In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into Summarize Written Text, which is an essential part of the Speaking & Writing section in the PTE exam. We will focus on ocean biodiversity and human activities, a frequent and highly relevant topic. Summarizing accurately in one sentence is a crucial skill, especially for a topic as complex as this. You will find practice questions that will help you improve your skills and meet the expectations of the PTE examiners.
Understanding the impacts of human activities on ocean biodiversity links closely to other essential environmental discussions, like Ocean ecosystems and global climate, making this a significant area to focus on.
Practice Summarize Written Text on Ocean Biodiversity and Human Activities
Sample Question 1 – Ocean Pollution and Its Effects on Marine Species
The growing accumulation of plastic and chemical waste in the oceans has become a significant threat to marine life. Species like sea turtles, seabirds, and marine mammals often mistake these waste materials for food, leading to ingestion that results in fatal consequences. Additionally, chemicals such as oil spills or toxic runoff from industrial zones contaminate the waters, causing diseases, reproductive failure, and even deaths for various species. The degradation of these ecosystems deteriorates biodiversity, ultimately affecting human populations, who rely on these rich ecosystems for food resources and climate regulation.
Summarize the text in one sentence.
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Band 90 Sample Answer:
Plastic and chemical pollution in oceans, mainly caused by human activities, severely harms marine biodiversity, leading to species deaths, ecosystem degradation, and negative consequences for human populations.Content: Excellent coverage of all key points, including causes, effects on species, and human consequences.
Form: Correct length (56 words).
Grammar: The sentence is grammatically correct.
Vocabulary: High-level vocabulary – “accumulation,” “ingestion,” “toxic runoff,” “ecosystem degradation.”
Spelling: Spelling is perfect.
Sample Question 2 – Overfishing and Marine Ecosystem Collapse
Overfishing occurs when fish populations are harvested at rates that surpass their ability to reproduce. As fish stocks deplete, the balance within marine ecosystems changes drastically, affecting species that depend on these fish for survival. Predators such as sharks and whales suffer from a lack of food, while some species may overpopulate, causing an imbalance in ocean biodiversity. Furthermore, coastal communities that depend on fishing for their livelihoods face significant economic and social challenges due to overexploitation of this vital resource.
Summarize the text in one sentence.
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Band 80 Sample Answer:
Overfishing depletes fish populations and disrupts marine biodiversity, negatively impacting both marine species and coastal communities that rely on fishing.Content: Strong, though slightly simplified; covers key points but misses the ecosystem balance details.
Form: Correct length (27 words).
Grammar: Correct.
Vocabulary: Less advanced than a 90 band but still effective – “depletes,” “disrupts,” and “rely on.”
Spelling: No mistakes.
Sample Question 3 – Climate Change and Coral Reef Bleaching
Coral reefs, often described as the ‘rainforests of the sea,’ are vital for marine biodiversity. However, increasing ocean temperatures caused by climate change lead to coral bleaching, a process in which corals lose their vibrant colors and die due to heat stress. This destruction of coral reefs, home to thousands of marine species, signifies a dramatic loss of biodiversity and destabilizes ocean ecosystems. Many human populations are also at risk, as these reefs provide essential services such as coastal protection and tourism income.
Summarize the text in one sentence.
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Band 70 Sample Answer:
Climate change-induced coral bleaching harms marine biodiversity and affects human coastal economies.Content: Adequate but could mention the loss of marine species and ecosystem imbalance in more detail.
Form: Correct length (15 words).
Grammar: Correct, but somewhat basic.
Vocabulary: Limited – “harms,” “affects.”
Spelling: No errors.
Vocabulary and Grammar Points of Interest
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Accumulation /ˌækjəˈmjuːləʃən/ (noun): The gradual gathering of waste or materials.
- Example: The accumulation of plastic waste in the oceans is alarming.
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Ingestion /ɪnˈʤɛstʃən/ (noun): The process of consuming something.
- Example: The ingestion of plastic by marine animals often leads to death.
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Runoff /ˈrʌnˌɔf/ (noun): The draining away of water from surfaces, often containing pollutants.
- Example: Toxic runoff from farms and industrial areas pollutes the oceans.
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Reproductive failure /rɪprəˈdʌktɪv ˈfeɪljər/ (noun): The inability to produce offspring.
- Example: Chemical contamination can cause reproductive failure in marine species.
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Depletion /dɪˈpliːʃən/ (noun): Reduction in the number or quantity of something.
- Example: Overfishing leads to fish population depletion.
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Predators /ˈprɛdɪtərz/ (noun): Animals that prey on others.
- Example: Sharks and whales are apex predators in ocean ecosystems.
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Bleaching /ˈbliːʧɪŋ/ (noun): The process of corals turning white due to stress.
- Example: Coral bleaching is a direct result of rising ocean temperatures.
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Livelihoods /ˈlaɪvhʊdz/ (noun): Means of earning money or living.
- Example: Overfishing threatens the livelihoods of many coastal communities.
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Ecosystem degradation /ˈiːkoʊˌsɪstəm ˌdɛɡrəˈdeɪʃən/ (noun): Deterioration of the environment home to living organisms.
- Example: Pollution leads to ecosystem degradation and decline in ocean biodiversity.
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Coral reef /ˈkɔːrəl riːf/ (noun): A large underwater structure made of dead and living corals.
- Example: Coral reefs support a vast array of marine life.
Conclusion
In this article, we crafted several Summarize Written Text exercise questions based on the crucial topic of ocean biodiversity and human activities. Practicing these questions will prepare you well for the PTE exam and similar environmental discussions involving Ocean ecosystems and global climate. Keep practicing, and make sure you aim for that perfect summary logic, using concise yet impactful vocabulary choices.
