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 gained significant traction in recent years: “The role of renewable energy in combating climate change.” This subject has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and, given its ongoing relevance, is likely to feature in future tests as well.
As an experienced IELTS instructor, I’ve observed that environmental themes, particularly those related to renewable energy and climate change, have become increasingly prevalent in the Reading section. This trend reflects the global emphasis on sustainability and environmental conservation. Let’s dive into a practice exercise that will help you prepare for this type of passage.
Practice Reading Passage
The Pivotal Role of Renewable Energy in the Fight Against Climate Change
Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing our planet today. As global temperatures continue to rise, the need for sustainable solutions has never been more urgent. Among these solutions, renewable energy stands out as a key player in the battle against climate change. Unlike fossil fuels, which release harmful greenhouse gases when burned, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower produce clean, emissions-free electricity.
The transition to renewable energy is not just an environmental imperative; it’s also becoming increasingly economically viable. As technology advances and economies of scale come into play, the cost of renewable energy has plummeted in recent years. In many parts of the world, renewable energy is now cheaper than fossil fuels, making it an attractive option for both developed and developing nations.
Moreover, the renewable energy sector is a significant source of job creation. As countries invest in clean energy infrastructure, they’re not only reducing their carbon footprint but also stimulating economic growth. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reports that the renewable energy sector employed 11.5 million people globally in 2019, a number that’s expected to grow substantially in the coming years.
However, the transition to renewable energy is not without its challenges. One of the main obstacles is the intermittent nature of some renewable sources. Solar panels don’t generate electricity at night, and wind turbines are ineffective when the air is still. To address this, significant investments are being made in energy storage technologies, such as advanced batteries and pumped hydro storage.
Another challenge is the need for upgraded and expanded electrical grids to accommodate the distributed nature of many renewable energy sources. Traditional power grids were designed for centralized power generation, typically from large fossil fuel plants. Integrating numerous small-scale renewable energy producers requires a more flexible and sophisticated grid system.
Despite these challenges, the role of renewable energy in combating climate change cannot be overstated. By reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, we can significantly decrease greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and create a more sustainable future for generations to come. As technology continues to advance and policies increasingly support clean energy, the transition to a renewable energy-powered world is not just a possibility, but an inevitability.
Questions
True/False/Not Given
- Renewable energy sources produce no greenhouse gas emissions during electricity generation.
- The cost of renewable energy has increased in recent years.
- The renewable energy sector employs more people than the fossil fuel industry.
- Solar panels can generate electricity 24 hours a day.
- Traditional power grids were designed for decentralized power generation.
Multiple Choice
-
According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a renewable energy source?
A) Solar
B) Wind
C) Nuclear
D) Hydropower -
What is described as one of the main challenges for renewable energy?
A) High cost
B) Lack of public support
C) Intermittent nature of some sources
D) Limited availability of resources
Matching Information
Match the following statements (8-10) with the correct paragraph (A-F). Write the appropriate letter (A-F) in boxes 8-10 on your answer sheet.
- The economic viability of renewable energy has improved.
- Renewable energy can stimulate job creation and economic growth.
- Upgrading electrical grids is necessary for the widespread adoption of renewable energy.
Short Answer Questions
Answer the following questions using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
- What type of gases do fossil fuels release when burned?
- According to IRENA, how many people were employed in the renewable energy sector globally in 2019?
- What technology is being developed to address the intermittent nature of some renewable energy sources?
Answer Key and Explanations
- True – The passage states that renewable energy sources produce “clean, emissions-free electricity.”
- False – The passage mentions that “the cost of renewable energy has plummeted in recent years.”
- Not Given – While the passage provides employment figures for the renewable energy sector, it doesn’t compare this to the fossil fuel industry.
- False – The passage mentions that “Solar panels don’t generate electricity at night.”
- False – The passage states that “Traditional power grids were designed for centralized power generation.”
- C – Nuclear energy is not mentioned in the passage as a renewable energy source.
- C – The passage states that “One of the main obstacles is the intermittent nature of some renewable sources.”
- B – Paragraph 2 discusses the improving economic viability of renewable energy.
- C – Paragraph 3 mentions job creation and economic growth from the renewable energy sector.
- E – Paragraph 5 discusses the need for upgraded electrical grids.
- Greenhouse gases
- 11.5 million
- Energy storage
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overlooking key words: Pay attention to words like “not” or “all” that can change the meaning of a statement.
- Making assumptions: Stick to the information provided in the passage and avoid drawing conclusions based on your own knowledge.
- Time management: Don’t spend too much time on difficult questions. If you’re unsure, make an educated guess and move on.
Vocabulary
- Pivotal: /ˈpɪvətl/ (adjective) – crucial, vitally important
- Imperative: /ɪmˈperətɪv/ (noun) – an essential or urgent thing
- Plummeted: /ˈplʌmɪtɪd/ (verb) – fallen or dropped abruptly
- Intermittent: /ˌɪntəˈmɪtənt/ (adjective) – occurring at irregular intervals
- Mitigate: /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ (verb) – make less severe or serious
Grammar Focus
Pay attention to the use of present perfect tense in the passage, for example:
“As global temperatures continue to rise, the need for sustainable solutions has never been more urgent.”
This tense is used to connect past events or states to the present, which is particularly relevant when discussing ongoing issues like climate change.
Tips for Success
- Practice active reading: Engage with the text by predicting what might come next or summarizing key points in your mind.
- Improve your vocabulary: Regularly learn new words related to environment and technology.
- Time yourself: Practice under timed conditions to improve your speed and efficiency.
- Skim and scan: Quickly identify main ideas and locate specific information.
- Stay informed: Read articles about renewable energy and climate change to familiarize yourself with the topic and related vocabulary.
Remember, success in the IELTS Reading section comes from a combination of language skills, test-taking strategies, and subject knowledge. Keep practicing, and you’ll see improvement in your performance.
For more tips on improving your IELTS Reading score, check out our guide to IELTS Reading strategies. You might also be interested in our article on the significance of renewable energy in combating climate change for a deeper dive into this crucial topic.