Summarize Written Text Practice for PTE: Renewable Energy Subsidies and Market Growth

In the PTE Speaking & Writing section, “Summarize Written Text” is a task that challenges you to condense a given passage into one concise sentence. This task evaluates your ability to grasp the main ideas and communicate clearly within a word limit of 5-75 words. One of the common topics you may encounter is Renewable Energy Subsidies And Market Growth, given the rising importance of sustainability and economic development in global discussions.

Below, we provide practice passages, sample answers for varying band scores, and useful vocabulary related to this topic. Use these examples to refine your understanding and skill in summarizing texts effectively.

What is Summarize Written Text in the PTE Exam?

“Summarize Written Text” is a typical part of PTE’s integrated Speaking & Writing sections, where candidates must provide accurate and well-formed sentences based on the core information of a passage. The challenge lies in producing a summary that captures essential points without losing meaning while keeping it under the strict word count limit.

Topics like renewable energy subsidies are frequently featured since they reflect current global concerns and economic trends. By practicing this topic, students can not only improve their English proficiency but also prepare for the wider context of how governments and businesses are shifting toward green technology.

Let’s practice with a topic related to Renewable Energy Subsidies and Market Growth.

Summarize Written Text Practice: Renewable Energy Subsidies and Market Growth

Practice Passage 1

Governments across the world have been offering subsidies to encourage the development of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower. These subsidies aim to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. By making renewable energy more affordable, industries are encouraged to transition toward cleaner technologies, which also creates jobs and can boost the economy. However, critics argue that subsidies distort the market, providing unfair advantages to certain energy companies while delaying necessary improvements in energy efficiency. Despite these concerns, renewable energy has seen significant market growth, partially thanks to government incentives, resulting in lower costs of production and wider adoption of sustainable practices across various sectors.

Summarize the above text in one sentence.

Sample Answers for Different Band Scores

High Band (79+):

Government subsidies for renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower have spurred market growth by reducing costs and encouraging adoption, though some critics argue that these measures distort the market and hinder efficiency improvements.

• Content: Comprehensive capture of all main points, including benefits and critiques of subsidies.
• Form: The response is one complete sentence with proper punctuation.
• Grammar: Flawless grammatical construction.
• Vocabulary: Strong use of topic-specific vocabulary like “subsidies” and “distort the market.”
• Spelling: No errors in spelling.

Mid Band (65-78):

Subsidies for renewable energy have led to significant growth in the sector, but some argue that these subsidies distort the market and affect energy efficiency improvements.

• Content: Covers the main points but lacks detail about job creation or economic benefits.
• Form: Suitable length and structure.
• Grammar: Minor grammatical issues resolved with clear sentence structuring.
• Vocabulary: Sufficient range, but less varied than a high band answer.
• Spelling: Correct spelling throughout.

Low Band (50-64):

Subsidies for renewable energy help it grow, but some critics think it causes unfair advantages.

• Content: Incomplete; misses key details about jobs, the economy, and specific energy sources.
• Form: Sentence lacks complexity and clarity.
• Grammar: Basic errors present, such as in the use of conjunctions.
• Vocabulary: Simple and lacks the technical vocabulary needed for higher-level answers.
• Spelling: No spelling errors, but vocabulary is limited.

Renewable energy wind turbines market growth

Practice Passage 2

The introduction of subsidies for renewable energy technologies has fundamentally shifted the dynamics of the global energy market. Solar and wind power providers can tap into previously unavailable resources to scale their operations. These subsidies have not only helped reduce the price of sustainable energy but also empowered many countries to strive toward energy independence. Critics, however, argue that taking such an approach often burdens taxpayers and creates inefficiencies that hinder natural market forces from finding cheaper alternatives. Despite these debates, the reduction in carbon emissions and increased energy security make renewable energy subsidies an essential part of future growth.

Summarize the above text in one sentence.

Sample Answers for Different Band Scores

High Band (79+):

Renewable energy subsidies have shifted the global energy market by expanding the reach of technologies like solar and wind power, leading to lower costs and energy independence, despite concerns about inefficiency.

• Content: Excellent paraphrasing of all critical points, including concerns from critics.
• Form: One clear, grammatically correct sentence.
• Grammar: Perfect sentence construction.
• Vocabulary: Efficient use of subject-specific terminology like “energy independence” and “natural market forces.”
• Spelling: No errors.

Mid Band (65-78):

Subsidies for solar and wind power have made renewable energy cheaper and helped countries become more energy independent, although some believe it interferes with market efficiency.

• Content: Good capture of the main points, though some finer details are missing.
• Form: Proper sentence structure with minor opportunities for improvement.
• Grammar: Mostly correct, though some variations could improve fluency.
• Vocabulary: Moderate use of important terms like “subsidies” and “market efficiency.”
• Spelling: No spelling mistakes.

Low Band (50-64):

Renewable energy grows with help from government subsidies but some think it is not efficient for the market.

• Content: Key points, such as the specific benefits and downsides, are missing or too simplified.
• Form: Sentence is basic and lacks clarity.
• Grammar: Simple grammar; lacks sophistication.
• Vocabulary: Tends to use generic vocabulary, avoiding more advanced words like “expand” or “empower.”
• Spelling: Spelling is correct, but limited vocabulary is used.

Useful Vocabulary From This Task

1. Subsidy /ˈsʌbsədi/ (n.): Financial assistance provided by the government to support an industry or business.
   Example: Renewable energy industries heavily rely on government subsidies.

2. Distort /dɪˈstɔːt/ (v.): To give a misleading or false account of something.
   Example: Critics believe subsidies distort market prices.

3. Renewable /rɪˈnjuːəb(ə)l/ (adj.): Capable of being replenished or regenerated.
   Example: Solar and wind power are major forms of renewable energy.

4. Adoption /əˈdɒpʃ(ə)n/ (n.): The act of starting to use new ideas, technologies, or methods.
   Example: The adoption of renewable energy technologies has surged.

5. Energy Independence /ˈɛnədʒi ˌɪndɪˈpɛndəns/ (n.): The state of a nation being self-reliant in terms of energy production.
   Example: Subsidies support nations in achieving energy independence.

6. Carbon Emissions /ˈkɑːbən ɪˈmɪʃ(ə)nz/ (n.): Release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
   Example: Renewable energy reduces carbon emissions over time.

7. Efficiency /ɪˈfɪʃənsi/ (n.): The ability to achieve desired results with minimum wasted effort or expense.
   Example: Critics argue that energy subsidies disrupt market efficiency.

8. Sector /ˈsɛktə/ (n.): A distinct part or area of the economy or society.
   Example: The energy sector has seen rapid changes due to renewable investments.

9. Incentive /ɪnˈsɛntɪv/ (n.): Something that motivates or encourages someone to do something.
   Example: Incentives drive companies toward sustainable solutions.

10. Hydropower /ˈhaɪdrəʊˌpaʊə/ (n.): Power derived from the movement of water.
    Example: Hydropower plants are crucial sources of renewable energy.

Conclusion

The task of summarizing written text in the PTE Writing & Speaking section requires focusing on key ideas within a limited word count. As seen with the examples related to renewable energy subsidies and market growth, practice is key to mastering this section. Make sure to practice frequently and leave any questions in the comments for further clarification!