The Summarize Written Text section of the PTE exam requires test-takers to summarize a body of text into one concise sentence. Given the growing global focus on environmental sustainability, a common theme for many test prompts is related to renewable energy, such as hydropower and its environmental impact. This topic appears frequently due to its relevance in real-world settings, particularly in relation to climate change and energy solutions. Below is an example practice exercise for you to engage with this specific subject.
Practice Test: Hydropower and Its Environmental Impact
Prompt:
Hydropower is a significant renewable energy source, generating electricity using the potential energy of falling or flowing water. This form of energy has a number of environmental benefits, particularly in reducing anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions, as it does not require the burning of fossil fuels like coal or oil. However, hydropower can have substantial ecological effects, especially on river ecosystems. Large dams and reservoirs can alter water flow patterns, disrupt habitats, and displace local communities. Additionally, the resulting artificial lakes created by these dams can often lead to increased methane emissions from decaying plant material under the water’s surface, contributing to greenhouse gas levels. Balancing the renewable energy benefits of hydropower with its ecological costs has become a critical area of ongoing management and scientific investigation.
Task: Summarize the paragraph in one sentence.
Sample Answers by Different Band Scores
Band 50 (Limited Response):
Hydropower is good for the environment but has some problems for rivers.
Analysis:
- Content: The response captures the general idea but fails to address the more complex aspects of the topic, such as methane emissions and scientific investigation.
- Form: The sentence is under 5 words long, failing to meet the required word count (used only 10 words).
- Grammar: Basic grammar is acceptable but simplistic.
- Vocabulary: Very limited vocabulary usage, with no technical or advanced terms related to the subject.
- Spelling: Spelling is correct, but the response lacks detail.
Band 65 (Moderate Response):
Hydropower is a clean energy source, but it negatively impacts river ecosystems and can increase methane emissions.
Analysis:
- Content: This version includes more detail, such as the environmental trade-offs and methane emissions, which is a key aspect of the paragraph.
- Form: Sentence length is acceptable and properly formed.
- Grammar: Correct grammar is used, but sentence connectors could be better structured.
- Spelling: No spelling mistakes, but lacking more advanced vocabulary.
- Vocabulary: Utilizes more topic-specific words like “methane emissions” but could add variety and richness in expression.
Band 79 (High Response):
Although hydropower is a renewable energy source that reduces CO2 emissions, it significantly impacts river ecosystems, displaces communities, and may lead to increased methane emissions from reservoirs.
Analysis:
- Content: This is an accurate and comprehensive summary of all the key points included in the original text.
- Form: Follows the word limit convention properly, and sentence structure is complex yet easy to follow.
- Grammar: Flawless grammar with well-placed clauses.
- Spelling: All spellings are correct, demonstrating high proficiency.
- Vocabulary: Uses some more sophisticated terms like “displaces communities” and “artificial lakes,” enhancing the overall response.
Band 90 (Excellent Response):
While hydropower serves as a renewable energy source that mitigates carbon emissions, its environmental drawbacks, including habitat disruption, community displacement, altered water flows, and potential increases in methane emissions, require careful management and scientific scrutiny.
Analysis:
- Content: This response perfectly captures all the major environmental and ecological details provided in the original text while adding a note on management and scrutiny, which deepens the analysis.
- Form: Well-balanced sentence, meeting both word count and complexity requirements.
- Grammar: Exhibits perfect use of complex sentence structures, coordinated and subordinate clauses.
- Spelling: No errors; professional-level spelling.
- Vocabulary: Advanced level vocabulary like “scientific scrutiny,” “mitigates,” and “habitat disruption.” This enriches the response with a formal and academic tone.
Vocabulary and Grammar Focus
In the passage, there are several technical words and phrases related to hydropower and its environmental impacts. Some of these may be unfamiliar or challenging to learners. Here’s a breakdown of 10 useful terms, along with their meanings and examples.
| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning | Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hydropower | /ˈhaɪdrəʊˌpaʊər/ | Power generated by harnessing the energy of water. | Hydropower is a leading renewable energy source worldwide. |
| Ecological | /ˌiː.kəˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl/ | Related to the relationships between organisms and their environment. | The ecological impacts of dams can be severe. |
| Displace | /dɪsˈpleɪs/ | To force something or someone to move from its original place. | Building the dam displaced many local communities. |
| Methane | /ˈmiːθeɪn/ | A potent greenhouse gas produced by decaying organic matter. | Methane emissions from reservoirs contribute to climate change. |
| Carbon dioxide | /ˈkɑːrbən daɪˈɒksaɪd/ | A colorless, odorless gas absorbed by plants and released during respiration. | Hydropower reduces the need to burn fossil fuels like coal, which releases carbon dioxide. |
| Reservoir | /ˈrez.ə.vwɑːr/ | A large natural or artificial lake used to store water for various purposes. | The newly built reservoir provided water for the surrounding area. |
| Anthropogenic | /ˌæn.θrə.pəˈdʒen.ɪk/ | Originating from human activity, often in relation to pollutants or emissions. | Anthropogenic climate change has led to increased global temperatures. |
| Greenhouse gases | /ˈɡriːn.haʊs ɡæs.ɪz/ | Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect. | Methane and carbon dioxide are two major greenhouse gases. |
| Habitat | /ˈhæbɪˌtæt/ | The natural environment where an organism lives. | The dam construction severely affected the river’s natural habitat. |
| Sustainability | /səˌsteɪ.nəˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/ | The capacity for human society to endure by staying environmentally responsible. | Hydropower offers a more sustainable energy alternative to fossil fuels. |
Conclusion
Summarizing text is a crucial skill in the PTE exam, especially when working with relevant and impactful themes like Hydropower And Its Environmental Impact. As a renewable energy source, hydropower is a significant area of interest in both academic and real-world contexts due to its environmental benefits and challenges. Given the complexity of this topic, test-takers should focus on addressing all critical aspects while practicing for the exam. For additional practice on related topics, explore Renewable energy’s impact on global markets and Benefits of renewable energy for industries.
By reviewing the banded responses and examining the vocabulary breakdown, you will be better prepared to tackle real exam questions effectively while ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Don’t forget to share your practice results in the comments below!
