Introduction to “Summarize Written Text” in the PTE Exam
The “Summarize Written Text” task in the PTE Speaking & Writing section requires you to read a passage and condense its key points into a single sentence. The challenging part of this task comes from managing word count, grammar, and coherence— all while conveying the central ideas effectively. One increasingly prominent topic in PTE exams is smart city infrastructure and energy use, an area that merges technology with sustainable living. Preparing for such topics will give test takers an edge when tackling similar exercises in real exams.
In this article, we present a detailed practice task based on this theme and break it down into sample answers, tips, and vocabulary for learners to master this essential part of the PTE exam. Be sure also to explore related topics such as Smart cities and renewable energy integration for in-depth study.
Summarize Written Text Sample Question on Smart City Infrastructure and Energy Use
Here is the passage and task. Your job is to summarize the text in one sentence of no more than 75 words while keeping the meaning intact. Pay attention to coherence, conciseness, and grammatical accuracy.
Sample Passage:
Smart cities employ advanced technologies to optimize various sectors, notably transportation, energy use, and waste management. Energy consumption in smart cities is made more efficient through the integration of renewable resources, smart grids, and real-time monitoring of energy systems. Transportation systems are re-engineered to accommodate electric vehicles and reduce emissions. Smart infrastructure significantly enhances urban living, making cities more sustainable and reducing the environmental and carbon footprints associated with urbanization.
Task:
Summarize the passage in one sentence.
Sample Answers Based on Band Scores
Band Score Around 90:
The integration of smart technologies in city infrastructures optimizes urban areas by improving energy efficiency through renewable resources, smart grids, real-time monitoring, and sustainable transportation systems including electric vehicles, leading to reduced environmental impacts.
- Content: Full coverage of the key points, including energy efficiency, transportation, and sustainability.
- Form: The sentence is under the 75-word limit, clear, and well-structured.
- Grammar: Correct use of clauses and punctuation, no errors.
- Vocabulary: Advanced, accurate use of “integration,” “renewable resources,” “real-time monitoring,” “sustainable.”
- Spelling: No spelling issues.
Band Score Around 75:
Smart cities reduce environmental impacts by adopting technologies that improve energy efficiency, integrate renewable sources, and implement cleaner transportation systems like electric vehicles.
- Content: Covers most key points but does not mention smart grids or real-time monitoring explicitly.
- Form: Well within word limit, but less detailed than a higher-scoring answer.
- Grammar: Grammatically sound, but slightly less complex structure.
- Vocabulary: Adequate, though less advanced use of words such as “adopting” and “cleaner.”
- Spelling: No spelling issues.
Band Score Around 60:
Smart technologies in cities help save energy and improve transportation with electric vehicles and renewable resources, lowering environmental harm.
- Content: Covers basic ideas, but misses smart grids, real-time monitoring, and waste management.
- Form: Simple, concise, but lacks full elaboration.
- Grammar: Grammatically correct, but simpler sentence structure.
- Vocabulary: Limited, repetitive use of basic words like “save” and “lowering.”
- Spelling: No spelling issues.
By practicing these various levels, you can sharpen your ability to deduce the central ideas from a more complex text while keeping it concise and clear under stringent word limits. To further aid your study, consider exploring Renewable energy adoption in public infrastructure.
Smart city energy systems using technology to reduce environmental impact
Key Vocabulary and Grammar for Summarize Written Text
Expanding your vocabulary will not only help you understand complex texts better but also enhance your response quality in the PTE Summarize Written Text section. Below are 10 high-level words and phrases that you can use when encountering discussions of smart city infrastructure and energy use:
| Word/Phrase | Phonetic | Meaning | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infrastructure | /ˈɪn.frəˌstrʌk.tʃər/ | The fundamental facilities and systems behind an urban area | Cities need advanced infrastructure to support smart technologies. |
| Optimization | /ˌɒp.tɪ.maɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/ | The action of making something more efficient | The city’s resource optimization resulted in lower energy costs. |
| Renewable Resources | /rɪˈnjuː.ə.bəl/ | Resources that can be replenished naturally | Solar power is one of the most common renewable resources. |
| Real-time Monitoring | /rɪəl taɪm/ | The process of continuously tracking systems as they happen | Real-time monitoring helps adjust energy use efficiently. |
| Sustainability | /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ | The endurance of systems and processes over time | Urban planners focus on sustainability for long-term solutions. |
| Carbon Footprint | /ˈkɑː.bən ˈfʊt.prɪnt/ | The amount of carbon dioxide a person or system emits | Reducing the carbon footprint is crucial for smart cities. |
| Smart Grids | /smɑːt ɡrɪd/ | An electricity supply network using digital technology | Smart grids ensure efficient electricity distribution. |
| Urbanization | /ˌɜː.bə.naɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/ | The process of making an area more urban | Rapid urbanization has driven the need for smarter city designs. |
| Electric Vehicles | /ɪˈlɛk.trɪk ˈviː.ɪ.kəl/ | Cars powered entirely by electricity | Electric vehicles are crucial in reducing emissions in cities. |
| Emission Reduction | /ɪˈmɪʃ.ən rɪˈdʌk.ʃən/ | Decreasing the release of pollutants into the air | Cities use renewable energy as part of emission reduction strategies. |
By incorporating these terms into your preparation, you can improve your responses in Summarize Written Text tasks related to smart city systems, energy use, and sustainability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Summarize Written Text section of the PTE is not only about grammar and sentence length but effectively capturing and conveying the essential ideas of a passage. Topics like smart city infrastructure and energy utilization are gaining importance due to their real-world relevance. To succeed in this section, practice regularly using high-quality materials and focus on areas like vocabulary and structure. Lastly, enrich your learning by visiting additional resources, such as Smart cities and sustainable development.
Feel free to share your summaries in the comments—let’s discuss ways to improve them!
