Summarize Written Text Practice for PTE: Nuclear Energy Investment and Safety Concerns

Nuclear energy has always been a topic of global debate regarding its potential benefits and risks. This debate plays a significant role in the Summarize Written Text section of the PTE exam where you are tasked with providing concise summaries of 150-400 word passages. In this article, we’ll provide you with practice questions based on the theme of Nuclear Energy Investment And Safety Concerns, along with model answers and detailed explanations to help you achieve a high score.

Practice Question 1: The Global Debate on Nuclear Energy Investment

Advocates of nuclear energy argue that it can provide a reliable and significant amount of power with relatively low carbon emissions compared to fossil fuels. Countries like France rely heavily on nuclear power, which contributes to their low levels of greenhouse gas emissions. However, public concern over nuclear accidents, such as those in Chernobyl and Fukushima, has led some countries to reconsider or halt their nuclear energy programs. Furthermore, the high costs associated with building and maintaining facilities, as well as managing nuclear waste, pose significant challenges for long-term investment in this energy source. Ensuring the safety of nuclear plants is vital to garner public trust, but even the most stringent nuclear energy safety and regulations cannot eliminate the risks entirely.

Instructions: Summarize the text in one sentence.

Model Answers:

Band Score 90 Example:
Although nuclear energy is seen as a reliable and low-carbon power source, its high costs, safety concerns, and the risk of accidents make it a heavily debated investment option worldwide.

• Content: Excellent coverage of main ideas, balancing the benefits and risks.
• Form: Proper use of one complete sentence within the 5-75 word limit.
• Grammar: Correct structure with clear subordinate clauses.
• Vocabulary: Advanced use of terms like “reliable,” “low-carbon,” and “investment.”
• Spelling: No errors.

Band Score 70 Example:
Nuclear energy is an efficient power source, but concerns about safety and costs have led some countries to halt development.

• Content: Most key points included but lacks details about historical accidents and regulatory aspects.
• Form: Correct form with a concise structure.
• Grammar: Good grammar with minor simplification.
• Vocabulary: Use of effective but simpler vocabulary.
• Spelling: No errors.

Band Score 50 Example:
Nuclear power makes energy but it is expensive and dangerous, so some countries stopped using it.

• Content: Oversimplified content, missing key details like environmental impact and specific examples.
• Form: One complete sentence but lacks complexity.
• Grammar: Basic sentence structure with some imprecise phrasing.
• Vocabulary: Repeated use of basic terms like “power” and “dangerous.”
• Spelling: No errors.

Practice Question 2: Nuclear Energy and Renewable Alternatives

With rising demand for clean energy, many argue that renewable sources like solar and wind power should take precedence over nuclear energy. While nuclear energy provides baseload power, repeatedly generating energy without interruption, renewable sources are intermittent and depend on environmental conditions. However, advancements in energy storage may soon close the gap between nuclear energy and renewables. Investment in both technologies may ultimately prove the best approach to achieving a low-carbon future, as the world seeks a balanced energy mix that ensures reliability and safety.

Instructions: Summarize the text in one sentence.

Model Answers:

Band Score 90 Example:
While nuclear energy offers consistent baseload power, investing in both nuclear and renewable sources like wind and solar, supported by energy storage advancements, could be the key to a safe, low-carbon future.

• Content: Thoroughly addresses the role of both nuclear and renewables.
• Form: Optimally structured in one sentence.
• Grammar: Excellent complex sentence formation.
• Vocabulary: Effective use of technical terms like “baseload power” and “advancements.”
• Spelling: No errors.

Band Score 70 Example:
Nuclear energy provides reliable energy, but the combination of nuclear and renewable energy might help achieve a clean future.

• Content: Mostly accurate but lacks mention of energy storage and some nuanced comparisons.
• Form: Structured correctly with one sentence.
• Grammar: Good sentence composition, though less complex than the higher band.
• Vocabulary: Adequate vocabulary covering essential points.
• Spelling: No errors.

Band Score 50 Example:
Nuclear power is reliable like renewable energy, but both are needed for a safer planet.

• Content: Fails to fully express the comparison or mention technological advancements.
• Form: One simple sentence that condenses the idea too much.
• Grammar: Basic sentence structure, lacks complexity.
• Vocabulary: Simplistic; omits key terms like “baseload” and “storage.”
• Spelling: No errors.

Related Article: Learn more about the ongoing debate of nuclear and renewables in our article on Nuclear energy versus renewable alternatives.

Vocabulary and Grammar Focus:

Here are some notable vocabulary words from the passages above that you may find useful when discussing nuclear energy topics:

1. Baseload power /ˈbeɪs.loʊd ˈpaʊ.ɚ/ (n): The minimum level of demand on a power grid over 24 hours.
   Example: Nuclear power plants are often relied on for baseload power.

2. Intermittent /ˌɪn.t̬ɚˈmɪt.ənt/ (adj): Not continuous or steady.
   Example: Wind energy is intermittent due to varying wind speeds.

3. Advocates /ˈæd.və.kəts/ (n): People who publicly support or recommend a particular cause or policy.
   Example: Advocates of nuclear energy highlight its low carbon emissions.

4. Stringent /ˈstrɪn.dʒənt/ (adj): Strict, precise, or exacting.
   Example: Stringent safety regulations are essential for nuclear energy programs.

5. Greenhouse gas emissions /ˌɡriːn.haʊs. ˈɡæs ɪˌmɪʃ.ənz/ (n): The release of gases such as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere that contribute to global warming.
   Example: Nuclear energy contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

6. Reliability /rɪˌlaɪəˈbɪləti/ (n): The quality of being dependable or consistent.
   Example: Nuclear energy is known for its reliability in providing constant power.

7. Public trust /ˈpʌb.lɪk trʌst/ (n): Confidence from the general public in the safety and administration of specific systems or policies.
   Example: Ensuring nuclear plant safety builds public trust over time.

8. Fossil fuels /ˈfɑː.səl ˌfjʊəlz/ (n): Resources like coal, oil, and natural gas that are burned for energy, releasing carbon dioxide.
   Example: Unlike fossil fuels, nuclear energy generates much lower carbon emissions.

9. Waste management /ˈweɪst ˈmæn.ədʒ.mənt/ (n): The careful handling and disposal of waste materials.
   Example: Nuclear waste management remains a major issue for the industry.

10. Energy storage /ˈɛnərdʒi ˈstɔːrɪdʒ/ (n): Technologies that store energy for future use, especially vital for renewable energy sources.
    Example: Advances in energy storage could make renewable energy just as reliable as nuclear.

Conclusion:

Understanding the intricacies of nuclear energy investment and its safety concerns is essential for success in the Summarize Written Text section of the PTE. As shown in the sample questions above, being able to condense key points about nuclear energy’s role in clean energy is vital. Practice summarizing regularly and improve your understanding of the subject, especially regarding safety regulations and alternative energy options.

If you have questions or would like to share your own summary attempts, feel free to leave a comment below for further practice!