Summarize Written Text is an essential component of the Speaking & Writing section in the PTE Academic test. Test takers are required to summarize a written text in a single sentence, showcasing their ability to comprehend, condense, and clearly express the ideas presented in the passage. One of the most common themes is environmental sustainability, including carbon emissions and global warming—topics that have seen a surge in relevance due to current global efforts toward reducing environmental impacts. In this article, we will provide sample questions and their corresponding model answers to help you prepare efficiently for this section.
Summarize Written Text Practice: Carbon Emissions and Global Warming
In this section, you will find a sample Summarize Written Text task related to Carbon Emissions And Global Warming, similar to what may appear in the actual PTE Academic exam.
Sample Task 1: Carbon Emissions and Global Warming
The passage you are about to read centers around fossil fuel consumption, its correlation with carbon emissions, and the escalating threat of global warming.
Read the passage below and write a one-sentence summary:
“Carbon emissions, primarily stemming from the burning of fossil fuels, are widely recognized as the primary driver of global warming. Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere have risen by over 40%, contributing significantly to temperature increases and climate instability. These emissions hinder the Earth’s ability to naturally regulate its temperature, leading to phenomena such as more frequent heatwaves, melting ice caps, and rising sea levels. To curb the effects of global warming and ensure environmental sustainability, many nations have implemented carbon offset programs and renewable energy initiatives as part of global efforts to mitigate climate change.”
Model Answers for Different Band Scores
Band 90 (High Score)
“Carbon emissions, primarily from burning fossil fuels, have escalated global warming by disrupting the Earth’s natural climate system, resulting in heatwaves, rising sea levels, and prompting international efforts like carbon offset programs and renewable energy initiatives.”
Analysis:
- Content: Fully captures the key ideas, including the causes of carbon emissions, their impact on global warming, and global mitigation efforts.
- Form: Correct word count and proper punctuation.
- Grammar: Flawless grammar and sentence structure.
- Vocabulary: Advanced vocabulary (e.g., “disrupting,” “mitigation,” “initiatives”).
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band 75 (Good score)
“The burning of fossil fuels has increased carbon dioxide levels, causing global warming, which has led to severe environmental problems like rising sea levels, prompting global efforts to reduce these emissions.”
Analysis:
- Content: Captures primary information but lacks the mention of specific global efforts like carbon offset and renewable energy.
- Form: Correct word count, though the sentence could be more complex.
- Grammar: Generally strong, though slightly less sophisticated sentence structure.
- Vocabulary: Good vocabulary but less varied compared to higher bands.
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 60 (Intermediate Score)
“Fossil fuels cause higher carbon dioxide emissions and warming the Earth, which is a big problem for the environment, and nations are working to fix it.”
Analysis:
- Content: Mentions causes and effects but does not fully convey the complexity or specifics of mitigation efforts.
- Form: Meets word requirements, but the sentence structure is overly simple.
- Grammar: Grammatically accurate but lacks varied sentence structure.
- Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary with some repetition.
- Spelling: No errors, but perhaps a missed opportunity to use advanced words.
Band Below 50 (Low Score)
“Carbon from fuels makes global warming worse, and the world is working to stop it.”
Analysis:
- Content: Does not provide a nuanced understanding of the content, missing critical details.
- Form: Word count falls short, lacks complexity.
- Grammar: Overly simplistic and grammatically weak.
- Vocabulary: Very basic, showing minimal understanding of the topic.
- Spelling: No errors, but word choices are inadequate.
Vocabulary and Grammar Insights
Below is a list of 10 advanced vocabulary terms from the passage and model answers that are often related to discussions on carbon emissions and global warming:
-
Emissions /ɪˈmɪʃənz/ (noun) – the production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation.
- Example: Industrial emissions are largely responsible for air pollution.
-
Sustainability /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ (noun) – the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level, often related to environmental conservation.
- Example: Renewable energy promotes long-term sustainability.
-
Mitigate /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ (verb) – to make something less severe or serious.
- Example: Effective policies are needed to mitigate climate change effects.
-
Instability /ˌɪnstəˈbɪləti/ (noun) – the state of being prone to change, especially in a negative way.
- Example: Climate instability is a growing concern for global governments.
-
Cap /kæp/ (verb) – to impose a limit on the amount.
- Example: Many countries have agreed to cap their carbon emissions.
-
Offset /ˈɔːfset/ (verb) – to counterbalance or compensate for something.
- Example: Planting trees can help offset carbon emissions.
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Phenomena /fəˈnɒmɪnə/ (plural noun) – observable facts or situations that are remarkable or extraordinary.
- Example: Climate change causes extreme weather phenomena, such as typhoons.
-
Initiative /ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/ (noun) – a new plan or process to achieve something.
- Example: Many governments have launched renewable energy initiatives.
-
Escalate /ˈɛskəleɪt/ (verb) – to increase rapidly.
- Example: The situation is expected to escalate if no action is taken.
-
Capitalize /ˈkæpɪtəlaɪz/ (verb) – to take advantage of a situation.
- Example: Some industries capitalize on the growing need for clean energy.
Conclusion
With carbon emissions and global warming frequently appearing in both real-world discussions and academic tests like the PTE, it is crucial to be well-prepared for questions centered around this topic. Practicing Summarize Written Text questions enables you to convey complex ideas succinctly, a key skill in achieving a good PTE score. Start integrating specific themes like carbon offset and global environmental efforts into your practice sessions and use sample responses to calibrate your answers. Don’t forget to explore other topics such as Urban farming and food sustainability, which are equally relevant in the current test landscape.
