Why Renewable Energy Is a Popular Theme?
Renewable energy is a critical global issue — whether it’s about climate change, sustainability, or its impact on local economies. As modern countries transition toward renewable resources like solar, wind, and hydropower, the economic repercussions are significant on both local and global levels. Thus, this makes “Impact of renewable energy on local economies” a common topic in various sections of the PTE, allowing you to employ reasoning and summary skills in real-life contexts.
Let’s dive into some practice examples for Summarize Written Text.
Summarize Written Text Practice Examples
Example 1: The Role of Renewable Energy in Local Job Creation
Prompt:
Renewable energy development has not only reduced greenhouse gas emissions but has also influenced local job markets. Areas rich in natural resources, such as sun and wind, have seen a boom in jobs related to the construction and maintenance of renewable energy plants. However, critics argue that these jobs might be temporary, primarily focusing on the installation phase rather than long-term maintenance. Additionally, these jobs often require specialized skills that local residents may not readily possess, necessitating out-of-town hires. Hence, while renewable energy presents economic opportunities, it also faces hurdles in creating sustainable, local job growth.
Task:
Write a single sentence summary of the main idea of the passage.
Sample Answers
Band 90:
Renewable energy development can create temporary jobs in local areas rich in resources, but there are challenges such as skill gaps and long-term sustainability of employment.
Analysis:
- Content: The summary captures all key points — job creation, concerns about sustainability, and the need for specialized labor.
- Form: Well-structured in less than 75 words.
- Grammar: Accurate use of complex sentences and conjunctions.
- Vocabulary: Terms like “sustainability” and “skill gaps” appropriately used.
- Spelling: No errors.
Renewable energy jobs in local areas, short supply of skills
Band 80:
The renewable energy sector creates many jobs locally, although these may not last long and often require specialized skills.
Analysis:
- Content: Covers most points but doesn’t elaborate on the issue of out-of-town labor.
- Form: Concise and within word limits.
- Grammar: Correct but simpler sentence construction.
- Vocabulary: Good use of “creates jobs” and “specialized skills.”
- Spelling: No mistakes.
Band 70:
Renewable energy produces many jobs but faces challenges like skill shortages among locals.
Analysis:
- Content: Mention of jobs and skill shortages, but lacks detail about temporary employment or out-of-town hires.
- Form: Compact and under 75 words.
- Grammar: Fine but limited complexity.
- Vocabulary: Limited range — “challenges” and “produces.”
- Spelling: Correct.
Example 2: Economic Growth from Renewable Energy Sources
Prompt:
The shift towards renewable energy has led to substantial economic growth for many regions globally. Local governments often incentivize companies to build wind farms, solar installations, and biofuel plants, creating a boost in the construction, hospitality, and logistics sectors. However, critics argue that these sectors’ growth is short-term and may not lead to lasting economic prosperity unless followed by developing secondary local industries, such as manufacturing or research in adjacent fields. True long-term gains from renewable energy depend on innovation and diversification.
Task:
Summarize the text in one sentence using between 5 and 75 words.
Sample Answers
Band 90:
The transition to renewable energy fosters local economic growth through temporary sectoral expansions, but sustainable prosperity requires innovation and the diversification of secondary industries.
Analysis:
- Content: Clearly conveys the main argument in the passage, including the idea of growth and the need for long-term solutions.
- Form: Meets the form requirements, uses proper linking structures.
- Grammar: Complex sentence with precise conjunction use.
- Vocabulary: Words like “sectoral expansions,” “innovations,” and “diversification” enhance the sentence.
- Spelling: No issues.
Renewable energy boosts construction, logistics, and hospitality
Band 80:
Renewable energy can boost the local economy short-term, but lasting impacts require further industrial diversification.
Analysis:
- Content: Sufficient summary, though lacking details on the sectors involved.
- Form: Compact and within the word count.
- Grammar: Correct with modest structure.
- Vocabulary: Words like “diversification” and “lasting impacts” are apt.
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 70:
Renewable energy helps the local economy but may not bring lasting success without future industry development.
Analysis:
- Content: Covers the main idea but misses sectoral specifics.
- Form: Succinct and structured.
- Grammar: Adequate.
- Vocabulary: Simple but clear.
- Spelling: No mistakes.
Vocabulary from The Prompts
-
Prosperity (n) /ˌprɒs.pərˈɪt.i/: The state of being successful or thriving, especially economically.
Example: Renewable energy development often aims at enhancing the prosperity of local communities. -
Incentivize (v) /ɪnˈsen.tɪ.vaɪz/: To motivate or encourage someone to act in a certain way by offering incentives.
Example: Governments frequently incentivize companies to invest in wind or solar projects. -
Sector (n) /ˈsek.tər/: A part or division of a country’s economy.
Example: The energy sector has seen rapid growth due to investments in renewable resources. -
Diversification (n) /ˌdaɪˌvɜː.sɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/: The act of becoming more varied.
Example: Long-term economic benefits from renewables depend on the diversification of local industries. -
Innovation (n) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/: The introduction of new ideas or methods.
Example: Innovation in renewable energy technology is essential for sustained growth. -
Logistics (n) /ləˈdʒɪs.tɪks/: The detailed organization and implementation of a complex operation.
Example: Renewable energy projects demand strong logistics support to transport materials. -
Temporary (adj) /ˈtem.pər.ər.i/: Lasting for only a limited period.
Example: Many jobs created by the renewable energy industry are often temporary. -
Sustainability (n) /səˌsteɪ.nəˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/: The ability to continue a defined behavior indefinitely.
Example: The primary goal of renewable energy is to provide sustainability in energy consumption. -
Specialized (adj) /ˈspeʃ.ə.laɪzd/: Requiring specific skills or knowledge.
Example: Jobs in solar energy often require workers to have specialized skills. -
Construction (n) /kənˈstrʌk.ʃən/: The process of building something.
Example: The construction of wind farms significantly boosts local economies.
Conclusion
The Summarize Written Text section provides an opportunity to retain clarity and conciseness when addressing key information, especially on relevant issues like the impact of renewable energy on local economies. Regular practice with real-world topics like these can help maximize your scores in the PTE test. Keep practicing these examples, engage actively in summarizing varying prompts, and don’t hesitate to share your thoughts or questions in the comments.
Do note that while the focus on temporary job creation and economic spikes is valid, long-term success in renewable energy also involves balancing associated renewable energy investments and risks, making it essential to understand how local economies can evolve sustainably.
