Summarize Written Text: Biomimicry in Sustainable Design

Summarize Written Text Practice Questions

Sample Question 1: Biomimicry-driven Sustainable Architecture

Biomimicry, the practice of designing solutions inspired by nature, is gaining traction in the field of sustainable architecture. Throughout history, natural forms have influenced the design of buildings and systems, but modern biomimicry goes beyond mere mimicry of shapes and incorporates functional principles seen in nature, such as self-regulation, energy efficiency, and eco-friendliness. For example, the Eastgate Centre in Zimbabwe uses passive cooling systems inspired by termite mounds to minimize energy use in the building. This example shows how nature is not just an aesthetic inspiration but a source of functional and sustainable design principles that can contribute to creating more sustainable urban environments.
Write one sentence that summarizes the passage.

Sample Answer Analysis by Band

Band Score: 79+

Biomimicry in sustainable architecture aims to emulate functional principles from nature to improve energy efficiency, self-regulation, and ecological balance in building designs, as demonstrated by Zimbabwe’s Eastgate Centre inspired by termite mounds.

Analysis

• Content: The answer captures the key points effectively, mentioning energy efficiency, self-regulation, ecological balance, and the specific example of the Eastgate Centre.
• Form: The sentence adheres to the one-sentence form requirement (under 75 words).
• Grammar: The sentence is grammatically accurate and offers a clear flow of ideas.
• Vocabulary: Advanced vocabulary is used naturally, such as “emulate,” “principles,” “efficiency,” etc.
• Spelling: No spelling errors present.

Band Score: 65-78

The Eastgate Centre in Zimbabwe uses biomimicry-based design, inspired by termite mounds, to improve energy efficiency and offers an example of how natural principles can be applied in sustainable architecture.

Analysis

• Content: The summary is valid but sacrifices some key points about self-regulation and eco-friendliness.
• Form: The sentence is concise and follows the word limit rule.
• Grammar: The grammar is mostly accurate, but the flow of ideas can be slightly clearer.
• Vocabulary: Vocabulary is simpler but still appropriate for this level.
• Spelling: No spelling mistakes.

Band Score: 50-64

Sustainable architecture uses biomimicry like in the Eastgate Centre, based on natural systems, to save energy.

Analysis

• Content: The response is too simplified, omitting important details about sustainability principles such as self-regulation and eco-friendliness.
• Form: While under the word limit, the sentence is overly simplistic and lacks depth.
• Grammar: Generally correct grammar but limited complexity.
• Vocabulary: Vocabulary is limited, only using basic words.
• Spelling: No spelling errors.

Sample Question 2: Nature-Inspired Design in Technology

Biomimicry is not only revolutionizing the field of architecture but is also driving innovations in fields such as robotics, medicine, and transportation. Engineers and scientists are increasingly turning to nature for inspiration, mimicking designs that have evolved over millions of years. For instance, some scientists are studying the flight patterns of birds to design more efficient drones, while others are examining the properties of the lotus leaf to create self-cleaning surfaces. These bio-inspired designs are helping technologies become more sustainable and efficient in their operation.
Write one sentence that summarizes the passage.

Sample Answer Analysis by Band

Band Score: 79+

Biomimicry is enhancing technological innovations in sectors like robotics, medicine, and transportation by applying evolved natural designs, such as bird flight dynamics in drone design and lotus leaf properties in self-cleaning technologies, to achieve greater sustainability and efficiency.

Analysis

• Content: This sentence accurately conveys the entire content, clarifying the role of biomimicry in multiple fields and providing relevant examples.
• Form: Stays within the one-sentence rule and maintains clarity.
• Grammar: The grammar is advanced and flawless. Complex ideas are presented succinctly and logically.
• Vocabulary: Advanced, topic-appropriate words like “enhancing,” “evolved,” “dynamics,” and “sustainability” are used effectively.
• Spelling: No errors here.

Band Score: 65-78

Biomimicry is used in technology innovation, as shown by studying bird flight for drones and lotus leaf properties for self-cleaning surfaces, aiming for higher efficiency and sustainability.

Analysis

• Content: The summary appropriately covers key examples but lacks the broad context of other fields highlighted in the original text.
• Form: Stays within the word limit.
• Grammar: Mostly accurate, though the sentence structure could be more complex.
• Vocabulary: Suitable vocabulary, though simpler than the higher-scoring response.
• Spelling: No mistakes.

Band Score: 50-64

Scientists use biomimicry to improve technology, like studying birds for drones and lotus leaves for self-cleaning surfaces.

Analysis

• Content: The summary misses out key details like sustainability and limits itself to basic examples without explanation.
• Form: The form is correct, but the ideas are too simple to achieve a high score.
• Grammar: Simple, correct grammar but lacking complexity.
• Vocabulary: Limited use of vocabulary. Lacks depth and some key terms from the passage.
• Spelling: No issues.

Vocabulary and Grammar

Here are 10 key vocabulary words from the model question answers, along with their definitions and example sentences:

1. Biomimicry /ˌbaɪoʊˈmɪmɪkri/ (n.): The design or creation of systems that are modeled on biological entities or processes.
   Example: The principle of biomimicry influences many aspects of sustainable engineering.

2. Sustainable /səˈsteɪnəbl̩/ (adj.): Capable of being maintained or continued over the long term.
   Example: Many architects are shifting to sustainable design models to ensure eco-friendliness.

3. Efficiency /ɪˈfɪʃənsi/ (n.): The ability to accomplish something with the least waste of time and effort.
   Example: Drones designed with biomimicry principles have improved operational efficiency.

4. Self-regulation /ˌsɛlfˈrɛɡjʊleɪʃən/ (n.): The ability of a system to regulate itself without external control.
   Example: Termite mounds exhibit self-regulation by managing temperature efficiently throughout the day.

5. Mimic /ˈmɪmɪk/ (v.): To imitate or replicate the behavior, appearance, or characteristics of something.
   Example: The Eastgate Centre mimics the self-regulatory nature of termite mounds for cooling purposes.

6. Innovations /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃənz/ (n.): New methods, ideas, or products introduced to improve something.
   Example: Biomimicry-driven innovations are paving the way for a future of eco-friendly technologies.

7. Eco-friendliness /ˌekoʊˈfrɛndlɪnɪs/ (n.): The state of being friendly to the environment.
   Example: The architect focused on eco-friendliness in his biomimetic building designs.

8. Inspired /ɪnˈspaɪərd/ (adj.): Motivated or influenced by something to create new ideas or methods.
   Example: The cooling system of the shopping center was inspired by nature.

9. Passive cooling /ˈpæsɪv ˈkuːlɪŋ/ (n.): Systems that cool spaces without energy consumption, typically by utilizing architectural structures.
   Example: The building employs passive cooling as part of its biomimicry design.

10. Dynamics /daɪˈnæmɪks/ (n.): The forces or properties that stimulate growth, development, or change within a system or process.
    Example: Understanding bird flight dynamics has been crucial in designing energy-efficient drones.

Conclusion

Biomimicry in sustainable design is an appealing subject often featured in Summarize Written Text tasks of the PTE exam. By studying examples like the Eastgate Centre’s passive cooling system or bio-inspired technology innovations like drones, you can practice effectively for the exam. Regular practice with these types of questions, combined with a solid understanding of grammar, vocabulary, and clarity in summarization, will improve your PTE score. Share your own responses or ask questions in the comment section below to continue the conversation!