The Summarize Written Text task in the Speaking & Writing section of the PTE (Pearson Test of English) is a key challenge requiring test takers to condense a given passage into a single sentence. This task assesses not only your summarization skills but also your proficiency in using academic English effectively. In this post, we’ll focus on a popular subject in the Summarize Written Text section: Renewable Energy In Disaster-prone Areas—a topic of growing significance in real-world discussions and PTE exams alike. This article will provide sample Summarize Written Text questions for this topic, complete with responses of varying band scores and a detailed breakdown of the assessment criteria.
What is Summarize Written Text?
Summarize Written Text involves reading a short article (150-200 words) and writing a one-sentence summary. This summary should accurately capture the main idea of the text and should not exceed 75 words. The scoring rubric focuses on five key criteria: Content, Form, Grammar, Vocabulary, and Spelling.
Before diving into practice examples, it’s important to recognize the relevance of renewable energy within the context of disaster-prone areas. Disasters often cause widespread damage to both urban and rural energy infrastructures. With renewable energy, however, such areas can become more resilient and ensure a sustainable energy supply. This is a high-demand topic in the real world and frequently appears in discussions surrounding AI in natural disaster management.
Sample Summarize Written Text Question: Renewable Energy
Passage:
Governments around the world have increasingly placed their emphasis on renewable energy sources as a means to enhance the resilience of disaster-prone areas. Combating the adverse effects of climate change while simultaneously improving the survivability of critical infrastructure systems in the event of natural calamities, renewable energy such as wind, solar, and hydropower can provide local communities with reliable energy even during times of crisis. These energy sources are self-sustaining and typically unaffected by grid failures caused by disasters like hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes. Although the initial investment costs are high, the long-term benefits, including energy security, sustainability, and reduced carbon emissions, outweigh the financial barriers. Additionally, the decentralized nature of renewable energy systems makes them less vulnerable to single points of failure, offering a more dependable energy infrastructure.
Summarize the passage in one sentence. (Maximum 75 words)
Model Answers:
Band Score 90+
Governments are investing in renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydropower to improve resilience in disaster-prone areas because these sustainable systems provide reliable energy during crises, are less susceptible to grid failures, and offer long-term benefits such as energy security and reduced carbon emissions despite initially high costs.
Assessment:
- Content: All key points from the passage are included.
- Form: One sentence, under 75 words.
- Grammar: Correct sentence structure.
- Vocabulary: Excellent use of varied vocabulary (e.g., “resilience,” “susceptible,” “energy security”).
- Spelling: No errors.
Band Score 75-80
Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower are being adopted by governments to enhance the resilience of disaster-affected areas because they reduce grid failures and provide long-term benefits despite high initial costs.
Assessment:
- Content: Major points are covered, but lacks some details (e.g., sustainability is not emphasized).
- Form: Appropriate.
- Grammar: Accurate and concise.
- Vocabulary: Good use of academic vocabulary.
- Spelling: No issues.
Band Score 60-70
Governments use renewable energy to help disaster-prone areas with reliable energy despite initial costs.
Assessment:
- Content: Partially captures the focus but misses important elements (e.g., grid failures, long-term benefits).
- Form: Fits within one sentence.
- Grammar: Acceptable but lacks complexity.
- Vocabulary: Basic word choice; lacks variety.
- Spelling: Correct.
Breakdown of Scoring Criteria
Content
This focuses on whether the summary includes the main points in the original text. High-scoring responses should cover all relevant details about renewable energy and its applications in disaster zones, including the advantages and potential barriers.
Form
A valid summary must be exactly one sentence long and must not exceed 75 words.
Grammar
Proper sentence structure and accurate grammar are essential. Complex, but correct, grammar will lead to higher scores.
Vocabulary
Top-scoring summaries incorporate a wide range of appropriate vocabulary, such as words related to resilience, infrastructure, and energy security. Avoid repeating the same terms unnecessarily.
Spelling
Ensure that spelling is completely correct to earn full points in this criterion.
Map showing renewable energy projects in disaster-prone areas
Vocabulary and Grammar Focus
Here are 10 essential terms from the passage you might encounter frequently in similar topics:
-
Resilience /rɪˈzɪl.i.əns/ (noun) – The ability to recover quickly from difficulties.
Example: “Renewable energy improves the resilience of affected communities during natural disasters.” -
Decentralization /diːˌsɛn.trə.lɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/ (noun) – The transfer of control from a central authority to local authorities.
Example: “The decentralization of energy sources ensures that local areas retain power despite grid failures.” -
Sustainability /səˌsteɪ.nəˈbɪl.ə.ti/ (noun) – The ability to maintain at a certain rate or level without depletion of resources.
Example: “Solar energy offers sustainability by relying on an unlimited natural resource.” -
Infrastructure /ˈɪn.frə.strʌk.tʃər/ (noun) – The basic systems and services needed for a community to operate effectively.
Example: “Disasters often damage key infrastructures like electricity grids.” -
Mitigation /ˌmɪt.ɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/ (noun) – The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.
Example: “Effective disaster response includes mitigation strategies powered by renewable sources.” -
Carbon emissions /ˈkɑːbən ɪˈmɪʃənz/ (noun) – Gases like CO2 produced by burning fossil fuels contributing to global warming.
Example: “The shift to renewable energy reduces carbon emissions.” -
Grid failure /ɡrɪd ˈfɛɪljər/ (noun) – A breakdown in the electricity distribution network.
Example: “Renewable energy can function autonomously in the event of grid failure.” -
Initial investment /ɪˈnɪʃ.əl ɪnˈvɛstmənt/ (noun) – The money required at the start of a project.
Example: “Renewable energy systems require high initial investment but offer long-term savings.” -
Calamity /kəˈlæm.ɪ.ti/ (noun) – An event causing great damage or distress.
Example: “Natural calamities such as earthquakes devastate conventional energy systems.” -
Hydropower /ˈhaɪ.drəʊˌpaʊər/ (noun) – Electrical power produced from moving water.
Example: “Hydropower plants are among the most reliable sources of renewable energy.”
Conclusion
The subject of renewable energy in disaster-prone areas highlights how essential it is to balance sustainability and cost while reinforcing disaster management efforts. Integrating such topics into Summarize Written Text for the PTE is not only likely but also gives learners an opportunity to engage with real-world issues while sharpening their English skills. If you’re prepping for PTE or have thoughts to share on this practice task, feel free to leave a comment!
Make sure to also explore related areas such as AI in natural disaster management to enrich your understanding of renewable strategies in critical conditions.
