The Summarize Written Text task is one of the important exercises in the Speaking & Writing section of the PTE exam. In this task, you’re required to summarize a given passage into a single sentence that conveys the main idea and highlights the key points within 10-75 words.
As space exploration has gained significant interest in recent years, one potential topic that may appear in the Summarize Written Text section is the “Future Of Human Spaceflight”. Below, we’ve prepared several engaging sample tasks and responses that reflect the level of complexity found in the real PTE exam, along with detailed feedback on each response.
Sample Summarize Written Text Question: The Future of Human Spaceflight
The following passage has been provided. Summarize it in a single sentence that accurately captures the essence of the text. Be sure that your response is between 10-75 words.
Passage
The future of human spaceflight has gradually shifted from solely governmental efforts, spearheaded by NASA and other space agencies, to include private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin. The collaboration between public and private sectors has revolutionized space travel, not only making it more accessible but also more commercially viable. In the near future, we can expect to witness human missions to Mars, the establishment of lunar bases, and the commercialization of low Earth orbit, which presents both exciting opportunities and significant challenges, including ensuring safety, sustainability, and international cooperation.
Task: Summarize the paragraph above in one sentence.
Sample Answers for Different Band Scores
Band 90 (High Score)
The future of human spaceflight is evolving, with a collaboration between governmental and private sectors enabling more accessible and commercially viable space travel, presenting promising advancements such as missions to Mars, lunar bases, and low Earth orbit commercialization, while also posing challenges including safety, sustainability, and global cooperation.
Content: The response fully captures the main idea of the passage, addressing both advancements and challenges.
Form: Word count is appropriate (61 words).
Grammar: Correct use of grammar, with no errors.
Vocabulary: Excellent word choices, such as “viable” and “collaboration.”
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band 75-80 (Proficient)
Human spaceflight is advancing through collaborations between public and private sectors, with potential missions to Mars, lunar bases, and the commercialization of low Earth orbit, though safety and sustainability challenges remain.
Content: Accurately summarizes most of the content but slightly omits the aspect of international cooperation.
Form: Word count is appropriate (46 words).
Grammar: Mostly error-free.
Vocabulary: Appropriate vocabulary usage, but could be more varied.
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band 65-70 (Competent)
Private companies working with NASA and other agencies are making space travel cheaper, with plans for Mars exploration and lunar bases, but safety is a concern.
Content: Some important details are missing, such as sustainability and the commercialization of low Earth orbit.
Form: Word count is appropriate (31 words).
Grammar: Adequate grammar usage, though simpler sentence structure could be improved.
Vocabulary: Limited in range; simpler, less precise words like “cheaper.”
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band 50-60 (Limited)
Space travel is becoming more accessible thanks to private companies and space agencies working together, with plans to go to Mars and the Moon.
Content: Only mentions a few aspects of the passage, leaving out important challenges and commercialization.
Form: Word count is on the lower side (27 words).
Grammar: Simple, but grammatically correct.
Vocabulary: Limited; phrases such as “more accessible” are repetitive and lack complexity.
Spelling: No errors.
Band 30-50 (Basic)
Humans will go to space more often in the future.
Content: Misses the main ideas entirely, failing to address the collaboration between public and private sectors, specific projects, or challenges.
Form: Far too short (just 9 words).
Grammar: Too simplistic.
Vocabulary: Very basic and lacks any use of precise terms.
Spelling: No errors, but the sentence is too simple to judge spelling proficiency accurately.
Key Vocabulary From the Passage
Below is a list of key vocabulary words that may challenge learners in the passage and exercise:
-
accessible /əkˈsɛsəbl/ (adj.) – able to be reached or entered.
Example: Space travel is becoming more accessible thanks to private companies. -
collaboration /kəˌlæbəˈreɪʃən/ (n.) – the action of working with someone to produce or create something.
Example: Collaboration between space agencies and private firms is increasing. -
commercialization /kəˌmɝːʃələˈzeɪʃən/ (n.) – the process of managing or running something principally for financial gain.
Example: The commercialization of space travel opens new economic frontiers. -
sustainability /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪlɪti/ (n.) – the ability to maintain something at a certain rate or level.
Example: Sustainability is a critical issue in long-term space missions. -
revolutionize /ˌrɛvəˈluːʃənɪz/ (v.) – change something radically or fundamentally.
Example: Private companies are revolutionizing space travel. -
viable /ˈvaɪəbl/ (adj.) – capable of working successfully.
Example: SpaceX has made space missions more viable by reducing costs. -
lunar /ˈluːnər/ (adj.) – relating to the Moon.
Example: Experts predict the establishment of lunar bases within the next few decades. -
orbit /ˈɔːrbɪt/ (n.) – the path of a celestial body or artificial satellite around a planet or star.
Example: Efforts are being made to commercialize low Earth orbit. -
challenge /ˈʧælɪnʤ/ (n.) – a task requiring great effort, skill, or resilience.
Example: Ensuring safety in space travel is a major challenge. -
agency /ˈeɪʤənsi/ (n.) – an organization providing a specific service, often governmental.
Example: Space agencies like NASA play a significant role in human spaceflight.
Conclusion
In summary, mastering Summarize Written Text for the PTE exam requires a keen ability to identify key points and to paraphrase them accurately and succinctly in one concise sentence. Topics like the future of human spaceflight are increasingly relevant, as both private and governmental sectors have become involved in space exploration. By practicing with complex, real-world topics and refining your vocabulary, you can significantly enhance your performance in this section.
We encourage you to practice and leave questions or feedback in the comments – let’s explore the future together!
