The “Renewable Energy In Cold Climates” topic is growing in prominence as more countries explore renewable solutions for colder regions. This subject frequently appears in the Summarize Written Text section of the PTE exam, assessing test-takers’ ability to comprehend and summarize written content. Below, we present sample questions and sample responses with variating PTE scores for you to master this topic efficiently.
What is Summarize Written Text in the PTE?
In this task, candidates are required to read a passage and provide a summary in one sentence. The summary should be concise and focus on delivering the main ideas clearly and accurately.
💡 Sample Question on Renewable Energy in Cold Climates
Prompt:
Cold climates pose specific challenges for renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Solar panels are less efficient in regions where the sun is frequently obscured by clouds or short daylight hours, such as in the Arctic. Similarly, wind turbines may face technical difficulties due to extreme cold and icing. Despite these challenges, technological improvements, such as wind turbines with de-icing systems and cold-tolerant solar panels, are steadily increasing the feasibility of renewable energy in these environments. Moreover, cold regions often possess abundant resources that can be tapped into, such as geothermal energy and bioenergy from forestry residues. These energy solutions provide sustainable power options that can reduce reliance on fossil fuels in cold climates.
Instructions:
-Summarize the text in one sentence using between 5 and 75 words.
🎯 Sample Model Responses for Different Score Bands
High Band Response (PTE Score: 79-90)
Technological advancements like cold-tolerant solar panels and de-icing systems for wind turbines are making renewable energy more feasible for cold climates, where geothermal and bioenergy resources also provide sustainable options that reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Analysis:
- Content: All key points, such as technological advancements and the availability of alternative resources (geothermal and bioenergy) in cold climates, are included.
- Form: Clear and concise, fulfilling the requirement of a single sentence.
- Grammar: Correct use of complex sentence structures.
- Vocabulary: Appropriate academic words and phrases.
- Spelling: No errors.
Mid Band Response (PTE Score: 65-78)
While cold climates challenge renewable energy production, technology like advanced wind turbines and geothermal energy can help reduce the reliance on fossil fuels.
Analysis:
- Content: Most key points are covered, but there is insufficient reference to bioenergy and solar panel advancements.
- Form: Structured as a single correct sentence.
- Grammar: Some simplification in conjunctions, but acceptable.
- Vocabulary: Less complex than the higher band.
- Spelling: No errors noted.
Low Band Response (PTE Score: 50-64)
Cold climates are hard for solar and wind energy, but advances in technology help.
Analysis:
- Content: The main idea is present but lacks essential details such as bioenergy, geothermal energy, and specific technological improvements.
- Form: Single sentence.
- Grammar: Sentence is grammatically correct but very simple.
- Vocabulary: Limited and not reflective of academic style.
- Spelling: No errors.
📝 Vocabulary & Grammar from the Passage
To perform well in the Summarize Written Text section, a strong grasp of academic vocabulary and effective grammar is vital. Below are some advanced words from the passage along with their definitions and usage.
| Word | Phonetics | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obscure | /əbˈskjʊər/ | To cover or make difficult to see | Heavy snowfalls obscure sunlight, reducing the efficiency of solar panels. |
| Geothermal | /ˌdʒiːəʊˈθɜːml/ | Relating to the heat produced inside the Earth | Geothermal systems provide sustainable energy even in the harsh cold. |
| Feasibility | /ˌfiːzəˈbɪləti/ | The possibility of something being achieved | Technological developments are increasing the feasibility of renewables in cold climates. |
| Short daylight | /ʃɔːrt ˈdeɪlaɪt/ | Limited hours of daylight, especially in winter | During the winter months, many Arctic regions face short daylight periods. |
| Icing | /ˈaɪsɪŋ/ | The formation of ice on a surface | Wind turbines operating in cold regions often face icing issues. |
| Reliance | /rɪˈlaɪəns/ | Dependence on something | Reducing reliance on fossil fuels has become a global priority. |
| Sustainable | /səˈsteɪnəbl/ | Able to be maintained at a certain level | Bioenergy offers a sustainable method of power generation. |
| Forestry residues | /ˈfɔːrɪstri ˈrezɪdjuːz/ | Waste products from forest management | Bioenergy derived from forestry residues is a key resource for cold regions. |
| Cold-tolerant | /kəʊld ˈtɒlərənt/ | Capable of withstanding low temperatures | Cold-tolerant solar panels still operate efficiently in freezing conditions. |
| De-icing | /ˌdiːˈaɪsɪŋ/ | The process of removing ice or preventing its formation | De-icing technologies are critical for wind turbines in extreme cold climates. |
🌍 Conclusion
Renewable energy in cold climates is a rapidly developing area, with increasing relevance to sustainable development across many northern nations. Through this article, you have explored how this topic might appear in PTE’s Summarize Written Text task. To improve your score, continue practicing with sample tests and expand your understanding of energy technologies like Ocean thermal energy conversion. Don’t forget to leave a comment if you have any questions or require further clarification on the strategies discussed.
Best of luck with your PTE preparation!
