Smart Energy - TOEFL Reading Practice Test With Answer

The TOEFL iBT® exam requires you to master proficiency in reading academic materials. This reading section evaluates skills such as identifying the main ideas, extracting details, and drawing conclusions. Additionally, it incorporates the challenges associated with reading in academic settings that use the English language. The secret to excel in this part is by practising consistently.

We make sure that you feel confident and also prepare yourself for the test by practising with our sample exams that closely resemble the structure and writing style of the real exam. So come take the TOEFL Practice Test with us, based on the passage "Smart Energy," to get a feel for the format and identify your areas of weakness!

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. 

Smart Energy

Smart Grid technology basically involves the application of a computer system to the electricity network. The computer system can be used to collect information about supply and demand and improve engineer's ability to manage the system. With better information about electricity demand, the network will be able to increase the amount of electricity delivered per unit generated, leading to potential reductions in fuel needs and carbon emissions. Moreover, the computer system will assist in reducing operational and maintenance costs.

Smart Grid technology offers benefits to the consumer too. They will be able to collect real-time information on their energy use for each appliance. Varying tariffs throughout the day will give customers the incentive to use appliances at times when supply greatly exceeds demand, leading to great reductions in bills. For example, they may use their washing machines at night. Smart meters can also be connected to the internet or telephone system, allowing customers to switch appliances on or off remotely. Furthermore, if houses are fitted with the apparatus to generate their own power, appliances can be set to run directly from the on-site power source, and any excess can be sold to the grid.

With these changes comes a range of challenges. The first involves managing the supply and demand. Sources of renewable energy, such as wind, wave and solar, are notoriously unpredictable, and nuclear power, which is also set to increase as nations switch to alternative energy sources, is inflexible. With oil and gas, it is relatively simple to increase the supply of energy to match the increasing demand during peak times of the day or year. With alternative sources, this is far more difficult, and may lead to blackouts or system collapse. Potential solutions include investigating new and efficient ways to store energy and encouraging consumers to use electricity at off-peak times.

A second problem is the fact that many renewable power generation sources are located in remote areas, such as windy uplands and coastal regions, where there is currently a lack of electrical infrastructure. New infrastructures therefore must be built. Thankfully, with improved smart technology, this can be done more efficiently by reducing the reinforcement or construction costs.

Although Smart Technology is still in its infancy, pilot schemes to promote and test it are already underway. Consumers are currently testing the new smart meters which can be used in their homes to manage electricity use. There are also a number of demonstrations being planned to show how the smart technology could practically work, and trials are in place to test the new electrical infrastructure. It is likely that technology will be added in 'layers', starting with 'quick win' methods which will provide initial carbon savings, to be followed by more advanced systems at a later date. Cities are prime candidates for investment into smart energy, due to the high population density and high energy use. It is here where Smart Technology is likely to be promoted first, utilising a range of sustainable power sources, transport solutions and an infrastructure for charging electrically powered vehicles. The infrastructure is already changing fast. By the year 2050, changes in the energy supply will have transformed our homes, our roads and our behaviour.

The next few decades will see great changes in the way energy is supplied and used. In some major oil producing nations, 'peak oil' has already been reached, and there are increasing fears of global warming. Consequently, many countries are focusing on the switch to a low carbon economy. This transition will lead to major changes in the supply and use of electricity. Firstly, there will be an increase in overall demand, as consumers switch from oil and gas to electricity to power their homes and vehicles. Secondly, there will be an increase in power generation, not only in terms of how much is generated, but also how it is generated, as there is growing electricity generation from renewable sources. To meet these challenges, countries are investing in Smart Grid technology. This system aims to provide the electricity industry with a better understanding of power generation and demand, and to use this information to create a more efficient power network.

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

Paragraph 1 

Smart Grid technology basically involves the application of a computer system to the electricity network. The computer system can be used to collect information about supply and demand and improve engineer's ability to manage the system. With better information about electricity demand, the network will be able to increase the amount of electricity delivered per unit generated, leading to potential reductions in fuel needs and carbon emissions. Moreover, the computer system will assist in reducing operational and maintenance costs.

1. According to the paragraph 1, all of the following are benefits of Smart Grid technology EXCEPT:
   1. Increased electricity delivery efficiency
   2. Improved management of the electricity network
   3. Complete elimination of fuel needs
   4. Reduction in operational and maintenance costs

Paragraph 2

Smart Grid technology offers benefits to the consumer too. They will be able to collect real-time information on their energy use for each appliance. Varying tariffs throughout the day will give customers the incentive to use appliances at times when supply greatly exceeds demand, leading to great reductions in bills. For example, they may use their washing machines at night. Smart meters can also be connected to the internet or telephone system, allowing customers to switch appliances on or off remotely. Furthermore, if houses are fitted with the apparatus to generate their own power, appliances can be set to run directly from the on-site power source, and any excess can be sold to the grid.

1. In paragraph 2, which of the following is NOT a benefit of Smart Grid technology to consumers?
   1. It can reduce their electricity bills.
   2. It can tell them how much energy each appliance is using
   3. It can allow them to turn appliances on and off when they are not at home
   4. It can reduce the amount of energy needed to power appliances

Paragraph 3

With these changes comes a range of challenges. The first involves managing the supply and demand. Sources of renewable energy, such as wind, wave and solar, are notoriously unpredictable, and nuclear power, which is also set to increase as nations switch to alternative energy sources, is inflexible. With oil and gas, it is relatively simple to increase the supply of energy to match the increasing demand during peak times of the day or year. With alternative sources, this is far more difficult, and may lead to blackouts or system collapse. Potential solutions include investigating new and efficient ways to store energy and encouraging consumers to use electricity at off-peak times.

1. According to paragraph 3, what is the problem with using renewable sources of power?
   1. They do not provide much energy.
   2. They often cause system failure and blackouts.
   3. They do not supply a continuous flow of energy.
   4. They can't be used at off-peak times.

1. The word “inflexible” in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to
   1. Adjustable
   2. Unchanging
   3. Predictable
   4. Efficient

Paragraph 4

A second problem is the fact that many renewable power generation sources are located in remote areas, such as windy uplands and coastal regions, where there is currently a lack of electrical infrastructure. New infrastructures therefore must be built. Thankfully, with improved smart technology, this can be done more efficiently by reducing the reinforcement or construction costs.

1. The word “remote" in paragraph 4 is closest in meaning to
   1. isolated
   2. crowded
   3. attractive
   4. alone

1. What is one of the problems with renewable power generation sources, as stated in paragraph 4?
   1. They are often located in areas with an abundance of existing electrical infrastructure.
   2. They have minimal impact on construction and reinforcement costs.
   3. They are located in remote areas where electrical infrastructure is lacking.
   4. They are always easy to integrate with existing power grids.

Paragraphs 5

Although Smart Technology is still in its infancy, pilot schemes to promote and test it are already underway. Consumers are currently testing the new smart meters which can be used in their homes to manage electricity use. There are also a number of demonstrations being planned to show how the smart technology could practically work, and trials are in place to test the new electrical infrastructure. It is likely that technology will be added in 'layers', starting with 'quick win' methods which will provide initial carbon savings, to be followed by more advanced systems at a later date. Cities are prime candidates for investment into smart energy, due to the high population density and high energy use. It is here where Smart Technology is likely to be promoted first, utilising a range of sustainable power sources, transport solutions and an infrastructure for charging electrically powered vehicles. The infrastructure is already changing fast. By the year 2050, changes in the energy supply will have transformed our homes, our roads and our behaviour.

1. The word "underway" in paragraph 5 is closest in meaning to:
   1. permanent
   2. complete
   3. beneficial
   4. in progress

1. In paragraph 5, what can be inferred about cities in the future?
   1. More people will be living in cities in the future than nowadays.
   2. People in cities will be using cars and buses powered by electricity.
   3. All buildings will generate their own electricity.
   4. Smart Grid technology will only be available in cities.

Paragraph 6

The next few decades will see great changes in the way energy is supplied and used. In some major oil producing nations, 'peak oil' has already been reached, and there are increasing fears of global warming. Consequently, many countries are focusing on the switch to a low carbon economy. This transition will lead to major changes in the supply and use of electricity. (A) Firstly, there will be an increase in overall demand, as consumers switch from oil and gas to electricity to power their homes and vehicles. (B) Secondly, there will be an increase in power generation, not only in terms of how much is generated, but also how it is generated, as there is growing electricity generation from renewable sources.  (C) To meet these challenges, countries are investing in Smart Grid technology. (D) This system aims to provide the electricity industry with a better understanding of power generation and demand, and to use this information to create a more efficient power network.

1. Directions: Review the excerpt from the passage provided above. The letters (A), (B), (C), and (D) denote where the subsequent sentence could be incorporated.
   
   There are also likely more electricity generation centres, as households and communities take up the opportunity to install photovoltaic cells and small scale wind turbines.
   
   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 - Smart Energy

1.  Answer: C

Explanation:  The correct answer is option C. The benefits of smart grid technology are enumerated in paragraph 1, including improved management, decreased operating and maintenance expenses, and a more effective delivery of electricity. It does not, however, imply that Smart Grid technology will completely eliminate the need for fuel.

2. Answer: D

Explanation: The correct answer is option D. Benefits including lower electricity costs, real-time data on energy consumption, and appliance remote control are mentioned in the paragraph. On the other hand, no information is available regarding how Smart Grid technology lowers the energy required to run appliances.

3. Answer: C

Explanation: The correct answer is option C. The paragraph focuses on the unpredictable, sporadic renewable energy sources that may be the cause of blackouts or system malfunctions. Option C is the only one that can be the answer to this question because this suggests that there isn't a limitless supply of energy.

4. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is option B. As per the paragraph, "unchanging" is the closest synonym for "inflexible," which describes nuclear power's incapacity to promptly adapt to fluctuations in energy requirements.

5. Answer: A

Explanation: The correct answer is option A. The term "remote" is mentioned in paragraph 4 which describes locations that are isolated or distant from the existing electrical infrastructure.

6. Answer: C

Explanation: The correct answer is option C. The discussion of renewable power production sources' frequent location in isolated locations devoid of the required electrical infrastructure is covered in paragraph 4.

7. Answer: D

Explanation: The correct answer is option D. The correct answer is option D.  In the paragraph, the word "underway" depicts something that is presently taking place for which the option D supports the correct meaning of the word.

8. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is option B. The paragraph demonstrates that cities will most likely be among the first to adopt smart technology, which will likely include amenities for charging electrically driven vehicles. This implies that electric transportation will be available.

9. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is option B. The choice B, which addresses increases in power generation from renewable sources and is in line with the issue of rising energy generation from such sources, is where the sentence regarding more electricity generation centers fits the best.

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