Summarize Written Text: PTE Writing Practice Questions with Sample Answers (2026)

“Shared space” refers to an approach to street design in which traffic signs and kerbs are removed so that the normal separation between different road users no longer exists. Pedestrians, cyclists and drivers all share the same space and negotiate their movements with each other. It was first introduced in Friesland in the Netherlands, and works on the principle that if regulation is reduced, people will take personal responsibility, reducing their speed and relying on eye contact with other road users. It has been tried out in other cities in Europe and in Auckland, New Zealand, and some impressive claims have been made for it, namely that it has reduced traffic speed more successfully than other measures and reduced or eliminated accidents. However, if this is the case, one cannot help wondering why it has not been introduced in all the world’s major cities. Is it perhaps something that only works with low volumes of traffic or only in particular cultures? The fact is that even the most impressive statistics are not necessarily proof that it works. It may be, for example, that both pedestrians and motorists consciously avoid places where there are no rules, and the decline in the number of accidents is due more to this. Opinion surveys rarely show that people are in favour of them and the organizations which have come out strongly against are those representing the disabled, or, not surprisingly, the blind. There may be a role for shared space in some specific areas of particular cities but on the whole road safety cannot simply be left to people’s native courtesy or personal judgement.

The water we use is not as clean as we might think. High levels of micro-pollution have been found in some of our water sources, reducing the safety and quality of our drinking water. The type of pollution found combines different pollutants and has a variety of longstanding effects on the water. The purity of the water may also be negatively affected by unexpected pollution events, such as natural disasters or industrial accidents. Furthermore, there are also often problems concerning the distribution of drinking water from our water sources to places where water is consumed, such as our homes. Water can become polluted during its journey. For these reasons, water often needs to be purified before it can be consumed. This may happen at source, or nearer to consumption. In some countries it has been difficult to integrate technology to help the overall process due to financial and logistical challenges. Traditional waterworks and companies need cheaper, smart technology and more automated processes, without the need for human control. Brand new waterworks must be of a cutting-edge design to allow for producing the standard of water we need to drink. Furthermore, to enable water to remain clean while it is being distributed, the delivery of water needs to be constantly monitored.

The transition to renewable energy is seen as a crucial step in addressing global climate change and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal energy sources offer cleaner alternatives that produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions. Over the past decade, the cost of renewable technologies, particularly solar panels and wind turbines, has decreased significantly, making them more accessible and economically viable. Many countries have adopted ambitious targets to increase their share of renewables in the energy mix, supported by government subsidies and policy incentives. However, challenges remain. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are intermittent by nature, relying on weather conditions, which raises concerns about energy reliability and storage. Developing efficient battery storage systems and upgrading existing power grids are essential to ensuring a consistent energy supply. In addition, the environmental impact of producing renewable infrastructure, such as land use for wind farms or the mining of rare minerals for solar panels, must be carefully managed. Critics also point out that transitioning away from fossil fuels may disrupt industries and economies that are heavily reliant on them, requiring substantial investments in retraining workers and restructuring job markets. Despite these obstacles, the overall consensus among scientists, economists, and policymakers is that the benefits of renewable energy—environmental sustainability, energy security, and long-term cost savings—far outweigh the drawbacks, provided the transition is managed thoughtfully and inclusively.

In the UK, as in many other countries around the world, there is an ‘affordability crisis’ in housing. Young people feel the brunt of this; they are priced out of many areas because both owner-occupied and private rental housing are unaffordable. This trend has translated into a rise in the residential separation of older and younger adults; many areas are predominantly composed of residents from a single generation. Given that people’s housing requirements change as they move through different stages of their life, for example couples wishing to have more space when they have children, and that certain types of housing are generally grouped together, perhaps this current trend is expected. However, this increasing age segregation can be concerning if it stems from young people being unable to afford the housing they need. This spatial separation of generations impedes possibilities for interaction between older and younger generations, which has ramifications for policy on social cohesion and the organization of society. In addition to the associated loss of cross-age interactions outside the family, there is likely to be competition between age groups for limited public resources to fund the services and institutions demanded by their associated age-specific needs. For instance, a district largely comprised of young couples with children would have greater overcrowding in schools and one full of mostly elderly residents may have greater demands on healthcare. Hence what might at first glance appear to be a crisis in housing may lead to multiple consequences for society unless it is effectively and promptly addressed.

Social media has revolutionized how people communicate, offering instant connectivity, global reach, and platforms for self-expression. For many, especially young users, it serves as a tool for maintaining relationships, discovering communities, and accessing information. However, growing concerns have emerged about its impact on mental health. Studies have linked excessive social media use to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. One contributing factor is the tendency to compare oneself with others, as curated online personas often portray idealized versions of reality. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Additionally, the pursuit of validation through likes and comments may create a dependency on external approval. Sleep disruption is another side effect, as screen time late at night interferes with rest and recovery. On the other hand, some researchers argue that the relationship between social media and mental health is complex and influenced by how individuals use these platforms. Positive engagement—such as supportive interactions, educational content, and participation in interest-based groups—can enhance well-being. Recognizing both the risks and benefits, mental health professionals recommend mindful usage, including setting time limits, curating content, and prioritizing in-person connections. Several social media companies have introduced tools to help users monitor their screen time and manage online experiences. As digital platforms continue to evolve, fostering digital literacy and emotional resilience is essential to ensuring that users, particularly adolescents, can navigate social media in a healthy and balanced way.

Music has long been recognized as a powerful tool in human culture, influencing emotions, memory, and even physical health. Neuroscientific research has shown that listening to music activates multiple areas of the brain, including those involved in emotion, movement, and memory processing. For individuals with neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s, music therapy has demonstrated positive effects, improving motor coordination and memory recall. In educational settings, music has also been found to enhance language development, spatial reasoning, and concentration among students. Despite its benefits, funding for music programs in schools has often been reduced in favor of subjects deemed more academically critical. Advocates argue that music should be considered an essential part of a well-rounded education and a valuable therapeutic resource in healthcare. As scientific understanding of music’s impact continues to grow, its role in both education and medicine is being reevaluated with renewed interest.

Volcanology, the study of volcanoes and volcanic phenomena, plays a crucial role in understanding Earth's geological activities. Volcanologists investigate both active and dormant volcanoes, employing techniques like remote sensing, geophysical measurements, and chemical analysis to monitor volcanic activity. This field of science helps in predicting eruptions and mitigating the risks associated with volcanic disasters. By analyzing the composition of volcanic rocks and gases, scientists can infer the history of eruptions and the dynamics of molten rock below the Earth's surface. The information gathered aids in understanding tectonic movements and contributes to broader geological research.

Since the launch of Sputnik in 1957, space exploration has transformed from a Cold War rivalry into a global and commercial pursuit. Today, government agencies like NASA and ESA work alongside private companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin to push the boundaries of space. Scientific missions have explored planets, moons, and asteroids, offering insights into the universe and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Mars is a key focus, with rovers analyzing its surface and crewed missions in planning. The International Space Station (ISS) stands as a symbol of international cooperation and scientific progress. Proponents argue that space exploration drives innovation, inspires future generations, and prepares humanity for survival beyond Earth. However, critics question the high costs and believe funds should be directed toward urgent Earth-based issues like poverty and climate change. There are also growing concerns about the environmental effects of rocket launches and the accumulation of space debris, which threatens satellites and missions. Despite the debates, investment in space continues to grow, with increased interest in satellite development, space tourism, and even potential lunar settlements. As exploration advances, the challenge lies in balancing technological ambition with ethical responsibility to ensure space benefits all of humanity.

Research indicates a detectable increase in several wild animal species, including boars, deer and bears, in certain parts of Asia. A plausible answer for this lies rooted in human demography and is particularly visible in rural areas where the population has decreased. As a direct consequence, there now appears to be a correlation between a sharp decline in numbers of human inhabitants and the rise in the size of wild animal populations. With the human population dwindling steadily in rural areas, more animal sightings are being reported. Whereas in the past both brown and black bears have been elusive and difficult to spot, the number of bear sightings in countries such as Japan, amongst others, have witnessed a marked increase with approximately 13,000 sightings in 2018. Most of the actual witnesses who have reported bear activities tend to be tourists with local residents offering fewer accounts of bear sightings. However, it remains clear that any sudden increases in sightings usually occur in places where the human population is falling fastest. A bear’s natural instinct is to avoid human contact, so these sightings are consistent with the animal’s behaviour. If the unintentional trend of wild animals interacting more closely with humans looks set to continue, then both species may need to discover ways to co-exist.

Entrepreneurship involves the process of designing, launching, and running a new business, which often includes considerable risk. Entrepreneurs are innovators who bring new ideas, products, or services to the marketplace. They not only create businesses but also drive economic growth by generating employment opportunities and introducing groundbreaking technologies and solutions. The entrepreneurial journey is marked by challenges such as securing funding, managing resources, navigating competition, and adapting to market changes. Successful entrepreneurs possess attributes like resilience, creativity, and strategic thinking. With the rise of digital technology and globalization, the landscape of entrepreneurship is constantly evolving, offering both challenges and opportunities for those willing to embrace the journey.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the healthcare industry by improving diagnostic accuracy, streamlining administrative tasks, and personalizing patient care. AI algorithms can analyze vast datasets, including medical images, genetic sequences, and clinical notes, far faster than human professionals. For instance, AI tools are now capable of detecting early signs of diseases such as cancer, diabetic retinopathy, and cardiovascular issues with a high degree of precision. In rural or underserved areas, AI can fill critical gaps in expertise, helping medical professionals make informed decisions with limited resources. Beyond diagnostics, AI applications in healthcare include virtual health assistants, predictive analytics for patient outcomes, and chatbots for initial symptom triage. These tools help reduce the burden on doctors and allow more efficient patient handling. However, ethical concerns persist—ranging from data privacy and algorithmic bias to the risk of over-reliance on machines. There’s also apprehension about job displacement among healthcare workers. To balance innovation and safety, stakeholders call for strong regulatory frameworks and human-in-the-loop systems that combine AI capabilities with expert oversight. While challenges remain, the promise of AI lies in its ability to enhance human judgment, increase efficiency, and improve overall health outcomes without replacing the human touch at the heart of medicine.

Experts say we are now experiencing a Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as 4IR. The Fourth Revolution differs significantly from the third in the fact that it has revolutionized many of our previous ‘norms’ and has changed the way many of us now function day to day. It is developing at a more rapid pace than other revolutions and has dramatically altered our economy. One such example is in the workplace, where artificial intelligence, or AI, is now often used in place of humans, equating to a faster pace of work which is often done to a higher standard. As well as the economy, it has changed the healthcare system by reducing human error, and using advanced technologies to predict conditions or illnesses, lengthening many people’s lives. However, the revolution has not come without its downsides. By using robotics or automated systems, companies may be required to cut their workforce, leading to higher unemployment levels worldwide. Many people would have to retrain in order to enter a new sector which again may be harmed by the continual and rapid development of technology. We could all experience a severe lack of privacy, and unconsciously allow access to our data which may, one day, be used against us in a detrimental way. Although technology is developed by humans, what happens when the devices become more intelligent than us?