In the PTE Speaking & Writing section, one of the most commonly encountered tasks is the Summarize Written Text. This task tests candidates’ ability to convey the essence of a paragraph in a clear, concise sentence. Today, we will cover a pertinent topic that is often discussed: “Nuclear energy’s future and safety.” This topic can present itself frequently in PTE exams due to the growing relevance of nuclear energy in global energy discussions. Let’s explore a sample question based on this theme, along with sample answers according to different band scores.
Sample Summarize Written Text Task: Nuclear Energy’s Future and Safety
Task Prompt
The future of nuclear energy has been debated extensively due to concerns about safety and environmental impact. Although nuclear power can provide a consistent and relatively clean energy source, especially in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the risks associated with reactor meltdowns and the long-term management of nuclear waste cannot be ignored. The advancement of new reactor technologies, such as small modular reactors (SMRs) and thorium reactors, offers a potential solution to minimize these hazards. However, the high initial costs, public perception, and regulatory hurdles still present significant challenges to the widespread adoption of nuclear energy.
Using the information provided, write a one-sentence summary of the passage.
Sample Summarize Written Text Responses
Band 90 Response:
Nuclear energy offers a potential solution to meet clean energy demands, but concerns regarding safety, waste management, and economic factors continue to hinder its widespread adoption, despite advancements in reactor technologies.
- Content: 100% – The response effectively covers the main points regarding safety, waste management, economic challenges, and advancements in nuclear technology.
- Form: 100% – One sentence, between 5-75 words.
- Grammar: 100% – Fluent and grammatically correct.
- Vocabulary: 100% – Advanced vocabulary such as “widespread adoption,” “advancements,” and “reactor technologies” is utilized correctly.
- Spelling: 100% – No spelling errors.
Band 75 Response:
Although there have been advances in nuclear technology, safety concerns and waste management issues, along with high costs, stall its greater use as a clean energy solution.
- Content: 90% – Touches on the important aspects, but misses the specific mention of public perception and regulatory concerns.
- Form: 100% – Appropriate sentence length and structure.
- Grammar: 100% – Grammatically sound.
- Vocabulary: 90% – Vocabulary is appropriate but slightly less varied than the Band 90 response.
- Spelling: 100% – No spelling errors.
Band 65 Response:
Nuclear energy has potential to be a clean energy source, but high costs and safety issues slow its adoption.
- Content: 75% – Covers the key issues but omits crucial details like advancements in technology and mention of waste management.
- Form: 100% – Proper single sentence structure.
- Grammar: 100% – Correct grammatical use.
- Vocabulary: 75% – Basic vocabulary used; lacks complexity.
- Spelling: 100% – No spelling errors.
Band 50 Response:
Nuclear energy could reduce emissions but is still dangerous and expensive.
- Content: 50% – Very basic summary; lacks detail about waste and advancements in technology, and fails to mention critical factors such as regulatory issues.
- Form: 100% – Complies with form requirements.
- Grammar: 100% – Correct grammar, though simple.
- Vocabulary: 50% – Limited vocabulary usage.
- Spelling: 100% – No spelling errors.
Vocabulary and Grammar for “Nuclear Energy’s Future and Safety”
To enhance understanding and performance in Summarize Written Text tasks, it’s essential to develop a suitable vocabulary. Here are ten advanced words that are invaluable when discussing nuclear energy:
- Hazard (/ˈhæz.ərd/) – Danger or risk; “The hazards of nuclear energy must be considered.”
- Meltdown (/ˈmɛltdaʊn/) – A catastrophic failure in a nuclear reactor; “A nuclear meltdown can have devastating consequences.”
- Greenhouse gases (/ˈɡriːnˌhaʊs ˌɡæs/) – Gases contributing to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation; “Reducing greenhouse gases is crucial for environmental sustainability.”
- Modular (/ˈmɑː.dʒə.lər/) – Composed of standardized units; “Small modular reactors are seen as safer alternatives due to their scalability.”
- Thorium (/ˈθɔːr.i.əm/) – A radioactive chemical element used in some advanced nuclear reactors; “Thorium reactors could revolutionize nuclear energy by being more efficient.”
- Perception (/pərˈsɛp.ʃən/) – The way something is understood or interpreted by the public; “Public perception of nuclear energy remains cautious.”
- Regulatory (/ˈreɡ.jə.lə.tɔːr.i/) – Related to laws and regulations; “Regulatory hurdles slow the adoption of new nuclear technologies.”
- Sustainable (/səˈsteɪnəbl/) – Capable of being continued without causing damage to the environment; “Nuclear energy is sometimes seen as a sustainable option.”
- Adoption (/əˈdɒp.ʃən/) – The action of taking something on as a standard practice; “The adoption of nuclear energy technology varies widely across countries.”
- Emission (/ɪˈmɪʃ.ən/) – Substance discharged into the atmosphere; “Nuclear power produces lower emissions compared to fossil fuels.”
Conclusion
In this overview of the Summarize Written Text task, we explored one of the key topics many PTE candidates may encounter: nuclear energy’s future and safety. Equipped with the sample task and summaries provided, students can gain deeper insight into how to structure an optimal response. Given the relevance of this theme in current global issues, practicing such topics is strongly advised. For more context on related concerns, do explore Nuclear waste disposal and environmental safety and Nuclear energy’s role in clean energy. Keep practicing, and don’t hesitate to leave a comment below with your own summaries!
