Summarize Written Text in PTE: Oceanic Research and Resource Management

In the PTE exam, particularly in the Speaking & Writing section, the Summarize Written Text task tests a candidate’s ability to condense lengthy and complex texts into concise and well-structured summaries. One of the common topics you might encounter in this part of the test is “Oceanic Research And Resource Management,” an increasingly relevant theme due to its importance in understanding both environmental sustainability and economic development.

In this article, we present a sample question related to this topic, complete with example responses, to help you understand what is expected from the Summarize Written Text task and how to answer it effectively.

What is Summarize Written Text?

In the Summarize Written Text task of the PTE exam, you are given a passage of around 150-400 words and are required to condense the essence of the passage into a single sentence, containing between 5 to 75 words. This task helps to assess your reading comprehension and ability to summarize key details succinctly while following proper grammatical rules.

In the context of oceanic research and resource management (a key area for real-world impact), passages often include scientific content, research findings, or policy discussions. Mastering this type of content also has real-world relevance for improving your general knowledge on contemporary global issues.

Sample Summarize Written Text Question for Oceanic Research and Resource Management

Read the passage below and summarize it in one sentence. Your response should be between 5 to 75 words.

“Modern oceanic research has revealed the essential role oceans play in regulating the Earth’s climate and providing sustainable resources. This research highlights the delicate balance between human activities, such as fishing and mining, and the preservation of marine ecosystems. Effective resource management strategies, including marine protected areas (MPAs), are critical to ensuring the long-term health of oceans and preventing overexploitation. Despite these efforts, illegal activities such as overfishing and ocean acidification caused by climate change continue to threaten global marine biodiversity, making it imperative for international cooperation and stronger enforcement mechanisms. Currently, various organizations are working to promote research-based resource management solutions, including innovative technologies for monitoring ecosystems and detecting illegal exploitation.”

Instructions: Write your summary in one sentence.

Example Responses

Band Score: 65-75 (High Proficiency)

Modern oceanic research has emphasized the need for effective resource management strategies, like marine protected areas, to mitigate the impact of human activity and climate change on marine ecosystems while ensuring sustainable resource utilization.

Analysis:

• Content: This candidate successfully captures the main idea, touching on research, human activities, and resource management, including specific details such as MPAs and climate change.
• Form: A single sentence that is well-structured and falls within the 5 to 75-word limit (45 words).
• Grammar: No errors are present.
• Vocabulary: The words “mitigate,” “impact,” “sustainable resource utilization,” and “marine ecosystems” demonstrate a wide vocabulary.
• Spelling: No spelling mistakes.

Band Score: 50-64 (Competent)

Oceanic research highlights the significance of managing resources carefully to prevent overexploitation and mitigate the effects of human activities and climate-related issues on marine ecosystems.

Analysis:

• Content: This response addresses the most critical points but lacks some specific details (e.g., marine protected areas or illegal activities).
• Form: A valid response within the word limit (27 words).
• Grammar: The sentence structure is clear with no errors, yet relatively simple.
• Vocabulary: The response uses basic vocabulary and doesn’t show more advanced vocabulary used in the higher-band answer.
• Spelling: No spelling issues.

Band Score: Below 50 (Basic Proficiency)

Ocean research shows that human activities and climate change are causing problems for the ocean, which we need to manage better.

Analysis:

• Content: While the general idea is correct, this summary lacks depth and significant detail. Important terms like “sustainable resources,” “marine ecosystems,” and “resource management” are omitted.
• Form: The sentence is overly simple and is very close to the word limit (24 words).
• Grammar: There are no grammar inaccuracies, but it is very basic.
• Vocabulary: “Causing problems” is a lower-level replacement for a more specific term like “overexploitation” or “threaten.”
• Spelling: No spelling errors.

Vocabulary and Grammar Insights

To perform well in the Summarize Written Text task, understanding specific vocabulary related to the topic is vital. Below are 10 advanced words found in the sample text, along with their definitions and examples of use.

1. Regulate (/’regjʊleɪt/) – Control or maintain the rate or speed of a process:

   • Example: Ocean circulation helps regulate global temperatures.

2. Sustainable (/sə’steɪnəbl/) – Capable of being maintained at a steady level without exhausting natural resources:

   • Example: Sustainable fishing practices help protect marine life.

3. Ecosystem (/’iːkəʊsɪstəm/) – A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment:

   • Example: Coral reefs are one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet.

4. Preservation (/ˌprɛzəˈveɪʃən/) – The action of protecting something from harm or destruction:

   • Example: The preservation of marine habitats has become a priority in recent years.

5. Exploitation (/ˌɛksplɔɪˈteɪʃən/) – The action of making use of and benefiting from resources:

   • Example: Over-exploitation of fish stocks has caused a collapse in some species.

6. Mitigate (/ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/) – Make less severe, serious, or painful:

   • Example: New technologies can mitigate the impact of overfishing.

7. Acidification (/əsɪdɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/) – The process by which something becomes more acidic:

   • Example: Ocean acidification has severe effects on marine life, particularly shellfish.

8. Biodiversity (/ˌbaɪəʊdʌɪˈvɜːsɪti/) – The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat:

   • Example: Marine biodiversity is being threatened by illegal fishing practices.

9. Enforcement (/ɪnˈfɔːsmənt/) – The act of making sure laws are obeyed:

   • Example: Stronger enforcement of marine protection laws is needed.

10. Monitoring (/ˈmɒnɪtərɪŋ/) – The process of checking and tracking something constantly:

    • Example: Satellite technologies are improving real-time monitoring of marine areas.

Conclusion

The Summarize Written Text task in the PTE exam is crucial for testing your ability to comprehend and concisely convey complex information, a skill that’s especially important when the topic involves oceanic research and resource management. By practicing with sample questions such as the one presented here, you can develop the necessary skills to handle this section effectively. Oceanic research continues to be a prominent topic in global discussions, so learning the associated vocabulary and understanding its relevance could give you a valuable advantage. Try this exercise and let us know how it worked for you in the comments!