Summarize Written Text: Ocean Acidification and Its Economic Effects in the PTE Exam

Practice PTE Summarize Written Text Task: Ocean Acidification and Its Economic Effects

Example 1

Ocean acidification refers to the process of seawater becoming more acidic due to the absorption of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). As CO2 levels rise, the pH of the oceans falls, leading to various ecological disturbances, such as the degradation of coral reefs, which are highly dependent on stable pH levels. This acidification threatens species that are crucial to the oceanic food chain, like plankton and shellfish. The economic consequences of ocean acidification are widespread, affecting industries such as fishing and tourism. Communities reliant on fisheries may experience lower yields, while coastal regions could see a notable decline in tourism revenue due to the loss of coral reefs. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), nations with strong economic ties to marine ecosystems are projected to suffer significant financial losses in the coming decades.

Summarize the text in one sentence in no more than 75 words.

Sample Answers

Band 90+ Answer:
The rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere lead to ocean acidification, causing harmful effects on marine ecosystems and posing major economic challenges to the fishing and tourism industries, with severe financial implications for communities reliant on these ecosystems.

• Content: Strong coverage of the main points, including both ecological and economic effects of acidification.
• Form: Within the word count limit of 75 words.
• Grammar: Flawless with advanced sentence structure.
• Vocabulary: Utilizes academic vocabulary such as “acidification,” “marine ecosystems,” and “financial implications.”
• Spelling: No errors.

Band 79+ Answer:
Ocean acidification, driven by elevated carbon dioxide levels, negatively impacts marine life and leads to economic losses in industries like fisheries and tourism.

• Content: Captures the critical aspects of the passage, though details on coral reefs and specific community impacts are missing.
• Form: Meets the word limit.
• Grammar: Correct but simpler sentence structure.
• Vocabulary: Uses appropriate but less varied word choices.
• Spelling: No errors.

Band 65+ Answer:
Ocean acidification happens when CO2 concentrations rise, causing harmful effects on ocean life, fishing and tourism industries.

• Content: Key ideas are present but lack specificity about the types of economic challenges and the ecological details.
• Form: Shorter than needed but within limits.
• Grammar: Grammatically correct, though simpler in construction.
• Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary is used, missing more advanced terms such as “ecosystems” or “financial.”
• Spelling: No errors.

Analysis of Content and Grammar in PTE Summarize Written Text

To improve your PTE score in the Summarize Written Text task, focus on the following categories:

• Content: Ensure you capture all relevant ideas, including causes (in this case, carbon dioxide absorption) and effects (both ecological and economic impacts).
• Form: Stay within the 75-word limit, and ensure the summary is formatted as one continuous sentence.
• Grammar: Use complex sentence structures, ensuring subject-verb agreement and proper use of conjunctions.
• Vocabulary: Prioritize academic vocabulary relevant to the passage; using terms like “ecological disturbances” or “economic implications” can showcase advanced language skills.
• Spelling: Errors in spelling will lower your score, so careful proofreading is essential.

To read more about oceanic research and resource management, explore this link.

Vocabulary Tips for Ocean Acidification

Below are 10 advanced words derived from the topic above, together with their meanings and example usage:

1. Acidification /əˌsɪd.ɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/ (n.) – The process of becoming more acidic.

   • Ocean acidification is a growing problem for marine ecosystems.

2. Degradation /ˌdeɡ.rəˈdeɪ.ʃən/ (n.) – The process of something worsening or becoming damaged.

   • The degradation of coral reefs is accelerating due to acidification.

3. Ecosystem /ˈiː.kəʊˌsɪs.təm/ (n.) – A biological community of interacting organisms.

   • Pollution can disrupt the entire ocean ecosystem.

4. Yield /jiːld/ (n.) – The amount produced, especially in terms of crops or resources like fish.

   • Fisheries are reporting decreasing yields as ocean conditions worsen.

5. Coral reef /ˈkɔːrəl riːf/ (n.) – Large underwater structures composed of the skeletons of returning marine invertebrates.

   • Tourism in many countries heavily relies on the beauty of coral reefs.

6. Plankton /ˈplæŋktən/ (n.) – Small and microscopic organisms drifting or floating in sea or freshwater.

   • Plankton form the fundamental base of the oceanic food chain.

7. Coastal /ˈkəʊstəl/ (adj.) – Located or situated near a coast.

   • Coastal economies depend largely on fishing and tourism.

8. Disturbance /dɪˈstɜːbəns/ (n.) – Disruption or disorder of a system.

   • Ocean acidification is causing ecological disturbances.

9. Concentration /ˌkɒnsnˈtreɪʃən/ (n.) – The amount of a particular substance in a mixture.

   • High CO2 concentrations in seawater lead to acidification.

10. Implications /ˌɪm.plɪˈkeɪ.ʃənz/ (n.) – The possible effects or results of an action or decision.

    • The long-term implications of ocean acidification are severe.

Conclusion

The provided sample Summarize Written Text exercise on “Ocean Acidification and its Economic Effects” mirrors real PTE exam formats and challenges test-takers to condense complex ecological and economic topics effectively. By practicing this exercise, you’ll develop the skills needed to tackle similar questions on test day. Have any questions or want to share your answers? Leave a comment below!