Urbanization is a global trend that has led to rapid transformations in many parts of the world. In the PTE Academic test, candidates are often required to summarize texts related to current global challenges such as urbanization and its widespread impact. This article will help you practice summarizing written texts by providing sample questions and answers that closely resemble real PTE questions on urbanization and natural resources.
Sample Summarize Written Text Question 1: Impact of Urbanization on Natural Resources
Read the passage below and summarize it in one sentence (between 5-75 words). Your response will be judged on the quality of your writing and on how well your response presents the key points in the passage.
Urbanization has transformed traditional rural landscapes into densely populated areas, drawing resources to meet the demands of growing populations. As cities expand, they often rely heavily on natural resources like water, energy, and land, leading to depletion and degradation. Deforestation, water scarcity, and over-reliance on non-renewable energy sources are some of the critical ways in which urbanization stresses the environment. Furthermore, rapid expansion of cities threatens biodiversity and accelerates climate change, creating long-term consequences that impact not only ecosystems but also human well-being. Effective urban planning and sustainable resource management are essential to mitigate these effects.
Answer and Band Scores:
Band 90 Answer:
Urbanization’s expansion and reliance on natural resources such as water and energy lead to environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and stress on ecosystems, requiring better urban planning and sustainable management for future well-being.
- Content: Excellent coverage of all key points (urbanization, natural resources, environmental degradation, need for sustainable planning).
- Form: Meets the word limit, clear and concise.
- Grammar: Perfect grammar.
- Vocabulary: Strong academic vocabulary.
- Spelling: Perfect.
Band 70 Answer:
Urbanization causes environmental problems like resource depletion and deforestation, which require sustainable urban planning.
- Content: Covers the essential ideas but lacks details like climate change and biodiversity.
- Form: Well within the word limit, concise.
- Grammar: No errors, slightly simpler structure.
- Vocabulary: Accurate but less sophisticated.
- Spelling: Perfect.
Band 50 Answer:
Urbanization needs resources and causes environmental damage like deforestation and water shortages.
- Content: Misses several key points like biodiversity and requires clearer connections.
- Form: Short and within the word limit.
- Grammar: Minor errors with clarity.
- Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary.
- Spelling: Perfect.
Sample Summarize Written Text Question 2: Urbanization and Sustainable Development
Read the following passage and summarize it in a single sentence (5-75 words).
Urbanization has altered the balance between humans and nature, challenging the capacity of cities to ensure sustainable living. As urban areas expand, they demand enormous amounts of natural resources such as food, water, and energy, far exceeding what local ecosystems can provide. This pressure not only disrupts local ecological balance but also exacerbates global challenges like climate change and pollution. Sustainable urban development strategies, such as integrating green technologies and improving resource efficiency, are pivotal in minimizing the adverse effects of rapid urbanization.
Answer and Band Scores:
Band 90 Answer:
Urbanization’s significant demand for natural resources disrupts ecological balance and exacerbates global challenges like climate change, necessitating sustainable development strategies and green technologies.
- Content: Comprehensive and direct coverage of key points.
- Form: Well within the word limit.
- Grammar: Precise and complex.
- Vocabulary: Strong use of technical terms.
- Spelling: Perfect.
Band 70 Answer:
Urbanization strains natural resources and contributes to climate change, requiring green technologies for sustainability.
- Content: Key points covered, though missing a bit of detail.
- Form: Within the word limit, suitably concise.
- Grammar: Mainly correct, with minor simplifications.
- Vocabulary: Appropriate but not highly advanced.
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 50 Answer:
Urbanization needs many resources and impacts the environment, so it needs green technologies.
- Content: Limited understanding, lacks some important elements.
- Form: Within the word limit but simplistic.
- Grammar: Minor issues affecting clarity.
- Vocabulary: Basic.
- Spelling: Correct.
Related Study Resources:
As urbanization continues to challenge both local and global environmental strategies, it’s vital to keep up with relevant studies. For more insights into this topic, consider checking out other articles that explore similar themes such as Urbanization’s impact on public health and Green technology in urban development.
Vocabulary and Key Terms:
-
Depletion /dɪˈpliːʃn/ (noun): The reduction in the quantity of something.
Example: The rapid depletion of water resources is a major challenge for urban planners. -
Biodiversity /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsɪti/ (noun): The variety of life in an ecosystem.
Example: Urban development often reduces biodiversity by damaging natural habitats. -
Sustainable /səˈsteɪnəbl/ (adjective): Capable of being maintained at a steady level without exhausting resources.
Example: Sustainable energy options such as wind and solar power are crucial for urban areas. -
Ecosystem /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/ (noun): A biological community of interacting organisms and their environment.
Example: Urban development often disrupts fragile ecosystems. -
Resource management /ˈriːsɔːrs ˈmænɪdʒmənt/ (noun): The efficient and effective deployment of an organization’s resources.
Example: Effective resource management is crucial to minimising urbanization’s negative impact. -
Green technology /ɡriːn tɛkˈnɒləʤi/ (noun): Environmentally friendly technology that promotes sustainability.
Example: Green technology in urban development helps reduce carbon emissions. -
Deforestation /diːfəˈreɪstɪʃn/ (noun): The action of clearing a wide area of trees.
Example: Urban expansion often leads to large-scale deforestation in developing countries. -
Climate change /ˈklaɪmət ʧeɪnʤ/ (noun): A change in global or regional climate patterns.
Example: The reliance on fossil fuels in cities contributes to climate change. -
Non-renewable energy /nɒn-rɪˈnjuːəbl/ (noun): Energy sources that cannot be replenished once used.
Example: Urbanization increases the demand for non-renewable energy like oil and coal. -
Urban planning /ˈɜːbən ˈplænɪŋ/ (noun): The process of designing and regulating how urban spaces are used.
Example: Good urban planning minimizes negative environmental impacts of city expansion.
Conclusion:
In this article, we covered different Summarize Written Text questions focused on “Urbanization’s impact on natural resources.” These are common topics in the PTE exam, especially given the growing global awareness of environmental conservation and sustainable urban development. Regularly practicing with example prompts like these will improve your summarizing skills and increase your chances of success in the PTE exam.
Urbanization’s influence on our planet extends far beyond just environmental problems, playing into issues of health and even housing. To explore these connections further, you may find our articles on Mental health effects of climate change or Urban housing and sustainable development equally insightful for exam preparation.
