The Summarize Written Text task in the PTE Speaking & Writing section is an important part of the exam that challenges candidates to condense a lengthy passage into a single sentence while maintaining the main idea. A common topic for this section involves environmental concerns and technology, such as a discussion about the Environmental Benefits Of Electric Vehicles (EVs). Let’s explore this topic through sample questions that could appear in the exam, along with graded answer examples.
Summarize Written Text: Electric Vehicles and the Environment
Here is a Summarize Written Text example for Speaking & Writing practice based on the topic of environmental benefits of electric vehicles.
Example 1: Electric Vehicles & Air Pollution
“Electric vehicles (EVs) have a profound positive impact on the environment by producing zero tailpipe emissions, which significantly reduces air pollutants such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). These pollutants are known contributors to climate change, respiratory diseases, and urban smog. Traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles rely heavily on fossil fuels, making them major contributors to global CO2 emissions. Transitioning to electric vehicles not only decreases greenhouse gas emissions but also promotes cleaner air in urban areas, directly benefiting public health. Additionally, electric vehicles are often powered by renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, further reducing their carbon footprint compared to ICE vehicles.”
Task instruction: Summarize the text in one sentence.
Sample Answers (Graded by PTE Band Score)
Band 90 Answer
Electric vehicles help mitigate climate change and air pollution by producing no tailpipe emissions and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, especially when powered by renewable energy sources, which makes them environmentally friendly compared to internal combustion engine vehicles.
- Content: Fully captures the key points about zero emissions, the reduced reliance on fossil fuels, and the use of renewable energy sources.
- Form: Accurate sentence structure adhering to word count limits.
- Grammar: Perfect; no errors detectable.
- Vocabulary: Well-chosen and precise terms like “tailpipe emissions” and “internal combustion engine.”
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band 75 Answer
Electric vehicles reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases by producing no emissions and using renewable energy, making them better for the environment than traditional cars.
- Content: Captures main ideas but misses some details like urban health impacts.
- Form: Good overall form with appropriate conciseness.
- Grammar: Good use of grammar, although slightly less complex structures.
- Vocabulary: Accurate but less sophisticated word choices.
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band 60 Answer
Cars that run on electricity are good for the environment because they don’t pollute and use clean energy instead of gas.
- Content: Addresses basic points but lacks depth, missing more advanced ideas like renewable energy types.
- Form: Short and simple sentence that fits the length requirement.
- Grammar: Simple but correct grammar, though lacks complexity.
- Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary like “pollute” and “clean energy” lacks precision.
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Example 2: Sustainability and Electric Vehicles
“Sustainability in transportation is receiving increasing attention, with electric vehicles (EVs) emerging as a crucial solution to reduce global carbon footprints. EVs are considered more sustainable than traditional cars due to their ability to be powered by renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and hydropower, which are becoming more accessible globally. Moreover, electric vehicle technology promotes a circular economy with better recyclability of components, leading to less waste compared to the finite lifecycles of fossil fuel components. With governments worldwide pushing for cleaner transport, the electric vehicle market is expected to grow rapidly, ushering in a new era of sustainable urban mobility.”
Task instruction: Summarize the text in one sentence.
Sample Answers (Graded by PTE Band Score)
Band 90 Answer
Electric vehicles are seen as a sustainable transport solution due to their potential to use renewable energy, their recyclability, and their role in reducing global carbon footprints, further supported by global government initiatives.
- Content: Comprehensive, addressing both environmental impact and recyclability.
- Form: Well-structured sentence within the word limit.
- Grammar: Excellent; no errors.
- Vocabulary: Advanced terms like “circular economy” and “recyclability” are well incorporated.
- Spelling: No mistakes.
Band 75 Answer
Electric vehicles contribute to a more sustainable future by using renewable energy, reducing carbon footprints, and being better recyclable than traditional cars.
- Content: Accurate but lacks some details on global government initiatives.
- Form: Good overall sentence.
- Grammar: No major issues, though simpler than the Band 90 answer.
- Vocabulary: Effective but slightly more basic.
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band 60 Answer
Electric cars help the environment by using renewable energy like wind and solar, making them less polluting than gas cars.
- Content: Covers fundamental points but misses out important details on recyclability.
- Form: Short and simple, fits word limit.
- Grammar: Correct but extremely basic.
- Vocabulary: Very basic; lacks sophistication.
- Spelling: No mistakes.
Vocabulary & Grammar Insights
After working through these examples, let’s dive into some of the more challenging vocabulary tied to this topic.
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Tailpipe emissions /ˈteɪl.paɪp ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – Gases that exit an engine through the vehicle’s exhaust.
- Example: Electric cars produce no tailpipe emissions, unlike traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
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Carbon footprint /ˈkɑːr.bən ˈfʊt.prɪnt/ – The total amount of greenhouse gases a person or product emits.
- Example: Reducing the carbon footprint of transportation is critical for addressing climate change.
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Recyclability /rɪˌsaɪkləˈbɪlɪti/ – The ability of a material or product to be recycled or reused.
- Example: The recyclability of EV components contributes to environmental sustainability.
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Circular economy /ˈsɜː.kjə.lər ɪˈkɒn.ə.mi/ – A system aiming to eliminate waste by reusing and recycling resources.
- Example: Electric vehicles are aligned with the goals of the circular economy by reducing waste.
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Nitrogen oxides (NOx) /ˈnaɪ.trə.dʒən ˈɒk.saɪdz/ – Pollutants responsible for smog and acid rain.
- Example: Transitioning to electric vehicles can lead to a significant reduction in nitrogen oxides.
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Fossil fuels /ˈfɒs.əl fjʊəlz/ – Natural energy sources like coal, oil, and gas derived from ancient organic matter.
- Example: Unlike fossil fuel-powered vehicles, EVs are more eco-friendly.
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Greenhouse gases /ˈɡriːn.haʊs ˈɡæs.ɪz/ – Gases, including CO2, that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere.
- Example: Reducing greenhouse gases from vehicles is a priority for many countries.
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Sustainability /səˌsteɪ.nəˈbɪl.ə.ti/ – Meeting present needs without compromising future generations.
- Example: Sustainability can be achieved through a transition to eco-friendly vehicles like EVs.
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Renewable energy /rɪˈnjuː.ə.bəl ˈɛnər.dʒi/ – Energy sources that naturally replenish, like solar and wind.
- Example: Renewable energy is crucial for reducing the environmental impact of electric vehicles.
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Public health /ˈpʌb.lɪk sɛlf/ – Health and well-being of populations in communities and areas.
- Example: The shift to electric vehicles greatly improves public health by reducing air pollution.
Conclusion
Electric vehicles (EVs) are not only a commonly discussed topic in today’s conversations about environmental sustainability but also frequently appear in the Summarize Written Text task of the PTE exam. Practicing with such texts enables test-takers to improve their summarizing abilities by condensing complex ideas about the environmental benefits of electric vehicles into concise statements. By mastering the skills necessary for this task, candidates can enhance their chances of achieving higher scores. For more related content, take a look at Sustainable urban mobility solutions or explore our articles on Renewable energy in the automotive industry.
