Introduction to PTE Summarize Written Text
Summarize Written Text is a part of the PTE Academic exam under the Speaking & Writing section. The primary goal of this task is to test your ability to summarize a complex written text by producing a single, concise sentence. One common topic that appears in Summarize Written Text is the future of renewable energy in various sectors, including agriculture. Given the increasing importance of sustainable practices, the topic of renewable energy in agriculture is highly relevant in modern PTE test formats.
Summarize Written Text Sample Question – Future of Renewable Energy in Agriculture
Below is a sample question based on the topic “Future of Renewable Energy in Agriculture.” You are required to summarize the passage in one sentence containing no more than 75 words.
The agricultural sector has long been reliant on conventional energy sources, particularly fossil fuels, to power machinery for planting, irrigation, and harvesting on industrial scales. However, with growing concerns about climate change and the environment, alternative renewable energy solutions such as solar, wind, and biofuels are gaining traction. These energy sources have the potential to revolutionize agriculture by reducing costs, lowering carbon emissions, and improving sustainability, allowing farmers to produce food more efficiently while simultaneously addressing environmental challenges.
Instructions:
Summarize the written text in one sentence. Your response should be between 5 and 75 words.
Model Answers for Different Band Scores
Band 90 (Expert-Level Answer)
The agricultural sector, traditionally dependent on fossil fuels, is shifting towards renewable energy sources like solar and wind, which promise to reduce emissions, cut costs, and improve sustainability, aiding both food production efficiency and environmental conservation.
Content: Excellent coverage of the main ideas, including both the shift away from fossil fuels and the benefits for agriculture and the environment.
Form: Perfect. Contains one sentence within the word limit.
Grammar: Flawless sentence structure and punctuation.
Vocabulary: Rich use of relevant vocabulary such as “dependent,” “emissions,” “sustainability,” and “conservation.”
Spelling: No errors.
Renewable energy application in agriculture
Band 80 (Very Good)
Agriculture is moving away from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like solar and wind, which can help lower costs, reduce emissions, and increase sustainability while improving food production.
Content: The essence of the text is well captured but lacks the specific mention of “environmental conservation.”
Form: One sentence, appropriately summarized.
Grammar: Very good, with no errors, but a slightly simpler structure than a higher band answer.
Vocabulary: Good use of key terms but slightly less varied than in expert-level responses.
Spelling: No errors.
Band 70 (Good)
Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind could improve agriculture by making it more sustainable and cost-effective, reducing the need for fossil fuels.
Content: Key points are summarized but not fully developed, omitting some of the environmental considerations like reduced emissions.
Form: One sentence, within the word limit, though it could provide a bit more detail.
Grammar: Occasional awkward phrasing, but still grammatically sound.
Vocabulary: Adequate but not as rich as in higher-band responses.
Spelling: No errors.
Solar energy usage on farm irrigation system
Band 60 (Proficient)
Fossil fuels are being replaced by renewable energy sources like solar and wind, helping farmers reduce costs and become more sustainable.
Content: This response addresses the main shift toward renewable energy but misses important details, such as environmental concerns and emissions reduction.
Form: One sentence, within the word limit.
Grammar: Simple sentence structure without noticeable errors, but lacking complexity.
Vocabulary: Limited vocabulary with repetition of basic words like “reduce” and “sustainable.”
Spelling: No errors.
Band 50 (Average)
Agriculture now uses solar and wind energy more often, reducing costs and making farming better for the environment.
Content: A very basic summary that lacks depth, missing key details like fossil fuel dependency and more specific environmental benefits.
Form: Short, simple sentence, but technically within the word limit.
Grammar: Basic grammar with no errors, but overly simplistic.
Vocabulary: Simplified language lacking variety and technical terminology.
Spelling: No errors.
Wind turbine for renewable energy at farms
Vocabulary and Grammar Highlights
-
Revolutionize (/rɛvəˈluːʃənaɪz/) – to completely change something in order to make it much better.
Example: Solar energy could revolutionize farming by reducing fossil fuel dependency. -
Fossil Fuels (/ˈfɒsl fjuːəlz/) – natural fuels such as coal or oil, formed from the remains of living organisms.
Example: The agricultural sector relies heavily on fossil fuels for energy. -
Sustainability ( /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪlɪti/ ) – the ability to maintain or support an activity over the long term.
Example: Sustainability in farming is increasingly vital for reducing the environmental footprint. -
Carbon Emissions (/ˈkɑːbə n ɪˈmɪʃənz/) – carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels.
Example: Renewable energy helps in reducing carbon emissions in agriculture. -
Biofuels ( /ˈbaɪoʊfjʊəlz/ ) – a fuel derived from organic materials.
Example: Biofuels are being explored as a viable energy source in modern agriculture. -
Irrigation ( /ˌɪrɪˈɡeɪʃən/ ) – the supply of water to land or crops to help growth.
Example: Solar-powered pumps are transforming irrigation methods. -
Conservation ( /kɒn sə veɪ ʃən/ ) – the protection and preservation of natural resources.
Example: Renewable energy contributes to the conservation of valuable ecosystems. -
Efficiency ( /ɪˈfɪʃənsi/ ) – achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense.
Example: Energy-efficient machines are key to improving agricultural productivity. -
Alternative ( /ɔːlˈtɜːrnətɪv/ ) – another choice or option.
Example: Solar energy is an alternative to conventional fossil fuels in farming. -
Traction ( /ˈtrækʃən/ ) – gaining popularity or support.
Example: Renewable energy is gaining traction in the agricultural sector.
Conclusion
The Summarize Written Text task plays a significant part in testing candidates’ reading comprehension, summarization, and command of academic vocabulary. By practicing with topics such as the Future of Renewable Energy in Agriculture, test takers can improve their performance and be better prepared for their PTE exam. Renewable energy will likely remain a prominent topic in modern PTE test formats given its importance to global sustainability efforts.
