Summarize Written Text PTE Example: Zero-emission Transport Solutions

Summarize Written Text Example 1: Zero-emission Transport Policies

Recent decades have witnessed an acceleration in the development and implementation of zero-emission transport policies and solutions worldwide. Governments and private sectors alike are investing in electric cars, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and green urban transport systems to combat climate change. The shift to renewable energy sources like wind and solar plays a critical role in reducing the environmental impact of transportation, which is a significant contributor to global emissions. Many developed nations have set agendas to completely phase out internal combustion engines in favor of electric vehicles (EVs) by the middle of the century. This transition aims to drastically reduce carbon footprints and create a sustainable future for generations to come, but numerous challenges, such as infrastructure development and cost barriers, remain.

Instruction: Summarize the text in one sentence.

Suggested Sample Answers:

Band 90-100:
Governments and the private sector are focusing on the transition to zero-emission transport through the adoption of renewable energy-powered vehicles, though challenges like infrastructure and costs persist.

• Content: The response captures all the critical aspects of the original text, including government initiatives, the private sector’s involvement, renewable energy, and ongoing challenges.
• Form: The summary is appropriately concise (~34 words).
• Grammar: Grammar is flawless with no errors.
• Vocabulary: Advanced vocabulary such as “transition,” “adoption,” and “infrastructure” is employed.
• Spelling: No spelling mistakes.

Band 70-79:
Efforts to reduce transport emissions include switching to electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, but barriers like cost and infrastructure exist.

• Content: The response adequately captures the focus on emission reduction and the main challenges but lacks detail on the significance of renewable energy.
• Form: The summary is concise (~22 words).
• Grammar: Grammar is correct.
• Vocabulary: Uses commonly accepted vocabulary.
• Spelling: No spelling mistakes.

Band 60-69:
Transport policies focus on renewable energy vehicles, but issues like cost and infrastructure remain.

• Content: The response is accurate but omits substantial details like government and private sector roles.
• Form: The summary is brief but acceptable (~14 words).
• Grammar: The sentence structure is correct.
• Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary, lacking complexity.
• Spelling: No spelling mistakes.

Summarize Written Text Example 2: The Importance of Zero-emission Public Transport

The adoption of zero-emission public transport systems, such as electric buses and trams, has been hailed as one of the most effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in urban areas. Public transport tends to attract a considerable proportion of daily commuters, and transitioning these systems to renewable energy sources drastically reduces the reliance on fossil fuels. However, despite substantial efforts in some regions, the adoption rates vary worldwide, with some developing countries still facing obstacles, from financial constraints to outdated infrastructure.

Instruction: Summarize the text in one sentence.

Suggested Sample Answers:

Band 90-100:
Switching public transport systems to zero-emission vehicles significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, but developing countries face challenges such as financial barriers and outdated infrastructure.

• Content: This answer encapsulates the essence of the entire passage with mentions of emissions, renewable energy sources, and existing challenges.
• Form: The summary is precise (~25 words).
• Grammar: Excellent grammar.
• Vocabulary: Rich vocabulary with appropriate terms (“greenhouse gas,” “financial barriers,” “outdated infrastructure”).
• Spelling: No spelling mistakes.

Band 70-79:
Zero-emission public transport reduces pollution but is hard to implement in developing countries due to cost and poor infrastructure.

• Content: Acceptable summary but less emphasis on renewable energy specifics.
• Form: Concise (~19 words).
• Grammar: The sentence is grammatically correct.
• Vocabulary: Adequate vocabulary.
• Spelling: No spelling mistakes.

Band 60-69:
Zero-emission public transport helps cities reduce emissions, but many countries struggle with cost and infrastructure.

• Content: General approach that misses some key elements, such as the distinction between developed and developing countries.
• Form: Acceptable (~16 words).
• Grammar: Grammatically correct.
• Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary.
• Spelling: No spelling mistakes.

Vocabulary and Grammar Insights

Here are 10 essential vocabulary items encountered in the above examples:

1. Emission /ɪˈmɪʃən/: The release of substances (typically gases) into the air.
   Example: Reducing CO2 emissions is a priority for many nations.

2. Renewable energy /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈɛnərdʒi/: Energy from sources that are replenishable, like solar or wind.
   Example: Many countries are investing in renewable energy.

3. Infrastructure /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/: The fundamental physical systems of a nation, such as transportation, communication, etc.
   Example: The lack of proper infrastructure hinders the adoption of new technologies.

4. Transition /trænˈzɪʃən/: The process or period of changing from one state or condition to another.
   Example: The transition to electric vehicles is accelerating globally.

5. Hydrogen-powered vehicles /ˈhaɪdrədʒən ˈpaʊərd ˈviːklz/: Vehicles that use hydrogen as a fuel source for energy.
   Example: Hydrogen-powered vehicles are seen as an alternative to traditional fuels.

6. Combustion /kəmˈbʌstʃən/: The process of burning something.
   Example: Internal combustion engines contribute significantly to air pollution.

7. Substantial /səbˈstænʃəl/: Of considerable importance, size, or worth.
   Example: A substantial reduction in emissions is necessary to meet climate goals.

8. Commuter /kəˈmjuːtər/: A person who travels some distance to work regularly.
   Example: Many commuters use public transport on a daily basis.

9. Barrier /ˈbæriər/: Something that blocks or impedes progress or access.
   Example: Financial barriers are slowing the transition to clean energy.

10. Phase out /feɪz aʊt/: To gradually eliminate something.
    Example: Countries are planning to phase out gasoline-powered cars by 2040.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the “Summarize Written Text” task in the PTE is key to achieving high scores. Topics like zero-emission transport solutions are very common in actual exams and hold great importance due to their relevance in today’s world. As such, practicing summarizing through the examples provided above will help improve both your language proficiency and understanding of global environmental issues.

For more insights related to clean energy in transportation, you may also explore Renewable energy sources for transportation, which provides valuable context for these topics. Ensure regular practice, and you’ll boost your chances of success in the PTE exam!