IELTS Reading Practice | The Future of Renewable Energy

The Dynamo of Change: Renewable Energy's Luminous Path Forward

The Reckoning of Renewability

Renewable energy is seen as a ray of optimism amidst the issue of climate change.—a veritable panacea that promises sustainability and the salvation of our natural ecosystems. From the gusts that sweep across vast prairies to the relentless surge of ocean waves, the Earth endows us with boundless energy sources waiting to be harnessed. Geothermal and photovoltaic, once arcane terms, now punctuate conversations from the learned halls of academia to the bustling corridors of policymaking.

Question 1: Which renewable energy source is directly associated with the heat from the Earth's crust?

A) Biomass
B) Hydropower
C) Wind
D) Geothermal

Photovoltaic Innovation

As civilizations marshal towards a future powered by clean energy, photovoltaic technology stands at the vanguard—converting the sun's omnipresent rays into electricity. Bespeckled across rooftops and sprawling solar farms, photovoltaic cells are a testament to human innovation. With their silicon surfaces shimmering under the sun, they capture light and convert it into the lifeblood of modern society—electricity—ushering in an era when harvesting sunlight is as commonplace as sowing seeds.

Question 2: What is the primary function of photovoltaic technology?

A) To reflect sunlight
B) To warm buildings
C) To convert sunlight into electricity
D) To measure solar energy

The Biomass Conundrum

In the quest for a greener tomorrow, biomass stands as a controversial titan, balanced precariously on the axis of sustainability. Comprised of organic matter—be it plant residues, timber offcuts, or the leftovers of agriculture—biomass burns bright in our furnaces, generating heat and power in a cycle that teeters between carbon neutrality and environmental debate. Yet, as with any titan, its strength lies not just in raw power, but in the finesse of its integration into the pantheon of renewable sources.

Question 3: Which statement best captures the current stance on biomass energy?

A) It is unanimously considered to have a negative environmental impact.
B) It is regarded as a universally carbon-neutral solution.
C) It is a source of energy that is under ecological and ethical debate.
D) It is a form of energy unused by modern societies.

Harnessing the Geothermal Giant

Beneath our feet lies a dynamo of power, geothermal energy, which beckons us to tap into the core's warmth. Pockets of geothermal activity reveal themselves in the planet's many fumaroles and geysers. By tapping into these steam wells, we are able to propel turbines and produce electricity from the very belly of the Earth—a spectacle of sustainability hidden from the naked eye, yet palpable in the clean air of towns that nestle nearby.

Question 4: What does geothermal energy primarily utilize to generate electricity?

A) The kinetic energy of the wind.
B) The heat from within the Earth.
C) Photosynthesis of plants.
D) The chemical energy stored in biomass.

Sustainability and the Future Landscape

Looking across the vast landscape of the world's energy consumption, the relevance of sustainability becomes crystal clear. It is not merely an idealistic mantra but a practical imperative, as resources like biomass and geothermal energy reshape our understanding of what it means to power a civilization. Tomorrow's world, tinged with the brilliance of photovoltaic innovation and the robust practicality of renewable resources, is poised to transcend the dilemmas of today and blossom into a sustainable, vibrant Eden.

Question 5: What is the overarching theme of the passage regarding renewable energy?

A) The inevitability of its immediate global adoption.
B) Its role as an essential factor in future sustainability.
C) The insignificant impact it has on reducing pollution.
D) Its primarily aesthetic contribution to energy production.

Score =

Correct answers:

The correct answer is D) Geothermal. Geothermal energy originates from the heat within the Earth's crust, while biomass energy comes from organic materials, hydropower from the movement of water, and wind energy from the movement of air.

The correct answer is C) To convert sunlight into electricity. Photovoltaic technology is designed specifically for the purpose of converting solar energy into electrical power. Other options do not represent the primary function of photovoltaic cells.

The correct answer is C) It is a source of energy that is under ecological and ethical debate. While biomass can be part of a sustainable energy strategy, its actual impact on carbon neutrality and the environment is a topic of ongoing discussion. The other options are incorrect as they are either too absolute or factually incorrect.

The correct answer is B) The heat from within the Earth. Geothermal energy is generated by using the Earth's internal heat to produce steam, which drives turbines for electricity production. The other options relate to alternative energy sources distinct from geothermal power.

The correct answer is B) Its role as an essential factor in future sustainability. The passage stresses the importance of renewable energy sources in achieving a sustainable future. The other options do not effectively capture this central theme.

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