In the PTE test, Summarize Written Text is a challenging but feasible task in which the candidates are required to read a passage (usually between 150-400 words) and then summarize it into one sentence. One of the most popular topics in these examinations is renewable energy and the societal challenges associated with it, such as energy poverty. Mastering this topic will significantly improve your executive writing and comprehension skills.
In this article, we will introduce some Summarize Written Text tasks and provide sample answers across different band scores based on the key topic of renewable energy and its connection to energy poverty.
Model Task – 1: The Role of Renewable Energy in Addressing Energy Poverty
Task Prompt:
Reducing energy poverty requires renewable energy to play a significant role as it offers sustainable, clean, and affordable alternatives to traditional fossil fuels. In many developing nations, millions of individuals do not have reliable access to electricity, limiting their opportunities for education, healthcare, and economic growth. Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power have proven effective, bringing electricity to rural and remote areas where large centralized power systems are economically unfeasible. Governments and private sectors are increasingly investing in renewables to address this issue, driving technological advancements and reducing costs. However, it is also challenged by infrastructural limitations and financing gaps, hindering its widespread adoption. Transforming energy markets through policy reforms and international collaborations has the potential to accelerate the deployment of renewables, thereby reducing energy poverty and enhancing sustainable development.
Write a one-sentence summary of the text in 5-75 words.
Sample Band Score Responses
Band 79+ (High Quality)
Renewable energy plays an essential role in alleviating energy poverty, especially in developing countries, by providing clean and affordable electricity to underserved areas, though infrastructural challenges and financing remain obstacles that must be addressed through policy reforms and international cooperation.
Analysis:
- Content: Excellent, covering all key aspects (renewables, energy poverty, challenges, solutions).
- Form: Meets word count criteria (52 words).
- Grammar: Superior, no errors.
- Vocabulary: Well-chosen, with precise and high-level terms like “alleviating,” “underserved,” and “cooperation.”
- Spelling: Perfect, no errors.
Band 65-79
Renewable energy is key to reducing energy poverty in developing nations by providing clean and affordable power, but its implementation faces obstacles like financing and infrastructure, requiring policy reforms.
Analysis:
- Content: Good, but slightly less comprehensive than a top score (misses the potential international cooperation angle).
- Form: Met word count criteria (35 words).
- Grammar: Solid, with no major issues.
- Vocabulary: Competent, but terms like “obstacles” could be more precise.
- Spelling: Good, no errors.
Band 50-64
Renewable energy can reduce poverty by providing electricity but faces challenges like infrastructure.
Analysis:
- Content: Partial, omits key points like affordability, policy solutions, and details regarding energy poverty.
- Form: Short of detailed information (15 words).
- Grammar: Basic, solid but lacks complexity.
- Vocabulary: Simple, could use more varied academic terms.
- Spelling: No issues here.
Model Task – 2: Renewable Energy in Developing Nations
Task Prompt:
Renewable energy plays a crucial role in the economic development of developing countries, many of which lack access to stable and affordable electricity. Solar, wind, and hydroelectric power provide viable alternatives to unreliable traditional sources of energy like coal and oil, which are both economically inefficient and environmentally harmful. In remote areas, small-scale renewable projects can create local jobs, stimulate innovations, and drive local economies. Moreover, these energy sources are more accessible to households who previously could not afford conventional grid electricity. However, sustainable development relies not only on energy availability but also on addressing the financial and regulatory barriers that hinder the deployment of renewable technologies.
Write a one-sentence summary of the text in 5-75 words.
Sample Band Score Responses
Band 79+ (High Quality)
The economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy, especially in developing countries, make it an essential driver of sustainable development, though its growth requires overcoming financial and regulatory barriers.
Analysis:
- Content: Excellent, summarizing all critical elements with a focus on economic and environmental implications as well as challenges.
- Form: Great fit at 33 words.
- Grammar: Impeccable with advanced structures.
- Vocabulary: Advanced with precise terms like “essential driver” and “regulatory barriers.”
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 65-79
Renewable energy can support sustainable development in developing nations by providing clean energy, though financial and regulatory challenges limit its widespread adoption.
Analysis:
- Content: Captures the main points, but lacks examples such as solar or wind energy.
- Form: Adequate word count (25 words).
- Grammar: Mostly correct, though less sophisticated.
- Vocabulary: Fair, though it could be richer in descriptive terms.
- Spelling: Accurate.
Band 50-64
Renewable energy can help developing countries, but faces financial issues.
Analysis:
- Content: Basic, omitting key details and failing to mention sustainable development or environmental impact.
- Form: Too short and lacking complexity (9 words).
- Grammar: Basic sentences without advanced structures.
- Vocabulary: Limited, with simple, non-specific words like “help.”
- Spelling: Correct.
Renewable energy development in developing nations
Vocabulary and Grammar
Here are 10 challenging words from the previous exercises, complete with pronunciation and examples:
-
Alleviate (/əˈliːvieɪt/): To reduce the severity of a problem
Example: Renewable energy can help alleviate the issue of energy poverty in rural areas. -
Feasible (/ˈfiːzəbl/): Possible and practical to do easily
Example: Implementing renewable energy projects in remote regions is becoming more feasible due to declining costs. -
Infrastructural (/ˌɪnfrəˈstrʌkʧərəl/): Related to underlying structures needed like buildings, roads, and power supplies
Example: Infrastructural limitations remain major barriers to renewable energy deployment. -
Collaborations (/kəˌlæbəˈreɪʃənz/): Joint efforts or work between multiple parties
Example: International collaborations are crucial for advancing renewable energy initiatives. -
Underserved (/ˌʌndərˈsɜrvd/): Inadequately provided with essential services
Example: Many rural communities remain underserved in terms of electrical energy. -
Sustainable (/səˈsteɪnəbl/): Capable of being maintained over the long term
Example: Renewable energy provides a sustainable alternative to depleting fossil fuels. -
Regulatory (/rɛɡjʊlətɔːri/): Related to official rules or control
Example: Regulatory reforms are needed to unlock investment in renewable sectors. -
Deployment (/dɪˈplɔɪmənt/): The effective use of something
Example: The deployment of wind turbines has increased significantly over the past decade. -
Financing (/ˈfaɪnænsɪŋ/): Providing money for projects
Example: Financing large-scale renewable projects can be challenging for developing nations. -
Stimulate (/ˈstɪmjʊleɪt/): Encourage growth or development
Example: The government plans to stimulate innovation in renewable energy technologies.
Renewable energy industry growth statistics
Conclusion
Renewable energy plays an indispensable role in reducing energy poverty and promoting sustainable development, especially in developing nations. By practicing Summarize Written Text tasks like the ones above, you enhance your abilities not only for the PTE exam but also in understanding core global issues. For more on how renewable energy is impacting developing countries, check out: Renewable energy in developing nations or explore Renewable energy sources and their role in sustainable development.
