In this article, we’ll create sample Summarize Written Text questions modeled after real PTE exams. Along with each practice question, you’ll find sample responses and an analysis on how they could score. Let’s dive into the practice task and learn how candidates can improve their skills for the PTE exam!
Summarize Written Text Sample Test Questions
Practice Question 1
The food industry generates substantial amounts of waste throughout its production, distribution, and consumption stages. In response, initiatives to reduce food waste have been implemented globally to improve sustainability. By adopting more efficient methods of production, such as precision agriculture, surplus reduction, and better inventory management, the food industry can not only combat climate change but also alleviate food insecurity. Moreover, consumer education on responsible purchasing and preparation plays a crucial role in minimizing household waste, preventing still-edible food from being discarded. Collaboration between governments, industries, and consumers is essential in achieving significant results in waste reduction.
Instructions: In one sentence, summarize the main ideas of the passage.
Sample Answer for Band Scores
Scoring Band 90-100
The global food industry needs to reduce waste by promoting sustainable practices across production and consumption, which includes precision agriculture, improved inventory management, and consumer education, combined with collaboration between governments, industries, and consumers.
Content: Excellent coverage of key points including waste reduction, sustainable practices, and collaboration.
Form: Follows the one-sentence requirement with clear structure.
Grammar: High level of grammatical accuracy.
Vocabulary: Strong use of relevant vocabulary, including “sustainable,” “precise,” and “collaboration.”
Spelling: All words are spelled correctly.
Scoring Band 60-70
Reducing waste in the food industry requires improved production methods and consumer education, along with government and industry collaboration.
Content: Covers most key ideas but lacks some detail, such as specific methods and impacts.
Form: Proper sentence structure and within the word count.
Grammar: Overall correct with slight simplification.
Vocabulary: Sufficient use of relevant terms but lacks variation compared to a higher band.
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Scoring Band 40-50
Food waste is a problem and the food industry needs to reduce this by working with consumers and governments.
Content: Weak coverage of key points, overly general. Misses specifics like sustainability, precision agriculture, etc.
Form: Sentence is simple but correct.
Grammar: Basic grammatical structure with limited complexity.
Vocabulary: Simple vocabulary with less range.
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Practice Question 2
Food waste is a growing global issue, and reducing wastage has become a priority for many developed and developing economies. Several factors influence food waste, including inefficiencies at various stages from farm to table, consumer behaviors, and lack of proper food storage infrastructure. Addressing these problems could significantly reduce environmental degradation caused by food waste, such as greenhouse gas emissions from decomposing food in landfills, and help redistribute surplus food to address global hunger.
Instructions: In one sentence, summarize the main ideas of the passage.
Sample Answer for Band Scores
Scoring Band 90-100
To address the global issue of food waste, inefficiencies in production, consumer behavior, and storage infrastructure must be improved to reduce environmental degradation and redistribute surplus food for hunger relief.
Content: Excellent coverage of key points on food waste reduction and environmental impacts.
Form: One complete sentence with a clear and logical structure.
Grammar: Strong grammatical accuracy and complexity.
Vocabulary: Excellent variety of relevant terms.
Spelling: No errors.
Scoring Band 60-70
Food waste can be reduced by improving production processes, addressing consumer habits, and improving infrastructure, which could help the environment and alleviate hunger.
Content: Covers main points but lacks detail about environmental benefits and inefficiencies.
Form: Follows sentence rules with minor simplifications.
Grammar: Relatively good grammar with minor simplifications.
Vocabulary: Satisfactory use of terms though less specific.
Spelling: Correct.
Scoring Band 40-50
Food waste is a global problem that needs to be solved by reducing inefficiencies in production and helping the environment.
Content: Oversimplifies the main ideas, omitting consumer behavior and infrastructural improvements.
Form: Sentence is basic but correct.
Grammar: Basic sentence construction without complexity.
Vocabulary: Simple terms, lacking depth.
Spelling: No errors.
Vocabulary and Grammar Focus
Here’s a list of 10 key vocabulary words from the passages, along with their definitions and examples:
-
Inefficiency /ɪnɪˈfɪʃənsi/: The lack of effectiveness or the ability to avoid waste.
Example: Addressing inefficiencies in the supply chain helps reduce production costs. -
Degradation /dɛɡrəˈdeɪʃən/: The process of something becoming worse or declining in quality.
Example: Environmental degradation can result from improper waste management. -
Sustainability /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/: The ability to maintain or preserve resources in a responsible manner.
Example: Sustainability is a key goal in current food production methods. -
Redistribute /ˌriːdɪˈstrɪbjuːt/: To distribute something again or differently, particularly among different people or areas.
Example: The surplus food was redistributed to communities in need. -
Precision agriculture /prɪˈsɪʒən æɡrɪˌkʌltʃər/: A farming management concept that uses technology to monitor and optimize farming practices.
Example: Precision agriculture minimizes waste by optimizing resource usage. -
Greenhouse gas /ɡriːnhaʊs ɡæs/: Gases like carbon dioxide that trap heat in the atmosphere.
Example: Decomposing food in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. -
Inventory /ˈɪnvəntri/: The goods in stock or a list of available items.
Example: Better inventory management can help reduce food shortages. -
Emissions /ɪˈmɪʃənz/: Substances, especially gases, that are released into the atmosphere.
Example: Reducing emissions is essential for battling climate change. -
Infrastructure /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃər/: The basic physical and organizational structures needed for society.
Example: Efficient food storage infrastructure is vital for reducing spoilage. -
Collaborate /kəˈlæbəreɪt/: To work together to achieve a common goal.
Example: Businesses and governments must collaborate to address food waste.
Conclusion
The issue of waste reduction in the food industry is a frequent and significant topic that candidates may encounter in the Summarize Written Text section of the PTE exam. Practicing with realistic sample questions, as shown above, allows students to sharpen their summary skills while learning about a critical global issue.
Real exam topics may cover a wide range of issues from sustainability to technology in agriculture, as seen in Biofuels and food versus fuel debate. Understanding these concepts through practice will give you a solid edge in achieving your desired score!
