Summarize Written Text is one of the challenging tasks in the Speaking & Writing section of the PTE (Pearson Test of English) exam. In this task, test-takers are required to summarize a reading passage into a single sentence. One common topic that often comes up is Air Pollution Control Measures In Cities, reflecting the growing focus on urban environmental challenges. Below, we present practice tasks and answer samples to help you prepare effectively for this section of the exam.
Air Pollution Control Measures in Cities: Practice Task
Task 1
Air pollution has become a major concern for many cities around the world. To address this, several measures have been implemented globally. Firstly, many urban areas have imposed restrictions on vehicle emissions, prompting the use of hybrid and electric cars that produce less pollution. Moreover, public transport systems have been upgraded to provide faster and cleaner alternatives to individual car use. Additionally, urban green spaces, such as parks and tree-lined streets, have been expanded to help absorb carbon dioxide and improve air quality. Serious efforts are also being made in industrial zones to reduce factory emissions, with many cities implementing stringent regulations on industrial pollutants and offering incentives to businesses to adopt cleaner technologies. Together, these measures play an essential role in controlling air pollution within growing metropolitan regions.
Summarize the passage in one sentence.
Sample Responses:
Band Score: 90
Many cities have adopted measures like encouraging electric vehicles, enhancing public transportation, expanding green spaces, and regulating factory emissions to control air pollution.
- Content: Covers all key points, including vehicles, public transport, green spaces, and industrial regulations.
- Form: The response is concise, summarizing the passage in one complete sentence with under 75 words.
- Grammar: The sentence structure is error-free and well-organized.
- Vocabulary: Words like “enhancing,” “regulating,” and “adopted” make the sentence more sophisticated.
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band Score: 80
Cities are controlling pollution by focusing on reducing vehicle emissions, updating public transport systems, expanding green spaces, and enforcing stricter industrial emission regulations.
- Content: Well-arranged with essential points highlighted.
- Form: Slightly shorter, but still covers all the key elements within one sentence.
- Grammar: Grammatically sound sentence structure.
- Vocabulary: The vocabulary used is relevant but could be more advanced.
- Spelling: No spelling mistakes.
Band Score: 70
Some cities use electric cars, plant trees, and reduce factory pollution to help control air pollution.
- Content: The summary mentions some points but misses details about public transport systems and stricter policies on emissions.
- Form: It is brief and well-formed as a sentence, fitting under 75 words.
- Grammar: The sentence is grammatically correct, though it could be more complex.
- Vocabulary: Uses more basic terms, such as “trees” instead of “green spaces.”
- Spelling: No spelling mistakes.
Band Score: 60
Cities are using electric cars and green spaces to control pollution.
- Content: Key information is missing, such as industrial pollution control and public transport improvements.
- Form: Though under 75 words, the sentence lacks detail and completeness.
- Grammar: The grammar is simple but error-free.
- Vocabulary: Basic language with no advanced terms.
- Spelling: No spelling issues.
Vocabulary and Grammar: Key Words
Here are some essential vocabulary terms from the passage, along with their meanings and example sentences. These words are useful for both the PTE exam and general English language proficiency:
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Emission /ɪˈmɪʃ.ən/ (n): The release of substances (like gases) into the atmosphere.
- Example: The emission of greenhouse gases is a leading cause of global warming.
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Hybrid /ˈhaɪ.brɪd/ (n): A vehicle powered by both gasoline and electricity.
- Example: Hybrid cars are a popular choice in environmentally conscious cities.
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Incentive /ɪnˈsɛn.tɪv/ (n): Something that motivates or encourages someone to do something.
- Example: Governments offer financial incentives for using renewable energy.
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Regulation /ˌrɛɡ.jəˈleɪ.ʃən/ (n): A rule or directive made and maintained by an authority.
- Example: The new environmental regulation will require factories to reduce their CO2 emissions.
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Metropolitan /ˌmɛt.rəˈpɒl.ɪ.tən/ (adj): Relating to a large city.
- Example: Metropolitan areas face more severe air pollution due to high traffic density.
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Pollutant /pəˈluː.tənt/ (n): A substance that causes pollution.
- Example: The factory was fined for discharging harmful pollutants into the river.
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Sustainable /səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/ (adj): Able to be maintained or continued without causing damage to the environment.
- Example: Many cities are adopting sustainable energy sources like wind and solar power.
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Absorb /əbˈzɔːb/ (v): To take in or soak up a substance.
- Example: Trees absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen.
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Infrastructure /ˈɪn.frəˌstrʌk.tʃər/ (n): The basic systems and services, such as transportation, that support a city or town.
- Example: Improving the public transport infrastructure can help reduce traffic emissions.
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Contaminate /kənˈtæm.ɪ.neɪt/ (v): To make something impure or harmful by adding a substance.
- Example: Air is often contaminated by vehicle exhausts in large cities.
Conclusion
In this article, we have explored the key aspects of the Summarize Written Text task in the PTE exam using a sample related to air pollution control measures in cities. This topic is highly relevant as cities worldwide continue to implement increasingly stringent environmental policies. By practicing with these examples, you can improve your ability to summarize effectively and score higher in the PTE exam. To enhance your skills further, leave a comment below or try summarizing additional texts on similar environmental subjects.
