Summarize Written Text Practice: Ocean Acidification’s Effects on Fisheries

Ocean acidification is a critical environmental issue, and one that often appears in the PTE exam, especially in the Summarize Written Text section. In this article, we will explore how ocean acidification impacts fisheries and ecosystems. You will find practice exercises, example responses, and educational resources to improve your performance in the PTE Speaking & Writing exam.

Practice Summarize Written Text: Ocean Acidification’s Effects on Fisheries

Ocean acidification refers to the ongoing decrease in pH levels in the Earth’s oceans, primarily due to the absorption of excess carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. Acidification weakens the growth and development of marine organisms, particularly shellfish and coral, which form the foundation of many fisheries. Disruptions to these organisms can cascade up the food chain, affecting fish stocks, biodiversity, and ultimately, human fishing industries. Studies indicate that continued ocean acidification could significantly alter marine ecosystems, making once abundant fish populations increasingly scarce. This would have dire socio-economic consequences for communities dependent on fishing both commercially and for sustenance.

Summarize the paragraph in one sentence: You will have 10 minutes to complete this task.

Sample Answers

High Band Score (80-90):

Ocean acidification, driven by excess CO2 absorption, threatens marine life, especially shellfish and coral, leading to disrupted ecosystems and negative socio-economic impacts on global fisheries.

• Content: Fully captures the key points, including causation (CO2), affected marine organisms, impacts on the food chain, and socio-economic consequences.
• Form: The sentence is concise and within the word limit of 5-75 words.
• Grammar: Sentence is grammatically correct.
• Vocabulary: Academic vocabulary is appropriately used, with terms like “acidification,” “disrupted ecosystems,” and “socio-economic impacts.”
• Spelling: All words are spelled correctly.

Mid Band Score (65-79):

Ocean acidification harms marine species such as shellfish and fish, which negatively affects fishing industries and ecosystems.

• Content: Captures key aspects but lacks detail on causation and the cascading effects on the food chain.
• Form: The response is concise and within the word limit.
• Grammar: Correct grammar is used.
• Vocabulary: Lower-level academic vocabulary, but still appropriate for the text.
• Spelling: No misspellings.

Low Band Score (50-64):

Ocean acidification makes it difficult for fish and other species to survive, which impacts fishing.

• Content: Misses key details such as carbon dioxide as the cause of acidification and specific organisms affected.
• Form: The sentence is within the word limit but lacks complexity.
• Grammar: Sentence is grammatically correct but overly simplistic.
• Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary, and some repetition of the word “fish.”
• Spelling: No spelling issues.

Vocabulary and Grammar in the Text

Here are 10 advanced words or phrases from the text, their definitions, and example sentences:

1. Acidification /əˌsɪdɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ – The process by which an environment, such as the ocean, becomes more acidic.

   • Example: Continued acidification of the oceans is wreaking havoc on coral reefs worldwide.

2. pH levels /piː.eɪʧ ˈlɛvəls/ – A measure of how acidic or basic a water solution is.

   • Example: Reductions in the pH levels of oceans are alarming scientists.

3. Absorption /æbˈsɔːrpʃən/ – The process by which one thing absorbs or is absorbed by another.

   • Example: The ocean’s absorption of carbon dioxide has numerous adverse effects.

4. Marine organisms /məˈrɪn ˈɔːrgənɪzəmz/ – Living beings that live in or near saltwater environments.

   • Example: Marine organisms like mollusks and fish are highly vulnerable to changes in water chemistry.

5. Shellfish /ˈʃɛlfɪʃ/ – Aquatic animals with shells, such as clams, oysters, or lobsters.

   • Example: Shellfish populations are directly impacted by the increased acidity in seawater.

6. Coral /ˈkɔːrəl/ – Marine invertebrates that build reefs known for their beauty and function in marine ecosystems.

   • Example: The coral reefs form the backbone of many coastal fisheries.

7. Cascading effects /kæsˈkeɪdɪŋ ɪˈfɛkts/ – Chain reactions that lead to significant, widespread impacts.

   • Example: The demise of small fish species has cascading effects on marine predators.

8. Ecosystems /ˈiːkoʊˌsɪstəmz/ – Systems of living organisms interacting with their environment.

   • Example: Ocean acidification threatens to alter entire marine ecosystems.

9. Fish stocks /fɪʃ stɒks/ – Populations of fish available for commercial use.

   • Example: Depleted fish stocks have already led to economic instability in many fishing towns.

10. Socio-economic /ˌsəʊʃɪoʊˌekəˈnɒmɪk/ – Relating to the interaction of social and economic factors.

    • Example: Ocean acidification poses a serious socio-economic challenge for the fishing industry.

Conclusion

The topic of ocean acidification’s effects on fisheries is a hot subject in the field of environmental science and is highly relevant in today’s world. Practicing Summarize Written Text tasks on this subject not only helps you improve your knowledge of the material, but it also prepares you for the types of texts you may encounter in the actual PTE exam. Don’t forget to revisit key vocabulary and solidify your summarization skills, broadening your understanding of how ocean acidification affects the fishing industry and the broader impacts on biodiversity.

Start practicing regularly, and you’ll see notable progress in your ability to complete these tasks within the time limit. Feel free to share your answers in the comment section and stay updated with the latest tips and exercises!