Summarize Written Text Practice for PTE Exam: Renewable Energy Resources for Developing Nations

In the PTE exam, the Summarize Written Text section is a challenging yet integral part of the Speaking & Writing module. This section requires test-takers to read a passage and condense it into a single comprehensive sentence. To help you practice, we present some sample questions below that focus on a highly relevant topic – renewable energy resources, specifically for developing nations.

Sample Summarize Written Text Practice Questions

Question 1: Renewable Energy Solutions in Developing Nations

In developing countries, renewable energy plays a crucial role not only in promoting sustainable growth but also in ensuring that energy reaches remote and underdeveloped communities. The rapid adoption of solar, wind, and hydro energy resources can transform regional economies by providing constant, reliable, and clean power. Often, these renewable resources are preferred over traditional ones due to the lower operational costs and minimal environmental impact. For countries with large, non-connected rural populations, renewable energy solutions such as mini-grids and off-grid technologies offer an excellent alternative to expensive infrastructure investments in fossil-fuel reliant systems.
Summarize the written text in one sentence:

Band 90 Answer:

Renewable energy is instrumental in developing nations as it offers sustainable, cost-effective energy solutions to remote areas, promoting economic growth and reducing environmental impacts.

Analysis:

• Content: Fully captures the essence of the passage.
• Form: Single sentence under 75 words.
• Grammar: Stellar use of complex structures.
• Vocabulary: High-level words like “instrumental,” “cost-effective,” and “environmental impacts.”
• Spelling: Error-free.

Use of renewable energy in developing nations, highlighting benefits for remote areas and sustainability

Band 75 Answer:

Developing nations can benefit from renewable energy as it supports economic growth and provides sustainable power to rural areas.

Analysis:

• Content: Captures the main ideas but lacks the nuance about environmental impact and off-grid solutions.
• Form: Correct.
• Grammar: Simple to complex sentence, largely accurate.
• Vocabulary: Appropriate, less complex.
• Spelling: Correct.

Band 60 Answer:

Renewable energy helps countries develop by supplying sustainable power to areas that need it.

Analysis:

• Content: Adequate; misses on some key aspects like economic growth and environmental benefits.
• Form: Meets requirements.
• Grammar: Basic sentence structure.
• Vocabulary: Simple, lacks depth.
• Spelling: No errors.

You’ll notice by comparing different band answers how clarity and vocabulary play an extensive role in determining your score. This question revolves around the essential usage of renewable energy in developing nations, highlighting its growing importance for sustainable development. If you’re interested in how renewable energy can also benefit local communities without access to the national power grid, check out our detailed analysis on Renewable energy for off-grid communities.

Question 2: Harnessing Solar Power for Rural Development

According to global statistics, more than 1 billion people in developing countries lack access to reliable electricity, a challenge that hinders economic growth and education. Solar power, however, has emerged as a viable solution for rural areas where traditional power grids don’t reach. Small-scale solar installations, including rooftop solar panels and solar-powered lights, are affordable and require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for underdeveloped regions. The decentralized nature of renewable energy solutions ensures that rural communities can gradually reduce their dependence on fuel imports and progress towards energy independence, while simultaneously fostering local employment in the renewable energy sector.
Summarize the written text in one sentence:

Band 90 Answer:

Solar power is a sustainable, cost-effective solution for rural areas in developing countries, providing reliable energy and promoting economic and educational development while fostering local employment in the renewable energy sector.

Analysis:

• Content: Comprehensive and fully developed.
• Form: Well-formed simple sentence.
• Grammar: Accurate use of compound structures.
• Vocabulary: Strong phrases like “cost-effective,” “fostering local employment.”
• Spelling: Excellent.

Solar power installations in rural areas, demonstrating their impact on development and education.

Band 75 Answer:

Solar power helps rural communities in developing countries by providing them with reliable and affordable electricity, which promotes economic growth.

Analysis:

• Content: Covers the key points, but lacks depth regarding education and employment benefits.
• Form: Correct structure.
• Grammar: Competent use of compound sentences.
• Vocabulary: Correct, but not advanced.
• Spelling: Correct.

Band 60 Answer:

Rural areas in developing nations can benefit from solar power due to its affordability and ease of maintenance.

Analysis:

• Content: Omits several key factors like economic growth and employment.
• Form: Simpler sentence structure but meets the requirement.
• Grammar: Basic sentence conveys the general idea.
• Vocabulary: Simple and clear language.
• Spelling: No errors.

This passage highlights how solar power is revolutionizing rural electrification in underdeveloped areas. If you wish to explore more on how renewable energy can drive market growth in these sectors, read the Renewable energy market growth analysis.

Vocabulary and Grammar

To further enhance your understanding, here are 10 key vocabulary words from the passages with their meanings and usage examples:

1. Sustainable (adj): /səˈsteɪnəbl/ — able to be maintained over time.
   Example: Solar power is a sustainable solution for rural electricity needs.

2. Decentralized (adj): /diˈsɛntrəlaɪzd/ — not controlled by one central authority.
   Example: Decentralized energy systems help reduce reliance on national grids.

3. Viable (adj): /ˈvaɪəbl/ — capable of working successfully.
   Example: Small-scale solar projects are a viable solution for remote villages.

4. Reliance (noun): /rɪˈlaɪəns/ — dependency or trust on something.
   Example: Reducing reliance on fossil fuels is crucial for a greener future.

5. Off-grid (adj): /ˈɔːf ɡrɪd/ — not connected to the usual network of electricity or utilities.
   Example: Many rural communities benefit from off-grid solar solutions.

6. Infrastructure (noun): /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ — the basic physical systems of a country or community.
   Example: Renewable energy can help nations avoid costly infrastructure investments.

7. Fuel imports (noun phrase): /fjul ˈɪmpɔrtz/ — bringing petrol or gas from other countries to use as energy.
   Example: Solar energy helps reduce dependence on costly fuel imports.

8. Mini-grids (noun): /ˈmɪni-ɡrɪdz/ — small, local electricity networks.
   Example: Solar-powered mini-grids are transforming energy access in rural regions.

9. Affordable (adj): /əˈfɔrdəbl/ — reasonably priced.
   Example: Solar panels are becoming affordable options for low-income areas.

10. Employment (noun): /ɪmˈplɔɪmənt/ — work or occupation, typically paid.
    Example: Renewable energy initiatives create local employment opportunities.

Conclusion

The practice questions provided take you through different ways to summarize key ideas using renewable energy examples, a topic frequently seen in PTE exams. Understanding the dynamics of summarizing text like this can significantly improve your score, particularly for complex texts where realizing the main ideas promptly is crucial. Try practicing these methods and improving your skills. If you want more resources, explore how Renewable energy in cold climates works, which may build on your comprehension even further!