The topic of ocean microplastics is increasingly prevalent in global environmental discussions, making it highly relevant in the Summarize Written Text section of the PTE exam. In this article, we’ll provide a clear and concise practice test, offering sample responses for different score bands, and giving insight into common themes in this type of question.
Sample Summarize Written Text Task: Global Effects of Ocean Microplastics
In the following passage, you’ll read about ocean microplastics and their consequences. Your task is to summarize the passage in a single sentence. You will be judged on the content, form, grammar, vocabulary, and spelling of your summary.
Prompt:
Global oceans are increasingly polluted by microplastics, tiny plastic particles resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic debris. Microplastics are ingested by marine organisms, making their way up the food chain and posing serious threats to other species, including humans, who rely on seafood. These pollutants are also problematic because of their ability to absorb harmful chemicals from the environment, which only amplifies their toxic effects when consumed by living organisms. The accumulation of microplastics and associated toxins in marine ecosystems has prompted worldwide initiatives to reduce plastic waste, though these efforts are struggling to keep pace with the rising levels of plastic pollution.
Band 90 Response (Highest score)
Microplastics accumulating in the oceans pose a significant threat to marine organisms and humans due to their chemical toxicity, leading to global efforts to reduce plastic waste, though more advancements are needed given the rapid pollution pace.
Content: This response includes all critical points from the passage, clearly highlighting the dangers of microplastics to marine and human life as well as the global response.
Form: The sentence follows proper PTE format – one sentence only.
Grammar: Correct use of complex sentence structures and connectors for clarity.
Vocabulary: Advanced vocabulary, such as “accumulating,” “toxicity,” and “advancements.”
Spelling: All words are spelled correctly.
Band 80 Response
Microplastics in the ocean harm animals and humans through toxic chemicals, and attempts to reduce plastic pollution are not keeping up with the increasing amount of pollution.
Content: Most key points are covered, including the harmful effects of microplastics and ongoing plastic reduction efforts.
Form: Correct format with one sentence.
Grammar: Proper use of conjunctions and verb tenses, though sentence structure is slightly simpler.
Vocabulary: Adequate, clear vocabulary, although less advanced (“harm,” “toxic chemicals”).
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band 70 Response
Microplastics are dangerous to sea life and humans, and efforts to lower plastic pollution are insufficient.
Content: The sentence addresses the relationship between pollutants and their effects, but is missing specific details about chemicals and worldwide initiatives.
Form: The response is concisely formatted.
Grammar: Simple sentence structure with limited complexity.
Vocabulary: Basic but appropriate vocabulary (“dangerous,” “insufficient”).
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band 60 Response
Microplastics are a problem for animals and people, and reducing them is hard.
Content: The gist of the passage is captured, but there is significant missing information about toxicity, chemicals, and global efforts.
Form: The sentence is short with limited information.
Grammar: Somewhat basic sentence structure; lacking complexity.
Vocabulary: Very basic and could be improved (“problem,” “reducing”).
Spelling: Correct.
Vocabulary and Grammar Breakdown
Here are some key vocabulary terms that appeared in the passage, along with their definitions and example sentences for better understanding:
-
Microplastics (/ˌmaɪkroʊˈplæstɪks/): Tiny plastic particles typically smaller than 5 mm resulting from the degradation of larger plastic products.
Example: “Researchers are studying the long-term effects of microplastics on marine ecosystems.” -
Accumulate (/əˈkjuːmjʊleɪt/): To gather or collect, especially in gradual degrees.
Example: “Over time, toxic substances accumulate in marine environments.” -
Toxin (/ˈtɒksɪn/): A poisonous substance, especially one produced by living organisms.
Example: “Marine animals ingest high levels of toxins due to microplastic pollution.” -
Marine (/məˈriːn/): Related to the sea; existing in or produced by the ocean.
Example: “Marine ecosystems are highly sensitive to pollution.” -
Ecosystem (/ˈiːkoʊˌsɪstəm/): A community of living organisms and their interactions with their environment.
Example: “The balance of the marine ecosystem is disrupted by pollutants.” -
Ingest (/ɪnˈdʒɛst/): To take into the body by swallowing.
Example: “Marine animals often ingest harmful microplastics unknowingly.” -
Pollutant (/pəˈluːtənt/): A substance that contaminates air, water, or soil.
Example: “Plastic is considered one of the most widespread pollutants in oceans.” -
Toxicity (/tɒkˈsɪsɪti/): The degree to which a substance can harm humans or animals.
Example: “The toxicity levels in the ocean are rising due to plastic waste.” -
Initiative (/ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/): A program or strategy aimed at addressing a particular issue.
Example: “There are many global initiatives aimed at reducing plastic waste.” -
Amplify (/ˈæmpləˌfaɪ/): To increase or raise to a higher degree.
Example: “The presence of chemicals amplifies the dangers posed by microplastics.”
Conclusion
The impact of ocean microplastics is a critically important issue in global environmental affairs, and as such, it appears frequently in academic tests like PTE. Summarize Written Text tasks require precision, concise formulation, and strong command of vocabulary. As demonstrated by the practice responses above, understanding how to capture the key ideas of a text in a single sentence with accurate grammar and vocabulary can significantly improve scores.
To further enhance your skills, you can explore similar topics in environmental sustainability and pollution through relevant articles. For instance, check out how fast fashion and textile waste management contribute to environmental degradation, which often interlinks with plastic waste accumulation in oceans.
For more on the broader environmental consequences of unsustainable production methods, see our article on fast fashion's social and environmental costs.
Good luck with your PTE preparation! Let us know any questions you have about summarizing written texts in the comments below.
