The Summarize Written Text in the PTE exam is a challenging but crucial part of the Speaking & Writing section. In this task, candidates are required to read a passage between 150-400 words and summarize it in one sentence. This section evaluates your comprehension skills, grammar, and ability to succinctly convey information. In recent years, topics related to sustainability, pollution, and waste management—such as Biodegradable Plastics And Waste Management—have become increasingly common in the exam. Let’s explore the details with a sample passage, questions, and model answers.
Sample Summarize Written Text Question: Biodegradable Plastics and Waste Management
Passage
Biodegradable plastics have emerged as a potential solution to traditional, fossil-fuel-based plastics, which take centuries to break down and contribute to accumulating environmental pollution. Unlike conventional plastics, biodegradable variants are designed to decompose naturally in environments such as soil or water, typically in much shorter time frames. However, the effectiveness of biodegradable plastics in waste management is not without challenges. For instance, they still require specific conditions, such as the presence of light, oxygen, and moisture, to decompose correctly. Additionally, their production process can still involve the use of non-renewable resources, and if incorrectly disposed of, they might not degrade as intended. Incorporating recycling and proper waste segregation simultaneously is crucial for ensuring that both biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials are managed efficiently to mitigate environmental impact. In sum, while biodegradable plastics represent progress, they are not a comprehensive solution, and responsible waste management, involving public awareness and industrial collaboration, remains critical for addressing global waste problems.
Write a one-sentence summary of the text.
Model Answers
Band Score 90+
Biodegradable plastics, although an improvement over conventional plastics due to their ability to decompose under specific conditions, are still not a perfect solution and require responsible waste management and public awareness to truly mitigate environmental impact.
Content: This response conveys the summary of the passage, covering both the key characteristics of biodegradable plastics and the need for effective waste management strategies.
Form: The response contains one sentence.
Grammar: Error-free grammar with correct use of conjunctions and punctuation.
Vocabulary: Advanced use of “mitigate” and “responsible waste management.”
Spelling: Correct spelling throughout.
Band Score 80-89
Biodegradable plastics can decompose in specific environments, but they require proper waste management and are not the ultimate solution to global environmental issues.
Content: This response captures the essential points but lacks some details about how biodegradable plastics require specific conditions to decompose.
Form: The response contains one sentence.
Grammar: The sentence is grammatically correct.
Vocabulary: The chosen vocabulary is appropriate but less advanced than higher band responses.
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band Score 70-79
Biodegradable plastics decompose faster, but they need proper waste handling and are not a complete answer to pollution.
Content: While this response captures the basic idea, it oversimplifies the relationship between biodegradable plastics and waste management.
Form: The response is one sentence, as required.
Grammar: Mostly correct, though the phrase “decompose faster” could be more specific.
Vocabulary: Vocabulary is sufficient, but simpler and less precise.
Spelling: No errors in spelling.
Band Score 60-69
Plastics that are biodegradable help solve pollution problems but need good waste management.
Content: This sentence includes oversimplifications and misses critical aspects, such as the need for specific decomposition conditions and limitations.
Form: Correct one-sentence structure.
Grammar: Basic but clear grammar.
Vocabulary: Limited vocabulary.
Spelling: No mistakes in spelling.
Key Vocabulary From the Passage
-
Biodegradable (ˌbaɪoʊdɪˈɡreɪdəbl) – Capable of being broken down naturally by microorganisms without harming the environment.
Example: “Biodegradable materials can reduce long-term waste in landfills.” -
Fossil-fuel-based (ˈfɑːsl fjuːl beɪst) – Derived from fossil fuels like oil or coal, which are non-renewable energy sources.
Example: “Most traditional plastics are fossil-fuel-based.” -
Decompose (ˌdiːkəmˈpoʊz) – To break down into simpler substances through natural processes, especially by bacteria and fungi.
Example: “Organic waste decomposes faster in compost.” -
Environmental Pollution (ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmɛntəl pəˈluːʃən) – The introduction of harmful materials into the environment.
Example: “Plastic leads to severe environmental pollution, particularly in oceans.” -
Non-renewable resources (ˌnɑːn rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈriːˈsɔːrsɪz) – Natural resources, such as coal or oil, that cannot be replaced once they are consumed.
Example: “Biodegradable plastics help preserve non-renewable resources.” -
Waste Segregation (weɪst ˌseɡrɪˈɡeɪʃn) – The process of separating waste into different categories for proper disposal or recycling.
Example: “Effective waste segregation is crucial to prevent cross-contamination.” -
Mitigate (ˈmɪtɪˌɡeɪt) – To make something less harmful or severe.
Example: “Public awareness campaigns aim to mitigate the environmental impact of waste.” -
Industrial Collaboration (ɪnˈdʌstriəl kəˌlæbəˈreɪʃən) – Partnership between industries to achieve shared goals, such as reducing pollution.
Example: “Industrial collaboration is vital to successfully implementing sustainable waste management.” -
Degrade (dɪˈɡreɪd) – To break down or decay naturally over time.
Example: “Some plastics take centuries to degrade under natural conditions.” -
Sustainability (səˌsteɪnəˈbɪlɪti) – The capacity to maintain ecological balance by avoiding the depletion of natural resources.
Example: “Biodegradable plastics contribute to sustainability efforts.”
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve covered an insightful Summarize Written Text example about biodegradable plastics and waste management, a topic that’s increasingly relevant in today’s exam settings. The passage explored both the advantages and complications associated with biodegradable plastics, highlighting the importance of proper waste management. By practicing such relevant topics, candidates can be better prepared for their PTE exams. For a deeper dive into related environmental issues, check out other topics like Ocean plastic pollution solutions and Environmental effects of fast fashion.
Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions—happy studying!
