PTE Summarize Written Text Practice: Urban Ecosystems and Public Health

In the Speaking & Writing section of the PTE Academic exam, one important task is Summarize Written Text. This task assesses your ability to read a text and summarize it into a single sentence by capturing the key ideas. A common theme in real PTE exams is the relationship between Urban Ecosystems And Public Health. Below, you will find sample test questions, detailed answers for different score bands, vocabulary, and grammar insights — all carefully tailored to replicate real exam scenarios.

Sample PTE Summarize Written Text Question: Urban Ecosystems and Public Health

Read the text below and summarize it in one sentence. Your response must be between 5 and 75 words.

The growing urban environment has a significant impact on public health, both positively and negatively. Urban ecosystems are interconnected complexes of biological communities and human systems that have adapted to urban conditions. Cities offer enhanced healthcare facilities and social services, which boost access to essential services. However, these areas also face challenges like pollution, overcrowding, and loss of natural spaces, which can lead to increased mental and physical health risks. By investing in green spaces and sustainable policies to control pollution, urban ecosystems could become healthier and more balanced environments, leading to improved human health. Governments must consider the intricate links between environmental sustainability and health outcomes to create urban areas where both humans and natural systems can thrive.

Write your summary in one sentence.

Sample Responses for Varying Score Bands

High Band (Score: 70-79)

Urban ecosystems can either improve or damage public health, depending on how governments manage pollution, overcrowding, and loss of green spaces, proposing sustainability as the key to fostering healthy environments.

Analysis:

• Content: This excellent response encapsulates the core message — the balance between urban health risks and improvements through sustainable practices.
• Form: The sentence is concise, remaining under the word limit of 75. It correctly represents the entire text in one sentence.
• Grammar: The grammatically complex sentence structure is used accurately.
• Vocabulary: Key terms like “urban ecosystems,” “public health,” and “sustainability” show relevant and precise vocabulary usage.
• Spelling: No spelling errors detected.

Urban ecosystems offer both health benefits and risks, depending on government intervention in sustainability policies.

Mid Band (Score: 50-69)

Urban ecosystems influence public health, with the negative effects of pollution and overcrowding balanced by green spaces and healthcare facilities, suggesting sustainability is important.

Analysis:

• Content: The important idea of both positive and negative effects on public health is communicated, but the conclusion is not as strongly articulated.
• Form: The sentence is clear but could integrate the idea of government involvement better.
• Grammar: There are minor simplifications, but grammar is acceptable.
• Vocabulary: Adequate vocabulary usage with some key terms such as “urban ecosystems” and “sustainability.”
• Spelling: No spelling errors detected.

Low Band (Score: 30-49)

Urban environments affect public health, and having green spaces can help reduce pollution and health problems.

Analysis:

• Content: This summary touches upon only part of the main idea. Key points like sustainable policies and government roles are omitted.
• Form: The sentence is too short, missing the complexity required for higher points.
• Grammar: Basic sentence structure is used, but lacks sophistication.
• Vocabulary: Simplistic vocabulary with some key terms missing, such as “urban ecosystems” and “sustainability.”
• Spelling: No spelling errors detected.

Vocabulary and Grammar Breakdown

Here are 10 useful words from the sample text, which are important for the PTE Summarize Written Text task:

1. Ecosystem (ˈiː.kəʊˌsɪs.təm) – A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
   Example: Urban ecosystems are changing rapidly due to population growth.

2. Interconnected (ˌɪn.tə.kəˈnɛktəd) – Mutually joined or related.
   Example: Our global economy is an interconnected system, much like ecosystems.

3. Overcrowding (ˌəʊ.vəˈkraʊd.ɪŋ) – The presence of more people than is comfortable in a space.
   Example: Overcrowding in cities often leads to public health concerns.

Overcrowded urban areas face health concerns, which can be alleviated by increasing green spaces.

4. Sustainability (səˈsteɪ.nə.bə.lɪ.ti) – The ability to maintain healthy environmental and human systems.
   Example: Urban sustainability efforts focus on reducing carbon emissions.

5. Pollution (pəˈluː.ʃən) – The introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment.
   Example: Air pollution is a significant problem in many urban areas.

6. Healthcare (ˈhɛlθ.kɛər) – The organized provision of medical services to individuals or communities.
   Example: Access to quality healthcare is a key benefit of urban living.

7. Natural spaces (ˈnætʃ.ər.əl speɪs) – Areas of land that are undisturbed by human activity.
   Example: Maintaining natural spaces in cities is crucial for mental health.

8. Mental health (ˈmɛn.təl hɛlθ) – A person’s condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being.
   Example: Urban stress can lead to poor mental health outcomes without adequate green spaces.

The presence of natural green spaces in urban areas contributes positively to mental health.

9. Policy (ˈpɒl.ɪ.si) – A course or principle of action adopted by an organization or individual.
   Example: Governments must enact policies to tackle pollution and overcrowding.

10. Balanced environments (ˈbæl.ənst ɪnˈvaɪ.rən.mənts) – Environments where ecological and human needs are met in harmony.
    Example: A balanced environment is essential for improving public health.

Conclusion

Summarize Written Text tasks in the PTE Speaking & Writing section often feature topics like urban ecosystems and their effects on public health. As demonstrated, successfully summarizing such topics requires capturing the intricate balance between the benefits of urban living and the challenges posed by pollution, overcrowding, and sustainability efforts. Regular practice will help you confidently manage this task type in the actual PTE exam.

Are you ready to try another summarization practice? We’d love to hear how you tackle these real-world-connected issues! Test out your own summaries and leave a comment below with your response! Alternatively, if you wish to explore related topics in-depth, check out our Renewable energy policies in urban planning section for more practice materials!