In the PTE (Pearson Test of English) exam, the Summarize Written Text task is an important part of the Speaking & Writing section. The task tests your ability to condense a given text into a summary, usually in one sentence. It requires sharp summarizing skills along with apt usage of grammar, vocabulary, and conciseness.
In recent exams, topics concerning Space Debris And Its Management have gained prominence, making it a frequent and relevant subject for practice. In this article, we present sample Summarize Written Text questions and model answers to help you better prepare for your exam.
Why Space Debris Matters in PTE Summarize Written Text
The topic of space debris, also commonly referred to as space junk or orbital debris, has become increasingly significant in global technological discourse. Due to the rising number of artificial objects in Earth’s orbit, the need for effective waste management in space has become a topic of concern. This subject often appears in academic texts, tech-focused writing, and environmental reports, making it a topic that frequently surfaces in PTE Summarize Written Text tasks.
Here, we provide practice materials and guide you through sample answers across different scoring levels, followed by a vocabulary and grammar section to boost your language proficiency.
Summarize Written Text Sample Practice: Space Debris and Its Management
Sample Question 1:
The increasing amount of debris in space, primarily caused by inactive satellites, spent rocket stages, and defunct spacecraft, poses significant risks to active satellites, space stations, and human missions. Environments within Earth’s lower orbits have become hazardous as collisions between moving debris can lead to the creation of even smaller, more scattered debris, further complicating space traffic management efforts. Addressing the growing problem of space junk has led to the exploration of various solutions such as improving satellite longevity, enforcing deorbit policies to safely remove inactive objects, and even developing active debris removal technologies. International cooperation is becoming more essential to regulate space operations and ensure future sustainability.
Summarize the text in one sentence.
Model Answer 1: Band Score 90 (Full Score)
The growing presence of space debris, caused by inactive objects, poses risks to space activities but can be managed through international collaboration, improved satellite longevity, deorbit policies, and active debris removal technologies.
Content: 5/5
Form: 1/1
Grammar: 2/2
Vocabulary: 2/2
Spelling: 2/2
Analysis: This summary hits all key points from the source text regarding the causes and risks of space debris, as well as various solutions in one comprehensive sentence. The grammar and spelling are flawless.
Model Answer 2: Band Score 75
Space debris poses risks to satellites and missions, but the problem can be addressed through international collaboration and removal technologies.
Content: 4/5
Form: 1/1
Grammar: 2/2
Vocabulary: 1/2
Spelling: 2/2
Analysis: This summary covers the central idea of the text but leaves out some specific details like deorbit policies and satellite longevity. It’s still grammatically sound, but the vocabulary usage is less diverse.
Model Answer 3: Band Score 60
Debris in space is a problem, and countries are looking for ways to manage it.
Content: 2/5
Form: 1/1
Grammar: 1/2
Vocabulary: 1/2
Spelling: 1/2
Analysis: This answer lacks critical detail and is overly vague. The grammar is basic with minor weaknesses, and certain key points about potential solutions and international collaboration are entirely missed.
Sample Question 2:
Space debris is composed of objects leftover from previous space missions, including old satellites, booster rockets, and fragments from past collisions. These scattered fragments travel at speeds up to 28,000 kilometers per hour, making even the smallest bits capable of catastrophic damage to operational satellites and spacecraft. Proposals such as the Kessler Syndrome predict a cascade effect where debris collisions generate more debris, increasing the likelihood of catastrophic events in orbit. To prevent future collisions, it is essential to employ more stringent measures, such as space traffic monitoring systems and active debris removal technologies.
Summarize the text in one sentence.
Model Answer 1: Band Score 90 (Full Score)
Space debris, composed of inactive objects traveling at high speeds, poses severe risks, as described in proposals like the Kessler Syndrome, necessitating stringent space traffic monitoring and debris removal measures.
Content: 5/5
Form: 1/1
Grammar: 2/2
Vocabulary: 2/2
Spelling: 2/2
Analysis: This answer succinctly captures the details about the composition of space debris, potential hazards, and solutions like debris monitoring and removal.
Model Answer 2: Band Score 75
Space debris causes dangerous situations due to collisions, which could escalate if not monitored and removed.
Content: 3/5
Form: 1/1
Grammar: 2/2
Vocabulary: 2/2
Spelling: 2/2
Analysis: The main idea remains intact, but it does not reflect the significant details such as the Kessler Syndrome or high-speed travel of debris.
Model Answer 3: Band Score 60
Space junk can create hazards for satellites, so we need better systems for cleanup.
Content: 2/5
Form: 1/1
Grammar: 1/2
Vocabulary: 1/2
Spelling: 1/2
Analysis: Important information is omitted or overly simplified, and the sentence structure is weak. The spelling and grammar also have subtle inaccuracies.
Key Vocabulary and Grammar
Here is a list of essential vocabulary found in the provided examples, complete with their phonetics, definitions, and example usage:
-
Debris /dəˈbriː/ — Fragments of destroyed or discarded material, especially from space satellites.
- Example: The collision between satellites left a cloud of debris.
-
Defunct /dɪˈfʌŋkt/ — No longer existing or functioning.
- Example: Defunct satellites contribute significantly to space junk.
-
Cascade Effect /kæˈskeɪ ɪˈfɛkt/ — A cumulative process whereby a series of events cause more and more outcomes.
- Example: The Kessler Syndrome predicts a cascade effect of debris collisions.
-
Deorbit /diːˈɔːrbɪt/ — The process of removing a satellite or spacecraft from its orbit.
- Example: Deorbiting old satellites is crucial to reducing space debris.
-
Catastrophic /ˌkætəˈstrɒfɪk/ — Involving or causing sudden great damage or suffering.
- Example: Even a small fragment of debris can cause catastrophic damage to spacecraft.
-
Monitoring Systems /ˈmɒnɪtərɪŋ ˈsɪstəmz/ — Tools used to observe, track, and measure objects or events.
- Example: Effective monitoring systems are necessary for avoiding debris collisions.
-
Enforcement /ɪnˈfɔːsmənt/ — The act of compelling compliance through legal authority or regulations.
- Example: Countries must focus on enforcement of space debris policies.
-
Stringent /ˈstrɪndʒənt/ — Strict, precise, and exacting.
- Example: Stringent rules are necessary to avoid the accumulation of space debris.
-
Longevity /lɒnˈdʒɛvɪti/ — Long duration of life or existence.
- Example: Prolonging the longevity of satellites can reduce debris creation.
-
Sustainability /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪlɪti/ — The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
- Example: Sustainable space exploration requires international collaboration.
Conclusion
The topic of space debris and its management is both highly relevant and prevalent in real-world discourse and the PTE exam. By regularly practicing Summarize Written Text tasks on this subject, you can not only improve your summarizing ability but also familiarize yourself with complex technical language. Each of the prompts above models actual exam-style tasks, helping you feel confident and well-prepared for the test. Remember to practice regularly and aim for precision and conciseness in your writing.
Feel free to leave a comment or ask questions if you need further clarification or additional materials to succeed in your PTE journey!
