Summarize Written Text Practice for PTE Exam: Economic Benefits of Biodiversity

The topic of “Economic Benefits Of Biodiversity” is a common and important one in the PTE Summarize Written Text section. In this section, you will be required to read a passage and summarize it in one sentence. The challenge lies in finding the balance between including all the critical points of the passage while keeping the summary concise and grammatically correct. Below is a sample practice task and various model answers to help you understand how to approach such real-world topics.

Importance of Biodiversity in Economics: Sample Task

Read the following passage and summarize it into one single sentence containing no more than 75 words.

Biodiversity plays a critical role in maintaining the health of ecosystems, which in turn provides numerous economic benefits. These benefits include food security through improved agricultural outputs, enhanced resilience to environmental changes such as climate shocks, and the provision of raw materials for industries. Moreover, biodiversity also supports tourism and recreational activities that generate revenue globally. In addition, it underpins essential ecosystem services like pollination and water purification, which are vital for the well-being of both people and businesses.

Sample Answers

High Score (Band 79+)

The economic benefits of biodiversity include enhanced agricultural productivity, resilience to climate change, provision of raw materials for industries, support for tourism and recreation, and essential ecosystem services such as pollination and water purification, all of which contribute significantly to human and economic well-being.

Analysis:

• Content: All key aspects of the passage are covered, including the main economic benefits such as improved agricultural yield, climate resilience, tourism, and ecosystem services.
• Form: The sentence is under 75 words and well-constructed.
• Grammar: There are no grammatical errors. Complex sentence structure is used effectively.
• Vocabulary: Appropriate academic vocabulary is used accurately.
• Spelling: No spelling mistakes.

Mid Score (Band 65-78)

Biodiversity provides economic benefits such as better agricultural productivity, resilience to climate conditions, raw materials for industries, and essential services like pollination and water purification, while also contributing to tourism and recreation.

Analysis:

• Content: Covers most key points but lacks detail on how these benefits impact human well-being.
• Form: The sentence is under 75 words with a clear structure.
• Grammar: There are no major grammar issues, but the sentence structure is simpler.
• Vocabulary: Uses fewer advanced vocabulary words compared to the higher band response.
• Spelling: No spelling issues.

Low Score (Band 50-64)

Biodiversity offers economic resources including tourism, agriculture, climate resilience, raw materials, and some ecosystem services.

Analysis:

• Content: Several key points are missing or underdeveloped, such as the description of ecosystem services and their impact on economic and human well-being.
• Form: Still under the word limit, but information is too brief.
• Grammar: Basic sentence structure is used, and the sentence lacks flow.
• Vocabulary: Limited use of advanced vocabulary; some terms are vague.
• Spelling: No spelling issues.

Key Vocabulary for PTE Preparation

Below are 10 essential vocabulary words from the passage, along with their definitions and examples of usage to help you improve your understanding and use of high-level English.

1. Biodiversity /ˌbaɪoʊdaɪˈvɜːrsɪti/ (noun)
   Definition: Variety of life within an ecosystem.
   Example: The preservation of biodiversity can prevent species extinction and sustain ecosystems.

2. Resilience /rɪˈzɪlɪəns/ (noun)
   Definition: The ability to recover from or adjust easily to adversity or change.
   Example: Ecosystems with high biodiversity demonstrate greater resilience to climate change.

3. Ecosystem /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstɪm/ (noun)
   Definition: A community of living organisms and their environment interacting as a system.
   Example: Healthy ecosystems provide valuable services like water filtration and carbon storage.

4. Agricultural Outputs /ˌæɡrɪˈkʌltʃərəl ˈaʊtpʊts/ (noun phrase)
   Definition: The products and yields from farming activities.
   Example: Increased biodiversity in soil can enhance agricultural outputs by improving nutrient cycles.

5. Economic Benefits /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈbenɪfɪts/ (noun phrase)
   Definition: Advantages gained in terms of financial gains or economic improvements.
   Example: Biodiversity offers numerous economic benefits ranging from food security to tourism.

6. Pollination /ˌpɑːləˈneɪʃən/ (noun)
   Definition: Transfer of pollen to enable fertilization and reproduction in plants.
   Example: Bees play a crucial role in crop pollination, vital for agricultural economies.

7. Raw Materials /ˌrɔː məˈtɪəriəlz/ (noun phrase)
   Definition: Basic materials from which products are made.
   Example: Biodiversity supplies industries with raw materials such as timber, rubber, and fibers.

8. Tourism /ˈtʊərɪzəm/ (noun)
   Definition: The business of providing services to people traveling for leisure.
   Example: Biodiverse regions attract nature-based tourism, which can significantly boost local economies.

9. Ecosystem Services /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstɪm ˈsɜːrvɪsɪz/ (noun phrase)
   Definition: The benefits that humans gain from properly functioning ecosystems.
   Example: Ecosystem services, such as air purification, are essential but often undervalued economically.

10. Water Purification /ˈwɔːtər ˌpjʊrɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ (noun phrase)
    Definition: The process of removing contaminants from water.
    Example: Wetlands and forests play a crucial role in water purification, ensuring clean water supplies.

Conclusion

The “Economic Benefits of Biodiversity” is a relevant topic in the PTE exam’s Summarize Written Text task, as it is frequently tested due to its global importance. This task emphasizes the necessity of understanding how biodiversity contributes to multiple areas of the economy, from tourism and agriculture to ecosystem services. By practicing with this sample, candidates can strengthen their summary skills, ensuring they are well-prepared for both the speaking and writing components of the PTE exam.

For more in-depth preparation, consider exploring related topics like Sustainable agriculture for future generations or Urbanization’s impact on public health, which can further broaden your knowledge in areas related to ecology and economic impact. Keep practicing with confidence, and success will follow!