The PTE Summarize Written Text section assesses a test taker’s ability to understand, condense, and concisely summarize complex written content. One recurring theme in this section is renewable energy and climate policy. This topic not only reflects modern global challenges but also presents advanced vocabulary and grammar skills needed by applicants aiming for high scores. Below are sample questions, model answers, and a detailed breakdown for your PTE preparation.
Sample Summarize Written Text Question
The following question is designed to simulate real exam conditions. Read the text carefully and summarize it in one sentence. Your summary should be between 5 to 75 words.
Sample Text 1: Renewable Energy and Global Climate Policy
International agreements aiming to mitigate climate change, such as the Paris Agreement, have put significant focus on the adoption of renewable energy sources as a key component in reducing global carbon emissions. Renewable energy—such as solar, wind, and hydropower—offers sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, which are the primary contributors to global warming. Although these energy sources hold promise, the transition faces challenges including technological limitations, high initial costs, and the need for supportive public policy frameworks. Accordingly, long-term governmental policies are essential to drive innovation, provide financial incentives, and foster public-private collaboration to ensure global energy sustainability.
Summarize the text in one sentence.
Response Examples and Analysis
Band 65-79 (High Score)
Although renewable energy is pivotal in reducing carbon emissions, its global adoption faces several obstacles such as cost and technology, which require strong governmental policies to alleviate.
Content: Excellent — The summary captures the main points: the potential of renewable energy, the challenges involved, and the need for policy intervention.
Form: Correct — Within the required 5 to 75 words.
Grammar: Perfect — The grammar used is advanced and cohesive.
Vocabulary: Very Good — A variety of relevant vocabulary has been accurately used.
Spelling: Correct — No spelling errors observed.
Band 50-64 (Mid-Score)
Renewable energy helps reduce carbon emissions but it has challenges like costs that need government policy support.
Content: Adequate — The main idea is covered, but it lacks depth and misses the technological aspect.
Form: Correct — The summary stays within the word limit.
Grammar: Good — Functional grammar but lacks the complexity and fluidity of higher scores.
Vocabulary: Average — Uses basic vocabulary like “helps” instead of more precise terms like “pivotal.”
Spelling: Correct — No spelling mistakes.
Band Below 50 (Low Score)
Renewable energy is good, but it is expensive and needs policy support.
Content: Inadequate — Critical aspects such as the global issue of climate change and technological challenges are not addressed adequately.
Form: Correct — Stays within the word limit.
Grammar: Poor — Sentence is simplistic and lacks cohesion.
Vocabulary: Limited — The use of basic words shows insufficient vocabulary.
Spelling: Correct — No spelling errors.
Sample Text 2: The Role of Public Policy in Renewable Energy
As nations face the growing pressure of climate change, the role of public policy becomes ever more crucial in fostering the adoption of renewable technologies. Policies such as subsidies, tax incentives, and research funding are critical in making renewable energies more affordable and accessible. Furthermore, regulations that cap carbon emissions or introduce carbon pricing mechanisms are paving the way for a gradual shift toward greener energy sources.
Summarize the text in one sentence.
Response Examples and Analysis
Band 65-79 (High Score)
Public policies such as financial incentives and carbon pricing play a pivotal role in promoting the adoption of renewable energy and making it more accessible.
Content: Excellent — Covers the impact of public policy including financial incentives and regulations.
Form: Correct — Well within the 5 to 75-word limit.
Grammar: Perfect — Sentence structure is intellectually cohesive.
Vocabulary: Very Good — Advanced usage of vocabulary like “promoting,” “adoption,” and “carbon pricing.”
Spelling: Correct — No spelling errors.
Band 50-64 (Mid-Score)
Public policies help make renewable energy cheaper and more widely used.
Content: Adequate — Captures the main point but lacks detail.
Form: Correct — Meets the word count requirement.
Grammar: Good — The grammar is accurate but lacks complexity.
Vocabulary: Average — The vocabulary isn’t as advanced as a high-scoring response.
Spelling: Correct — No spelling errors.
Band Below 50 (Low Score)
Government policies reduce the cost of renewable energy.
Content: Inadequate — While it acknowledges the aspect of cost, it excludes carbon pricing and other critical measures mentioned.
Form: Correct — Stays within the word limit.
Grammar: Poor — Very basic and simplistic structure.
Vocabulary: Limited — A weak use of vocabulary, missing key terms like “subsidies” and “carbon pricing.”
Spelling: No spelling issues.
Important Vocabulary and Grammar Breakdown
Here are 10 challenging words from the samples above, complete with phonetic notations and usage examples:
-
Mitigate /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ (verb): To make something less harmful.
E.g., International policies aim to mitigate the impact of global warming. -
Sustainable /səˈsteɪnəbl/ (adjective): Capable of being maintained over the long term without depleting resources.
E.g., Renewable energy provides a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. -
Incentives /ɪnˈsɛntɪvz/ (noun): A thing that motivates or encourages someone to do something.
E.g., Financial incentives are essential to promote renewable energy. -
Adoption /əˈdɒpʃn/ (noun): The action of accepting or starting to use something new.
E.g., The adoption of green technologies is key to curbing climate change. -
Cap /kæp/ (verb): To set a limit on something.
E.g., Policies that cap carbon emissions are gaining global momentum. -
Carbon Pricing /ˈkɑːbən praɪsɪŋ/ (noun): The method to charge those who emit carbon dioxide a price per ton of emissions.
E.g., Carbon pricing mechanisms are vital for achieving long-term environmental goals. -
Collaboration /kəˌlæbəˈreɪʃən/ (noun): Working with others for a common purpose.
E.g., Public-private collaboration is necessary for renewable energy deployment. -
Technological /tɛknəˈlɒdʒɪkl/ (adjective): Relating to or using technology.
E.g., Technological breakthroughs are required to make renewable energy solutions viable. -
Subsidy /ˈsʌbsɪdi/ (noun): Money granted by the government to assist a business or industry.
E.g., Government subsidies have reduced the cost of solar panels. -
Accessible /əkˈsɛsɪbl/ (adjective): Easy to obtain or use.
E.g., Policies have made renewable energy more accessible to the public.
Conclusion
In summary, Renewable Energy and Climate Policy is a critical and recurring theme in PTE Summarize Written Text questions. Mastering the ability to distill complex information into concise formats will give test-takers the edge they need. Practicing these questions and thoroughly understanding both the content and structure will prepare you for the real PTE exam scenarios. Get started by reviewing more on related topics like Renewable energy and public policy and Youth activism and climate change. We encourage readers to leave comments and ask questions for additional insights!
