In the Pearson Test of English (PTE), the Summarize Written Text task within the Speaking & Writing section challenges candidates to condense the essential points of a text into a single, comprehensive sentence. A common topic in recent years is sustainable tourism and its impact on local economies. This is a key subject not only due to its relevance in modern tourism trends but also its implications for environmental and economic sustainability. This article will provide several practice examples, focusing on the theme of sustainable tourism, with detailed passages, model answers, and explanations.
Practice Question 1: Sustainable Tourism & Local Economies
Read the passage below and summarize it in one sentence. Your response must be between 5-75 words.
Text:
The concept of sustainable tourism focuses on ensuring that tourism generates long-term economic benefits for local communities without causing significant harm to the environment. Unlike traditional mass tourism, which can strain local resources and degrade natural surroundings, sustainable tourism promotes practices like reducing waste, conserving water, and empowering local businesses. These strategies help increase employment opportunities and ensure that profits from tourism stay within the region. Importantly, sustainable tourism also prioritizes the preservation of local customs and cultural heritage, fostering a deep connection between tourists and local communities.
Write your summary:
Model Answer – Band 90:
Sustainable tourism fosters economic advantages for local communities while promoting environmental conservation and cultural preservation, ensuring long-term benefits for both the region and its inhabitants.
Content: Excellent content coverage; addresses the economic and environmental benefits clearly.
Form: Correct format (one clear sentence, 5-75 words).
Grammar: Strong grammatical structure with no mistakes.
Vocabulary: Wide range of vocabulary used appropriately.
Spelling: No errors.
Model Answer – Band 79:
Sustainable tourism helps local economies by supporting employment and preserving the environment and culture, creating long-term prosperity.
Content: Good content but lacks depth in mentioning specific sustainability practices.
Form: One correct sentence within the word limit.
Grammar: Correct but more complex structures can be used.
Vocabulary: Adequate use of topic-related terms.
Spelling: No mistakes.
Model Answer – Band 65:
Sustainable tourism benefits local people economically and protects the environment.
Content: Coverage is too general, missing cultural preservation aspects.
Form: Correct structure but lacks depth.
Grammar: Simple grammar structures, no errors.
Vocabulary: Basic word choice.
Spelling: No spelling mistakes.
Model Answer – Band 50:
Tourism that cares for the environment and culture is good for local economies.
Content: Very basic, lacks clarity and detailed explanation.
Form: One sentence but could be more coherent.
Grammar: Some awkward phrasing.
Vocabulary: Limited vocabulary used.
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Practice Question 2: Supporting Local Economies Through Eco-Friendly Tourism
Read the passage below and summarize it in one sentence. Your response must be between 5-75 words.
Text:
As travelers become more aware of the environmental impact of tourism, many are opting for eco-friendly alternatives that support local businesses and promote sustainable practices. Eco-tourism emphasizes minimizing carbon footprints, supporting the local economy by choosing locally owned accommodations, and participating in activities that respect the natural environment. This form of tourism not only generates income for local communities but also helps to protect natural habitats and wildlife by reducing environmental degradation.
Write your summary:
Model Answer – Band 90:
Eco-tourism supports local economies while minimizing environmental damage by encouraging eco-friendly practices like reducing carbon footprints and using local services.
Content: Comprehensive in mentioning both economic and environmental impacts.
Form: Correct structure, appropriately concise.
Grammar: Well-formed sentence with advanced syntax.
Vocabulary: Rich and varied vocabulary used effectively.
Spelling: No errors.
Model Answer – Band 79:
Eco-tourism helps local businesses thrive and reduces harm to the environment by promoting responsible tourist activities.
Content: Detailed but lacks specific practices.
Form: One correct sentence.
Grammar: Good but could use more complex structures.
Vocabulary: Adequate, slight repetition of terms.
Spelling: Correct.
Model Answer – Band 65:
Eco-tourism boosts local economies and protects nature by reducing environmental impact.
Content: Brief, misses several key ideas like specific practices or methods of environmental protection.
Form: Correct sentence structure but could elaborate.
Grammar: Basic structures, no significant errors.
Vocabulary: Simple word choices.
Spelling: No issues.
Model Answer – Band 50:
Eco-tourism helps local people and is better for the environment than traditional tourism.
Content: Lacks detail, very general statement.
Form: One sentence but overly simplistic.
Grammar: Correct but too basic and lacks flow.
Vocabulary: Very limited vocabulary used.
Spelling: No errors.
Sustainable tourism village
Vocabulary and Grammar
Below are ten vocabulary terms from the passages that may be useful for test takers. Each word is paired with its pronunciation, definition, and a sentence example.
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Sustainable /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain level without depleting natural resources:
The aim is to develop a sustainable tourism model that benefits local communities. -
Carbon footprint /ˈkɑːrbən ˈfʊtˌprɪnt/ – Total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly or indirectly by an individual or organization:
Tourists are encouraged to reduce their carbon footprint when traveling. -
Degradation /ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃn/ – The process by which something deteriorates or is worn down, especially in the environment:
Environmental degradation is a major concern in areas with high tourist traffic. -
Preserve /prɪˈzɜːrv/ – To maintain or keep in the original state:
Efforts are being made to preserve the cultural heritage of the rural areas. -
Heritage /ˈhɛrɪtɪdʒ/ – The traditions, monuments, and culture passed down through generations:
Sustainable tourism ensures that local heritage is considered in planning. -
Empower /ɪmˈpaʊər/ – To give somebody control or authority:
Sustainable tourism empowers local communities by creating jobs. -
Generate /ˈdʒɛnəˌreɪt/ – To cause or produce something, especially revenue or energy:
Tourism generates significant income for many small communities. -
Minimize /ˈmɪnɪˌmaɪz/ – To reduce something to its smallest possible level:
Eco-tourism aims to minimize its impact on the environment. -
Customs /ˈkʌstəmz/ – Practices followed by people from a particular cultural or ethnic group:
Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs when traveling. -
Habitat /ˈhæbɪtæt/ – The natural environment in which a species lives:
Protecting wildlife habitats is a key priority of eco-tourism.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sustainable tourism is increasingly prevalent in the context of the PTE exam, especially when evaluating the Summarize Written Text task. Understanding the balance between local economic benefits and environmental preservation is essential for constructing well-rounded summaries. Make sure to practice these examples to enhance both your summarizing skills and vocabulary. You can also explore related topics on our website such as Sustainable tourism practices and local economy for more insights.
