The Summarize Written Text task, part of the PTE Speaking & Writing section, is a highly important yet challenging portion of the exam. Candidates are required to condense a broader passage into a one-sentence summary of up to 75 words, encapsulating the main ideas while meeting strict linguistic criteria. Climate change and various Climate Change Mitigation Strategies have become commonly tested topics in this task, reflecting their global relevance. Below is an in-depth guide along with sample questions and model answers for practicing your skills in this crucial section.
Sample Question: Climate Change Mitigation Strategies
Task Instructions
Read the passage below and summarize it in one sentence. Your response should be between 5 and 75 words.
Governments and international organizations have recognized the urgent need to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change through a range of strategies. These include transitioning to renewable energy, enhancing energy efficiency, reforestation, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Some countries have implemented carbon pricing mechanisms, such as carbon taxes and cap-and-trade systems, to incentivize the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, international cooperation has led to agreements like the Paris Agreement, which sets ambitious goals for reducing global emissions. Despite these efforts, challenges such as political resistance, insufficient funding, and slow technology transfer remain persistent hurdles in the global endeavor to fight climate change.
Response:
Summarize the essence of the passage above into a concise one-sentence answer.
Sample Answers for Various Bands
Band 90+ Answer
International efforts to mitigate climate change include promoting renewable energy, enforcing carbon pricing mechanisms like taxes, reforestation, and international agreements, but face challenges with political resistance, funding, and technology deployment.
Analysis:
- Content: Fully encapsulated main points of government mitigation strategies and mentioned the challenges.
- Form: The sentence is concise, under 75 words, and follows the task instructions.
- Grammar: Grammatically sound with complex sentence structure.
- Vocabulary: Uses advanced words like “carbon pricing mechanisms,” “reforestation,” and “technology deployment” correctly.
- Spelling: Correct spelling throughout.
Global measures to address climate change issues with focus on challenges and progress
Band 70-80 Answer
Strategies to fight climate change include using renewable energy, reforestation, carbon taxes, and international cooperation, but political and financial challenges hinder global progress.
Analysis:
- Content: Covered most key points; simplified certain details.
- Form: Within the word limit.
- Grammar: Grammatically correct with clear structure.
- Vocabulary: Appropriate, though more basic than the 90+ answer.
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band 60-70 Answer
Mitigating climate change involves reforestation and carbon taxes, but faces political and funding issues globally.
Analysis:
- Content: Some key strategies are missing, like renewable energy and the Paris Agreement.
- Form: Proper word count but lacks the full breadth of the passage’s content.
- Grammar: Simple and clear sentence structure.
- Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary; missed more advanced lexical choices.
- Spelling: Correct spelling.
Related Topics in Climate Mitigation Strategies
In approaching top-scoring answers, it is essential to recognize related subtopics that are frequently highlighted in clean energy initiatives, sustainable farming practices, and global efforts like the Paris Agreement. For additional background and deeper understanding, explore these connected subjects:
Key clean energy methods and initiatives to mitigate climate change globally
Key PTE Evaluation Criteria Breakdown
When attempting the Summarize Written Text task, it’s crucial to understand the five key scoring criteria:
- Content: Ensure that the central ideas of the original text are present in your summary.
- Form: Summaries need to be no longer than 75 words and include one complete sentence.
- Grammar: Grammatical accuracy is crucial. Avoid fragment sentences, comma splices, or verb tenses inconsistent with the source text.
- Vocabulary: Aim for topic-specific words, similar to how “reforestation” and “carbon taxes” are used in the band 90+ answer.
- Spelling: Maintain accurate spelling throughout; even minor errors can detract from your overall score, so ensure proofreading!
Advanced Vocabulary for Climate Change Mitigation
To perform well in the PTE Summarize Written Text task, mastering a broad vocabulary on topics like climate change is essential. Below are 10 advanced words from the provided passage and how you can use them effectively:
- Mitigate /ˈmɪtɪˌɡeɪt/ – to make something less severe.
- Example: Governments are working to mitigate the effects of rising sea levels.
- Incentivize /ɪnˈsɛntɪˌvaɪz/ – to provide motivation or encouragement to do something.
- Example: Carbon taxes are used to incentivize companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Reforestation /ˌriːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃn/ – the process of replanting trees in an area where they were previously cut down.
- Example: Reforestation efforts are critical to increase carbon sequestration.
- Cap-and-trade system – a market-based approach to controlling pollution by providing economic incentives for achieving reductions in pollutant emissions.
- Example: Many countries implement a cap-and-trade system to limit pollution output.
- Sustainable /səˈsteɪnəbəl/ – capable of being maintained at a steady level without exhausting natural resources.
- Example: Sustainable agriculture reduces environmental impact while maintaining food production.
- Carbon pricing /ˈkɑː(r)bən ˈpraɪsɪŋ/ – assigning a cost to carbon emissions with market mechanisms.
- Example: Carbon pricing encourages businesses to invest in cleaner technologies.
- Political resistance /pəˈlɪtɪkəl rɪˈzɪstəns/ – opposition from political figures or groups.
- Example: Political resistance often hinders climate legislation progress.
- Paris Agreement /ˈpærɪs əˈɡriːmənt/ – a global accord to address climate change through national goals.
- Example: The Paris Agreement established an international framework for emissions reduction.
- Greenhouse gas emissions /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – gases such as carbon dioxide and methane that trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere.
- Example: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial to slowing global warming.
- Technological transfer /ˌteknəˌlɒdʒɪkl ˈtrænsfər/ – moving technologies from one firm, country, etc., to another.
- Example: Technological transfer plays a significant role in developing nations’ climate strategies.
Advanced vocabulary related to climate change mitigation
Conclusion
Mastering the Summarize Written Text task in the PTE requires practice, especially on real-world topics such as climate change mitigation strategies. Enhancing your ability to both comprehend passages and summarize them based on the criteria provided will substantially improve your performance. Keep practicing with various topics and band scores to ensure readiness for the exam, and explore other related resources like Sustainable fisheries and marine ecosystems to broaden your understanding of environmental challenges.
