How is Renewable Energy Affecting Global Geopolitics? – IELTS Reading Practice

The IELTS Reading section is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to understand and interpret academic texts on a variety of subjects. Among the topics frequently appearing in the tests are those related to current global issues, including renewable energy and its geopolitical implications. Given the increasing importance of renewable energy in today’s world, candidates can expect such themes in future exams.

Reading Passage and Questions

Passage: How Renewable Energy is Transforming Global Geopolitics

The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy is reshaping global geopolitics in profound ways. Traditionally, countries rich in oil, coal, and natural gas have held significant geopolitical power. However, the surge in renewable energy technologies—like wind, solar, and hydro—has started to redistribute this power.

Renewable energy sources are abundant and available globally, which reduces the geopolitical leverage of fossil fuel-rich countries. As countries worldwide invest in green technologies, we are witnessing a shift towards energy independence. This transition reduces the risk of energy supply disruptions and decreases dependence on politically unstable regions.

Moreover, the rise of renewable energy is fostering new alliances and partnerships. Nations are now collaborating to develop and share innovative green technologies, enhancing diplomatic relations and economic cooperation. For instance, the International Solar Alliance, which includes over 120 countries, aims to promote solar energy usage on a global scale.

Renewable Energy Sources

However, the shift is not without challenges. The production and implementation of renewable energy technologies require substantial investments and technological advancements. Furthermore, countries reliant on fossil fuel exports may face economic instability and need to diversify their economies.

Overall, renewable energy is playing a pivotal role in transforming global geopolitics, leading to a more stabilized, cooperative, and sustainable world.

Questions

Question Type: Multiple Choice

1. The primary reason for the redistribution of geopolitical power due to renewable energy is:
   a. Fossil fuels are becoming scarce.
   b. Renewable energy sources are abundant and globally available.
   c. Fossil fuel-rich countries are losing their resources.
   d. Renewable energy technologies are expensive.

2. The International Solar Alliance aims to:
   a. Compete with fossil fuel industries.
   b. Promote the usage of solar energy globally.
   c. Establish a monopoly on renewable energy technologies.
   d. Only benefit countries rich in solar energy resources.

Question Type: Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given)

3. The transition to renewable energy reduces the dependence on politically unstable regions.
   True/False/Not Given

4. Renewable energy technologies do not require any significant investment.
   True/False/Not Given

5. Countries reliant on fossil fuel exports will have to diversify their economies.
   True/False/Not Given

Question Type: Summary Completion

Complete the summary below using the words from the box.

Summary:

The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy is causing a significant shift in global geopolitics. Renewable energy sources are __ (1), leading to decreased geopolitical __ (2) of fossil fuel-rich countries. Furthermore, this shift encourages international __ (3) and partnerships, exemplified by the __ (4) Solar Alliance’s efforts to promote solar energy globally. Nevertheless, the transition demands substantial __ (5) and poses economic challenges for fossil fuel-exporting nations.

Words:
investments, alliances, power, abundant, International

Answer Key and Explanations

1. b – Renewable energy sources are abundant and globally available, which is leading to the redistribution of geopolitical power.
2. b – The International Solar Alliance aims to promote the usage of solar energy globally.
3. True – The passage states that the transition to renewable energy reduces the dependence on politically unstable regions.
4. False – The passage explicitly mentions that renewable energy technologies require substantial investments.
5. True – The passage indicates that countries reliant on fossil fuel exports need to diversify their economies due to the economic challenges posed by the transition.

Summary Completion Answers:

1. abundant
2. power
3. alliances
4. International
5. investments

Common Mistakes

1. Misinterpreting information: Always go back to the passage to confirm your answer.
2. True/False/Not Given confusion: Only select “True” when the statement is explicitly confirmed, “False” when it is explicitly denied, and “Not Given” if it’s neither confirmed nor denied.
3. Ignoring keywords: Focus on keywords in questions and match them with the passage.

Vocabulary

• Geopolitical (adjective): /ˌdʒiːoʊˌpɒlɪˈtɪkəl/: relating to politics or geography.
• Abundant (adjective): /əˈbʌndənt/: present in large quantities.
• Alliance (noun): /əˈlaɪəns/: a union formed for mutual benefit.
• Technological advancements (noun): /tɛknəˈlɒdʒɪkəl ədˈvɑːnsmənts/: progress in the development and application of technology.
• Diversify (verb): /daɪˈvɜːsɪfaɪ/: to make or become more varied.

Grammar Focus

Conditional Sentences

• Type 1 (Real Conditional): Used for real or possible situations.
  • If countries invest in renewable energy, they will reduce their dependence on imported fossil fuels.

Passive Voice

• Form: be + past participle
  • Renewable energy technologies are being implemented worldwide.

Advice for High Reading Score

1. Practice regularly with a variety of topics.
2. Expand your vocabulary by reading widely.
3. Focus on understanding the main ideas and details.
4. Use process of elimination for multiple-choice questions.
5. Familiarize yourself with different question types.