Understanding the nuances of renewable energy requires a careful reading of the passage. Here, we’ll explore why each answer to the questions is correct, breaking it down paragraph by paragraph.
Question 1: What event marked the transition from natural energy sources to fossil fuels?
Answer: B) The Industrial Revolution
The first paragraph explains that civilizations historically relied on natural energy sources like wind and water. However, the Industrial Revolution marked the point when fossil fuels became the dominant energy source. This detail is explicitly stated, making “The Industrial Revolution” the correct answer.
Question 2: What has contributed to the widespread adoption of solar energy?
Answer: B) Improvements in solar technology
In paragraph 2, the text emphasizes that advancements in solar technology have made solar panels more efficient and affordable. These improvements are explicitly linked to the broader adoption of solar energy. None of the other options (e.g., increased fossil fuel consumption) are mentioned, so the clear answer is B.
Question 3: Why are offshore wind farms becoming more popular?
Answer: B) They produce stronger and more consistent winds.
Paragraph 3 discusses offshore wind farms, stating that their popularity is due to their ability to harness stronger and more reliable winds than those found on land. While cost and maintenance are factors to consider, the paragraph specifically highlights wind strength and consistency as the key reason for their growth.
Question 4: What is a drawback of hydropower?
Answer: C) It can harm river ecosystems and aquatic life.
The fourth paragraph acknowledges that hydropower is efficient but points out its environmental drawback: its impact on river ecosystems and aquatic life. This criticism makes option C the correct choice, as the other options (e.g., inefficiency or fossil fuel reliance) are not mentioned.
Question 5: Why is geothermal energy considered sustainable?
Answer: B) It does not rely on weather conditions.
Paragraph 5 explains geothermal energy’s sustainability by emphasizing that it harnesses heat from beneath the Earth’s surface, independent of weather conditions. This contrasts with solar or wind energy, which are weather-dependent. Therefore, the correct answer is B.
Question 6: What problem do energy storage technologies aim to solve?
Answer: C) The intermittent nature of solar and wind power.
The sixth paragraph highlights the intermittency problem: solar and wind energy depend on weather and cannot produce power consistently. Energy storage technologies, such as advanced batteries, are designed to solve this issue by ensuring a stable power supply. This makes option C the clear answer.
Question 7: How have government policies affected renewable energy?
Answer: B) They have reduced the cost of renewable energy.
Paragraph 7 explains how subsidies, tax credits, and other government measures have lowered the cost of renewable energy, making it competitive with fossil fuels. The text explicitly states this, which makes option B the correct answer. Other options, such as banning fossil fuels, are not mentioned.
Question 8: What is one innovation mentioned in the paragraph?
Answer: B) Transparent solar panels
In paragraph 8, the text discusses how private companies are innovating in renewable energy and specifically mentions transparent solar panels as one of these developments. While floating wind farms are also mentioned, transparent solar panels stand out as a novel example, making option B the best choice.
Question 9: What role do grassroots movements play in renewable energy adoption?
Answer: B) They demand cleaner energy solutions.
Paragraph 9 emphasizes the importance of public awareness and grassroots movements, stating that citizens demand cleaner energy and participate in community-led initiatives. This focus on advocating for cleaner energy solutions aligns perfectly with option B. The other options (e.g., promoting nuclear energy) are not relevant.
Question 10: What is the overall message of the final paragraph?
Answer: C) Collaboration is key to achieving a sustainable future.
The final paragraph concludes by emphasizing that overcoming challenges in renewable energy requires collective effort from governments, businesses, and individuals. This collaborative approach is essential for achieving a greener planet. Therefore, the correct answer is C, as it encapsulates the paragraph’s main point.
Conclusion
This passage provides a comprehensive overview of renewable energy, its technologies, and its challenges. Each question aligns with specific details from the passage, and the answers reflect both explicit information and logical inferences. By understanding the reasoning behind each answer, readers can improve their comprehension and critical thinking skills—key elements of success on the TOEFL iBT.