The IELTS Reading section is a crucial component of the test, assessing your ability to comprehend complex texts and respond to various question types. Today, we’ll focus on a topic that has been increasingly prevalent in recent years: “The Role Of Renewable Energy In Economic Growth.” This subject has appeared in several past IELTS exams and, given its growing importance in global discussions, is likely to feature again in future tests.
Based on our analysis of past IELTS exams and current global trends, we predict a high probability of encountering passages related to renewable energy and its economic impact. Let’s dive into a practice exercise to help you prepare for this potentially challenging topic.
Renewable Energy and Economic Growth
Practice Reading Passage
The Economic Potential of Renewable Energy
Renewable energy has emerged as a pivotal factor in shaping the future of global economies. As countries worldwide grapple with the dual challenges of ensuring energy security and mitigating climate change, the renewable energy sector has become a beacon of hope, promising not only environmental benefits but also substantial economic gains.
The transition to renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal power, is driving innovation and creating new industries. This shift is generating a multitude of job opportunities, from research and development to manufacturing and installation of renewable technologies. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the sector employed 11.5 million people globally in 2019, a number that is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
Investment in renewable energy has shown remarkable resilience, even in the face of global economic downturns. In 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, global investment in renewable energy capacity reached $303.5 billion, up 2% from the previous year. This growth demonstrates the sector’s robustness and its potential as a driver of economic recovery.
The economic benefits of renewable energy extend beyond job creation and investment opportunities. As renewable technologies become more efficient and cost-effective, they are increasingly competitive with fossil fuels. This competitiveness is driving down energy costs for businesses and consumers alike, freeing up capital for other economic activities. In many regions, renewable energy is now the cheapest source of new power generation, a trend that is expected to continue as technologies improve and economies of scale are realized.
Moreover, the decentralized nature of many renewable energy sources is fostering energy independence and boosting local economies. Rural and remote communities, previously reliant on expensive imported fuels, can now harness local renewable resources, keeping energy expenditures within the community and stimulating local economic growth.
The renewable energy sector is also driving innovation in adjacent industries. Advancements in energy storage technologies, smart grids, and electric vehicles are creating new markets and business opportunities. These technological spillovers are contributing to broader economic growth and competitiveness across various sectors.
However, the transition to a renewable energy-based economy is not without challenges. It requires significant upfront investment in infrastructure and technology. Governments play a crucial role in facilitating this transition through supportive policies, regulations, and incentives. Countries that have implemented strong renewable energy policies have seen substantial economic benefits, including increased GDP, improved trade balances, and enhanced energy security.
As the world moves towards a low-carbon future, the economic importance of renewable energy is set to grow exponentially. Countries and businesses that position themselves at the forefront of this transition stand to reap significant economic rewards, while those that lag behind risk becoming less competitive in the global market.
The role of renewable energy in economic growth is multifaceted and far-reaching. From job creation and investment opportunities to technological innovation and reduced energy costs, the renewable energy sector is proving to be a powerful engine of economic development. As the world continues to grapple with environmental challenges and the need for sustainable economic growth, the importance of renewable energy in shaping our economic future cannot be overstated.
Questions
True/False/Not Given
- Renewable energy sector employment reached 11.5 million globally in 2019.
- Investment in renewable energy decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Renewable energy is always cheaper than fossil fuels in all regions.
- The decentralized nature of renewable energy sources can benefit rural communities.
- All countries have implemented strong renewable energy policies.
Multiple Choice
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According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a type of renewable energy?
A) Solar
B) Wind
C) Nuclear
D) Geothermal -
The economic benefits of renewable energy include:
A) Job creation
B) Investment opportunities
C) Reduced energy costs
D) All of the above
Matching Headings
Match the following headings to the correct paragraphs in the passage:
- Economic resilience of renewable energy
- The role of government in energy transition
- Impact on local economies
- Challenges in transitioning to renewable energy
Short Answer Questions
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What was the global investment in renewable energy capacity in 2020? (Use no more than three words)
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Name two adjacent industries that are benefiting from innovations in the renewable energy sector. (Use no more than six words)
Answer Key and Explanations
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True – The passage states: “According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the sector employed 11.5 million people globally in 2019.”
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False – The passage mentions: “In 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, global investment in renewable energy capacity reached $303.5 billion, up 2% from the previous year.”
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Not Given – While the passage states that renewable energy is becoming more competitive and is the cheapest source in many regions, it doesn’t claim this is true for all regions.
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True – The passage states: “Rural and remote communities, previously reliant on expensive imported fuels, can now harness local renewable resources, keeping energy expenditures within the community and stimulating local economic growth.”
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Not Given – The passage mentions that countries with strong renewable energy policies have seen benefits, but it doesn’t state that all countries have implemented such policies.
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C) Nuclear – The passage mentions solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal as renewable energy sources, but not nuclear.
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D) All of the above – The passage discusses job creation, investment opportunities, and reduced energy costs as benefits of renewable energy.
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Paragraph 3 – This paragraph discusses how investment in renewable energy has shown resilience even during economic downturns.
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Paragraph 7 – This paragraph explains the crucial role of governments in facilitating the transition to renewable energy.
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Paragraph 5 – This paragraph discusses how renewable energy can boost local economies, especially in rural areas.
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Paragraph 7 – This paragraph mentions the challenges of transitioning to a renewable energy-based economy, including the need for significant upfront investment.
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$303.5 billion
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Energy storage and smart grids
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Misinterpreting “Not Given” statements: Remember, if the information isn’t explicitly stated in the passage, it’s “Not Given,” even if it seems logical.
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Overlooking specific details: Pay attention to numbers, dates, and precise wording in the passage.
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Falling for distractors in multiple-choice questions: Read all options carefully before selecting an answer.
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Mismatching headings: Ensure you understand the main idea of each paragraph before matching it with a heading.
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Exceeding word limits in short answer questions: Always adhere to the stated word limit.
Vocabulary
- Pivotal (adjective) /ˈpɪvətl/ – of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else
- Mitigating (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪtɪŋ/ – make (something bad) less severe, serious, or painful
- Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness
- Decentralized (adjective) /diːˈsentrəlaɪzd/ – transfer (authority) from central to local government
- Adjacent (adjective) /əˈdʒeɪsnt/ – next to or adjoining something else
Grammar Focus
Complex sentences with dependent clauses:
“As countries worldwide grapple with the dual challenges of ensuring energy security and mitigating climate change, the renewable energy sector has become a beacon of hope.”
Structure: As + subject + verb, main clause.
This structure is used to show a relationship between two ideas, often indicating that one action or situation occurs at the same time as, or as a result of, another.
Tips for IELTS Reading Success
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Time management is crucial. Allocate your time wisely among the three passages.
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Skim the questions before reading the passage to know what information to look for.
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Practice active reading by underlining key information and making brief notes.
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Improve your vocabulary, especially in topics related to science, technology, and current affairs.
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Familiarize yourself with all question types to develop effective strategies for each.
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Read widely on various topics to build your general knowledge and reading speed.
Remember, success in IELTS Reading comes with consistent practice and exposure to diverse texts. Keep challenging yourself with complex passages on current global issues, such as renewable energy and economic growth. For more practice on related topics, check out our articles on the role of governments in fostering sustainable development and how to manage the environmental impact of urban growth. These resources will help you broaden your understanding of sustainability issues, which are increasingly important in IELTS exams.
