Summarizing the Written Text in PTE: Public Transport Improvements in Urban Areas

Public Transport Improvements In Urban Areas have become a key topic when preparing for the Summarize Written Text section in the PTE exam. The increasing urbanization worldwide brings transportation challenges, and public transport enhancements are essential for sustainable urban mobility. As a PTE candidate, practicing on topics such as these can significantly boost your score. In this article, we will provide sample PTE Summarize Written Text tasks with various answer examples, covering different scoring bands for efficient practice.

PTE Summarize Written Text Task:

Summarize the following text in one sentence. Your response should be between 5 to 75 words, maintaining the essential details of the passage.

Summarize Written Text Example 1: Public Transport and Urban Sustainability

Cities around the world are facing numerous challenges due to growing populations and increasing urbanization. One of the most pressing issues is the need for public transport systems that are efficient, sustainable, and capable of supporting urban living. This not only helps reduce traffic congestion but also lowers air pollution levels and contributes to a healthier urban environment. Cities like London, Singapore, and Barcelona have implemented smart public transport initiatives such as electric buses and integrated ticketing systems, which have substantially improved urban mobility and the quality of life for city dwellers.

Summarize the text in one sentence.

Answer Examples with Band Scores:

Band 90 Response:

Public transport improvements like electric buses and integrated ticketing systems in cities such as London, Singapore, and Barcelona are essential in reducing traffic congestion, lowering air pollution, and supporting sustainable urban living.

• Content: Accurately captures all key details, including cities, specific improvements, and effects on urban sustainability.
• Form: Meets the word count requirement (28 words).
• Grammar: Correct use of clauses and complex structures.
• Vocabulary: Accurate and academic word choice.
• Spelling: No errors.

Band 75 Response:

Improvements like electric buses and smart ticketing in many cities reduce traffic and pollution, contributing to urban mobility and enhancing sustainability.

• Content: Covers most key details but lacks specific city names.
• Form: 18 words, within the required limit.
• Grammar: Correct but uses simpler sentence structures.
• Vocabulary: Adequate but less varied.
• Spelling: No errors.

Band 60 Response:

Public transport improvements help to reduce pollution and enhance urban living in cities.

• Content: Misses several key details (e.g., examples of cities, types of improvements).
• Form: 13 words, brief within limit.
• Grammar: Generally okay, but lacks complexity.
• Vocabulary: Limited range.
• Spelling: No errors.

Summarize Written Text Example 2: Urban Areas and Environmental Impact of Public Transport

As urban centers continue to grow, the environmental impact of transportation systems becomes a critical issue. Research shows that cities with robust public transportation networks tend to have lower levels of pollution compared to those predominantly relying on private vehicles. Public transport options like metro trains, buses, and trams powered by renewable energy sources are viewed as efficient ways to curb pollution and enhance quality of life. Additionally, cities investing in green mobility solutions have successfully reduced carbon emissions and traffic congestion.

Summarize the text in one sentence.

Answer Examples with Band Scores:

Band 90 Response:

Public transport systems powered by renewable energy in urban areas help reduce pollution, traffic congestion, and carbon emissions, leading to better environmental sustainability and quality of life.

• Content: Includes all key points: types of transport, environmental benefits, and impact on traffic congestion.
• Form: 24 words, well within the word limit.
• Grammar: Correct use of passive voice and complex structures.
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated and precise.
• Spelling: No errors.

Band 75 Response:

Cities using green public transportation solutions reduce pollution and traffic, improving living conditions.

• Content: Focuses on most, but not all, key details (carbon emission reduction and renewable energy).
• Form: 14 words, concise.
• Grammar: Correct but less nuanced.
• Vocabulary: Adequate but not highly advanced.
• Spelling: No errors.

Band 60 Response:

Green public transport reduces pollution in cities.

• Content: Too general, lacks important details like traffic congestion reduction and use of renewable energy.
• Form: Only 7 words, overly brief.
• Grammar: Simplistic structures.
• Vocabulary: Limited range.
• Spelling: No errors.

Vocabulary and Grammar Notes

Here are 10 higher-level vocabulary words used in the sample texts, along with their meanings and pronunciations:

1. Urbanization /ˌɜːrbənaɪˈzeɪʃn/ (n) – The process of making an area more urban.
   E.g., Urbanization in developing countries has led to an increased demand for housing.

2. Congestion /kənˈdʒɛstʃən/ (n) – Overcrowding, especially in the context of urban traffic.
   E.g., Increased public transport usage helps reduce road congestion.

3. Sustainability /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪlɪti/ (n) – The ability to maintain a certain rate or level, especially environmentally.
   E.g., Sustainability in public transport is crucial for reducing environmental harm.

4. Integrated /ˈɪntɪɡreɪtɪd/ (adj) – Combined to form a complete or unified system.
   E.g., Many cities promote integrated ticketing systems for easier commuting.

5. Renewable /rɪˈnjuːəbl/ (adj) – Capable of being replenished naturally over time, especially energy sources.
   E.g., Renewable energy sources are becoming more common in public transport.

6. Mobility /moʊˈbɪləti/ (n) – The ability to move or be moved freely and easily.
   E.g., Improving urban mobility is essential for efficient living in densely populated areas.

7. Carbon Emissions /ˈkɑːrbən ɪˈmɪʃənz/ (n) – Pollution, especially carbon dioxide, produced by burning fossil fuels.
   E.g., Public transport systems that use renewable energy help reduce carbon emissions.

8. Pollution /pəˈluːʃən/ (n) – The introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment.
   E.g., Pollution is a major issue in cities with poor public transportation systems.

9. Initiatives /ɪˈnɪʃətɪvz/ (n) – New plans or strategies intended to resolve a problem.
   E.g., Governments are launching fresh public transport initiatives to tackle urban congestion.

10. Substantially /səbˈstænʃəli/ (adv) – Significantly, in a large amount.
    E.g., The city’s public transport system has been substantially improved after the recent upgrades.

Conclusion

Public transport improvements have become pivotal in challenging growing urbanization and enhancing city life through sustainability and efficiency. Practicing Summarize Written Text tasks like the ones provided will help you better understand real-world transportation topics, improving both your language and exam skills. We recommend further exploring related issues, such as Urbanization’s challenges and solutions or Sustainable urban mobility solutions, to gain a deeper understanding and broaden your vocabulary. Feel free to practice further and leave any questions in the comments!