The Reading section of the IELTS exam is designed to assess a variety of reading skills including reading for gist, reading for main ideas, reading for detail, skimming, understanding logical arguments, and recognizing writers’ opinions, attitudes, and purpose. One prevalent topic in recent years is renewable energy and its impact on energy independence. Considering global economic and environmental shifts, this subject’s popularity is rising and frequently appearing in academic texts.

Given the increasing relevance of renewable energy, it is plausible that this topic will continue to feature in future IELTS Reading tests. This article will provide you with a comprehensive reading passage, questions that mimic the IELTS format, and valuable insights that can enhance your reading skills.

Main Content

Reading Passage: How Does Renewable Energy Adoption Affect Energy Independence?

Renewable energy adoption has become a crucial focus for many nations striving for energy independence. The ability to rely on domestic energy sources rather than imported fossil fuels not only reduces political and economic vulnerabilities but also contributes to environmental sustainability. This text explores how varied renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass, impact a nation’s ability to achieve energy independence.

Over the past decades, the global energy landscape has shifted substantially. Countries heavily reliant on fossil fuels have experienced price volatility, supply disruptions, and geopolitical tensions. Consequently, many nations have turned their attention to renewable energy sources. Renewables offer a dependable and continual supply of energy, as they harness naturally occurring processes that are less susceptible to geopolitical fluctuations.

For instance, solar energy, which converts sunlight into electricity, provides a sustainable and inexhaustible energy source. Nations with high solar insolation are capitalizing on this resource to decrease their reliance on imported fuels. Similarly, wind energy, generated by converting wind currents into electricity using turbines, has seen substantial growth. Regions with robust wind resources like the North Sea or the Great Plains of the United States are progressively leveraging wind farms to meet their energy needs.

Hydropower, derived from flowing or falling water, historically constitutes a significant renewable energy source. Countries with substantial river systems, such as Norway and Brazil, have long relied on hydroelectric plants to fulfill a substantial portion of their energy demand. Additionally, biomass energy, produced from organic materials, has gained traction as a versatile and dependable renewable source.

The transition to renewable energy not only promotes energy independence but also stimulates economic growth, creates jobs, and mitigates climate change. However, integrating renewable energy into national grids poses challenges, including intermittency issues and the necessity for advanced infrastructure. Despite these hurdles, advancements in technology and policy frameworks continue to bolster the global shift towards renewables.

Renewable Energy Adoption

Questions

Questions 1-6:

Complete the sentences below. Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the text for each answer.

1. Countries heavily reliant on __ have experienced price volatility.
2. Solar energy provides a sustainable and __ energy source.
3. The North Sea capitalizes on __ to meet energy needs.
4. __ historically constitutes a significant renewable energy source.
5. Biomass energy is produced from __.
6. Transitioning to renewable energy can create jobs and __.

Questions 7-10:

Do the following statements agree with the views of the writer in the reading passage? Write:

• TRUE if the statement agrees with the views of the writer
• FALSE if the statement contradicts the views of the writer
• NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this

7. Renewable energy sources are less susceptible to geopolitical fluctuations.
8. Norway relies heavily on solar energy for its energy needs.
9. Biomass energy is derived only from plant materials.
10. Renewable energy does not stimulate economic growth.

Answer Keys

Answers for Questions 1-6

1. fossil fuels
2. inexhaustible
3. wind farms
4. Hydropower
5. organic materials
6. mitigate climate change

Answers for Questions 7-10

7. TRUE
8. FALSE
9. FALSE
10. FALSE

Common Mistakes and Tips

• Misinterpreting Questions: Carefully read each question. Ensure you understand before selecting your answer.
• Time Management: Allocate your time wisely. Don’t spend too long on one question.
• Vocabulary Issues: Enhance your vocabulary to better understand and interpret the text.

Vocabulary Focus

• Inexhaustible (adjective) /ɪn.ɪɡˈzɔː.stə.bəl/: incapable of being used up.
• Geopolitical (adjective) /dʒiː.oʊ.pəˈlɪt̬.ɪ.kəl/: relating to international political relations.

Grammar Focus

• Passive Voice: Used to emphasize the action rather than the subject (e.g., “Historically constitutes” rather than “History constitutes”).
• Complex Sentences: Combining multiple clauses for nuanced meaning (e.g., “Despite these hurdles, advancements in technology and policy frameworks continue to bolster the global shift towards renewables”).

Conclusion

Preparing for the IELTS Reading exam involves more than simply understanding the text. Focus on enhancing your vocabulary, managing your time, and practicing with real-life material. Remember, consistency and diligent practice are key to achieving a high score in your IELTS Reading test. Good luck!