Renewable Energy Sources - TOEFL Reading Practice Test

In the TOEFL iBT^®exam, mastering the academic texts in English is very important for scoring more in the TOEFL Reading section. This segment mirrors the challenges of reading in English-speaking academic environments, assessing skills like identifying main ideas, extracting details, making inferences, and recognising text structure. Consistent practice is the key to excelling in this section. 

Our practice tests closely mimic the format and writing style of the actual exam, ensuring that you feel prepared and self-assured on  the test day. Therefore, join us in taking the TOEFL Practice Test centered on the passage 'Renewable Energy Sources' to familiarise yourself with the test format and note the areas for improvement!

Reading Instructions

• You have 15 minutes to read the following passage and answer all 9 questions related to it.  
• Most questions are worth 1 point, but the last question is worth more. The directions indicate how many points you will receive for that specific question. 
• The specific section/paragraphs have been provided again with the question for ease of understanding and quick solution.
• Some questions include a word or phrase that is highlighted in the question as well as in the paragraph for quick reference. 

Renewable Energy Sources

In recent years, society has witnessed an increase in using renewable energy sources as an alternative to fossil fuels. This shift is due to the urgent need to mitigate climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and ensure a sustainable future. Renewable energy comes from natural processes that replenish themselves, such as geothermal, biomass, hydroelectric, solar, and wind energy. On the contrary, renewable energy sources offer a more ecologically friendly and sustainable option.

Solar energy is among the most well-known renewable energy sources where photovoltaic cells are utilised to convert solar radiation into electrical power. Technology is advancing at a higher rate than solar panel technology has become more affordable and available to small and large organisations. With large budgets, countries like Germany and China have made solar energy a cornerstone of their national energy strategy. By supplying electricity to remote locations, it enhanced the quality of life in these areas.

Wind energy ranks as one of the oldest forms of renewable energy. In the 5,000 BC, the ancient Egyptians became among the first to make use of the power of wind by using sailboats to cross the Nile River. Similarly, the utilisation of wind energy was the development of the first windmills, that were used to pump water in Persia between 500 AD and 900 AD. However, to take full advantage of the energy source, a number of issues must be resolved, especially the wind's unpredictable character and its detrimental impact on the surrounding animals and birds.

In the 20th century, it witnessed enormous advancements in renewable energy technology due to the limited supply of fossil fuels and increasing awareness of environmental challenges. This includes the development of large dams such as the Hoover Dam, where in the 1920s, hydroelectric power gained prominence as an electricity source in the US and other countries. In order to provide power satellites in space, improved wind turbines were used and the first commercial solar cells emerged in the middle of the 20th century.

In the 1970s, an oil crisis made people become aware of the risks involved with fossil fuels. Many governments and scientists accelerated their efforts to develop and popularise renewable energy sources. There have been research which has gone into ocean and geothermal energy, as well as the development of solar and wind power, occurred during this period.

There could be challenges involved while implementing the transition to renewable energy. Renewable energy technologies sometimes have large upfront costs and are sometimes opposed by municipalities and businesses that depend on non-renewable energy sources. Furthermore, creating state-of-the-art storage technologies is essential to guaranteeing a consistent supply of electricity because some renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, are sporadic. With that, there is a global trend towards renewable energy that is accelerating as a result of support from the government, advancements in technology, and growing public awareness of the benefits for the economy and environment.

Directions: Once you have read the passage, answer the following questions.

Paragraph 1 

In recent years, society has witnessed an increase in using renewable energy sources as an alternative to fossil fuels. This shift is due to the urgent need to mitigate climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and ensure a sustainable future. Renewable energy comes from natural processes that replenish themselves, such as geothermal, biomass, hydroelectric, solar, and wind energy. On the contrary, renewable energy sources offer a more ecologically friendly and sustainable option.

1. According to Paragraph 1, what can be inferred in regards to the reasons for the increased use of renewable energy sources?
   1. Renewable energy sources are more cost-effective than fossil fuels.
   2. The use of renewable energy is driven by the need to combat climate change and reduce environmental impact.
   3. Society has fully transitioned to renewable energy, replacing all fossil fuels.
   4. Fossil fuels are no longer a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.

Paragraph 2

Solar energy is among the most well-known renewable energy sources where photovoltaic cells are utilised to convert solar radiation into electrical power. Technology is advancing at a higher rate than solar panel technology has become more affordable and available to small and large organisations. With large budgets, countries like Germany and China have made solar energy a cornerstone of their national energy strategy. By supplying electricity to remote locations, it enhanced the quality of life in these areas.

1. The word “utilised” in Paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to
   1. Ignored
   2. Employed
   3. Damaged
   4. Discovered

1. What is the purpose of mentioning that solar energy supplies electricity to remote locations?
   1. To illustrate how solar energy can improve the quality of life in underdeveloped areas.
   2. To suggest that solar energy is only useful in isolated regions.
   3. To criticize the limited application of solar energy in urban areas.
   4. To argue that remote areas should not rely on solar energy.

Paragraph 3

Wind energy ranks as one of the oldest forms of renewable energy. In the 5,000 BC, the ancient Egyptians became among the first to make use of the power of wind by using sailboats to cross the Nile River. Similarly, the utilisation of wind energy was the development of the first windmills, that were used to pump water in Persia between 500 AD and 900 AD. However, to take full advantage of the energy source, a number of issues must be resolved, especially the wind's unpredictable character and its detrimental impact on the surrounding animals and birds.

1. According to Paragraph 3, which of the following statements is NOT true about the history and challenges of wind energy?
   1. The ancient Egyptians used wind energy by employing sailboats on the Nile River.
   2. The first windmills, which were developed to pump water, appeared in Persia between 500 AD and 900 AD.
   3. Wind energy has been utilized since ancient times but has not faced any significant challenges or issues.
   4. Challenges associated with wind energy include its unpredictable nature and its impact on wildlife.

1. Which conclusion can be drawn about the impact of wind energy on the environment from Paragraph 3?
   1. Wind energy has always been environmentally friendly with no negative effects.
   2. Historical uses of wind energy were not associated with any environmental issues.
   3. There have been concerns about the impact of wind energy on animals and birds over time.
   4. The environmental impact of wind energy was first recognized in modern times.

Paragraph 4

In the 20th century, it witnessed enormous advancements in renewable energy technology due to the limited supply of fossil fuels and increasing awareness of environmental challenges. This includes the development of large dams such as the Hoover Dam, where in the 1920s, hydroelectric power gained prominence as an electricity source in the US and other countries. In order to provide power satellites in space, improved wind turbines were used and the first commercial solar cells emerged in the middle of the 20th century.

1. The word “emerged” in paragraph 4 is closest in meaning to
   1. Disappeared
   2. Invented
   3. Became visible
   4. Declined

1. What is the purpose of mentioning the Hoover Dam and the development of hydroelectric power in paragraph 4?
   1. To highlight how technological advancements in the 20th century addressed the limited supply of fossil fuels.
   2. To emphasize the historical significance of the Hoover Dam in the context of renewable energy.
   3. To illustrate the development of renewable energy technologies and their impact on electricity generation.
   4. To discuss the transition from fossil fuels to alternative energy sources in space exploration.

Paragraphs 5

In the 1970s, an oil crisis made people become aware of the risks involved with fossil fuels. Many governments and scientists accelerated their efforts to develop and popularise renewable energy sources. There have been research which has gone into ocean and geothermal energy, as well as the development of solar and wind power, occurred during this period.

1. The word “popularise” in paragraph 5 is closest in meaning to
   1. Increase the cost of
   2. Make widely known
   3. Eliminate the use of
   4. Limit the availability of

Paragraph 6

There could be challenges involved while implementing the transition to renewable energy. (A) Renewable energy technologies sometimes have large upfront costs and are sometimes opposed by municipalities and businesses that depend on non-renewable energy sources. (B) Furthermore, creating state-of-the-art storage technologies is essential to guaranteeing a consistent supply of electricity because some renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, are sporadic. (C) With that, there is a global trend towards renewable energy that is accelerating as a result of support from the government, advancements in technology, and growing public awareness of the benefits for the economy and environment. (D)

Directions: Review the excerpt from the passage provided above. The letters  (A), (B), (C), and (D)  denote where the subsequent sentence could be incorporated.

1. Despite these challenges, the transition to renewable energy is seen as crucial for long-term sustainability and climate change mitigation.
   
   Where would the sentence most appropriately belong?
   1. Choice A
   2. Choice B
   3. Choice C
   4. Choice D

Hold on!  Before checking your answers and matching them, explore the TOEFL Exam Pattern and Syllabus!

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - Renewable Energy Sources

1.  Answer: B

Explanation:  The correct answer is option B. According to paragraph 1, there is a pressing need to combat climate change, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and secure a sustainable future, which is why the usage of renewable energy sources is increasing. This suggests that the fight against climate change and environmental concerns are the main drivers of this development.

2. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is option B. In the context of the sentence, “utilised” means to make use of or employ something effectively. This is the reason that option C is the correct answer and the closest synonym that fits this meaning.

3. Answer: A

Explanation: The correct answer is option A. In the paragraph, the meaning highlights that solar energy has enhanced the quality of life in remote areas by supplying electricity. This depicts the positive impact of solar energy on improving living conditions in underdeveloped or isolated regions.

4. Answer: C

Explanation: The correct answer is option C. In the paragraph, it describes both the historical use of wind energy and the challenges it has faced, such as its unpredictable nature and impact on wildlife. Hence, the option C would be the correct answer.

5. Answer: C

Explanation: The correct answer is option C. The paragraph mentions concerns about the detrimental impact of wind energy on surrounding animals and birds. This indicates that environmental issues have been recognized historically and continue to be a concern, making option C is the correct answer.

6. Answer: C

Explanation: The correct answer is option C. In this question, the term means to become visible or come into existence and fits the meaning of the word in relation to the development and appearance of solar cells and hydroelectric power technologies. Therefore, the option C is the correct answer.

7. Answer: C

Explanation: The correct answer is option C. The paragraph demonstrates how advancements in renewable energy technologies contributed to electricity generation and addressed the challenges posed by limited fossil fuel supplies. Therefore, the option C is the correct answer.

8. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is option B. In the context of renewable energy sources, it refers to increasing public awareness and acceptance. The only option which fits the description is option B, making this the correct option.

9. Answer: C

Explanation: The correct answer is option C. This is an Insert Text question where you are required to select the appropriate place to insert the provided sentence within the passage. It acknowledges the challenges and then emphasizes the crucial role of renewable energy in addressing these challenges and supporting sustainability. 

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