The PTE (Pearson Test of English) Speaking & Writing section is a critical part of the overall test. One of the tasks in this section, Summarize Written Text, requires test-takers to condense the main points of a given passage into a single sentence. This task is crucial for evaluating English proficiency, specifically in content understanding, grammar, vocabulary, and coherence.
In this edition of PTE Online, we’ll explore some practice questions related to ocean biodiversity conservation strategies. This topic has grown in prominence due to its critical importance in our contemporary world, making it a common theme in academic scenarios, including the PTE test.
Practice Question 1: Ocean Biodiversity and Global Conservation Efforts
Prompt:
Ocean biodiversity plays a vital role in ensuring the health of marine ecosystems, and its conservation has become an urgent priority due to the increasing threats posed by human activities. Overfishing, pollution, and climate change contribute significantly to habitat destruction, loss of species, and ecosystem imbalance. To mitigate these challenges, various global initiatives aim to promote sustainable fisheries, create marine protected areas (MPAs), and regulate human interference in vulnerable regions. These programs emphasize collaboration between governments, research institutions, and local communities. Despite ongoing efforts, financial constraints, lack of political will, and enforcement difficulties continue to hinder large-scale progress. Enhanced awareness and consistent action are essential to safeguard marine habitats and ensure a sustainable future for aquatic life.
Instructions:
Summarize the text in one sentence.
Answer Examples:
High Band (Score: 75-90)
The protection of ocean biodiversity is critical due to numerous threats like overfishing and climate change, and global efforts such as marine protected areas and sustainable fisheries have been implemented, though challenges like lack of funding and political will hinder progress.
Analysis:
- Content: Comprehensive, covering all main points (threats, initiatives, challenges).
- Form: One sentence between 5-75 words.
- Grammar: Grammatically sound with proper use of clauses.
- Vocabulary: Advanced vocabulary such as “mitigate,” “initiatives,” and “constraints.”
- Spelling: Correct.
Mid-Band (Score: 50-74)
Ocean biodiversity is endangered by overfishing and pollution, which has led to global programs like MPAs, though obstacles such as funding and enforcement pose difficulties.
Analysis:
- Content: Covers most of the key points but omits some details (e.g., collaboration among governments or the details of ecosystem imbalance).
- Form: Meets length requirements.
- Grammar: Correct, but a bit simplistic in structure.
- Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary used.
- Spelling: Correct.
Low Band (Score: 30-49)
Ocean species are being lost due to human interference, and efforts to protect them are not enough because of money problems.
Analysis:
- Content: Too vague, not mentioning specific details like overfishing, specific initiatives, or global collaboration.
- Form: Meets word count but overly simplistic.
- Grammar: Grammar is acceptable but lacks sophistication.
- Vocabulary: Very basic vocabulary.
- Spelling: Correct.
Practice Question 2: Sustainable Use of Marine Resources
Prompt:
The sustainable management of marine resources is fundamental to preserving ocean biodiversity. Fisheries and other economic activities must follow guidelines to maintain the equilibrium of marine ecosystems, which are often threatened by over-exploitation. International efforts like the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) focus on balancing the needs of human economies with the necessity of conserving marine habitats. Marine spatial planning (MSP) and technological advancements in eco-friendly fishing techniques demonstrate some of the strategies aimed at ensuring that ecosystems remain productive and resilient over time. However, continued education and communication are vital to changing public and corporate behaviors.
Instructions:
Summarize the text in one sentence.
Answer Examples:
High Band (Score: 75-90)
Sustainable management of marine resources is critical to maintaining biodiversity, with global efforts like the SDGs and CBD focusing on harmonizing economic activities and conservation through initiatives like marine spatial planning and technological advancements in eco-friendly fishing.
Mid-Band (Score: 50-74)
Marine resource management is necessary for ocean biodiversity, with efforts such as the SDGs and eco-friendly fishing, but more public awareness is needed.
Low Band (Score: 30-49)
There are some rules for fishing and using ocean resources, but more public education is needed.
Vocabulary and Grammar Insights
Let’s explore some advanced vocabulary from the passages, alongside their usage and meanings. This will help enhance your language skills for the Summarize Written Text task:
-
Biodiversity /ˌbaɪoʊdaɪˈvɜːrsɪti/ (n.)
- Meaning: The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or in the world as a whole.
- Example: “Biodiversity is critical to the balance of marine ecosystems.”
-
Sustainable /səˈsteɪnəbl/ (adj.)
- Meaning: In a way that uses resources without destroying them or harming the environment.
- Example: “Sustainable fisheries are essential for future food security.”
-
Fisheries /ˈfɪʃəriz/ (n.)
- Meaning: Places where fish are reared for commercial purposes.
- Example: “Many nations rely on sustainable fisheries for economic growth.”
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Exploitation /ˌɛksplɔɪˈteɪʃən/ (n.)
- Meaning: The action of making use of and benefiting from resources.
- Example: “Over-exploitation of marine resources leads to ecosystem degradation.”
-
Initiatives /ɪˈnɪʃɪətɪvz/ (n.)
- Meaning: New plans or strategies aimed at solving a problem.
- Example: “Several conservation initiatives have been launched globally.”
-
Ecosystem /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/ (n.)
- Meaning: A community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
- Example: “Human activities are disrupting the natural balance of ecosystems.”
-
Marine /məˈriːn/ (adj.)
- Meaning: Relating to the sea and the organisms that live in it.
- Example: “Marine biodiversity is being threatened by plastic pollution.”
-
Enforcement /ɪnˈfɔːsmənt/ (n.)
- Meaning: The act of making people follow rules or laws.
- Example: “The enforcement of conservation laws is key to protecting endangered species.”
-
Resilient /rɪˈzɪliənt/ (adj.)
- Meaning: Capable of recovering quickly from difficulties or challenges.
- Example: “Marine ecosystems are resilient, but only up to a certain breaking point.”
-
Technological /ˌtɛknəˈlɒʤɪkəl/ (adj.)
- Meaning: Relating to or using technology.
- Example: “Technological innovations in fishing can reduce environmental harm.”
Conclusion
In the PTE Summarize Written Text task, practicing with complex topics, such as ocean biodiversity conservation strategies, prepares you to perform efficiently under exam conditions. Remember to focus on including the main points of the passage without omitting critical details, maintain proper grammar, and align within the 5-75 words guideline.
For more practice on sustainability topics, explore our articles on Sustainable fisheries and marine ecosystems and the impacts of Climate change and its impact on ecosystems. Both topics are valuable when focusing on environmental themes commonly seen in the PTE exam.
Don’t hesitate to practice, and if you need further assistance or clarifications, feel free to leave a comment below.
