The Reading section of the IELTS exam is designed to assess a range of reading skills. This includes the ability to read for gist, read for main ideas, read for detail, understand inferences, and recognize a writer’s opinions, attitudes, and purpose. The texts are taken from books, journals, magazines, newspapers, and online resources written for general non-specialist audiences.
One recurring and highly relevant topic is “What Are The Challenges Of Achieving Global Energy Access?” Given its prevalence in modern discussions about sustainable development and economic growth, understanding this topic could be immensely beneficial for IELTS candidates. Analyzing historical data from past exams, this subject frequently appears due to its significance and global impact.
Reading Passage: What Are the Challenges of Achieving Global Energy Access?
Text Difficulty: Medium Text
Passage
Achieving global energy access is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Despite significant advancements in technology and policy, over one billion people worldwide still lack access to electricity, while many more experience unreliable or prohibitively expensive energy sources. This issue is pervasive in developing countries, where economic and infrastructural barriers are particularly daunting.
One of the major obstacles to global energy access is the financial cost. Renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power can be expensive to install and maintain. Developing nations often lack the capital required for these investments, and access to financing can be limited. International aid and loans from development banks offer some relief, but these funds are seldom sufficient to meet the growing demand.
Infrastructure is another significant challenge. Many remote and rural areas—especially in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia—lack the necessary grid infrastructure to support energy access. Building and maintaining this infrastructure is often complicated by difficult terrain, political instability, and logistical hurdles.
Additionally, we face technological challenges. While renewable energy holds promise, integrating these technologies into existing grids is complex. The variable nature of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, which depend on weather conditions, makes stable energy supply difficult to guarantee without advanced storage solutions.
Moreover, social and political obstacles cannot be overlooked. In many regions, energy policy is shaped by entities with vested interests in maintaining the status quo, such as fossil fuel companies. Corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies also hinder the implementation of new energy projects. Public awareness and education about renewable energy options are crucial for overcoming resistance and fostering change.
A final challenge is the environmental impact. Though renewable energy is cleaner than fossil fuels, building renewable energy infrastructure can still have negative environmental consequences. For instance, large-scale hydroelectric projects can disrupt local ecosystems and communities. Balancing environmental concerns with the need for energy access is a delicate task that requires careful planning and sustainable practices.
In conclusion, while global energy access remains a formidable challenge, it is not insurmountable. By addressing financial, infrastructural, technological, social, and environmental barriers, we can work towards a future where everyone has access to reliable and affordable energy.
Challenges of Achieving Global Energy Access
Practice Questions
Multiple Choice
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What is one major financial barrier to achieving global energy access?
- A. Lack of interest from citizens
- B. Expensive installation and maintenance of renewable energy technologies
- C. Opposition from fossil fuel companies
- D. Complex geographical terrain
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Why is integrating renewable energy into existing grids complex?
- A. Renewable energy sources are highly constant.
- B. Renewable energy technologies are incompatible with modern grids.
- C. Renewable energy sources depend on variable weather conditions.
- D. Renewable energy technologies are too advanced.
True/False/Not Given
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Over two billion people worldwide still lack access to electricity.
- True
- False
- Not Given
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Fossil fuel companies have no influence on energy policies in developing countries.
- True
- False
- Not Given
Matching Information
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Match the following challenges with their descriptions:
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Financial
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Infrastructure
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Technological
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Social and Political
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Environmental
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a. Obstacles include difficult terrain and logistical hurdles.
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b. Installation of renewable energy technologies can be expensive.
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c. Large-scale energy projects may disrupt local ecosystems.
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d. Some entities have interests in maintaining the status quo.
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e. Renewable energy sources are variable and require advanced storage.
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Answer Keys
- B. Expensive installation and maintenance of renewable energy technologies
- C. Renewable energy sources depend on variable weather conditions.
- False. (It states over one billion people, not two billion)
- False. (It mentions that fossil fuel companies do have an influence)
- b – Financial, a – Infrastructure, e – Technological, d – Social and Political, c – Environmental
Common Mistakes
- Reading Too Fast: Many students skim through passages and miss critical details. Always read thoroughly to understand the gist and specifics.
- Misinterpreting Questions: Carefully read each question, ensuring you do not confuse terms or skip important words that alter the meaning.
- False Assumptions: Avoid making assumptions based on your existing knowledge, and instead focus on information provided in the text.
Vocabulary from the Passage
- Prohibitively (adj.) /prəˈhɪbɪtɪvli/: So high that it prevents people from doing something.
- Capital (n.) /ˈkæpɪtl/: Wealth in the form of money or assets.
- Logistical (adj.) /ləˈdʒɪstɪkl/: Relating to the organization and planning of an activity.
- Grid (n.) /ɡrɪd/: A network for the distribution of electricity.
- Inefficiencies (n.) /ˌɪnɪˈfɪʃənsiz/: Lack of effectiveness or productivity.
Grammar Focus: Complex Sentences
Structure
- Definition: Complex sentences contain one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
- Form: [Independent Clause] + [Subordinating Conjunction] + [Dependent Clause]
Examples
- Financial cost is a major barrier, because renewable energy technologies are expensive to install and maintain.
- Although renewable energy sources are variable, they hold promise for the future of energy access.
Advice for High IELTS Reading Scores
- Practice Regularly: Constant practice with diverse reading materials enhances familiarity with various text types.
- Expand Vocabulary: Regularly learn new words and their usages to improve comprehension.
- Time Management: Allocate specific time limits to each passage and follow it strictly during practice.
- Understand Question Types: Familiarize yourself with different question types and strategize your approach for each.
By diligently practicing and adhering to these strategies, success in the IELTS Reading section is within your reach.
