What is Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion?
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) refers to using the temperature difference between the warm surface waters and the cooler deep waters of the ocean to generate electricity. This sustainable energy concept is beneficial because it uses a renewable energy source—ocean heat—without emitting harmful pollutants. Ocean thermal energy conversion can provide electricity to tropical coastal areas and contribute to global efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Sample Summarize Written Text Prompts
Prompt 1: Introduction to Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion
Marine energy resources such as OTEC hold immense potential to address global energy demands sustainably. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion works by leveraging the temperature differential between warm surface ocean water and deep cold water to drive a turbine which powers an electricity generator. This innovative technology helps eliminate carbon dioxide emissions and reduces the environmental impact of traditional power generation practices, although it faces challenges such as high installation costs and the need for specialized infrastructure. The main benefit remains the endless supply of ocean thermal energy, which, if efficiently harnessed, could make a significant contribution to the renewable energy industry globally.
Your Task: Summarize the key point of the text in one sentence.
Answer for Band 90**
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion utilizes the temperature difference between warm surface water and deep cold water to generate electricity sustainably while reducing carbon emissions, although challenges like high costs exist.
Analysis:
- Content: Fully covers the main points about OTEC’s mechanism, sustainability, and challenges.
- Form: Meets the word limit and presents a clear sentence.
- Grammar: No grammatical errors.
- Vocabulary: Appropriate use of terms such as “emissions,” “sustainably,” and “challenges.”
- Spelling: No spelling mistakes.
Answer for Band 80**
OTEC uses ocean temperature differences to generate electricity and reduce emissions but faces cost challenges.
Analysis:
- Content: Covers the essential points but slightly less detailed.
- Form: Concise sentence with the correct word count.
- Grammar: Correct but slightly less varied sentence structure.
- Vocabulary: Adequate but simplified use of vocabulary.
- Spelling: No errors.
Answer for Band 70**
Ocean energy can generate power using temperature differences and has both benefits and challenges.
Analysis:
- Content: Misses specific mentions of CO2 reduction and infrastructure costs.
- Form: Simple but short on key details.
- Grammar: Grammatically sound but more simplistic.
- Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary without industry-specific terminology.
- Spelling: No mistakes.
Prompt 2: OTEC’s Application in Coastal Regions
One of the most promising applications of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion technology is its ability to supply clean electricity to small island nations and coastal regions, particularly those in tropical climates. These areas have access to warm surface water and deep cold water necessary for running OTEC plants. Additionally, by generating electricity locally, such regions reduce their dependence on imported fossil fuels, helping them achieve greater energy independence and stability. However, technical issues such as the need for large-scale infrastructure and a lack of public awareness hinder widespread adoption.
Your Task: Summarize the key point of the text in one sentence.
Answer for Band 90**
OTEC is a promising solution for tropical coastal regions and islands, providing energy independence by generating clean electricity locally, though infrastructure challenges impede widespread adoption.
Analysis:
- Content: Covers the main points: location, energy independence, clean electricity, and challenges.
- Form: Clear and direct; proper word count.
- Grammar: No errors.
- Vocabulary: Uses advanced terms like “impede,” “widespread,” and “adoption.”
- Spelling: Flawless.
Answer for Band 80**
OTEC can provide clean electricity for coastal regions, reducing reliance on imported fuels but faces technical challenges.
Analysis:
- Content: Adequately covers key points but omits energy independence and regional specifics.
- Form: Clear and concise within the word limit.
- Grammar: No mistakes.
- Vocabulary: Simplified compared to the Band 90 response.
- Spelling: No errors.
Answer for Band 70**
OTEC energy is clean and reduces fossil fuel use but has some technical problems.
Analysis:
- Content: Very basic, missing important concepts such as energy independence and specific geographic regions.
- Form: Simple but lacks detail.
- Grammar: Sound but too basic.
- Vocabulary: Too simple, lacks depth.
- Spelling: No mistakes.
Vocabulary and Grammar
Here is a list of challenging words from the text, their phonetic transcription, definition, and examples of use:
-
Conversion /kənˈvɜrː.ʒən/ – The process of changing something from one form to another.
Example: The conversion of ocean energy to electricity is promising. -
Renewable /rɪˈnjuːəbl/ – A resource that can be used repeatedly and is not depleted.
Example: OTEC is considered a renewable energy source. -
Carbon emissions /ˈkɑːbən ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere from activities like fuel combustion.
Example: Reducing carbon emissions is critical to combating climate change. -
Sustainably /səˈsteɪ.nə.bli/ – In a manner that can be maintained over the long term without causing harm to the environment.
Example: OTEC generates power sustainably. -
Infrastructure /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃər/ – The essential facilities needed for a society or system to function.
Example: Large-scale infrastructure is required to establish OTEC plants. -
Installation /ˌɪnstəˈleɪʃən/ – The act of putting something in place for use.
Example: OTEC installation costs can be very high. -
Turbine /ˈtɜːbaɪn/ – A machine for generating energy by rotating using water, steam, or air.
Example: OTEC plants use turbines to convert thermal energy into electricity. -
Dependence /dɪˈpɛndəns/ – The state of relying on or being controlled by something else.
Example: Coastal regions can reduce their dependence on imported fossil fuels. -
Stability /stəˈbɪlɪti/ – The state of being steady and not changing continuously.
Example: OTEC provides long-term economic stability by reducing energy costs. -
Adoption /əˈdɒpʃən/ – The act of accepting or starting to use something new.
Example: The widespread adoption of OTEC has been slow.
Conclusion
Summarize Written Text is a valuable section in the PTE test, requiring students to condense complex passages into concise responses. By analyzing Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion, a growing topic in renewable energy discussions, test-takers can familiarize themselves with similar content. Practicing consistently ensures preparedness for the PTE. Leave comments or questions below to continue developing your skills and improving your performance.
