Overview of Summarize Written Text in PTE Examination
In the “Summarize Written Text” task, test-takers of the PTE Speaking & Writing section are required to read a passage and summarize its content in a single sentence within 10 minutes. The challenge lies in writing a concise yet comprehensive sentence that captures the central idea without losing essential details. The topic of renewable energy, specifically its role in rural development, is one of the more common and relevant subjects in such tasks. Let’s explore a model question based on this theme, along with sample answers to help you prepare effectively.
Summarize Written Text Sample Question: Renewable Energy in Rural Development
Read the passage below and summarize it in one sentence. Your response should be between 5 and 75 words long.
Renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind power, are playing a crucial role in improving the living standards of rural populations. In many developing nations, conventional energy sources like fossil fuels are either unaffordable or unavailable in far-flung rural areas. By contrast, renewable energy solutions provide a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative. These solutions not only reduce health risks associated with fossil fuels but also reduce reliance on imported energy. Projects such as solar panel installations or small-scale wind turbines empower local communities to generate electricity independently. Simultaneously, renewable energy technologies help mitigate climate change by reducing carbon emissions, which are a significant contributor to global warming. Rural development also benefits as communities receive the infrastructure needed for businesses, education, and healthcare, all powered by clean energy.
Summarize the passage in one sentence.
Model Answers for Different Band Scores
High-scoring Sample (90-79 points)
Renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind power, serve as a sustainable and affordable alternative to fossil fuels in rural areas of developing countries while also promoting rural development, empowering local communities, reducing carbon emissions, and addressing climate change.
Analysis:
- Content: Excellent coverage of all key details: cost-effectiveness, empowerment of local communities, climate change impact, and rural development.
- Form: One well-constructed sentence with proper punctuation.
- Grammar: Accurate grammar and complex sentence structures.
- Vocabulary: Advanced vocabulary like “mitigating”, “sustainable”, and “empower”.
- Spelling: No spelling errors present.
Solar panels installed in a rural community empowering local development
Mid-scoring Sample (78-65 points)
Renewable energy options like solar and wind provide rural areas in developing nations with affordable electricity, which helps improve local infrastructure and address climate change challenges.
Analysis:
- Content: Covers most of the critical points but misses specific mentions of health risks, reliance on imports, and empowerment of local communities.
- Form: Correct sentence structure but slightly shorter with less depth.
- Grammar: Grammatically correct but uses simpler structures.
- Vocabulary: Appropriate, but less advanced terms.
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Lower-scoring Sample (64-50 points)
Renewable energy helps rural areas with electricity and reduces global warming problems.
Analysis:
- Content: Misses several important details such as the role of renewable energy in rural development, local empowerment, and healthcare benefits.
- Form: Simple sentence structure with truncated ideas.
- Grammar: Basic grammatical structures, lacking complexity.
- Vocabulary: Limited vocabulary, lacking precision.
- Spelling: No spelling errors, but lacks sophistication.
Small-scale wind turbines in remote rural areas improving living conditions
Vocabulary and Grammar Explanation
Below are ten advanced words or phrases from the passage along with their pronunciation, meaning, and example usage:
-
Sustainable /səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/
Meaning: Capable of being maintained over the long term without depleting resources.
Example: Developing sustainable energy solutions is crucial for the future of rural communities. -
Mitigate /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/
Meaning: To make something less severe, serious, or painful.
Example: Renewable energy can help mitigate the negative impacts of climate change. -
Empower /ɪmˈpaʊər/
Meaning: Give someone the authority or power to do something.
Example: Solar projects empower rural communities by providing them with renewable electricity. -
Reliance /rɪˈlaɪəns/
Meaning: Dependence on something or someone.
Example: By investing in wind power, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. -
Infrastructure /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌkʧər/
Meaning: The basic systems and services necessary for a community or industry to function.
Example: Renewable energy projects improve rural infrastructure, including healthcare and education.
Renewable energy enhancing rural infrastructure and services
-
Conventional /kənˈvenʃənəl/
Meaning: Typical or usual; following accepted norms.
Example: Conventional energy sources are often more polluting compared to renewable alternatives. -
Cost-effective /ˈkɒst ɪˈfektɪv/
Meaning: Providing good value for the amount of money spent.
Example: Solar panels are a cost-effective solution for rural areas lacking access to the main power grid. -
Far-flung /ˌfɑːrˈflʌŋ/
Meaning: Remote; covering a large area.
Example: Many far-flung villages benefit from small-scale solar energy projects. -
Emission /ɪˈmɪʃən/
Meaning: The act of releasing something, particularly gas or radiation, into the atmosphere.
Example: Using wind turbines drastically reduces carbon emissions in rural regions. -
Affordable /əˈfɔːdəbəl/
Meaning: Inexpensive and within reach of most people’s budgets.
Example: Renewable energy offers an affordable alternative to conventional electricity in developing nations.
Conclusion
The Summarize Written Text task tests your ability to identify and effectively condense the key elements of a passage. Renewable energy, particularly in the context of rural development, is a topic that often finds its way into PTE exams due to its global relevance. By practicing similar questions, you can sharpen your summarization skills and prepare for real questions around themes such as renewable energy in developing nations and infrastructure changes like public health infrastructure in cities.
