The Summarize Written Text section in the PTE exam is a challenging and critical part of the Speaking & Writing module. In this section, test takers are tasked to consolidate the essence of a given passage into a single sentence. Among the common themes encountered in this segment, Renewable Energy for Off-Grid Communities is a highly relevant topic that reflects current global trends.
This article provides a comprehensive Summarize Written Text task based on the topic “Renewable Energy For Off-grid Communities,” followed by model answers across different scoring bands. Additionally, we will delve into valuable vocabulary from the passage and analyze it with a focus on grammar and syntax to enhance your understanding and preparation for the exam.
Sample Task: Summarize Written Text — Renewable Energy for Off-Grid Communities
Prompt: Summarize the text below in one sentence.
The rising global population and increased levels of urbanization are contributing to energy demand and further straining conventional power grids. In many regions, especially in developing countries, rural and off-grid communities face limited access to reliable energy sources. Traditional electricity infrastructures are expensive to install and maintain in remote areas, rendering them unsustainable. Renewable energy solutions, particularly solar and wind power, have emerged as viable alternatives for these communities. Not only are they more environmentally friendly, but they also offer the benefit of being decentralized systems, which can significantly reduce costs associated with long-distance transmission. Moreover, renewable energy technologies provide an opportunity for these communities to become energy-independent, fostering economic development and improving overall living standards. Governments and international organizations have started initiatives to increase the adoption of renewable energy in off-grid regions, along with training local technicians to ensure the systems are maintained and expanded in the future.
Instructions: Summarize the paragraph in a single, grammatically correct sentence.
Model Answers with Analysis
Band 90 Answer (Highly proficient)
Renewable energy solutions, such as solar and wind power, provide an environmentally friendly, decentralized alternative to traditional electricity infrastructure for off-grid communities, improving living standards and fostering economic development by enabling energy independence at a lower cost.
Content: This response captures all key points: renewable energy as an alternative, the environmental aspect, decentralization, energy independence, and economic development.
Form: The sentence is within the word limit and contains no spelling or grammar mistakes.
Grammar: The sentence demonstrates excellent use of complex sentence structures (e.g., relative clauses) and appropriate use of transition language (e.g., “such as,” “by enabling”).
Vocabulary: Advanced phrases are used, such as “environmentally friendly,” “decentralized,” and “fostering economic development,” all of which are apt and precise.
Spelling: No errors.
Renewable energy alternative for off-grid communities, improving life standards
Band 79 Answer (Proficient)
Solar and wind power are viable alternatives to traditional electricity for off-grid communities, as they are environmentally friendly, decentralized, and allow energy independence, helping to improve living conditions and reduce costs.
Content: It includes most of the essential details, although the explanation of ongoing initiatives or training aspects is missing.
Form: The sentence stays within the required word count.
Grammar: This answer features clear grammatical structure but lacks the level of complexity seen in the Band 90 answer.
Vocabulary: Good selection of vocabulary, using terms like “viable alternatives” and “energy independence,” although some expressions are less advanced.
Spelling: No errors.
Band 65 Answer (Competent)
Renewable energy like solar and wind power helps off-grid areas to have better lives by giving them more independent, cheap, and decentralized electricity sources.
Content: Basic points are present but lack depth. It does not fully address the benefits of economic development or environmental impact.
Form: The sentence format is correct; however, the expression is slightly oversimplified.
Grammar: Simpler sentence structure with minor syntax errors; a more complex sentence would be preferable for a higher score.
Vocabulary: Use of words like “better lives” and “cheap electricity” demonstrates a fundamental understanding but lacks precision and maturity.
Spelling: No errors.
Competent model answer focusing on solar and wind energy in off-grid areas
Band 55 Answer (Limited)
Solar and wind power bring cheaper energy to remote areas and are better for the environment.
Content: This response is too simplistic and leaves out significant aspects like decentralization, energy independence, and economic development.
Form: The sentence falls short in delivering enough information to meet a higher band score.
Grammar: The structure is overly basic with short, disconnected ideas.
Vocabulary: The language used is too general, with words like “better” and “cheaper” that do not fully articulate the nuanced benefits of renewable energy.
Spelling: No errors.
Vocabulary and Grammar Focus
Here are ten key vocabulary words from the passage, along with their pronunciation, definition, and example usage:
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Urbanization /ˌɜr.bə.nəˈzeɪ.ʃən/ – the process of making an area more urban.
- The rapid urbanization of developing nations has increased energy demands significantly.
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Infrastructures /ˈɪn.frəˌstrʌk.tʃərz/ – the fundamental systems and facilities serving a country, city, or area.
- Building energy infrastructures in rural areas requires a lot of investment.
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Viable /ˈvaɪ.ə.bəl/ – capable of working successfully; feasible.
- Renewable energy is a viable option for remote communities.
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Decentralized /ˌdiːˈsen.trə.laɪzd/ – not controlled by a central authority but spread across various locations.
- The decentralized nature of solar power systems makes them ideal for off-grid communities.
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Transmission /trænzˈmɪʃ.ən/ – the action or process of transmitting something (in this case, electricity).
- The long-distance transmission of electricity tariffs raises the cost for rural areas.
Initiatives to foster renewable energy and train local technicians
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Foster /ˈfɒs.tər/ – to encourage or promote the growth or development of something.
- These new energy systems can foster economic development in isolated regions.
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Initiatives /ɪˈnɪʃ.ə.tɪvz/ – actions or strategies intended to resolve a difficulty or improve a situation.
- The government has launched initiatives to promote the use of renewable energy in rural communities.
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Sustainable /səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/ – able to be maintained or continued without depleting resources.
- Renewable energy is considered more sustainable than fossil fuel-based power.
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Technicians /tekˈnɪʃ.ənz/ – skilled workers who operate technical systems.
- Technicians in remote areas are being trained to maintain solar systems.
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Independence /ˌɪn.dɪˈpen.dəns/ – the state of being self-sufficient, not relying on others.
- Energy independence leads to more stable communities.
Conclusion
The task of Summarize Written Text in the PTE Speaking & Writing module demands concise delivery and a solid grasp of the passage’s key points. Topics like “Renewable Energy for Off-Grid Communities” are increasingly common, given the global emphasis on sustainability. Practicing such tasks strengthens summarization skills, which are crucial for achieving high scores in the PTE exam. Don’t hesitate to try these model tasks yourself and refine your ability by leaving comments below for further feedback!
