Summarize Written Text in PTE – Water Management in Agriculture

In the PTE Speaking & Writing section, one of the most common tasks is Summarize Written Text. It challenges test-takers to summarize a paragraph concisely within one sentence, capturing its main idea, while adhering to strict PTE testing criteria for grammar, content, and form.

Water management in agriculture is an important topic in the PTE exams due to its relevance in global conversations. This guide will provide sample topics on Water Management in Agriculture, commonly appearing in PTE Summarize Written Text tasks.

Sample Task 1: Water Scarcity and Efficient Farming

Water management plays a crucial role in agriculture, particularly in areas where water resources are scarce. Efficient irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation, have been adopted in various countries to minimize water waste while maximizing crop yield. The use of sensors and advanced technology has further enabled farmers to monitor soil moisture levels in real-time, ensuring that crops receive the optimum amount of water without over-irrigation. Water scarcity remains a global challenge, with agriculture being a major consumer of freshwater resources. As the demand for food production rises due to population growth, maintaining water efficiency in farming is critical to ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.

Summarize the text in one sentence.

Answers and Analysis

Band 90 Sample Answer:
Efficient water management in agriculture, particularly through the use of technologies like drip irrigation and moisture sensors, is essential in ensuring sustainable farming practices amid global water scarcity.

• Content: A direct and comprehensive summary, covering both the cause (water scarcity) and solution (efficient farming techniques), and their importance in sustainable agriculture.
• Form: Proper structure, with the required single sentence between 5-75 words.
• Grammar: No grammatical errors, correctly structured.
• Vocabulary: Precise word choice, such as “efficient water management,” “drip irrigation,” and “sustainable farming.”
• Spelling: No mistakes.

Band 70 Sample Answer:
Water-efficient techniques like drip irrigation and sensor systems are critical for sustainable agricultural practices given increasing global water scarcity.

• Content: This covers most key points, though it misses some nuance about population growth and food demand.
• Form: Sentence is effective and within word limits.
• Grammar: Flawless grammar.
• Vocabulary: Accurate use of terms like “water-efficient techniques” and “sustainable agricultural practices.”
• Spelling: No mistakes.

Band 60 Sample Answer:
Farmers use drip irrigation and sensors to manage water, preventing over-irrigation and promoting efficiency in areas with water shortages.

• Content: The essential information is present, though some important details regarding global context and sustainability are omitted.
• Form: Good structure and length.
• Grammar: Minor issues, but overall clear.
• Vocabulary: General words like “efficiency” and “water shortages” could use more precise terms.
• Spelling: No errors.

Sample Task 2: Climate Change Impact on Water Resources

Climate change is aggravating water scarcity problems in many parts of the world, directly affecting agriculture. Rising temperatures have led to increased evaporation rates, while changing rainfall patterns have resulted in either droughts or floods in various regions. Moreover, groundwater depletion, driven by unsustainable water extraction for farming purposes, is another growing concern. To mitigate these challenges, governments and farmers are urged to adopt sustainable water management practices such as rainwater harvesting and improved irrigation techniques, which help conserve precious water resources.

Summarize the text in one sentence.

Answers and Analysis

Band 90 Sample Answer:
The exacerbation of water scarcity due to climate change demands sustainable solutions in agriculture, like rainwater harvesting and improved irrigation methods, to combat impacts like groundwater depletion and erratic rainfall.

• Content: Comprehensive, mentions both climate change effects and solutions.
• Form: Exactly one sentence, meets the length requirement.
• Grammar: Excellent grammar, appropriate use of complex structures.
• Vocabulary: High-level words such as “exacerbation,” “erratic,” and “groundwater depletion.”
• Spelling: No mistakes.

Band 70 Sample Answer:
Climate change is worsening water scarcity issues, and agriculture needs sustainable practices like better irrigation and rainwater harvesting to address groundwater depletion and changing rainfall.

• Content: Good coverage of the main points but slightly simplified structure.
• Form: A well-structured, single sentence.
• Grammar: Grammatically sound.
• Vocabulary: Good use of vocabulary, though less complex than the 90 band answer.
• Spelling: No mistakes.

Band 60 Sample Answer:
Climate change is increasing water shortages, so farmers should use rainwater and new irrigation systems to save water.

• Content: Contains the main concept, but lacks detail on the global aspect and causes.
• Form: Acceptable form, with room for expansion.
• Grammar: OK, though slightly informal.
• Vocabulary: Basic terms like “water shortages” and “save water” need more precision.
• Spelling: No errors.

Water management is key in sustainable farming practices to combat water scarcity

Vocabulary and Grammar Review

Here are 10 essential vocabulary words from the Summarize Written Text examples:

1. Scarcity (ˈskeər.sɪ.ti) – the state of being in short supply.

   • Water scarcity is becoming a critical issue in agriculture.

2. Irrigation (ˌɪr.ɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən) – the process of supplying water to crops.

   • Drip irrigation systems help minimize water wastage.

3. Depletion (dɪˈpliː.ʃən) – reduction in quantity.

   • Groundwater depletion is a growing problem.

4. Evaporation (ɪˌvæp.əˈreɪ.ʃən) – the process of turning liquid into vapor.

   • Higher temperatures lead to more evaporation.

5. Sustainable (səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl) – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.

   • Sustainable practices are crucial for preserving water resources.

6. Mitigate (ˈmɪt.ɪ.ɡeɪt) – to make less severe.

   • Better irrigation systems can mitigate water waste.

7. Harvesting (ˈhɑː.vɪ.stɪŋ) – collecting rainwater for use.

   • Farmers are using rainwater harvesting to supplement their water needs.

8. Global (ˈɡləʊ.bəl) – worldwide or involving all parts of the world.

   • Global water usage in agriculture must be addressed.

9. Erratic (ɪˈrætɪk) – irregular and unpredictable.

   • Erratic rainfall affects crop production.

10. Sensors (ˈsɛn.sərs) – devices that detect or measure.

    • Soil moisture sensors are useful in regulating water usage.

Conclusion

The Summarize Written Text section in the PTE exam often covers critical global issues such as Water Management In Agriculture. This topic challenges test-takers to not only understand the intricacies of sustainable water usage but also articulate them concisely. The practice examples here mirror real exam scenarios and offer valuable insights into the expectations for grammar, form, and accuracy. Continue practicing similar prompts, share your challenges, and leave a comment below to improve further!