In the PTE Academic Exam, the “Summarize Written Text” section under Speaking & Writing tests your ability to comprehend a passage and succinctly summarize it into one sentence. A common topic, especially in this era of environmental awareness, is renewable energy, particularly its influence and adoption in developing nations. This article will provide you with useful sample questions and answers to practice, especially focusing on the popular subject of renewable energy.
Renewable energy plays a critical role in sustainable development, making this a vital area for you to master. You can read more about how continuous innovations are shaping the role of renewable energy sources and their role in sustainable development.
Sample PTE Summarize Written Text Question:
Question 1:
Renewable energy is increasingly being adopted by developing nations as a solution to growing energy demands and to reduce dependence on conventional fossil fuels, which contribute to environmental degradation and economic instability. Solar energy, wind energy, and hydropower are among the most used renewable sources, and these can be deployed on small or large scales depending on infrastructure availability. For instance, rural electrification programs in countries such as Kenya and Rwanda have successfully implemented solar technology. Although challenges such as initial setup costs, lack of technical expertise, and unreliable regulation persist, the long-term benefits — including cleaner environments and energy self-sufficiency — outweigh the drawbacks. With international support and investment, renewable energy can significantly boost the economic development of these regions.
Your Task: Summarize this text in one sentence.
Answer Samples:
Band 90 (Highly Proficient):
Developing nations are increasingly adopting renewable energy sources like solar power to meet growing energy demands and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, though challenges such as high initial costs and technical expertise remain, but long-term benefits outweigh these.
- Content: Excellent inclusion of all main points from the text, summarizing both the energy sources and challenges.
- Form: Correct use of one sentence with appropriate length.
- Grammar: Flawless grammatical structure and usage.
- Vocabulary: Effective use of varied and relevant vocabulary.
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band 75 (Proficient):
Renewable energy such as solar power is helping developing nations reduce their dependence on fossil fuels despite initial costs and technical challenges.
- Content: Captures the core idea but lacks explicit mention of long-term benefits.
- Form: Meets form requirements by keeping it within one sentence.
- Grammar: Good overall, with some simplification in sentence structure.
- Vocabulary: Sufficient use of relevant vocabulary but lacks diversity.
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band 60 (Intermediate):
Developing countries are using renewable energy in their development even though it’s costly in the beginning.
- Content: Omits critical details such as the types of energy and the benefits, with a focus on cost.
- Form: Correct sentence form but falls on the shorter side.
- Grammar: Basic sentence structure with some grammatical simplicity.
- Vocabulary: Very basic, and could be expanded to give a better understanding of the topic.
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band 50 (Basic):
Renewable energy helps poor countries but it has many problems.
- Content: Limited coverage of content; lacks mentions of energy types, costs, and benefits clearly.
- Form: Meets form requirements but too elementary.
- Grammar: Simplified to the point of being non-specific.
- Vocabulary: Very basic vocabulary, without the use of specific terms such as “fossil fuels” or “solar energy.”
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Sample PTE Summarize Written Text Question:
Question 2:
Many developing nations face financial and infrastructural challenges in the adoption of renewable energy, but for long-term sustainability and environmental protection, they have to transition away from fossil fuels. The successful integration of renewable energy can alleviate poverty by providing jobs, reducing energy costs, and improving health by limiting air pollution. Additionally, international collaboration and foreign investments are crucial to bridge the initial financial and technical gaps, making renewable sources of energy such as wind, solar, and geothermal now more viable than ever in achieving sustainable economic growth.
Your Task: Summarize this text in one sentence.
Answer Samples:
Band 90 (Highly Proficient):
Although developing countries face financial and infrastructural challenges, transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy can significantly reduce energy costs, alleviate poverty, and improve health, with international support and investment being key to success.
- Content: The response encapsulates all critical elements of the text, including challenges, benefits, and the role of international investment.
- Form: Fits perfectly in one concise sentence.
- Grammar: Excellent use of clauses and transitions.
- Vocabulary: Demonstrates variety through the appropriate use of technical terms like “transition,” “alleviate,” and “sustainable.”
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band 75 (Proficient):
Developing countries face challenges with renewable energy but it can solve problems such as energy costs and poverty if they get help from other countries.
- Content: The response covers the main message but lacks detail about specific types and benefits of renewable energy.
- Form: One comprehensive sentence.
- Grammar: Good, though not as sophisticated as Band 90.
- Vocabulary: Adequate vocabulary, but could provide more technical terms.
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band 60 (Intermediate):
Renewable energy can help lower costs and improve living conditions in developing countries if other nations provide assistance.
- Content: Basic content but misses details about health and specific types of energy.
- Form: Correct sentence form.
- Grammar: Simple yet correct grammatical structure.
- Vocabulary: Lacks sophistication and variety.
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Vocabulary and Grammar Focus
Here are 10 challenging words from the sample texts along with their definitions and usage examples:
-
Alleviate /əˈliviˌeɪt/ (verb): To make a problem or situation less severe.
- Example: Renewable energy can alleviate the energy crisis in impoverished regions.
-
Infrastructure /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌk.tʃər/ (noun): The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society.
- Example: Poor infrastructure in rural areas limits the spread of renewable energy.
-
Viability /vaɪəˈbɪlɪti/ (noun): The ability to work successfully.
- Example: The viability of renewable energy depends on initial financial investment.
-
Transitioning /trænˈzɪʃənɪŋ/ (verb): The process of changing from one state or condition to another.
- Example: Developing countries are transitioning away from fossil fuels.
-
Self-sufficient /ˌsɛlf səˈfɪʃənt/ (adjective): Needing no help in satisfying one’s basic needs.
- Example: Renewable energy can make nations more self-sufficient in terms of energy.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the Summarize Written Text section of the PTE Speaking & Writing exam is crucial, especially when addressing topics like Renewable Energy In Developing Nations, which are increasingly prevalent in real exam questions. Regular practice with sample questions, reviewing key terms, and refining your answers based on PTE’s scoring criteria will dramatically improve your performance. For a deeper dive into renewable energy’s role in sustainable development, check out renewable energy innovations and developments. Leave your comments below and continue practicing to achieve the perfect score!