Introduction
The Speaking & Writing section of the PTE academic exam serves as a comprehensive test of language skills. Within this section, the Summarize Written Text task plays a vital role in evaluating test-takers’ ability to extract, summarize, and condense information into a single sentence of 5 to 75 words. Understandably, topics related to renewable power and energy storage solutions often appear in this part of the test, reflecting their significance in today’s discussions about sustainability and technology. Let us explore some sample questions that align with this topic and provide detailed responses for practice.
Sample Summarize Written Text Task 1: Energy Storage Solutions for Renewable Power
Summarize the Text in One Sentence:
Renewable sources, such as solar and wind, can produce energy intermittently, which creates significant challenges for supplying reliable power to the grid. Energy storage technologies, including batteries and thermal storage systems, address this problem by capturing excess power during peak production times and releasing it when demand is high. By improving storage capacity and efficiency, the integration of renewable energy into the grid becomes increasingly feasible, ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
(Instructions: You have 10 minutes. Write only one sentence.)
Response Sample 1 (High Band Score):
Energy storage technologies like batteries and thermal systems are essential for mitigating the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, allowing excess power to be stored during peak production and released during times of high demand, thus enhancing grid reliability and promoting sustainable practices.
Content: This response captures all key ideas, mentioning both renewable sources, the need for storage, and the effects on the grid.
Form: Correct length (50 words).
Grammar: Complex and grammatical sentence structure.
Vocabulary: Advanced vocabulary is used naturally, such as “mitigating” and “intermittent”.
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Response Sample 2 (Mid Band Score):
Energy storage systems like batteries help renewable energy become more usable by storing power during peaks and using it when needed, improving energy grid reliability and promoting a cleaner energy future.
Content: Most key points are covered, but lacks specific mention of thermal systems and misses nuance about how storage supports grid reliability.
Form: Correct length (35 words).
Grammar: Grammatically correct but simpler structure.
Vocabulary: Good usage but not as sophisticated, e.g., “storing power” instead of “capturing excess power”.
Spelling: No errors.
Response Sample 3 (Low Band Score):
Renewable energy can be stored with batteries to keep electricity on the grid for later use.
Content: Lacks detailed mention of different technologies, challenges with intermittency, and how storage helps the grid.
Form: Too short (18 words).
Grammar: Simple structure, limited nuance.
Vocabulary: Very basic.
Spelling: No errors but overly simplified.
Sample Summarize Written Text Task 2: Technological Trends in Renewable Energy Grids and Storage
Summarize the Text in One Sentence:
As countries continue to expand renewable energy capacity, advancements in energy storage technologies are becoming crucial. Modern batteries and innovative solutions like pumped hydro are facilitating more flexible, reliable, and affordable energy grids. These storage systems mitigate the fluctuations caused by renewable power, aiding in the seamless integration of solar and wind energy into national grids and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Response Sample 1 (High Band Score):
Advances in energy storage solutions, from modern batteries to pumped hydro, are crucial for supporting flexible, reliable energy grids by mitigating the intermittent supply from renewable sources and facilitating the integration of solar and wind power, thereby reducing the dependence on fossil fuels.
Content: Clear and comprehensive, covering all important aspects including technology advancements and their effects on the grid.
Form: Correct length (46 words).
Grammar: Well-structured and complex sentence.
Vocabulary: Uses varied and field-specific language, such as “mitigating,” “integration,” and “flexible energy grids.”
Spelling: No mistakes.
Response Sample 2 (Mid Band Score):
New battery technologies and hydro storage are important for making renewable energy more reliable by balancing the grid with stored electricity from solar and wind power, while reducing fossil fuel reliance.
Content: Addresses key points but misses some technical details and nuances about the flexibility offered by these technologies.
Form: Correct length (38 words).
Grammar: Accurate but contains more basic sentence structures.
Vocabulary: A mix of relevant terms; however, simpler phrases such as “making renewable energy more reliable” are used.
Spelling: No errors.
Vocabulary and Grammar Practice
Here are 10 key vocabulary words from the practice passages with their definitions, phonetics, and example sentences for advanced learners:
-
Intermittent /ɪntərˈmɪtənt/: Not continuous; occurring at irregular intervals.
Example: The wind produces power intermittently, meaning energy supply can vary throughout the day. -
Mitigating /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪtɪŋ/: To make less severe or serious.
Example: Energy storage helps in mitigating the instability of renewable energy sources. -
Pumped hydro /pʌmpt ˈhaɪdrəʊ/: A method of storing energy by using gravity to release water to a lower reservoir, generating electricity.
Example: Pumped hydro systems are being explored as a key method of storing renewable energy. -
Integration /ˌɪntɪˈɡreɪʃən/: The process of combining different systems or components into a unified structure.
Example: The successful integration of solar and wind energy into the grid is vital for a sustainable energy future. -
Crucial /ˈkruːʃəl/: Extremely important or necessary.
Example: Energy storage is crucial to addressing the intermittency of renewable energy sources. -
Fossil fuels /ˈfɒsəl fjʊəlz/: Natural fuels formed in the geological past, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, which release carbon dioxide when burned.
Example: By expanding renewable energy storage systems, we reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. -
Fluctuation /ˌflʌktjʊˈeɪʃən/: An irregular rising or falling in number or amount; variation.
Example: Energy storage helps manage fluctuations in power generation from solar and wind sources. -
Sustainable /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Capable of being maintained or continued without depleting natural resources or the environment.
Example: Renewable energy sources are considered more sustainable than conventional fuels. -
Seamless /ˈsiːmləs/: Smooth and without sudden changes, interruptions, or problems.
Example: Storage technologies allow for the seamless integration of renewable power into the national energy grid. -
Capacity /kəˈpæsəti/: The maximum amount that something can contain or produce.
Example: The capacity of energy storage systems determines how much power can be stored for future use.
Conclusion
The Summarize Written Text task of the PTE exam tests essential skills for summarizing and condensing complex content, with energy-related topics being particularly relevant in current debates. Practicing tasks on topics such as renewable energy sources and their role in sustainable development is key to performing well. By building your vocabulary and analytical skills, you can master this task and ensure high scores in this section.
Feel free to leave a comment below with your summarized sentences or questions for additional guidance!
