The Summarize Written Text task in the PTE Speaking & Writing section is one of the challenging yet rewarding tasks, where candidates need to summarize a given text in one sentence. This task evaluates your ability to capture the key ideas and express them concisely while following a specific format. One frequent topic you’ll encounter in PTE exams is Space Exploration And International Cooperation, reflecting its increasing relevance in global discussions. In this article, we’ll provide you with a sample test for Summarize Written Text on this subject, complete with model answers at various scoring bands.
What Is the Summarize Written Text Task?
In Summarize Written Text, the candidate is required to summarize a reading passage in a single sentence. The response must be no more than one sentence, with a word count between 5 and 75 words. The task not only tests your ability to grasp the main idea quickly but also measures grammar accuracy, coherence, structure, and relevance.
International cooperation in space exploration has grown significantly in recent decades, with collaborative missions addressing global challenges such as space debris and resource sharing. The idea that space exploration demands international cooperation aligns well with the global nature of science and scientific discoveries. For in-depth exploration of topics in this field, visit Future of human spaceflight.
Sample Summarize Written Text Question: Space Exploration and International Cooperation
Prompt:
Read the passage below and summarize it in a single sentence. Your response must be between 5 and 75 words.
Space exploration has always been a topic that transcends borders and nations, bringing together countless researchers, scientists, and governments. NASA’s long-standing partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA) serves as a great example of such successful collaboration. Space agencies from various countries often share valuable information and resources, helping to address global challenges such as climate change, environmental monitoring, and disaster management from space. The increasing demand for data sharing and collaborative missions has driven many projects to extraordinary success, pushing the boundaries of technology and fostering peaceful international relations.
Summarize the text in one sentence.
Model Answers and Analysis
Band 90: Model Answer
International collaborations in space exploration, such as NASA’s cooperation with ESA, have achieved extraordinary success through resource sharing and joint efforts in addressing global challenges, setting the foundation for further technological advancements and peaceful international relations.
Analysis:
- Content: Complete, addressing all main ideas such as NASA-ESA cooperation, shared resources, and global problem-solving.
- Form: One clear sentence, correct word count adhering to the 5-75 word limit.
- Grammar: Correct use of complex sentence structures and connecting ideas with appropriate conjunctives.
- Vocabulary: Terms like “collaboration,” “resource sharing,” and “advancements” display high-level vocabulary.
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band 75: Model Answer
Space exploration projects involving international cooperation, like those between NASA and ESA, are highly successful because they share resources and contribute to solving global issues, pushing technology and fostering peaceful relations.
Analysis:
- Content: Covers key points including NASA-ESA collaboration, global issues, and technological progress.
- Form: Single sentence, precise word choice within the required length.
- Grammar: Few errors, appropriate use of clauses.
- Vocabulary: Effective use of relevant vocabulary, though slightly simpler than the Band 90 response.
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band 65: Model Answer
International space exploration is successful due to collaborations like NASA-ESA which share resources and address global challenges.
Analysis:
- Content: Includes the main points, but lacks deeper details on cooperation, technological advancements, or peaceful relations.
- Form: Correct format, but the sentence may be considered too short and condensed (only 21 words).
- Grammar: Minor errors in construction (e.g. absence of “the” before “NASA-ESA”).
- Vocabulary: Limited use of advanced vocabulary.
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band 50: Model Answer
Countries work together on space projects to solve problems and share data.
Analysis:
- Content: Too general, missing specific examples like NASA and ESA, and neglects technological advancement and peaceful collaboration.
- Form: Correctly structured, a bit short and overly simple, though within the word limit.
- Grammar: Very basic sentence structure with no complex grammatical constructions.
- Vocabulary: Basic, with no distinctive or field-specific words.
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Vocabulary and Grammar
To prepare for this task in the PTE exam, you must also strengthen your vocabulary and grammatical accuracy. Below are 10 essential words and phrases related to space exploration and international cooperation, complete with IPA pronunciation, meaning, and example sentences:
-
Collaboration /kəˌlæbəˈreɪʃən/
Meaning: Working together to achieve a common goal.
Example: “International collaboration in space exploration has led to significant technological advancements.” -
Technology /tɛkˈnɒlədʒi/
Meaning: Application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes.
Example: “New technologies in satellite imagery aid climate monitoring.” -
Global challenge /ˈɡloʊbəl ˈʧælɪndʒ/
Meaning: A problem affecting many people or nations worldwide.
Example: “Space exploration is essential in addressing global challenges such as disaster management.” -
Resource sharing /rɪˈsɔrs ˈʃɛrɪŋ/
Meaning: The practice of making resources available for joint use.
Example: “Resource sharing among nations has been critical for the success of space missions.” -
Mission /ˈmɪʃən/
Meaning: A specific task or goal, often involving space travel.
Example: “The Mars Rover mission was a result of international partnerships between agencies.” -
Innovation /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/
Meaning: The introduction of new ideas or technology.
Example: “Space exploration fosters innovation in science and engineering.” -
Data sharing /ˈdeɪtə ˈʃɛrɪŋ/
Meaning: The exchange of data between organizations or nations.
Example: “Data sharing among countries is vital for environmental monitoring from space.” -
Partnership /ˈpɑːt.nə.ʃɪp/
Meaning: An arrangement where two or more parties agree to work together.
Example: “The partnership between NASA and ESA has contributed to many joint space missions.” -
Environmental monitoring /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmɛntəl ˈmɒnɪtərɪŋ/
Meaning: Observing and managing environmental conditions.
Example: “Satellites play a crucial role in environmental monitoring and climate data collection.” -
Cooperation /koʊˌɑpəˈreɪʃən/
Meaning: Working together towards a common goal.
Example: “Global cooperation is essential for future space missions.”
Conclusion
To summarize, mastering Summarize Written Text tasks in the PTE exam requires a solid understanding of how to capture the essence of complex subjects like space exploration and international cooperation and express them in a single well-structured sentence. This task is not just about paraphrasing, it’s about synthesis — combining multiple ideas into one clear thought. The more you practice with common topics, the more confident you’ll become in this section. Don’t forget to explore topics like Space debris and its management and how global cooperation affects these challenges in actual PTE exam scenarios. Happy practicing!