The Summarize Written Text task in the PTE (Pearson Test of English) exam, specifically in the Speaking & Writing section, is one of the core components aimed at evaluating a test taker’s ability to comprehend and condense complex texts. With renewable energy becoming an increasingly prevalent topic, many test prompts focus on issues surrounding energy transitions. Here, we provide practice prompts and solutions to hone your skills for the PTE exam.
In this article, we’ll explore typical challenges in the transition to renewable energy and provide sample Summarize Written Text practice questions, answers at different scoring bands, and a comprehensive analysis on key assessment components.
Sample Summarize Written Text Prompts
Prompt 1: Renewable Energy Transition Challenges
The transition to renewable energy is pivotal in addressing global climate change, but it comes with significant challenges. Firstly, the cost of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy is high, as existing infrastructure must be upgraded or replaced. Moreover, renewable energy sources like solar and wind are intermittent; their energy output fluctuates depending on weather conditions, necessitating the development of energy storage solutions. Additionally, many developing countries face obstacles in financing and implementing large-scale renewable energy projects, slowing down the overall progress.
Summarize the text in one sentence. Your response must be between 5 and 75 words.
High-Scoring Response (80-90)
The shift to renewable energy aims to mitigate climate change but faces challenges such as high costs, intermittent energy supply, storage needs, and financial hurdles, particularly in developing nations.
- Content: Fully captures the main points, including costs, supply fluctuations, storage, and financial issues.
- Form: Correct sentence structure (5-75 words).
- Grammar: Perfect grammar usage.
- Vocabulary: Rich and varied use of terms, appropriate for context.
- Spelling: No errors.
Transition to renewable energy sources faces challenges
Mid-Scoring Response (60-79)
The transition to renewable energy faces difficulties, including financial costs, the need for new infrastructure, and inconsistent energy supply.
- Content: Covers many main points but omits specific mentions of storage challenges and developing countries.
- Form: Correct sentence structure (5-75 words).
- Grammar: Appropriate grammatical use, though slightly less complex.
- Vocabulary: Adequate, but less varied compared to high-scoring responses.
- Spelling: Correct spelling.
Low-Scoring Response (30-59)
Switching to renewable energy is costly and hard because of various challenges.
- Content: Vague and misses key insights like storage challenges and the role of developing nations.
- Form: Within word limit but overly simplistic.
- Grammar: Basic structure without mistakes but lacks sophistication.
- Vocabulary: Very limited and lacks precision.
- Spelling: No spelling mistakes.
Prompt 2: Financing Renewable Energy Transitions
The financing of renewable energy transitions poses significant challenges, especially for developing countries. These nations often lack the resources and financial infrastructure to invest in renewable energy projects upfront. Furthermore, despite long-term benefits in reducing carbon emissions and operational costs, the initial investment required for solar, wind, and hydropower installations deters many investors.
Summarize the text in one sentence. Your response must be between 5 and 75 words.
High-Scoring Response (80-90)
Financing renewable energy transitions is difficult for developing countries due to high upfront costs and limited financial infrastructure, despite long-term environmental and economic benefits.
- Content: Fully conveys the complexity of financing, focusing on the challenges faced by developing countries.
- Form: Follows the form requirement perfectly.
- Grammar: No grammatical errors.
- Vocabulary: Suitable use of finance-related terminology.
- Spelling: No spelling issues.
Financial challenges facing renewable energy in developing nations
Mid-Scoring Response (60-79)
Developing countries struggle with renewable energy transitions due to their inability to finance large projects.
- Content: Provides a general idea but lacks detail about economic and environmental benefits.
- Form: Sentence fits within word limits but is less precise.
- Grammar: Grammatically correct but could be more complex.
- Vocabulary: Slightly restricted but accurate.
- Spelling: Correct spelling.
Low-Scoring Response (30-59)
Renewable energy projects are hard to fund for poor countries.
- Content: Oversimplified and does not cover the full scope of the problem.
- Form: Basic sentence, within the word count.
- Grammar: No errors in grammar but very simple structure.
- Vocabulary: Basic, lacks appropriate financial terms.
- Spelling: Correct spelling.
Key PTE Assessment Components in Summarize Written Text
When practicing for the PTE Summarize Written Text section, it is important to focus on the following aspects:
1. Content
The response should cover all important points from the original passage. You need to summarize without missing essential information.
2. Form
The sentence must be between 5 and 75 words. Avoid run-on sentences or incomplete thoughts.
3. Grammar
Make sure your sentence displays correct and varied grammatical structures. Pay attention to subject-verb agreement, comma usage, and conjunctions.
4. Vocabulary
Use appropriate vocabulary that fits the context. Demonstrating a range of vocabulary related to renewable energy, such as “intermittent energy,” “infrastructure,” or “carbon emissions,” will boost your score.
Key vocabulary for renewable energy transitions
5. Spelling
Double-check for any spelling errors, as mistakes here can significantly lower your score.
Vocabulary Focus: Renewable Energy Transition
Here are 10 key terms from the field of renewable energy transitions that are often seen in exam prompts:
-
Intermittent /ɪntərˈmɪtənt/ (adj.) – Occurring at irregular intervals.
The intermittent nature of solar power can be a challenge for consistent energy supply. -
Infrastructure /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃər/ (n.) – The basic physical systems, like transportation or energy grids.
Countries need to upgrade their energy infrastructure for renewable adoption. -
Hydropower /ˈhaɪdroʊˌpaʊər/ (n.) – Power generated through water resources.
Hydropower is one of the oldest forms of renewable energy. -
Upfront /ˌʌpˈfrʌnt/ (adj.) – Paid beforehand.
The upfront cost of renewable energy installations can be prohibitive. -
Mitigate /ˈmɪtɪˌɡeɪt/ (v.) – To make less severe or serious.
Renewable energy helps mitigate the effects of climate change. -
Carbon Emissions /ˈkɑrbən ɪˌmɪʃənz/ (n.) – The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Transitioning to renewable energy reduces carbon emissions. -
Subsidy /ˈsʌbsɪdi/ (n.) – Financial support from the government.
Renewable energy growth often relies on government subsidies to attract investors. -
Deters /dɪˈtɜrz/ (v.) – Discourages someone from taking action.
High initial costs deter investors from financing renewable energy projects. -
Operational /ˌɒpəˈreɪʃənəl/ (adj.) – Relating to the functioning and productivity of a system.
The operational costs of renewable energy are lower compared to fossil fuels. -
Transition /trænˈzɪʃən/ (n.) – The process of changing from one state or condition to another.
The transition to renewable energy is a global challenge that requires advanced planning.
Conclusion
Renewable Energy Transition Challenges are commonly featured in the Summarize Written Text task in the PTE exam. By practicing different prompts on crucial renewable energy issues, such as financial hurdles and infrastructure development, you can improve your performance in the exam. Remember to focus on content, form, grammar, vocabulary, and spelling to maximize your score. Have a question? Share your experience or feedback in the comments below. Interested in how Renewable energy policies in developing countries affect global transitions? Explore more to further expand your understanding on the topic.
