Summarize Written Text Practice Sample Based on “Biofuels and Food Versus Fuel Debate” for PTE Exam

Introduction to The Summarize Written Text in PTE

The Summarize Written Text is a challenging task in the PTE Speaking & Writing section, where you are required to condense a written passage into a single sentence that captures the core idea of the passage while staying within 5-75 words. One hot topic often featured in this section is “Biofuels and the food versus fuel debate”. This topic is commonly discussed in the context of environmental sustainability and agricultural resources, making it a perfect subject for practicing summarization skills.

In this article, we will present a Summarize Written Text task using this theme. You’ll encounter a reading passage, and multiple model responses will be provided to illustrate sample answers across different scoring bands. Let’s get started!

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Summarize Written Text Practice Question on “Biofuels and Food Versus Fuel Debate”

Task Instructions:
Read the passage below and summarize it in one sentence. Your response should include all the main ideas while being between 5-75 words. This task tests your ability to condense complex ideas into a single, concise sentence.

Biofuels are fuels derived from biomass, intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide a solution to the depletion of fossil fuels. However, the production of biofuels, especially in large quantities, raises ethical concerns, primarily with the “food versus fuel debate.” This debate relates to whether agricultural resources, such as land and crops, should be used to produce fuel instead of food. The accelerated production of biofuels may lead to food scarcity and price hikes, particularly in developing nations that already struggle with food security. On the other hand, advocates of biofuels argue that sustainable methods, such as using non-food crops or waste products, can mitigate these effects, striking a balance between energy needs and food production.

Summary of biofuels and food versus fuel debate

Sample Answer for Band 90

The production of biofuels from agricultural resources leads to the “food versus fuel debate,” questioning whether land and crops should be used for fuel at the potential cost of food security, but sustainable solutions using non-food crops or waste may balance energy and food production.

Analysis:

• Content: All main ideas from the passage are covered, including biofuels, food security concerns, and the potential for sustainable solutions.
• Form: The sentence’s length is within the 5-75 words range (43 words).
• Grammar: The sentence is grammatically correct and complex.
• Vocabulary: Advanced vocabulary is used effectively (“agricultural resources”, “secure balance”, “non-food crops”).
• Spelling: No errors detected.

Sample Answer for Band 80

The “food versus fuel debate” questions if resources like land and crops should be used for biofuel production, as this might lead to food scarcity, although sustainable alternatives can reduce this risk.

Analysis:

• Content: The main ideas are covered, though there is slight compression of details regarding food security and sustainability.
• Form: The sentence is 30 words – concise and within the length guidelines.
• Grammar: The sentence is grammatically accurate, utilizing correct clause structures.
• Vocabulary: The vocabulary used is appropriate, though less advanced compared to the previous response.
• Spelling: No errors detected.

Sample Answer for Band 70

Biofuel production causes concerns about food scarcity, leading to the “food versus fuel debate” that argues whether land should produce crops for fuel or food.

Analysis:

• Content: Most key ideas are acknowledged, but the solutions related to sustainable biofuels from non-food sources are missing.
• Form: The sentence is 28 words, fitting the word count requirement.
• Grammar: The sentence structure is fairly simple but accurate.
• Vocabulary: The vocabulary is basic, with terms like “concerns” rather than “ethical issues.”
• Spelling: All words are spelled correctly.

Sample Answer for Band 60

The production of biofuels involves using land and crops, which decreases food supply, creating a debate between food or fuel production.

Analysis:

• Content: The sentence provides a basic summary but omits significant details of the debate’s nuances and potential solutions.
• Form: The response is 24 words, which is efficient but lacks complexity.
• Grammar: Although there are no obvious grammar mistakes, the structure is overly simple.
• Vocabulary: Word choices are basic, which affects its overall impact.
• Spelling: Correct spelling throughout.

Sample Answer for Band 50

Biofuels cause problems for food because they use land for fuel.

Analysis:

• Content: This sentence is overly simplistic and omits key issues from the passage, such as sustainability and food scarcity concerns.
• Form: The response falls within the word limit at just 12 words but fails to capture the full complexity of the passage.
• Grammar: The sentence is grammatically correct but lacks the needed structures to fully explain the topic.
• Vocabulary: Very limited and overly simplified vocabulary.
• Spelling: No spelling problems.

Vocabulary and Grammar

Below are some challenging words from the passage, along with their definitions and usage examples:

1. Biomass (/ˈbʌɪə(ʊ)mæs/)
   Noun: Organic material used as fuel, especially in the form of plant or animal matter.
   Example: Biomass is a renewable energy source that could reduce the need for fossil fuels.

2. Depletion (/dɪˈpliːʃən/)
   Noun: The reduction in the number or quantity of something.
   Example: Rapid depletion of natural resources is a serious concern for future generations.

3. Ethical (/ˈɛθɪkəl/)
   Adjective: Related to moral principles.
   Example: The ethical implications of using food crops for biofuel production are extensively debated.

4. Scarcity (/ˈskɛəsɪti/)
   Noun: Insufficiency or short supply of something.
   Example: Food scarcity may occur if more agricultural resources are diverted to biofuel production.

Vocabulary terms related to biofuels production and debate

5. Advocate (/ˈædvəkət/)
   Noun: A person who supports or recommends a particular cause or policy.
   Example: Many environmental advocates support biofuels as a cleaner fuel alternative.

6. Mitigate (/ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/)
   Verb: To make less severe, serious, or painful.
   Example: Sustainable alternatives can mitigate the negative effects of biofuel production on food supply.

7. Sustainable (/səˈsteɪnəbl/)
   Adjective: Able to be maintained at a certain level without depleting resources.
   Example: Sustainable farming practices ensure food production without harming the environment.

8. Non-food crops (/nɒn-fʊd krɒps/)
   Noun phrase: Crops not intended for human consumption, typically grown for other purposes.
   Example: Some non-food crops, like algae, are seen as potential sources for biofuels.

9. Greenhouse gas emissions (/ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃənz/)
   Noun phrase: The release of gases like carbon dioxide that contribute to global warming.
   Example: Biofuels are believed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels.

10. Energy needs (/ˈɛnə(r)dʒɪ niːdz/)
    Noun phrase: The amount of energy required by a country, industry, or household.
    Example: Balancing energy needs with food production is a key challenge for biofuels advocates.

Conclusion

The “Biofuels and food versus fuel debate” is a critical topic in global discussions about energy sustainability and food security, making it a frequent inclusion in PTE Summarize Written Text tasks. Practice on questions like these helps hone your abilities in extracting essential information and crafting concise summaries—skills integral to achieving high scores. Keep practicing and share your responses in the comments section for feedback!