The IELTS Reading section is a crucial component of the test, assessing your ability to comprehend complex texts and extract relevant information. Today, we’ll focus on a topic that has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS exams: the significance of renewable energy in combating climate change. This subject has appeared multiple times in past IELTS tests, reflecting its global importance. Given the ongoing climate crisis and the rapid advancements in renewable energy technology, it’s highly likely that this theme will continue to feature in future IELTS exams.
Let’s dive into a practice reading passage and questions to help you prepare for this type of content in your IELTS Reading test.
Practice Reading Passage
Renewable Energy: A Key Weapon in the Fight Against Climate Change
Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing our planet today. As global temperatures rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, the need for sustainable solutions has never been more urgent. Renewable energy sources have emerged as a critical tool in combating climate change, offering a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels and the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Renewable energy refers to energy derived from sources that are naturally replenished on a human timescale, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat. Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite and produce harmful emissions when burned, renewable energy sources are clean and virtually inexhaustible. The transition to renewable energy is not just an environmental imperative; it also presents economic opportunities and can enhance energy security for nations worldwide.
Solar and wind power are at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution. Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight directly into electricity, while wind turbines harness the power of moving air to generate power. Both technologies have seen dramatic improvements in efficiency and cost-effectiveness over the past decade, making them increasingly competitive with traditional energy sources. In many parts of the world, solar and wind power are now cheaper than coal or gas-fired power plants.
Hydroelectric power, which harnesses the energy of flowing water, remains the largest source of renewable electricity globally. While large-scale hydroelectric projects can have significant environmental impacts, small-scale and run-of-river systems offer more sustainable alternatives. Geothermal energy, which taps into the Earth’s internal heat, provides a stable and constant power source in geologically active regions.
The adoption of renewable energy has accelerated in recent years, driven by falling costs, technological improvements, and supportive government policies. Many countries have set ambitious targets for renewable energy adoption as part of their commitments under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The European Union, for instance, aims to derive 32% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.
However, the transition to renewable energy is not without challenges. The intermittent nature of solar and wind power requires advancements in energy storage technologies to ensure a stable power supply. Grid infrastructure must be upgraded to accommodate decentralized power generation. Additionally, some renewable energy technologies, such as large-scale solar farms, can have land-use implications that need to be carefully managed.
Despite these challenges, the potential of renewable energy to mitigate climate change is immense. A study by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) suggests that renewable energy, combined with electrification, could deliver more than 75% of the energy-related CO2 emissions reductions needed to meet global climate goals. Moreover, the renewable energy sector is a significant source of job creation, with employment in the industry growing steadily year on year.
As we look to the future, innovation in renewable energy technologies continues apace. Floating solar farms, offshore wind turbines, and advanced biofuels are just a few examples of emerging technologies that could further accelerate the transition to clean energy. Coupled with improvements in energy efficiency and changes in consumer behavior, renewable energy has the potential to reshape our energy landscape and play a pivotal role in averting the worst impacts of climate change.
The significance of renewable energy in combating climate change cannot be overstated. As a clean, inexhaustible, and increasingly cost-competitive energy source, renewables offer a viable path to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while meeting the world’s growing energy demands. The transition to renewable energy is not just an environmental necessity; it represents a fundamental shift in how we produce and consume energy, with far-reaching implications for economies, societies, and the future of our planet.
Renewable Energy and Climate Change
Practice Questions
True/False/Not Given
For questions 1-5, read the statements below and decide if they are True, False, or Not Given based on the information in the passage.
- Renewable energy sources are finite and will eventually be depleted.
- Solar and wind power have become more cost-effective in recent years.
- Hydroelectric power is currently the largest source of renewable electricity worldwide.
- All European Union countries have already achieved 32% renewable energy usage.
- The renewable energy sector has shown consistent growth in job creation.
Multiple Choice
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D for questions 6-8.
According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a challenge in transitioning to renewable energy?
A) Intermittent nature of some renewable sources
B) Need for grid infrastructure upgrades
C) Land-use implications of certain technologies
D) Public resistance to renewable energy projectsThe IRENA study suggests that renewable energy and electrification could reduce energy-related CO2 emissions by:
A) Less than 50%
B) Exactly 75%
C) More than 75%
D) 100%Which of the following is described as an emerging renewable energy technology?
A) Photovoltaic cells
B) Wind turbines
C) Geothermal energy
D) Floating solar farms
Matching Information
Match the following features (questions 9-13) with the correct renewable energy source (A-E). You may use each letter more than once.
A) Solar power
B) Wind power
C) Hydroelectric power
D) Geothermal energy
E) Biofuels
- Converts sunlight directly into electricity
- Harnesses the energy of flowing water
- Provides a stable and constant power source in geologically active regions
- Uses the power of moving air to generate electricity
- An emerging technology that could accelerate the transition to clean energy
Answer Key and Explanations
False
Explanation: The passage states that renewable energy sources are “clean and virtually inexhaustible,” contradicting the statement that they are finite.True
Explanation: The text mentions that “Both technologies have seen dramatic improvements in efficiency and cost-effectiveness over the past decade.”True
Explanation: The passage directly states, “Hydroelectric power, which harnesses the energy of flowing water, remains the largest source of renewable electricity globally.”Not Given
Explanation: While the passage mentions the EU’s goal of 32% renewable energy by 2030, it doesn’t provide information on current achievement levels for all EU countries.True
Explanation: The text states, “the renewable energy sector is a significant source of job creation, with employment in the industry growing steadily year on year.”D
Explanation: Public resistance to renewable energy projects is not mentioned in the passage. All other options are explicitly stated as challenges.C
Explanation: The passage states that according to the IRENA study, renewable energy and electrification “could deliver more than 75% of the energy-related CO2 emissions reductions needed.”D
Explanation: Floating solar farms are mentioned as an example of emerging technologies in renewable energy.A
Explanation: The passage states that “Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight directly into electricity.”C
Explanation: Hydroelectric power is described as harnessing “the energy of flowing water.”D
Explanation: Geothermal energy is described as providing “a stable and constant power source in geologically active regions.”B
Explanation: Wind turbines are described as harnessing “the power of moving air to generate power.”E
Explanation: Advanced biofuels are mentioned as an example of emerging technologies in renewable energy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Misinterpreting “Not Given” answers: Remember, “Not Given” means the information is neither confirmed nor contradicted in the text.
- Overlooking key qualifiers: Words like “some,” “many,” or “often” can change the meaning of a statement.
- Falling for distractors: Be cautious of answer choices that use words from the text but in a different context.
- Time management: Don’t spend too much time on difficult questions; move on and return if time allows.
Key Vocabulary
- Renewable energy: /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/ (noun) – energy from a source that is not depleted when used
- Climate change: /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/ (noun) – long-term shifts in global weather patterns
- Greenhouse gas emissions: /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃnz/ (noun phrase) – release of gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect
- Photovoltaic cells: /ˌfoʊtoʊvɒlˈteɪɪk selz/ (noun phrase) – devices that convert light into electricity
- Geothermal energy: /ˌdʒiːoʊˈθɜːrml ˈenədʒi/ (noun phrase) – heat energy generated and stored in the Earth
Grammar Focus
Pay attention to the use of comparative and superlative forms in the passage:
- Comparative: “cleaner alternative,” “more frequent,” “cheaper than”
- Superlative: “largest source,” “most pressing challenges”
These forms are often used to compare and contrast different energy sources or emphasize the importance of certain aspects of renewable energy.
Tips for IELTS Reading Success
- Practice active reading: Engage with the text by highlighting key information and making mental notes.
- Improve your vocabulary: Regularly learn new words related to environment and energy topics.
- Time management: Allocate your time wisely among the three sections of the reading test.
- Skim and scan: Use these techniques to quickly locate specific information in the text.
- Read the questions carefully: Understand exactly what each question is asking before searching for the answer.
- Don’t rely on prior knowledge: Base your answers solely on the information provided in the passage.
- Practice regularly: Familiarize yourself with different question types and passages on various topics.
Remember, success in IELTS Reading comes with consistent practice and a strategic approach. Focus on understanding the overall message of the passage while being attentive to specific details. By mastering these skills, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any topic that appears in your IELTS Reading test, including complex subjects like the significance of renewable energy in combating climate change.
For more information on renewable energy and its importance, you can check out our articles on the importance of renewable energy and how renewable energy adoption impacts job creation in the energy sector. Additionally, to explore related topics, you might find our pieces on how blockchain technology is being used to combat climate change and the effects of climate action policies informative.