Summarize Written Text Practice – Waste-to-Energy Plants and Sustainability

The Summarize Written Text task in the PTE exam requires test-takers to read a passage and condense it into one sentence that captures the main ideas, using correct grammar, appropriate vocabulary, and concise writing. In this practice, we focus on the sustainability theme, specifically Waste-to-Energy (WtE) plants, a topic that frequently resonates with modern environmental discussions. These exercises will help familiarize you with this particular type of content, improving your articulation and summarization skills.

Sample Summarize Written Text Task: Waste-to-Energy Plants and Sustainability

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

Waste-to-energy (WtE) plants offer both sustainable waste management solutions and energy generation. They transform non-recyclable waste into usable heat or electricity, reducing landfill volumes while providing an alternative energy source. However, concerns exist about emissions, although modern technologies reduce air pollution levels significantly. WtE facilities encourage resource efficiency and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Despite their many benefits, critics argue that high costs and the potential over-reliance on incineration can distract from waste reduction and recycling efforts.

Summarize the text provided in a single sentence.

Sample Answer: Band Score 79+

Waste-to-energy plants contribute to sustainability by converting non-recyclable waste into energy, minimizing landfill waste, and decreasing fossil fuel consumption, although critics highlight costs and environmental risks like emissions and reduced emphasis on recycling.

Analysis for Band Score 79+:

• Content: The response accurately captures key issues: transforming waste into energy, landfill reduction, fossil fuel dependency, cost concerns, and recycling.
• Form: The answer stays within the word limit (29 words).
• Grammar: No errors; cohesive use of conjunctions.
• Vocabulary: Advanced words like “transforming,” “minimizing,” and “dependency” are well used.
• Spelling: No spelling errors.

Sample Answer: Band Score 65

Waste-to-energy plants turn non-recyclable waste into electricity and heat, which helps reduce landfills and fossil fuel use, though some worry about emissions and high facility costs.

Analysis for Band Score 65:

• Content: Accurate summary of key points but omits details about the criticism of over-reliance on incineration over recycling.
• Form: Word count is appropriate (28 words).
• Grammar: Mostly accurate, though more complex sentence structures could be included.
• Vocabulary: Adequate but lacks complexity (e.g., “turn” instead of “transform”).
• Spelling: Correct.

Sample Answer: Band Score 50

Waste-to-energy plants take waste and make energy, helping with sustainability, but it is sometimes expensive and some worry about pollution.

Analysis for Band Score 50:

• Content: Lacks depth and misses key points about reducing landfill and fossil fuel dependence.
• Form: Word count is very low (20 words), limiting completion.
• Grammar: Basic sentence structure; requires greater complexity.
• Vocabulary: Simplistic word choice, needing more specific terms like “non-recyclable” or “emissions.”
• Spelling: Correct.

Vocabulary & Grammar Guide

The passage contains advanced terms related to technologies and sustainability. Here are 10 difficult words from the passage with their phonetic transcription, meaning, and sample usage:

1. Sustainability /səˌsteɪ.nəˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/ (noun) – The ability to maintain ecological balance by avoiding depletion of natural resources.

   • Example: Adopting renewable energy sources improves sustainability.

2. Incineration /ɪnˌsɪn.əˈreɪ.ʃən/ (noun) – The act of burning waste material to reduce its volume.

   • Example: Incineration is used in many waste-to-energy plants.

3. Emissions /ɪˈmɪʃ.ənz/ (noun) – The act of releasing gases or particles into the environment.

   • Example: Carbon emissions are a significant concern in industrial processes.

4. Resource efficiency /rɪˈzɔːrs/ /ɪˈfɪʃ.əns.i/ (noun) – The optimization of natural resources use with minimal waste.

   • Example: The company has improved its resource efficiency by recycling water.

5. Renewable energy /rɪˈnjuː.ə.bl/ /ˈen.ə.dʒi/ (noun) – Energy from sources that naturally replenish, such as wind or solar power.

   • Example: Wind farms are an excellent source of renewable energy.

6. Non-recyclable /ˌnɒn.rɪˈsaɪ.klə.bl/ (adjective) – Material that cannot be reprocessed or reused.

   • Example: Non-recyclable plastics are often used in waste-to-energy plants.

7. Dependency /dɪˈpen.dən.si/ (noun) – The state of relying on something.

   • Example: Nations are working to reduce their dependency on fossil fuels.

8. Landfill /ˈlænd.fɪl/ (noun) – A method of waste disposal by burying it under layers of earth.

   • Example: Many urban areas struggle with overflowing landfills.

9. Fossil fuels /ˈfɒs.əl fjuːlz/ (noun) – Natural fuels like coal, gas, and oil, formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals.

   • Example: Governments are encouraging less dependence on fossil fuels.

10. Critics /ˈkrɪtɪks/ (noun) – People who express disapproval or concern.

    • Example: Critics argue that alternative solutions to waste management must be considered.

Conclusion

Summarizing written text is a vital skill in the PTE exam, and this practice exercise on Waste-to-energy Plants And Sustainability not only helps improve your summarization ability but also sheds light on the complexities of modern environmental issues. As the topic mirrors contemporary discussions, it’s likely to appear in future exams. Be sure to practice regularly, focus on content accuracy, and concisely capture the core ideas of each passage. Leave a comment below if you wish for more practice topics!