Summarize Written Text (SWT) is one of the most crucial components of the Speaking & Writing section in the PTE Academic exam. Today’s practice essay focuses on ocean cleanup technologies—an essential topic related to sustainability and environmental stewardship. This article provides a detailed overview of a typical question format, expert answers for different band scores, and essential vocabulary to understand the context better.
By practicing with the following sample tasks, you will improve your summarization skills and prepare yourself for higher band scores.
Sample Summarize Written Text Question: Ocean Cleanup Technologies for Sustainability
Read the following text and then summarize it in one sentence.
The summary should include all relevant information given in the passage, but in a concise format. You will have 10 minutes.
Oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface and are crucial for regulating the climate, providing food, and supporting biodiversity. However, they are currently grappling with severe pollution, particularly plastic waste, which poses tremendous threats to marine life. In response to this issue, new technologies specifically designed for ocean cleanup have emerged, offering promising solutions to restore the health of the oceans. These innovative cleanup systems, such as autonomous robotic devices and large-scale filtration systems, are capable of collecting vast amounts of plastic debris, preventing it from entering delicate ecosystems. By utilizing cutting-edge technologies powered by renewable energy sources, these solutions not only address pollution but also contribute to long-term environmental sustainability.
Moreover, partnerships between countries and private organizations have been pivotal in advancing research and large-scale implementation of ocean cleanup projects. For example, The Ocean Cleanup initiative has pioneered several devices that have already removed significant plastic waste from high-risk areas. The ultimate goal is to create a sustainable future where oceans can recover and thrive without the continued buildup of waste, benefiting forward-thinking policies focused on global CleanTech innovations and environmental sustainability.
Sample Responses and Band Score Analysis
Band Score 79+
Today’s ocean cleanup technologies, developed in collaboration with governments and private organizations, are essential for removing plastic waste and involve using sustainable, renewable energy-powered systems, such as robotic devices and filtration units, to protect marine environments and promote long-term sustainability.
Content: The response covers all main points – the ocean’s condition, innovative technologies, sustainability, and key partnerships contributing to cleanup initiatives.
Form: Perfectly fits the one-sentence format without exceeding the word limit.
Grammar: Free from grammatical errors.
Vocabulary: High-level and relevant, e.g., “renewable energy-powered,” “collaboration,” and “sustainability.”
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band Score 65-79
Ocean cleanup technologies, powered by renewable energy and developed by partnerships, are helping to remove plastic waste from marine environments, thus promoting sustainability in ocean ecosystems.
Content: Captures key aspects: technologies, partnerships, and sustainability.
Form: Fits within the required format.
Grammar: Minor grammar issues but overall correct.
Vocabulary: Adequate but lacks sophistication in terms like “renewable energy-powered.”
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band Score 50-64
Technologies designed to clean the oceans help remove plastic waste and support sustainability through renewable energy and partnerships between organizations.
Content: Includes major details but misses finer points like filtration systems or government contributions.
Form: The sentence is concise but borders on being too simplified.
Grammar: Acceptable with minor issues in sentence structure.
Vocabulary: Simple terminology, slightly repetitive.
Spelling: No mistakes.
Band Score Below 50
Ocean cleanups use technology and renewable energy to remove plastic waste and conserve marine life.
Content: Covers the bare minimum about technologies and plastic waste but omits information about partnerships or larger sustainability goals.
Form: Too brief and lacks complexity.
Grammar: Basic sentence structure.
Vocabulary: Lacks important keywords such as “partnerships” or “filtration systems.”
Spelling: No errors but overly simplistic.
Vocabulary and Grammar Tips
Here are 10 advanced vocabulary items found in the passage, along with their pronunciations, meanings, and examples of usage:
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Biodiversity /ˌbaɪ.oʊ.dɪˈvɜːr.sɪ.ti/: The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat.
Example: “Protecting ocean biodiversity is crucial for sustaining marine ecosystems.” -
Autonomous /ɔːˈtɑː.nə.məs/: Capable of operating without human involvement.
Example: “Autonomous robotic devices can help clean the oceans efficiently.” -
Filtration /fɪlˈtreɪ.ʃən/: A process of removing impurities or unwanted materials.
Example: “Large-scale filtration systems are essential in removing plastic from oceans.” -
Debris /dəˈbriː/: Scattered fragments of waste or remains.
Example: “Ocean cleanup technologies collect plastic debris from the sea.” -
Ecosystem /ˈiː.koʊ.sɪs.təm/: A biological community of interacting organisms and their environment.
Example: “Plastic waste threatens the delicate ecosystem of the oceans.” -
Renewable /rɪˈnjuː.ə.bəl/: Natural resources that can be replenished.
Example: “Using renewable energy is key to sustainable cleanup projects.” -
Collaborate /kəˈlæbəreɪt/: To work jointly on an activity or project.
Example: “Countries and organizations must collaborate for effective ocean cleanup.” -
Implementation /ɪmˌplɪ.menˈteɪ.ʃən/: The process of putting a decision or plan into effect.
Example: “Partnerships have facilitated the implementation of advanced cleanup technologies.” -
Sustainability /səˌsteɪ.nəˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/: The ability to maintain or support an activity over time.
Example: “Long-term sustainability is critical for future ocean conservation.” -
Initiative /ɪˈnɪʃ.i.ə.tɪv/: A new plan or strategy designed to solve a problem.
Example: “The Ocean Cleanup initiative is a vital step in curbing plastic pollution.”
Conclusion
In today’s practice of the Summarize Written Text section, we explored one of the most relevant real-world topics: “Ocean Cleanup Technologies For Sustainability.” This topic frequently appears in PTE and other academic writing tasks due to its importance in the global discussion about environmental sustainability. By practicing with the sample question and reviewing the different level responses, you can better understand what examiners look for in high-scoring tasks.
Keep practicing, and feel free to leave any questions or feedback in the comments section for further improvement!
