Summarize Written Text in PTE: Space Exploration and Global Politics

Introduction to PTE Summarize Written Text and Speaking & Writing Section
Summarize Written Text (SWT) is a significant part of the PTE Speaking & Writing section, where test-takers are expected to condense a long passage into one single sentence. You need to capture the essence of the passage and present it concisely while maintaining correct grammar and a coherent structure. In this practice, we’ll discuss space exploration—a global agenda increasingly intertwined with international politics. This topic is not only a critical societal and scientific issue but is often featured in real PTE exams, making it an ideal subject for exam preparation.

Practice Question 1: Space and Politics

Prompt: Read the passage below and summarize it in one sentence. Your response will be judged on the quality of your writing and how well your response presents the key points in the passage.

Space exploration has been a monumental scientific achievement, but it has increasingly become an arena for national competition and global politics. Countries like the United States, China, and Russia are heavily involved in space missions aimed at advancing their national interests, from military strategy to economic advantages derived from satellite technologies. Additionally, as space exploration expands to include private players like SpaceX, the issue of space governance and international treaties becomes more pressing. The outer space environment is vast, yet delicate, and activities performed in space can significantly impact all nations. For this reason, international cooperation is necessary, but it is often clouded by mistrust and competing strategic interests among spacefaring nations.

global competition and politics in space exploration

Instructions: Summarize the passage in one sentence. You have 10 minutes to complete this task. The sentence can be a maximum of 75 words.

Sample Answers

Band 90+ Response (Excellent):

Space exploration, though initially a scientific endeavor, has evolved into a competitive and politically charged field involving nations and private entities, highlighting the need for international cooperation amid concerns over space governance and competing national interests.

Content: Comprehensive; covers the entire passage, focusing on science, competition, politics, and the need for cooperation.
Form: Correct one-sentence structure.
Grammar: Correct use of complex sentence structure.
Vocabulary: Advanced vocabulary such as “charged field,” “cooperation,” and “governance.”
Spelling: No spelling errors.

Band 79-85 Response (Proficient):

Space exploration, initially a significant scientific venture, has become a competitive field influenced by global politics, national interests, and concerns about international cooperation.

Content: Mostly complete; focuses on science, competition, and politics but less emphasis on private sectors and governance.
Form: Correct format.
Grammar: Grammatically accurate but simpler sentence.
Vocabulary: Vocabulary is solid but slightly basic compared to the 90+ response.
Spelling: No mistakes.

Band 65-78 Response (Competent):

Space exploration has become globally political as countries compete for dominance in space, with some concerns over cooperation among nations.

Content: Missing some details about private companies and governance issues; emphasizes politics and competition.
Form: Correct structure.
Grammar: Generally correct but simpler sentence construction.
Vocabulary: Uses simpler and less varied vocabulary (e.g., “dominance” instead of “national interests”).
Spelling: No significant spelling issues.

Band 50-64 Response (Modest):

Space exploration is now more political as countries try to compete, making cooperation less likely.

Content: Lacks key details and complexity; very basic.
Form: The one-sentence format is followed.
Grammar: Rather basic grammar; lacks complexity.
Vocabulary: Simplistic with limited range (e.g., “try to compete” instead of “compete for dominance”).
Spelling: No spelling errors.

Band 30-49 Response (Limited):

Countries are competing in space for domination, which makes cooperation hard.

Content: Fails to cover several major details like private entities and governance.
Form: Correct, but overly simplified.
Grammar: Simple sentence, lacking accuracy and variety.
Vocabulary: Limited word range, repetitive.
Spelling: No significant issues.

Vocabulary List

Here are 10 challenging vocabulary words from the passage with their meanings and examples:

Arena (/əˈriː.nə/) – A place or field of activity or concern.
Example: “The political arena is filled with competing interests.”
Governance (/ˈɡʌv.ən.əns/) – The act or process of governing or managing.
Example: “Effective space governance requires international cooperation.”
Delicate (/ˈdel.ɪ.kət/) – Easily damaged or requiring careful handling.
Example: “The environment in outer space is vast but delicate.”
Intertwined (/ˌɪn.təˈtwaɪnd/) – Closely connected or linked together.
Example: “Space exploration and politics have become intertwined.”
Private entities (/ˈpraɪ.vət ˈen.tɪ.ti/) – Non-governmental organizations, such as companies.
Example: “Private entities like SpaceX are revolutionizing space exploration.”
Mistrust (/ˌmɪsˈtrʌst/) – Lack of trust or confidence.
Example: “Mistrust between nations can hinder space cooperation.”

national mistrust over space technology advancements

Strategic interests (/strəˈtiː.dʒɪk ˈɪn.trəst/) – Important objectives related to a country’s long-term goals.
Example: “Many countries have strategic interests in space exploration.”
Advancing (/ədˈvɑːn.sɪŋ/) – Making progress in a particular area.
Example: “Nations are advancing their capabilities in space technology.”
Monumental (/ˌmɒn.jəˈmen.təl/) – Of great importance or large scale.
Example: “Space exploration has been a monumental scientific achievement.”
Cooperation (/kəʊˌɒp.ərˈeɪ.ʃən/) – The process of working together towards a common goal.
Example: “International cooperation is critical for peaceful space exploration.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, this task on space exploration and global politics illustrates the complexity and dynamics of international relations, technological advancements, and governance in space. Remember that in Summarize Written Text (SWT) sections of the PTE Exam, you need to balance precision with conciseness. Practice as much as you can, and feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions or need further assistance!