Summarize Written Text Practice for PTE: Global Initiatives for Climate Change

The PTE (Pearson Test of English) Speaking & Writing section requires strong summarization skills to condense complex content while keeping the core message intact. One of the most challenging tasks is the Summarize Written Text task, which appears in this section. This task often deals with global issues, making climate change a popular topic.

This article provides example Summarize Written Text prompts related to Global Initiatives For Climate Change. By practicing these samples, you can sharpen your skills in summarizing similar themes likely to appear in the exam.

Make sure to refer to our other content, such as Youth participation in climate action or Carbon offset programs and global efforts, for further insight into closely related topics.

Sample Summarize Written Text Prompt 1: Global Climate Agreements

Global efforts to combat climate change have led to various international agreements aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Paris Agreement, signed in 2015, is one of the most significant treaties, as it sets specific targets for limiting global temperature rise. The agreement prioritizes a collaborative approach, where both developed and developing countries commit to measurable efforts, such as increasing renewable energy adoption and cutting carbon emissions. Another noteworthy global initiative is the Kyoto Protocol, which laid the groundwork for emissions trading systems and legally binding commitments for participating countries.

Task: Summarize the text in one sentence, including the main idea and key supporting points.

Model Answers for Different Band Scores

Band 79+ Answer:
The Paris Agreement and Kyoto Protocol are international initiatives aimed at reducing global carbon emissions, with specific targets for temperature rise and commitments to renewable energy adoption.

Analysis:

• Content: Includes main ideas (Paris Agreement and Kyoto Protocol) and supporting details.
• Form: Correct character limit.
• Grammar: Accurate use of complex sentence structure.
• Vocabulary: Appropriate academic vocabulary.
• Spelling: No errors.

Band 65-79 Answer:
The Paris Agreement and Kyoto Protocol focus on reducing carbon emissions globally, with countries aiming to limit the rise in global temperature.

Analysis:

• Content: Addresses key points but lacks detailed examples (e.g., renewable energy adoption).
• Form: Correct character limit.
• Grammar: Slightly simpler sentence structure.
• Vocabulary: Acceptable, though more variety could be used.
• Spelling: No errors.

Band 50-64 Answer:
Agreements like the Paris Agreement work to lower global greenhouse gases and keep temperatures low.

Analysis:

• Content: Provides basic ideas but misses important details like renewable energy and specific commitments.
• Form: Correct character limit.
• Grammar: Simple, but correct.
• Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary, limiting precision.
• Spelling: No errors.

Sample Summarize Written Text Prompt 2: Carbon Offsetting Programs

Carbon offsetting programs are part of global efforts to mitigate climate change by compensating for emissions through various techniques, such as reforestation and renewable energy projects. Both public and private sectors have embraced carbon offsets, although criticisms arise over their effectiveness, with concerns that they may allow for continued emissions without concrete reductions. While the primary goal is to achieve carbon neutrality, success depends on strict regulatory oversight and a commitment to emissions reduction at the source.

Task: Summarize the text in one sentence, including the main idea and key supporting points.

Model Answers for Different Band Scores

Band 79+ Answer:
Carbon offsetting programs seek to mitigate emissions through projects like reforestation and renewable energy, but their effectiveness depends on regulatory measures and actual emission reductions.

Analysis:

• Content: Captures the main idea and all supporting points (carbon offset strategies and effectiveness challenges).
• Form: Correct character limit.
• Grammar: Advanced sentence structure with correct relative clauses.
• Vocabulary: Strong academic choice (mitigate, reforestation).
• Spelling: No errors.

Band 65-79 Answer:
Carbon offset initiatives focus on reducing emissions through methods like reforestation, but their effectiveness is sometimes questioned.

Analysis:

• Content: Includes key points but lacks details on regulation and direct emission reductions.
• Form: Correct character limit.
• Grammar: Acceptably complex.
• Vocabulary: Adequate, but could be more specific.
• Spelling: No errors.

Band 50-64 Answer:
Companies use carbon offsets to tackle climate change through projects like planting trees.

Analysis:

• Content: Misses significant elements such as renewable energy and regulatory oversight.
• Form: Correct character limit but slightly underdeveloped.
• Grammar: Simple structure, though intact.
• Vocabulary: Very basic.
• Spelling: No errors.

Key Vocabulary from the Prompts

1. Collaborative /kəˈlæbəˌreɪtɪv/: Involving working together with multiple groups.
   Example: Global climate agreements necessitate collaborative action from all countries.

2. Mitigation /ˌmɪt.ɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/: Efforts to reduce the seriousness of a problem.
   Example: Mitigation of climate change is essential to avoid further environmental damage.

3. Renewable /rɪˈnjuː.ə.bəl/: Related to energy sources like solar or wind power, which are limitless.
   Example: Renewable energy adoption plays a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions.

4. Carbon neutrality /ˈkɑː.bən njuːˈtræl.ɪ.ti/: The balance between emitting and absorbing carbon from the atmosphere.
   Example: Many countries aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

5. Emission trading /ɪˈmɪʃ.ən ˈtreɪ.dɪŋ/: A system where companies can buy or sell allowances for emissions.
   Example: Emission trading is a key mechanism in the Kyoto Protocol.

6. Offsets /ˈɒf.sɛts/: Measures taken to counterbalance emissions.
   Example: Carbon offsets like tree planting help reduce a company’s overall carbon footprint.

7. Criticism /ˈkrɪt.ɪ.sɪ.zəm/: Negative feedback or an unfavorable remark.
   Example: There has been significant criticism over the effectiveness of carbon offsetting programs.

8. Oversight /ˌoʊ.vɚˈsaɪt/: Supervision to ensure standards are followed.
   Example: Strong oversight is necessary for carbon offset projects to be successful.

9. Legally binding /ˈliː.ɡə.li ˈbaɪ.dɪŋ/: Something obligatory by law, such as a contract or agreement.
   Example: The Kyoto Protocol included legally binding commitments for reducing emissions.

10. Compensation /ˌkɒm.pənˈseɪ.ʃən/: Something given in return for damage or service.
    Example: Companies can offer carbon compensation by investing in renewable energy.

Conclusion

In the Summarize Written Text task, comprehending global initiatives for climate change enables you to prepare for common topics encountered in the PTE exam. By practicing with model examples centered on topics like the Paris Agreement and carbon offsetting, you can improve your ability to distill complex information into concise answers.

Don’t forget to explore related global initiatives such as Carbon emissions and global warming or Global initiatives for renewable energy adoption to further enhance your knowledge in this area. Let your summarization skills thrive!