IELTS Reading Practice: The Role of Technology in Promoting Sustainable Practices

The IELTS Reading section is a crucial component of the exam, testing candidates’ ability to comprehend complex texts and extract relevant information. In recent years, the topic of sustainability and technology’s role in promoting sustainable practices has gained significant traction in IELTS Reading passages. This trend reflects the growing global concern for environmental issues and the innovative solutions technology offers.

Based on our analysis of past IELTS exams and current global trends, we predict that “The role of technology in promoting sustainable practices” is likely to appear in future tests. Its relevance to contemporary issues and interdisciplinary nature make it an ideal subject for assessing candidates’ reading comprehension skills.

Let’s dive into a practice passage on this topic, followed by a set of questions typical of the IELTS Reading section.

Practice Passage: The Tech-Driven Sustainability Revolution

Reading Passage

The 21st century has ushered in an era where technology and sustainability are increasingly intertwined. As the global community grapples with environmental challenges, innovative technologies are emerging as powerful tools in the quest for a more sustainable future. From smart cities to precision agriculture, technology is revolutionizing how we approach sustainability across various sectors.

One of the most promising areas where technology is making a significant impact is in energy management. Smart grids, powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, are optimizing energy distribution and consumption. These systems can predict demand, integrate renewable energy sources more efficiently, and reduce waste. For instance, in Amsterdam, a smart grid pilot project has demonstrated energy savings of up to 14% in households.

In the realm of transportation, electric vehicles (EVs) are at the forefront of reducing carbon emissions. Advanced battery technologies are extending the range of EVs, making them more practical for everyday use. Moreover, autonomous driving technology promises to reduce traffic congestion and accidents, further decreasing the environmental impact of transportation. Companies like Tesla are not only producing EVs but also developing solar roof tiles and energy storage solutions, creating an ecosystem of sustainable energy products.

Agriculture, a sector traditionally associated with high environmental impact, is also benefiting from technological advancements. Precision agriculture techniques, utilizing drones, sensors, and GPS technology, allow farmers to optimize resource use. These technologies enable precise application of water, fertilizers, and pesticides, reducing waste and environmental damage. In India, the use of satellite imagery and AI has helped farmers increase crop yields by up to 30% while reducing water usage.

Sustainable agriculture technology

The construction industry is also embracing sustainable technologies. Building Information Modeling (BIM) software allows architects and engineers to design more energy-efficient buildings. Smart materials, such as self-healing concrete and thermochromic glass, are reducing the need for repairs and improving energy efficiency. In Singapore, the “Gardens by the Bay” project showcases how technology can create sustainable urban spaces, with its energy-efficient cooling systems and solar-powered “supertrees.”

Waste management, a critical aspect of sustainability, is being revolutionized by technology. Smart bins equipped with sensors can optimize collection routes, reducing fuel consumption and emissions from garbage trucks. Advanced recycling technologies are improving the efficiency of waste sorting and processing. In Sweden, the “Optical Sorting” system uses cameras and AI to automatically sort different types of waste, increasing recycling rates and reducing landfill usage.

However, the integration of technology in sustainability efforts is not without challenges. The production of technological devices often involves the use of rare earth elements and generates electronic waste. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach, considering the entire lifecycle of technological products. Initiatives like the Circular Economy for Electronics, promoted by the World Economic Forum, aim to create more sustainable production and consumption cycles for electronic devices.

As we look to the future, emerging technologies like blockchain are showing potential in enhancing transparency and traceability in supply chains, crucial for sustainable resource management. Quantum computing could revolutionize materials science, potentially leading to breakthroughs in energy storage and carbon capture technologies.

The role of technology in promoting sustainable practices is multifaceted and evolving. While it offers innovative solutions to pressing environmental challenges, it also requires careful consideration of its own environmental impact. As technology continues to advance, its integration with sustainability principles will be crucial in shaping a more sustainable future for our planet.

Questions

1. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an area where technology is promoting sustainability?
   A) Energy management
   B) Transportation
   C) Fashion industry
   D) Agriculture

2. According to the passage, smart grids have demonstrated energy savings of up to:
   A) 10% in households
   B) 12% in households
   C) 14% in households
   D) 16% in households

3. The use of satellite imagery and AI in India has helped farmers:
   A) Reduce water usage only
   B) Increase crop yields only
   C) Both increase crop yields and reduce water usage
   D) Neither increase crop yields nor reduce water usage

4. Which of the following is true about electric vehicles (EVs)?
   A) They are mainly used for public transportation
   B) Advanced battery technologies are making them more practical for everyday use
   C) They have completely replaced traditional vehicles
   D) They contribute significantly to traffic congestion

5. The “Gardens by the Bay” project in Singapore demonstrates:
   A) The inefficiency of urban gardening
   B) How technology can create sustainable urban spaces
   C) The failure of solar power in urban settings
   D) The impracticality of green architecture

6-10. Complete the summary below using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

Technology is revolutionizing waste management through various innovations. Smart bins equipped with (6) can optimize collection routes, reducing fuel consumption. In Sweden, the (7) system uses cameras and AI to automatically sort different types of waste. This technology has led to increased (8) ___ rates and reduced landfill usage.

However, the integration of technology in sustainability efforts faces challenges. The production of technological devices often involves the use of (9) and generates electronic waste. To address these issues, initiatives like the (10) aim to create more sustainable production and consumption cycles for electronic devices.

Answer Key and Explanations

1. C) Fashion industry
   Explanation: The passage mentions energy management, transportation, agriculture, construction, and waste management as areas where technology is promoting sustainability. The fashion industry is not mentioned.

2. C) 14% in households
   Explanation: The passage states, “For instance, in Amsterdam, a smart grid pilot project has demonstrated energy savings of up to 14% in households.”

3. C) Both increase crop yields and reduce water usage
   Explanation: The passage mentions, “In India, the use of satellite imagery and AI has helped farmers increase crop yields by up to 30% while reducing water usage.”

4. B) Advanced battery technologies are making them more practical for everyday use
   Explanation: The passage states, “Advanced battery technologies are extending the range of EVs, making them more practical for everyday use.”

5. B) How technology can create sustainable urban spaces
   Explanation: The passage says, “In Singapore, the ‘Gardens by the Bay’ project showcases how technology can create sustainable urban spaces, with its energy-efficient cooling systems and solar-powered ‘supertrees.'”

6. sensors
   Explanation: The passage mentions “Smart bins equipped with sensors can optimize collection routes.”

7. Optical Sorting
   Explanation: The passage states, “In Sweden, the ‘Optical Sorting’ system uses cameras and AI to automatically sort different types of waste.”

8. recycling
   Explanation: The passage mentions that this system is “increasing recycling rates and reducing landfill usage.”

9. rare earth elements
   Explanation: The passage states, “The production of technological devices often involves the use of rare earth elements.”

10. Circular Economy for Electronics
    Explanation: The passage mentions, “Initiatives like the Circular Economy for Electronics, promoted by the World Economic Forum, aim to create more sustainable production and consumption cycles for electronic devices.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overlooking specific details: Many test-takers might miss the exact percentage of energy savings or crop yield increase mentioned in the passage. Always pay attention to numerical data.

2. Falling for distractors: In multiple-choice questions, incorrect options often contain information from the passage but in the wrong context. For example, in question 4, option A might seem plausible but is not stated in the text.

3. Misinterpreting summary questions: In the summary completion task, ensure that your answers fit grammatically and logically into the sentence. Also, stick to the word limit given (in this case, no more than two words).

4. Ignoring instructions: Always follow the instructions carefully. For instance, in the summary task, answers must be taken from the passage.

5. Time management: Spending too much time on difficult questions can lead to not completing all questions. Practice managing your time effectively.

Key Vocabulary

1. Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/: The ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time.

2. Innovative (adjective) /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv/: Introducing new ideas; original and creative in thinking.

3. Smart grid (noun) /smɑːrt ɡrɪd/: An electricity supply network that uses digital communications technology to detect and react to local changes in usage.

4. Precision agriculture (noun) /prɪˈsɪʒən ˈæɡrɪkʌltʃə(r)/: Farming management concept based on observing, measuring, and responding to inter and intra-field variability in crops.

5. Building Information Modeling (BIM) (noun) /ˈbɪldɪŋ ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃn ˈmɒdəlɪŋ/: A process involving the generation and management of digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of places.

Grammar Focus

Pay attention to the use of present perfect tense in the passage, which is used to describe actions that started in the past and continue to the present or have present relevance:

“The 21st century has ushered in an era where technology and sustainability are increasingly intertwined.”

Structure: Subject + have/has + past participle

This tense is often used in IELTS Reading passages to discuss recent developments or ongoing trends, particularly in scientific or technological contexts.

Tips for Success in IELTS Reading

1. Skim the passage quickly before reading in detail to get a general idea of the content.

2. Read the questions carefully before looking for answers in the text.

3. Use the headings and subheadings to navigate the passage more efficiently.

4. Practice time management. Allocate your time wisely among the different sections of the Reading test.

5. Improve your vocabulary related to technology and sustainability. This will help you understand complex passages more easily.

6. Don’t spend too much time on one question. If you’re stuck, move on and come back to it later if you have time.

7. For summary completion tasks, read the whole summary first to understand the context before filling in the blanks.

8. Always check your answers if you have time at the end of the test.

By practicing with passages like this and following these tips, you can improve your performance in the IELTS Reading section. Remember, consistent practice is key to achieving a high score in IELTS.

For more practice on related topics, you might find our articles on how to support sustainable urban development and the role of education in promoting global sustainability helpful. These resources will provide additional context and vocabulary related to sustainability, which is increasingly relevant in IELTS exams.