Summarize Written Text (SWT) is a key task in the Speaking & Writing section of the PTE exam. The challenge for test-takers is to read a passage and condense it into a concise, well-structured sentence using correct grammar and vocabulary. In keeping with the growing trend of sustainable practices, today’s article will focus on Sustainable Sourcing In The Food Industry, sharing multiple practice tests along with answers across different band scores for you to gain a better understanding.
Practice Task 1: Summarize Written Text on Sustainable Sourcing
Read the passage below and summarize it in one sentence. Your response should be between 5 and 75 words.
Time limit: 10 minutes.
Passage:
The concept of sustainable sourcing in the food industry has gained momentum in recent years due to increased consumer awareness of environmental and social challenges. Sustainable sourcing refers to the procurement of food products in a way that respects the environment, ensures fair labor practices, preserves biodiversity, and minimizes the carbon footprint. Companies that adopt these practices not only contribute to the well-being of the planet but also meet the expectations of consumers who prioritize ethical and green choices. Some corporations have made strides by collaborating with farmers that employ organic and eco-friendly practices. However, barriers such as high costs and the complexity of supply chains still pose significant challenges to widespread adoption.
Instructions:
- Summarize the topic discussed in the passage.
- Ensure your response is concise, grammatically correct, and includes key aspects of the passage.
Model Answers Across Different Band Scores
High Band Score (80-90):
Increased consumer awareness of environmental and social issues has led to the rise of sustainable sourcing in the food industry, which involves procuring food in ways that respect the environment, promote fair labor, and reduce carbon footprints, although challenges such as high costs and complex supply chains persist.
Analysis:
- Content: Covers all important ideas, such as increased awareness, sustainable procurement, and challenges.
- Form: Meets the requirement of 5–75 words.
- Grammar: Grammatical structures are complex but accurate.
- Vocabulary: Appropriate use of precise vocabulary, like “procurement,” “carbon footprints,” and “awareness.”
- Spelling: No spelling errors.
Sustainable sourcing practices in the food industry to achieve eco-friendly goals
Medium Band Score (65-79):
Sustainable sourcing in the food industry is growing due to consumer demand but faces difficulties due to high costs and the complex nature of supply chains.
Analysis:
- Content: Discards some specificity like biodiversity or labor practices but retains the main ideas of consumer demand and challenges.
- Form: Word count within limits, but less detailed.
- Grammar: Simple sentence structures used appropriately.
- Vocabulary: Suitable vocabulary, like “growing” and “challenges,” but less sophisticated than the high band answer.
- Spelling: Accurate spelling.
Low Band Score (50-64):
The food industry is focusing more on sustainable sourcing, but it is difficult due to high costs and supply chain complications.
Analysis:
- Content: Misses critical points like consumer awareness, fair labor, and environmental concerns.
- Form: The sentence is shorter and lacks detail.
- Grammar: Simple grammar with no major errors, but less variety.
- Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary, such as “focusing more” and “difficult.”
- Spelling: Correct spelling but lacks vocabulary variation.
Practice Task 2: Summarize Written Text Passage
Passage:
The importance of sustainable sourcing in the food industry cannot be understated, as it plays a pivotal role in the fight against environmental degradation. As food suppliers explore ways to reduce waste and utilize renewable resources, they are burdened by the often prohibitive costs of transitioning to sustainable methods. Despite these obstacles, many companies are investing in certifications like Fair Trade, ensuring not only environmentally sound practices but also equitable treatment of producers and workers. The gradual shift towards greener supply chain models is driven by both governmental regulations and increasing demand from socially conscious consumers.
Instructions:
Same as above: summarize the passage in 5 to 75 words.
Model Answers Across Different Band Scores
High Band Score (80-90):
Sustainable sourcing in the food industry is essential to combating environmental degradation, and while companies face high costs in adopting greener practices, many are working towards certifications like Fair Trade and responding to growing demand from socially conscious consumers.
Analysis:
The high-band score answer provides a nuanced and complete summary, addressing important facets like environmental conservation, high costs, certifications, and consumer demand.
Medium Band Score (65-79):
The food industry is adopting sustainable sourcing methods despite the challenges of high costs, driven by consumer demand and a need to lessen environmental harm.
Analysis:
The medium-band score covers the main points but lacks detail regarding certifications and equitable treatment of producers. It sufficiently addresses the primary challenge (costs) and solution (consumer demand).
Fair Trade certification of sustainable food sourcing practices
Low Band Score (50-64):
There is a shift towards sustainable sourcing in the food industry due to consumer demand, despite challenges like costs.
Analysis:
This answer touches on the key topics but does not provide enough depth or details. A few critical points, such as environmental concerns and certifications, are missed.
Useful Vocabulary for Sustainable Sourcing in the Food Industry
-
Sourcing /ˈsɔːr.sɪŋ/ (n): The process of finding suppliers for goods.
Example: Sustainable sourcing has become a priority in the food industry. -
Carbon footprint /ˈkɑːr.bən ˈfʊt.prɪnt/ (n): The amount of carbon dioxide emissions caused by an individual or organization.
Example: Companies aim to reduce their carbon footprint through sustainable sourcing. -
Biodiversity /ˌbaɪ.oʊ.dɪˈvɝː.sə.ti/ (n): The variety of life in the world or a particular ecosystem.
Example: Sustainable farming helps preserve biodiversity.
Sustainable farming techniques help biodiversity thrive -
Procurement /prəˈkjʊər.mənt/ (n): The action of obtaining something, especially for business purposes.
Example: Sustainable procurement includes eco-friendly sourcing practices. -
Fair labor /fer ˈleɪ.bər/ (n): Ensuring workers are treated fairly and paid appropriately.
Example: Companies adopting sustainable sourcing must ensure fair labor practices. -
Equitable /ˈek.wɪ.tə.bəl/ (adj): Fair and impartial.
Example: Fair Trade certification ensures equitable treatment of farmers. -
Renewable resources /rɪˈnuː.ə.bəl rɪˈzɔːr.sɪz/ (n): Resources that can be replenished naturally.
Example: Using renewable resources reduces environmental impacts. -
Degradation /ˌdeɡ.rəˈdeɪ.ʃən/ (n): The process of something worsening or breaking down over time.
Example: Sustainable practices help prevent environmental degradation. -
Certification /ˌsɜːr.tɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/ (n): A formal process of verifying that an organization meets specific standards.
Example: Many companies seek certifications to show their commitment to sustainability. -
Obstacles /ˈɑb.stɪ.kəlz/ (n): Things that block or hinder progress.
Example: High costs are significant obstacles to adopting sustainable sourcing.
Conclusion
Sustainable sourcing is becoming a major area of focus for companies in the food industry, as seen in the sample Summarize Written Text exercises above. Despite the challenges related to costs and supply chain complexities, the push for ethical food production is gaining ground due to consumer demand and governmental support. It’s essential to practice such tasks for the PTE exam in order to develop a thorough understanding and command of this complex topic.
Give these practice tasks a try, and don’t hesitate to leave your summary attempts in the comments section! Practicing regularly can significantly improve your overall PTE score.
