In the PTE exam’s Summarize Written Text section, candidates are required to condense information effectively. One of the most common topics relates to “Renewable Energy Grids And Reliability,” focusing on the future of energy sources and grid stability. Renewable energy, while beneficial, presents challenges in maintaining grid reliability. In this article, we’ll introduce practice questions, sample answers, and key considerations for your preparation. By mastering this format, you’ll be better equipped to achieve high scores in PTE.
Practice Question 1: Renewable Energy and Grid Stability
Read the passage carefully and summarize it in one sentence, including the key points.
You have 10 minutes to complete the task.
The transition toward renewable energy, including solar and wind power, is indispensable for reducing dependence on fossil fuels, which are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. However, the intermittent nature of renewable sources presents challenges to maintaining a stable and reliable energy grid. Solar energy, for instance, is unavailable during the night, and wind turbines require consistent wind flow to generate electricity. Energy storage solutions, like batteries, and smart grid technology can help mitigate these challenges, but they also come with significant costs and infrastructural requirements. Policymakers and utility companies are working on optimizing renewable energy integration to ensure grid reliability while meeting sustainability goals.
Sample Summaries:
Band 90:
Renewable energy sources like solar and wind reduce fossil fuel dependency but challenge grid reliability due to their intermittent nature, although technology and storage solutions can help mitigate these issues.
Analysis:
Content: This summary captures the essence of the passage, focusing on renewable energies, the challenge of grid stability, and technological solutions.
Form: Correct length (one sentence).
Grammar: Perfect.
Vocabulary: The summary uses appropriate formal language.
Spelling: No mistakes.
Band 80:
While renewable energy is vital for reducing fossil fuel emissions, the intermittent nature of solar and wind energy complicates grid stability, though storage solutions offer some hope.
Analysis:
Content: Key ideas are included, but the mention of costs and infrastructural requirements is omitted.
Form: Correct length (one sentence).
Grammar: Good overall, sound syntax.
Vocabulary: Good choice of words.
Spelling: No mistakes.
Band 70:
Renewable energies like wind and solar are important for sustainability but make it hard for the grid to be stable due to their dependence on weather.
Analysis:
Content: Key points are oversimplified, and not all important details are included (no mention of technology or storage solutions).
Form: Correct length.
Grammar: Somewhat basic. The phrase “make it hard for the grid” could be more formal.
Vocabulary: Language is simpler and less precise.
Spelling: No mistakes.
Practice Question 2: Renewable Energy Grids and Global Challenges
Read and summarize the following passage within one sentence.
As the use of renewable energy grows, power grids across the globe are facing new challenges in maintaining reliable electricity delivery. Countries that rely heavily on renewable resources like wind and solar can face unpredictable energy shortages since these power sources depend on weather conditions. Solutions including energy storage systems, grid modernization, and backup power are necessary but involve substantial financial investments and long-term planning. Despite these challenges, the global shift towards clean energy is critical for meeting climate goals.
Sample Summaries:
Band 90:
The global shift to renewable energy presents reliability challenges due to dependence on weather, requiring expensive solutions like energy storage and grid modernization to ensure consistent power delivery.
Analysis:
Content: This summary addresses both the global nature of the problem and the necessary investments in solutions.
Form: One concise sentence.
Grammar: Well-structured and correct.
Vocabulary: Formal and precise.
Spelling: No mistakes.
Band 80:
Countries relying on renewable energy face reliability issues as wind and solar depend on weather, requiring costly infrastructure like storage systems to ensure grid stability.
Analysis:
Content: A comprehensive summary, though it misses the phrase “backup power” and “long-term planning.”
Form: Well within the required length.
Grammar: Solid, correct usage of commas.
Vocabulary: Good variety in word choice.
Spelling: No mistakes.
Band 70:
Renewable energy grids are unreliable because they depend on the weather, which forces countries to invest in expensive backup systems.
Analysis:
Content: The summary correctly outlines the issue but oversimplifies the problem by reducing the multiple solutions (storage systems, grid modernization) to “backup systems.”
Form: One sentence.
Grammar: Simple but accurate.
Vocabulary: Limited, repetitive vocabulary.
Spelling: No mistakes.
Key Vocabulary for Renewable Energy Grids and Reliability
-
Intermittent /ɪnˈtɜːrmɪtənt/: happening at intervals, not continuously.
Example: Solar energy is intermittent, meaning it isn’t always available throughout the day. -
Infrastructural /ˌɪnfrəˈstrʌkʧərəl/: relating to the basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society.
Example: Infrastructural improvements are needed to support renewable energy. -
Mitigate /ˈmɪtɪˌgeɪt/: to make less severe or serious.
Example: Battery storage can mitigate the variability of renewable power. -
Substantial /səbˈstænʃl/: of considerable importance, size, or worth.
Example: Substantial investments are required to modernize the grid. -
Sustainability /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/: the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
Example: Sustainability is key to reducing environmental damage. -
Grid /grɪd/: a network of power lines and other equipment used to distribute electricity.
Example: The power grid must handle both traditional and renewable electricity sources. -
Modernization /ˌmɑːdərnɪˈzeɪʃn/: the process of adapting something to modern needs or habits.
Example: Grid modernization is necessary for the efficient integration of renewable resources. -
Backup power /ˈbækʌp/: auxiliary or reserve power used when the main power source fails.
Example: Backup power is essential for handling periods with low renewable output. -
Long-term planning /lɔːŋ tɜːrm ˈplænɪŋ/: the process of making plans that will affect the future over an extended period.
Example: Long-term planning is critical for integrating renewables into the power grid. -
Emissions /ɪˈmɪʃənz/: substances, particularly gases, that are released into the air.
Example: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential for combating climate change.
Conclusion
Summarizing written texts accurately and succinctly is essential for high scores in PTE. The topic of renewable energy grids and their impact on grid reliability is both significant and complex, often appearing in tests. By mastering the structuring and practicing with challenging topics, you are better prepared for the PTE exam’s Summarize Written Text section.
To explore more about the challenges and solutions of renewable energy grids, check out our detailed discussion on Renewable energy grids and challenges. Happy practicing, and don’t hesitate to share your thoughts!
