The IELTS Reading section is often considered one of the trickiest parts of the exam. Understanding how to tackle different types of reading passages and questions is crucial for scoring high. One recurring theme in recent IELTS exams is the “Economic impacts of renewable energy on job creation.” This topic is timely and relevant given the global shift towards renewable energy and its implications for employment. In this article, we’ll provide a realistic IELTS Reading practice passage, questions, and detailed explanations to help you prepare effectively.
Reading Passage: Economic Impacts of Renewable Energy on Job Creation
Instructions
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1-13, which are based on Reading Passage below.
Renewable Energy and Job Creation
The transition to renewable energy sources is not just a response to the pressing issue of climate change but also a significant economic opportunity. Renewable energy technologies, such as wind, solar, and biomass, are increasingly being seen as engines of job creation and economic growth.
Renewable energy projects are typically more labor-intensive compared to traditional fossil fuel projects. For instance, the construction and installation of wind turbines and solar panels require a substantial initial labor force. Once operational, these projects create ongoing maintenance jobs. Moreover, the decentralized nature of renewable energy projects often leads to job creation in local communities, benefiting local economies.
One notable example is the solar energy sector, which has witnessed exponential growth in recent years. A report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) suggests that the solar industry alone employed more than 3 million people worldwide as of 2020. This includes jobs in manufacturing, installation, operations, and maintenance.
Similarly, the wind energy sector has been a significant source of employment. According to a report by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), the sector employed more than 1.5 million people globally by the end of 2019. Jobs in this sector range from high-skilled positions, such as engineers and technicians, to roles in manufacturing and construction.
Despite the promising outlook, challenges remain. The rapid growth of renewable energy jobs can create skills mismatches in the workforce. Workers from the fossil fuel industry may find it difficult to transition to renewable energy jobs without proper retraining programs. Governments and educational institutions worldwide are recognizing the importance of training programs to equip workers with the necessary skills.
In addition to direct job creation, renewable energy projects also have indirect economic benefits. These projects often require ancillary services such as transportation, logistics, and infrastructure development, which can create additional employment opportunities. Furthermore, increased investment in renewable energy can spur innovation and technological advancements, potentially leading to new industries and job types.
Despite the challenges, the economic impact of renewable energy on job creation is overwhelmingly positive. As the world continues to shift towards cleaner energy sources, the renewable energy sector is likely to be a significant driver of employment and economic growth.
Questions
Multiple Choice
-
According to the passage, renewable energy projects:
A. are less labor-intensive than fossil fuel projects.
B. typically create more local jobs compared to fossil fuel projects.
C. require fewer maintenance jobs than fossil fuel projects.
D. provide fewer opportunities for high-skilled workers. -
The IRENA report mentioned in the passage states that:
A. the solar industry employed more than 3 million people worldwide in 2019.
B. the solar industry’s growth has been stagnant in recent years.
C. the solar industry’s job growth is limited to manufacturing.
D. the solar industry employed more than 3 million people worldwide as of 2020.
True/False/Not Given
- The passage states that renewable energy projects create jobs only in local communities.
- According to the passage, all wind energy jobs are high-skilled positions.
- Governments and educational institutions are not focusing on retraining programs for transitioning fossil fuel workers.
Matching Information
6-8. Match the following information to their corresponding statements.
- A. IRENA
- B. GWEC
- C. Both
Statements:
- ___ Said that the solar industry employed more than 3 million people as of 2020.
- ___ Provided a report on employment in the wind energy sector by the end of 2019.
- ___ Focuses on renewable energy sectors such as wind and solar.
Sentence Completion
- Renewable energy projects also have ___ benefits, which can create additional employment opportunities.
Summary Completion
Complete the summary below using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage.
10-13. The article highlights the economic benefits of renewable energy on job creation. While renewable energy projects are (10) labor-intensive than fossil fuel projects, they create jobs in (11) communities, boosting local economies. The solar industry, according to IRENA, employed more than (12) million people worldwide by 2020. However, there are challenges such as skills mismatches that require (13) programs for workers transitioning from the fossil fuel industry.
Answer Key and Explanations
Multiple Choice Answers
- B – The passage states that renewable energy projects typically create more local jobs.
- D – The IRENA report states that the solar industry employed more than 3 million people worldwide as of 2020.
True/False/Not Given Answers
- False – The passage mentions that renewable energy projects create jobs in local communities but not exclusively.
- False – The passage states that jobs range from high-skilled positions to manufacturing and construction roles.
- Not Given – The passage mentions the importance of retraining programs but does not state whether governments and educational institutions are not focusing on them.
Matching Information Answers
- A – Said that the solar industry employed more than 3 million people as of 2020.
- B – Provided a report on employment in the wind energy sector by the end of 2019.
- C – Both focus on renewable energy sectors such as wind and solar.
Sentence Completion Answer
- indirect
Summary Completion Answers
- more
- local
- three (3)
- retraining
Common Mistakes in This Type of IELTS Reading Passage
- Keyword Matching: Candidates often get confused with similar keywords. It’s important to understand the context in which terms are used.
- Time Management: Spending too much time on complex questions can lead to insufficient time for easier ones.
- Assumptions: Avoid making assumptions and rely on the information provided in the passage.
Vocabulary
- Decentralized (adj): [ˌdiːˈsɛntrəˌlaɪzd] – Distributed or spread out across regions.
- Ancillary (adj): [ˈænsɪˌlɛri] – Providing necessary support to the primary activities.
- Mismatch (n): [ˈmɪsmætʃ] – A lack of correspondence or agreement.
- Exponential (adj): [ˌɛkspoʊˈnɛnʃəl] – Growing at an increasingly rapid rate.
Grammar
- Present Perfect Tense: Used to describe actions that occurred at an unspecified time (e.g., “has witnessed”).
- Relative Clauses: Providing additional information about a noun (e.g., “that create jobs in local communities”).
Tips for High IELTS Reading Scores
- Practice Regularly: Familiarize yourself with different types of passages and questions.
- Improve Vocabulary: A strong vocabulary helps in quickly understanding passages.
- Time Management: Allocate time wisely for each passage.
- Read Instructions: Always read the instructions carefully to understand what is required.
By practising with realistic passages like the one provided, you can enhance your reading skills and increase your chances of getting a high score in the IELTS Reading section.