This article will help you practice by providing sample Summarize Written Text tasks and model answers with detailed feedback on each response so you can understand the core evaluation criteria used in the PTE exam, such as content, grammar, form, vocabulary, and spelling.
Sample Summarize Written Text Question Based on Renewable Energy
This task simulates the format of the actual Summarize Written Text section of the PTE exam. Be sure to write one sentence that summarizes the passage below, and your answer should be no more than 75 words.
Text:
Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, are often seen as the future foundation of global energy systems. One of the primary arguments supporting renewable energy is its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. However, the transition to these resources involves substantial upfront costs, including the development of infrastructure and technology. Opponents insist that while the benefits appear promising, the financial burden of transitioning may outweigh the long-term benefits, especially for developing countries with limited resources.
Summarize Written Text Prompt: Summarize the paragraph in one sentence.
Answer 1 – Band 90:
Renewable energy sources like solar and wind present great potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel dependence, but the significant upfront costs involved in transitioning to such technologies may create financial challenges, particularly for developing nations.
Analysis:
- Content: The candidate captures both the benefits and costs of renewable energy, appropriately balancing the positive aspects with the challenges of cost.
- Form: It is one complete sentence with fewer than 75 words.
- Grammar: The grammar is flawless and complex sentence structures are used effectively.
- Vocabulary: Precise vocabulary is used, such as “greenhouse gas emissions” and “upfront costs.”
- Spelling: No spelling errors are present.
Answer 2 – Band 79:
While renewable energy has the potential to combat fossil fuel dependence and reduce environmental impact, the high initial costs pose a significant challenge, especially for resource-poor countries.
Analysis:
- Content: The response effectively captures the main ideas but is more concise in its coverage of the financial burden.
- Form: This is one sentence, under 75 words.
- Grammar: Grammar is accurate though less complex than the previous band.
- Vocabulary: Good vocabulary use with words like “environmental impact” and “resource-poor countries.”
- Spelling: No spelling errors are present.
Answer 3 – Band 65:
Renewable energy is important but is expensive to implement.
Analysis:
- Content: This summary is too brief and misses critical points about greenhouse gases and the specific challenges for developing countries.
- Form: The response is succinct, but it oversimplifies the text.
- Grammar: Grammatically correct but overly simplistic.
- Vocabulary: Very basic vocabulary without much variation.
- Spelling: No spelling errors are present.
Answer 4 – Band 50:
The important of renewable energy but cost alot for develop countries.
Analysis:
- Content: Misdirection on “developed” instead of “developing” countries diminishes the response’s accuracy.
- Form: The sentence structure is deficiency-laden with unintelligible phrasing.
- Grammar: Includes errors like “important” instead of “importance” and “alot” instead of “a lot.”
- Vocabulary: Limited vocabulary is used, lacking key terms from the passage.
- Spelling: Spelling mistakes hinder comprehension.
Glossary of Key Vocabulary
Here are ten essential vocabulary words from the sample passage:
- Renewable energy /rɪˈnjuːəbl/ (n): Energy from resources that are naturally replenished on a human timescale. Example: Solar and wind are common forms of renewable energy.
- Greenhouse gas emissions /ˈgriːnˌhaʊs/ (n): The release of gases that trap heat in the earth’s atmosphere. Example: Renewable energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
- Fossil fuels /ˈfɒsl fjuːəlz/ (n): Natural energy sources such as coal or oil, formed from the remains of organisms. Example: Burning fossil fuels contributes to global warming.
- Upfront costs /ʌpˈfrʌnt/ (n): Initial, immediate expenses required to begin something. Example: The upfront costs for installing solar panels are high.
- Infrastructure /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃər/ (n): The basic physical systems and structures needed for the operation of a society. Example: Investing in renewable energy infrastructure is necessary.
- Transition /trænˈzɪʃn/ (v): The process of changing from one state to another. Example: The transition to renewable energy requires careful planning.
- Emissions /ɪˈmɪʃnz/ (n): The production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation. Example: Reducing carbon emissions is crucial for combatting climate change.
- Resource-poor countries /ˈriːsɔːs/ (n): Nations that lack sufficient financial or natural resources. Example: Resource-poor countries face challenges in adopting renewable energy.
- Dependence /dɪˈpendəns/ (n): The state of needing something regularly. Example: Moving away from fossil fuel dependence is key for sustainability.
- Burden /ˈbɜːdn/ (n): A heavy or difficult responsibility or task. Example: The financial burden of transitioning to green energy is significant for many.
Conclusion
The costs and benefits of renewable energy are a frequent subject of academic discussion – and similarly, they appear in many forms in exams like the PTE. By practicing the Summarize Written Text task on themes like Renewable energy costs and benefits, you not only develop a strong understanding of this topic but also refine your summarizing skills, which are essential for achieving high scores in the PTE.
Incorporating different model answers and analysis will further help you understand how to balance content, form, grammar, and vocabulary in future exam questions related to sustainability, such as Nuclear energy versus renewable alternatives.
Continue practicing and share any additional insights or questions in the comments!
