (noun): Economic or social growth, often in the context of urbanization; “Planned development can prevent many of the negative environmental impacts associated with urban sprawl.”
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Wildlife /ˈwaɪldlaɪf/ (noun): Animals that live and grow in natural conditions, as opposed to being domesticated; “The loss of wildlife due to urban sprawl is a critical concern for environmentalists.”
Conclusion
To conclude, “Urban sprawl and environmental consequences” remains a popular theme throughout many PTE Summarize Written Text practice exercises as well as actual tests. Preparing for varied topics such as city development and environmental sustainability is crucial. The methods outlined above, including answer samples for multiple performance bands, provide a clear framework for your exam strategies.
Also, do explore more on similar topics like the Effects of rapid urbanization globally, which frequently appear as related scenarios in the Summarize Written Text section of the PTE Academic exam. Keep practicing and share your progress in the comments below!
