The Summarize Written Text task in the PTE Academic Speaking & Writing section requires test-takers to condense a piece of written information into a one-sentence summary. One of the most frequently discussed topics in PTE exams today involves global urbanization and its impacts. The challenges and implications of rapid urbanization, particularly due to increasing population and the growth of cities worldwide, are significant and warrant closer examination in PTE contexts.
In this article, we will present detailed Summarize Written Text exercises based on “Effects Of Rapid Urbanization Globally”, along with model answers graded according to PTE’s scoring guidelines.
Practice Questions: Summarize Written Text
For Summarize Written Text, you will have 10 minutes to read a passage and summarize it into one sentence. Your sentence should be less than 75 words and capture all the important points.
1. Task 1: Rapid Urbanization and Its Environmental Impact
In recent years, rapid urbanization has profoundly affected the natural environment across the globe. The shift from rural to urban living has led to an increased demand for resources such as water, energy, and land, heightening pressures on local ecosystems. Urban sprawl often results in the destruction of green spaces and the pollution of air and water resources. Although cities offer economic opportunities, they frequently struggle with waste management and carbon emissions, contributing to global climate change.
Summarize the paragraph in one sentence.
Responses:
PTE Band 90+:
Rapid urbanization strains ecosystems by increasing resource demand and causing pollution while contributing to climate change, despite economic benefits offered by cities.
- Content: Great coverage of all key points.
- Form: One complete sentence under 75 words.
- Grammar: Correct use of complex sentence structures.
- Vocabulary: Precise, high-level vocabulary (“strains ecosystems,” “contributing”).
- Spelling: No errors.
PTE Band 70+:
Although rapid urbanization creates economic opportunities, it also causes environmental damage by leading to high resource demand and pollution.
- Content: Covers most of the key points.
- Form: Well-structured sentence but with slight simplification.
- Grammar: Mostly correct, but could use more precision.
- Vocabulary: Appropriately used.
- Spelling: No errors.
PTE Band 50+:
Urbanization harms the environment by using many resources and adding pollution.
- Content: Basic points only; lacks details on economic aspects and climate change connection.
- Form: Simple sentence, lacks complexity.
- Grammar: Accurate but very basic.
- Vocabulary: Limited variety.
- Spelling: No errors.
Urban sprawl leading to pollution and destruction of green spaces
2. Task 2: Social Challenges of Urbanization
In addition to its environmental consequences, rapid urbanization has significant social implications worldwide. The influx of people to urban areas creates overcrowded cities and strains on housing, healthcare, education, and other essential services. Many cities, particularly in developing countries, cannot sustain their growing populations, leading to the rise of informal settlements or slums. These areas often lack access to clean water, sanitation, and infrastructure, increasing inequality and the vulnerability of the residents.
Summarize the paragraph in one sentence.
Responses:
PTE Band 90+:
Rapid urbanization causes overcrowding and overburdened services in cities, particularly in developing nations, leading to informal settlements with inadequate infrastructure and increasing social inequality.
- Content: Captures all critical details well.
- Form: Well-constructed sentence, under 75 words.
- Grammar: Good use of conditionals and relative clauses.
- Vocabulary: Advanced, with appropriate context use (“overburdened,” “inadequate infrastructure”).
- Spelling: No errors.
PTE Band 70+:
Rapid urbanization leads to overcrowded cities that often fail to provide adequate services, particularly in developing nations, causing inequality and slums.
- Content: Covers 80% of the key ideas.
- Form: Good structure; slightly simplified for clarity.
- Grammar: Mostly accurate but simpler.
- Vocabulary: Adequate but without advanced complexity.
- Spelling: No errors.
PTE Band 50+:
Because of urbanization, many cities become crowded and have poor services, creating social problems like inequality.
- Content: Very basic, does not mention specific problems of slums or infrastructure issues.
- Form: Simple sentence structure.
- Grammar: Mostly correct but very basic.
- Vocabulary: Very limited range.
- Spelling: No errors.
Overcrowded slums with inadequate infrastructure in developing nations
3. Task 3: Economic Impact of Urbanization
While urbanization brings several environmental and social challenges, its economic effects are complex. Urban areas often become hubs of innovation, attracting businesses, and skilled workers, leading to job creation and economic growth. However, the high cost of living and unequal distribution of resources in cities can exacerbate poverty and inequality. Striking a balance between fostering economic benefits and managing urbanization’s negative consequences is critical for sustainable development.
Summarize the paragraph in one sentence.
Responses:
PTE Band 90+:
Urbanization spurs economic growth by attracting businesses and talent to cities, but it also challenges authorities to manage inequality and the cost of living sustainably.
- Content: Covers essential aspects including economic growth, inequality, and sustainability.
- Form: Well-constructed and concise.
- Grammar: Correct and appropriately complex.
- Vocabulary: Advanced (“spurs economic growth,” “manage inequality”).
- Spelling: No errors.
PTE Band 70+:
Urbanization boosts economic development through business and jobs, but it also increases inequality and struggles related to rising living costs.
- Content: Covers most of the important points but is slightly less detailed.
- Form: Good overall structure.
- Grammar: Mostly correct.
- Vocabulary: Adequate.
- Spelling: No errors.
PTE Band 50+:
Urbanization helps the economy grow by creating jobs, but also leads to inequality and high costs.
- Content: Very basic; missed sustainability aspect.
- Form: Simple sentence.
- Grammar: Mostly correct but simple.
- Vocabulary: Limited use of advanced vocabulary.
- Spelling: No errors.
Urbanization creating economic opportunities and challenges
Vocabulary and Grammar Tips:
Here are 10 important vocabulary words from the tasks above:
- Urbanization /ˌɜːr.bən.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/: the process where an increasing number of people live in urban areas.
Example: Rapid urbanization leads to the expansion of cities. - Infrastructure /ˈɪn.frəˌstrʌk.tʃər/: basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society.
Example: The city’s infrastructure is struggling due to the population increase. - Inequality /ˌɪn.ɪˈkwɒl.ɪ.ti/: the unequal distribution of resources or opportunities.
Example: Urbanization can worsen social inequality, impacting disadvantaged groups. - Pollution /pəˈluː.ʃən/: harmful substances introduced into the natural environment.
Example: Industrial activities in urban areas often lead to air and water pollution. - Sustainability /səˌsteɪ.nəˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/: the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting resources.
Example: Sustainability is crucial in urban development to avoid long-term environmental damage. - Overburdened /ˌəʊ.vəˈbɜː.dənd/: having excessive demand or load.
Example: Healthcare systems in major urban areas are often overburdened due to population growth. - Sprawl /sprɔːl/: the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas.
Example: Urban sprawl leads to the destruction of natural habitats. - Economic Growth /ˌek.əˈnɒm.ɪk ˈɡroʊθ/: the increase in the economic output of a country or region.
Example: Cities are engines of economic growth due to the concentration of businesses and workers. - Resources /rɪˈzɔː.sɪz/: stock or supply of money, materials, and staff that can be used.
Example: Urban areas often have unequal distribution of critical resources. - Crowded /ˈkraʊ.dɪd/: full of people, leaving little or no room for movement.
Example: Cities often become crowded as more people move into urban areas.
Conclusion
Summarizing passages about the effects of rapid urbanization globally highlights both the challenges and the benefits, including environmental issues, social inequality, and economic opportunities. Mastering the Summarize Written Text task will not only improve your writing skills but also give you a deeper understanding of pressing global issues. Practice has proven to be the best way to succeed in this section, so start working on these exercises regularly.
Feel free to ask any questions or leave comments below to discuss additional practice!
