Nuclear energy plays a crucial role in the global effort to combat climate change. As one of the most discussed topics in the Summarize Written Text section of the PTE exam, understanding the complexities of this issue is essential. In this article, you will find practice questions and model answers to help you prepare effectively.
Sample PTE Summarize Written Text Prompt 1: Nuclear Energy’s Potential Contribution to Climate Goals
Climate change is one of the most critical issues facing the world today, and reducing carbon dioxide emissions is an urgent component of achieving sustainability. Nuclear energy, which provides a reliable source of energy with low greenhouse gas emissions, has the potential to contribute significantly to these climate goals. Unlike fossil fuels, nuclear power plants emit virtually no air pollutants, making it an attractive alternative. However, numerous challenges hinder its full potential, including concerns over nuclear waste, high initial costs, and political opposition that questions its long-term viability. Despite this, long-standing research and advocacy argue that nuclear energy could play a major role in achieving a carbon-neutral future without leading to severe environmental degradation. With advancements in waste disposal and safety technologies, nuclear energy remains a crucial tool in the fight against climate change, but it must be part of a broader mix that includes renewable energy sources.
Task: Summarize the written text in one sentence.
Model Answers:
Band 90 (High-Proficiency):
Nuclear energy, despite its challenges in terms of cost and waste management, is considered a critical low-carbon energy source that could substantially contribute to climate goals alongside renewables, ensuring a balanced approach to combating climate change.
Content: The response captures the complexities of nuclear energy and its potential role in fighting climate change while acknowledging the challenges.
Form: Correct word limit.
Grammar: Grammatically sound with correct usage of complex structures.
Vocabulary: Appropriate level of academic vocabulary.
Spelling: Free from spelling errors.
Band 75 (Competent-Proficiency):
Nuclear energy can help meet climate goals by providing a reliable low-emission energy source, but its high cost, waste disposal issues, and opposition restrict its potential.
Content: Key points included but lacks depth regarding the role of renewable energy.
Form: Within the word limit.
Grammar: Mostly correct, though simpler sentence structure is used.
Vocabulary: Adequate but less formal.
Spelling: Correct.
Band 65 (Basic-Proficiency):
Nuclear energy has the potential to reduce emissions, but problems such as waste and cost limit its ability to fight climate change.
Content: Captures the essential idea but is too brief in addressing the renewable energy aspect.
Form: Within the word limit.
Grammar: Basic but accurate structure.
Vocabulary: Simple language employed.
Spelling: Correct.
Sample PTE Summarize Written Text Prompt 2: Nuclear Power and Renewable Energy Coexistence
Nuclear energy is often seen as a competitor to renewable energy, but advocates argue for their coexistence in the fight against climate change. Both energy sources offer low-carbon benefits, yet they differ in terms of reliability and long-term feasibility. Nuclear energy provides consistent electricity, mitigating the intermittency issues faced by wind and solar power. Meanwhile, renewable energy is gaining attention due to technological advancements, cost reductions, and its perceived environmental friendliness. Experts suggest that the global energy transition should prioritize complementing nuclear and renewable approaches to maximize their potential and address various global energy needs efficiently.
Task: Summarize the written text in one sentence.
Model Answers:
Band 90 (High-Proficiency):
Nuclear and renewable energy sources are both critical in combating climate change, and their coexistence, rather than competition, can help meet global energy demands by offering reliable, low-carbon alternatives.
Content: Thorough, covers both nuclear and renewable aspects, and emphasizes the coexistence approach.
Form: Correct word count.
Grammar: Complex and precise sentence structure.
Vocabulary: Excellent academic word usage.
Spelling: Correct.
Band 75 (Competent-Proficiency):
Nuclear energy provides reliable low-carbon electricity, while renewable energy, though less consistent, complements nuclear power in achieving climate goals.
Content: Strong but lacks focus on the word “coexistence” as a key theme.
Form: Within limits.
Grammar: Mostly accurate.
Vocabulary: Decent variety.
Spelling: Correct.
Band 65 (Basic-Proficiency):
Nuclear and renewable energy can together contribute to reducing carbon emissions, as each has its advantages.
Content: Simplified and lacks detail on why coexistence is important.
Form: Within the limit.
Grammar: Quite basic but without errors.
Vocabulary: Limited but correct.
Spelling: Correct.
Vocabulary and Grammar Breakdown
Here are 10 difficult words from the text and their meanings:
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Sustainability /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪlɪti/ – The capacity to maintain certain processes or states indefinitely, typically related to environmental practices.
Example: Sustainability in energy consumption is crucial for our planet. -
Intermittency /ˌɪntərˈmɪtənsi/ – The irregular occurrence of events, often used in reference to renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.
Example: Wind power suffers from intermittency issues. -
Feasibility /ˌfiːzəˈbɪlɪti/ – The possibility of something being achieved or implemented.
Example: The feasibility of nuclear energy depends on advancements in safety technology. -
Mitigation /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃən/ – The action of reducing the severity or harmfulness of something.
Example: Nuclear power aids in the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. -
Advocacy /ˈædvəkəsi/ – Public support for an idea or cause.
Example: Many organizations are involved in advocacy for nuclear energy. -
Viability /ˌvaɪəˈbɪlɪti/ – Capable of working successfully.
Example: The viability of nuclear energy depends on overcoming its drawbacks. -
Complement /ˈkɒmplɪmɛnt/ – To complete or enhance by providing something.
Example: Nuclear energy can complement renewable energy sources. -
Degradation /ˌdɛɡrəˈdeɪʃən/ – The process of deteriorating or breaking down.
Example: Environmental degradation is a concern with fossil fuel use. -
Reliable /rɪˈlaɪəbl/ – Consistently good in quality or performance.
Example: Nuclear plants offer a reliable source of energy. -
Carbon-neutral /ˌkɑːbən ˈnjuːtrəl/ – Causing no net increase in carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere.
Example: Nuclear energy is vital for achieving a carbon-neutral future.
Conclusion
The Summarize Written Text section in the PTE Academic often presents complex real-world issues like the role of Nuclear Energy In Combating Climate Change. By practicing with these sample prompts on relevant topics and analyzing model answers across different band scores, you will gain a better grasp of how to structure and improve your responses. In addition, understanding the vocabulary and grammar used in these scenarios will help refine your academic English skills.
For more information on how different energy sources can help in tackling climate challenges, explore articles like Nuclear power and renewable energy coexistence, Alternative energy sources and sustainability, and Renewable energy costs and benefits.
