Water scarcity is a critical global issue, and clean water access initiatives have become a common theme in language proficiency exams, like the PTE. In this article, we’ll focus on helping you practice for the “Summarize Written Text” task that appears frequently in the PTE Speaking & Writing section. By working through realistic exam-like prompts relating to clean water access and global sustainability, you’ll improve your ability to summarize effectively.
Elements of Summarize Written Text in PTE
The “Summarize Written Text” task assesses your ability to condense information from a passage into one precise, well-structured sentence that properly captures the core meaning. Your response must be between 5 to 75 words, and should include key points such as content, grammar, spelling, and punctuation accuracy. The topic of clean water access often interlinks with global health, sustainability, and environmental justice, all of which are significant for both the PTE test and broader understanding.
Before diving into the practice questions, consider exploring how clean water is vital to Public health and clean water access.
Practice Questions for Summarize Written Text – Global Initiatives for Clean Water Access
Question 1: Global Clean Water Strategies
Summarize the text below in one sentence.
Across many developing nations, access to clean and safe drinking water remains a pressing issue and one of the primary obstacles to enhancing public health. Several international organizations, such as the World Health Organization and the United Nations, have spearheaded initiatives aimed at improving water quality, building sustainable infrastructures, and supporting local governments. These initiatives have resulted in increased global awareness and funding, yet challenges like corruption, poor water management, and pollution continue to impede progress. While strides have been made, ensuring clean water access remains one of the most critical global health priorities.
Suggested Answers
- Band 90 (Full points): Despite international efforts led by organizations such as WHO and the UN, ensuring access to clean water in developing countries remains challenging due to factors like corruption, mismanagement, and pollution, though progress has been made.
Content: The summary covers all key points.
Form: Fell within 75 words.
Grammar: Correct use of punctuation and sentence structure.
Vocabulary: Appropriate use of words like “initiatives” and “access.”
Spelling: No errors identified.
- Band 70 (High score): Although global projects by WHO and the UN have helped enhance clean water access in many countries, issues like pollution and poor governance still hinder progress.
Content: Key points addressed but lacks specifics on the infrastructural improvements or funding.
Form: Within the word limit.
Grammar: Mostly accurate though slightly simplistic.
Vocabulary: Suitable but not as varied.
Spelling: Correct.
- Band 50 (Middle score): International organizations are helping develop projects to improve water availability, but corruption and pollution are ongoing problems.
Content: Mentioned some, but not all, of the main points.
Form: Concise but leaves out water quality and sustainable infrastructure.
Grammar: Some grammatical errors and word choices feel repetitive.
Vocabulary: Limited.
Spelling: Correct.
Question 2: Water Scarcity in Megacities
Summarize the text below in one sentence.
The rapid rise in urbanization, particularly in megacities, has drastically worsened water scarcity issues across the globe. Cities such as São Paulo, Cape Town, and Mexico City have experienced critical water shortages over the last decade due to population growth, environmental degradation, and poor city planning. Major initiatives to address these shortages have included investment in desalination plants, rainwater harvesting systems, and promoting efficient water use. However, these solutions often face logistical, financial, and environmental barriers, making it essential to find more comprehensive, sustainable approaches.
Explore more about the broader issue of Public health challenges in megacities to further understand the complexities faced by such rapidly growing urban centers.
Suggested Answers
- Band 90 (Full points): Megacities like São Paulo, Cape Town, and Mexico City face water shortages caused by urbanization, poor planning, and environmental degradation, despite efforts such as desalination and rainwater systems that struggle with logistical and financial obstacles.
Content: Comprehensive and captures all major points.
Form: Precisely phrased in under 75 words.
Grammar: No mistakes.
Vocabulary: Strong use of terms like “urbanization” and “desalination.”
Spelling: No errors identified.
- Band 70 (High score): Water scarcity is a growing issue for megacities worldwide, with solutions like desalination and rainwater systems blocked by logistics and finance problems, despite growing efforts.
Content: Main ideas present, but slightly lacking depth in some areas (e.g., environmental impact).
Form: Clear and within word limit.
Grammar: Correct, though could be sharper.
Vocabulary: Appropriate but more basic word choices.
Spelling: Correct.
- Band 50 (Middle score): Urbanization is leading to water shortages in big cities, while solutions like desalination plants face financial challenges.
Content: Misses major contexts like environmental degradation.
Form: Too brief and simple.
Grammar: Some errors.
Vocabulary: Basic and limited.
Spelling: Correct.
Key Vocabulary and Grammar for Summarize Written Text
To further support your preparation, here are 10 important words that were used in the practice exercises. These words are crucial for understanding and writing about public health, environmental issues, and global initiatives:
-
Urbanization /ˌɜr.bən.əˈzeɪ.ʃən/ – The process of cities expanding and more people living in urban areas.
Urbanization has led to significant environmental challenges. -
Corruption /kəˈrʌp.ʃən/ – Dishonest or fraudulent conduct, particularly by those in power.
Corruption can significantly hinder government-led initiatives. -
Infrastructure /ˈɪn.frəˌstrʌk.tʃər/ – The physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society.
Good infrastructure is essential for water distribution. -
Scarcity /ˈskɛr.sɪ.ti/ – Insufficient supply or shortage.
Water scarcity has become a critical global issue. -
Sustainable /səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/ – Capable of being maintained or continued over the long term.
Sustainable solutions are necessary for long-lasting impact. -
Desalination /diːˌsælɪˈneɪʃən/ – The process of removing salt from seawater to make it drinkable.
Countries in arid regions increasingly rely on desalination plants. -
Harvesting /ˈhɑːr.vəstɪŋ/ – Collecting resources like water, especially for future use.
Rainwater harvesting systems are being promoted in water-scarce regions. -
Degradation /ˌdeɡ.rəˈdeɪ.ʃən/ – The deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources.
Environmental degradation is worsening water shortages. -
Initiatives /ɪˈnɪʃ.ə.tɪv/ – New plans or strategies to solve a problem or achieve a purpose.
International initiatives are key for addressing global water scarcity. -
Logistical /ləˈdʒɪs.tɪ.kəl/ – Relating to the detailed coordination of complex operations.
Logistical problems often hinder the success of water projects.
Conclusion
By practicing the “Summarize Written Text” tasks related to clean water access and sustainability, you gain not only a better understanding of a critical global issue but also sharpen your English language skills for the PTE exam. Mastering Summarize Written Text requires not just summarizing but also crafting grammatically sustainable sentences while accurately covering the core ideas. Don’t forget to explore Global water scarcity and solutions for a broader perspective on these pressing topics, and let us know how you’re progressing in the comments! Happy practicing!
