The Summarize Written Text section in the PTE Speaking & Writing module is one of the most challenging elements for test takers. In this task, you’ll be asked to summarize a full passage containing complex information, reducing it into a single sentence encapsulating both key ideas and specific details. A common topic presented in this section revolves around space exploration and resource utilization, reflecting humanity’s growing focus on utilizing extraterrestrial resources.
By practicing the provided sample task below, you’ll be better prepared to handle advanced topics commonly encountered in the PTE exam. Let’s dive into the details!
Summarize Written Text Task Example: Space Exploration and Resource Utilization
Task Instructions:
Read the following passage and summarize it in one sentence. Your response must be between 5 and 75 words.
Make sure to include the main points and important details. Write your summary in the box provided.
Sample Passage:
Space exploration has evolved from simple observation and data collection to a full-scale endeavor aiming for resource acquisition beyond Earth. With the moon, asteroids, and Mars positioned as next destinations, companies and nations are increasingly investing in technologies capable of mining key resources, such as water ice and metals. Utilizing these resources could be crucial for supporting human life in space and reducing dependence on Earth’s supplies. The development of sustainable infrastructure, however, poses significant technical and ethical challenges. Moreover, concerns about the environmental ethics of space exploration—the long-term consequences of exploiting extraterrestrial resources—continue to be a lively topic of debate among experts.
Sample Answers Based on Band Scores:
High Score (80-90):
Space exploration is transitioning from mere observation to resource mining on celestial bodies like the moon and Mars, raising both technical and ethical concerns about environmental impact and sustainability in the future.
Mid Score (60-79):
Space exploration seeks to mine resources on other bodies like asteroids, the moon, and Mars, which could benefit human life but also presents ethical and technical challenges.
Low Score (40-59):
Human space exploration aims to gather resources from other planets like Mars, raising concerns about sustainability and ethics.
Detailed Breakdown of Evaluated Criteria:
Content:
- The high-scoring sample (80-90) encapsulates the full scope of the passage, incorporating multiple core elements: the shift to resource acquisition, technical challenges, and ethical concerns (Environmental ethics in space exploration).
- The mid-range response (60-79) addresses the core idea of resource utilization but misses specific mentions of sustainability and environmental ethics.
- In the low-score response (40-59), the summary is quite generic, omitting significant details, such as the specific planets mentioned and ethical issues.
Form:
- All sample responses respect the word limit between 5-75 words as required by the PTE guidelines.
Grammar:
- The high and mid-level answers demonstrate control over grammar and complex sentence construction. The low-level answer lacks varied sentence structure, affecting readability.
Vocabulary:
- The high-scoring response incorporates advanced vocabulary such as “environmental impact,” “sustainability,” and “infrastructure”.
- The vocabulary in lower-scoring responses tends to be less precise and nuanced, which detracts from the overall clarity of the summary.
Spelling:
- All responses maintain perfect spelling accuracy, a critical element in the scoring process.
Key Vocabulary from the Passage
To boost your performance on this task, learning and understanding specific vocabulary can help address complex topics. Below are 10 such key terms along with their meanings:
-
Celestial /səˈles.tʃəl/: relating to the sky or outer space
E.g., Scientists are interested in celestial bodies like stars, moons, and planets. -
Endeavor /ɪnˈdev.ər/: an attempt or effort to achieve a goal
E.g., Space exploration is a scientific endeavor requiring vast resources. -
Resource acquisition /rɪˈzɔːs ˌækwɪˈzɪʃn/: the process of obtaining essential materials.
E.g., The focus of space missions is gradually shifting toward resource acquisition. -
Extraterrestrial /ˌɛks.trə.təˈrɛs.tri.əl/: referring to anything outside Earth’s atmosphere.
E.g., The search for extraterrestrial life has fascinated humans for centuries. -
Sustainability /səˌsteɪ.nəˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/: the ability to maintain ecological balance over time.
E.g., Sustainability in space exploration is key to ensuring the long-term survival of human colonies. -
Infrastructure /ˌɪnfrəˈstrʌk.tʃər/: basic systems and structures necessary for the functioning of a society
E.g., Building infrastructure on the Moon is the next big challenge. -
Ethics /ˈeθ.ɪks/: moral principles guiding human conduct.
E.g., The ethics of exploiting resources on distant planets are widely debated. -
Exploitation /ɪkˌsplɔɪˈteɪ.ʃn/: the use of resources unfairly or unethically for personal gain.
E.g., Exploitation of celestial resources could have unforeseen consequences. -
Asteroids /ˈæs.tə.rɔɪdz/: small rocky bodies orbiting the Sun
E.g., Asteroids may contain valuable minerals that can be used in space missions. -
Mining /ˈmaɪ.nɪŋ/: the process of extracting valuable materials from the earth or celestial bodies.
E.g., Mining water ice on the moon can provide resources for sustaining life in space.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the Summarize Written Text section in the PTE exam hinges on your ability to swiftly and effectively distill complex topics, such as space exploration and resource utilization, into concise summaries. Repeated practice will sharpen this skill, helping you achieve the best possible score. Given the complex ethical and technical dimensions, such as seen in the issue of environmental ethics in space exploration, this theme remains highly significant for test-takers.
So now, it’s time to practice! Inser your own summary of the sample text or share your thoughts in the comments below. Happy summarizing!
