The section Summarize Written Text is an important part of the PTE Speak and Writing test. In this section, candidates are required to read a passage and summarize it in one sentence within a 10-minute time limit. This exercise evaluates test-takers’ ability to recognize main ideas, coherence, and clarity in communication.
This article provides one sample test based on the topic – “The Future Of Space-based Solar Power”, accompanied by multiple example responses reflecting different scoring bands for candidates to practice.
Sample PTE Summarize Written Text – The Future of Space-Based Solar Power
Passage
Solar energy has long been recognized as a vital alternative to fossil fuels due to its environmental friendliness and sustainability. However, one of the most significant barriers to maximizing solar power on Earth is its intermittent availability, influenced by diurnal and seasonal cycles, and weather conditions. In contrast, space-based solar power (SBSP) systems, which would collect solar energy directly in space and transmit it wirelessly to Earth, have the potential to ensure a constant solar supply. With the advent of advanced technologies, this concept is drawing renewed interest from space agencies and private corporations globally. While technical challenges such as the optimization of wireless power transmission remain, supporters of SBSP argue that it could revolutionize global energy infrastructure, offering a clean, reliable, and abundant power source that could significantly reduce dependence on non-renewable energy sources.
Task: Summarize the passage in one sentence.
Band-Specific Sample Responses
Example Response – Band 90 (High-level Response)
Space-based solar power systems could provide a constant source of clean energy by collecting solar energy in space and transmitting it wirelessly to Earth, helping to overcome issues related to intermittent solar availability on the ground.
Content: The response accurately paraphrases all key elements, focusing on both the capability of SBSP and its potential to mitigate ground-based challenges.
Form: The sentence is within a single sentence and between 5-75 words.
Grammar: Excellent grammatical structure, correctly punctuated with a complex sentence format.
Vocabulary: High-level use of language, “collecting,” “transmitting,” and “overcoming issues” are all suitable words for the topic.
Spelling: No errors detected.
Example Response – Band 75 (Mid-level Response)
The use of space-based solar power could provide a reliable and clean energy source by collecting solar energy in space and overcoming ground-based limitations such as weather and seasons.
Content: Captures the passage’s main point but omits details about technological challenges and recent interest in SBSP.
Form: Correct single sentence within the word limit.
Grammar: Good sentence structure, though slightly less complex than the 90 band response.
Vocabulary: Good choice of words such as “reliable,” “clean,” and “overcoming,” but slightly simpler.
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Example Response – Band 65 (Low-level Response)
Solar power from space can solve the problem of solar energy not being available due to the time of day and weather conditions on Earth.
Content: Summarizes the basic idea but omits key details regarding transmission technology and environmental impact.
Form: Satisfactory single sentence observing word count, but simpler syntax.
Grammar: Simple but accurate structure.
Vocabulary: Adequate but missing key terms like “wirelessly” and “non-renewable energy.”
Spelling: Error-free spelling.
Example Response – Band 50 (Below Average)
Space solar energy will always work because it won’t be affected by things like weather and time of day.
Content: Very simplified and lacks essential details like wireless transmission and SBSP’s global potential.
Form: Acceptable as a single sentence but exhibits a casual tone not fitting for academic writing.
Grammar: Grammatically correct but lacks complexity.
Vocabulary: Very basic vocabulary, missing essential terms related to the technical aspect of the topic.
Spelling: No spelling errors detected.
Example Response – Band 40 (Low Response)
Space solar is good because it can work all the time.
Content: Very brief and lacks the required complexity; omits key details and explanations.
Form: Extremely short, lacking depth even within the word limit.
Grammar: Basic structure; needs improvement in sentence construction.
Vocabulary: Extremely simplified, with little sophistication in word choice.
Spelling: No spelling issues.
Vocabulary and Grammar Breakdown
Below is a list of 10 essential words from the sample passage to expand your vocabulary:
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Sustainability /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪlɪti/ (n.): The ability of something to be maintained or continued over time.
Example: Solar power is praised for its sustainability as a renewable energy source. -
Intermittent /ˌɪntərˈmɪtənt/ (adj.): Occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous.
Example: Ground-based solar energy is intermittent due to weather and nightfall. -
Diurnal /daɪˈɜːrnəl/ (adj.): Relating to the daytime or occurring every day.
Example: Diurnal solar patterns limit power generation to daylight hours. -
Transmit /trænsˈmɪt/ (v.): To send or pass something from one place or person to another.
Example: The system can transmit solar energy wirelessly from space to Earth. -
Optimization /ˌɒptɪˈmeɪʃən/ (n.): Making the best or most effective use of a situation or resource.
Example: Optimization of transmission technology is essential for successful space-based solar systems. -
Infrastructure /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ (n.): The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
Example: Space-based solar could revolutionize global energy infrastructure. -
Alternative /ɔːlˈtɜrnəˌtɪv/ (n.): Another choice or option.
Example: SBSP is considered an alternative energy source to fossil fuels. -
Renewable /rɪˈnuːəbl/ (adj.): Capable of being replenished naturally.
Example: Solar energy is a form of renewable energy. -
Technological /ˌtekˈnɒlədʒɪkʌl/ (adj.): Relating to technology.
Example: Technological advancements are helping bring SBSP closer to reality. -
Global /ˈɡloʊbl/ (adj.): Worldwide or affecting the entire world.
Example: The adoption of SBSP could have a global impact on energy supply.
Conclusion
Space-based solar power represents a growing area of interest, offering a sustainable and reliable energy solution. The Summarize Written Text section of the PTE exam often features passages related to technological innovations like SBSP, making it crucial for test-takers to practice summarizing such topics effectively. Understanding the nuances of vocabulary, grammar, and content structure will help candidates improve their performance and achieve higher scores.
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