Welcome to this IELTS Academic Reading practice test focusing on energy transition.

This test is designed to assess your reading comprehension skills at a university level.

You will have 20 minutes to complete the reading passage and answer 7 questions.

The Academic Reading module contains one longer, more complex passage on the topic of energy transition.

The questions follow the same order as the information in the text, making it easier to locate relevant details.

Remember to manage your time effectively and read the questions carefully before answering. Good luck!

NAVIGATING THE ENERGY TRANSITION

A The global energy landscape is undergoing a profound transformation as societies worldwide pivot away from fossil fuel dependency toward renewable alternatives. This transition represents one of the most significant economic and industrial shifts of the modern era, comparable in scale to the industrial revolution that shaped the 18th and 19th centuries. The impetus behind this change stems primarily from mounting environmental concerns, particularly the urgent need to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, economic factors have increasingly aligned with environmental imperatives, as the cost of renewable technologies has plummeted while their efficiency has dramatically improved.

B Wind and solar power generation, once considered prohibitively expensive alternatives to conventional energy sources, have experienced remarkable cost reductions over the past decade. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, the global weighted-average levelized cost of electricity from utility-scale solar photovoltaics fell by 85% between 2010 and 2022. Similarly, onshore wind costs declined by 56% during the same period. These economic developments have transformed renewables from niche technologies requiring substantial subsidies into mainstream energy sources that can compete directly with fossil fuels in many markets. In regions with optimal conditions, new renewable installations now frequently outcompete even existing fossil fuel plants on cost alone.

C Despite this progress, substantial challenges remain in executing a comprehensive energy transition. The intermittent nature of many renewable sources presents significant hurdles for grid integration. Unlike conventional power plants that can generate electricity on demand, wind and solar production fluctuates based on weather conditions and time of day. This variability necessitates substantial investments in energy storage technologies and grid modernization to maintain system reliability. Battery storage capacity has grown exponentially in recent years, with global deployments increasing from 0.7 gigawatt-hours in 2010 to 21 gigawatt-hours in 2023, yet experts contend this represents only a fraction of what will be required to support a predominantly renewable grid.

D The geopolitical dimensions of the energy transition are equally significant. Nations that have traditionally derived economic and political leverage from fossil fuel resources face uncertain futures as the world gradually reduces its dependence on these commodities. Conversely, countries lacking conventional energy resources may find new opportunities in renewable development. Access to critical minerals required for clean energy technologies – including lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements – has emerged as a new strategic concern, potentially shifting geopolitical tensions from oil-rich regions to areas with abundant mineral resources. China’s domination of renewable energy manufacturing and critical mineral processing has prompted many Western nations to implement policies aimed at developing domestic supply chains and reducing dependency on Chinese imports.

E For developing economies, the energy transition presents both unique challenges and opportunities. These nations face the dual imperative of expanding energy access while simultaneously limiting environmental impacts. Many low-income countries remain heavily dependent on fossil fuels and lack the financial resources to rapidly deploy renewable alternatives. International climate finance mechanisms have been established to address this disparity, though funding commitments have consistently fallen short of identified needs. The concept of a “just transition” has gained prominence in global climate discussions, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that the shift to clean energy systems does not exacerbate existing economic inequalities or create new forms of energy poverty.

F The transportation sector represents another critical frontier in the energy transition. Electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as the dominant technology for decarbonizing road transport, with global sales surpassing 14 million units in 2023, a tenfold increase from 2018. Major automotive manufacturers have announced ambitious electrification targets, with several pledging to phase out internal combustion engine vehicles entirely between 2030 and 2040. However, substantial barriers to widespread EV adoption persist, including high upfront costs, limited charging infrastructure, and consumer concerns about range and reliability. The aviation and shipping industries face even greater decarbonization challenges, as battery technology remains inadequate for most long-distance applications in these sectors.

G Looking ahead, successful navigation of the energy transition will require unprecedented levels of coordination between governments, industries, and communities. Policy frameworks must balance immediate economic concerns with long-term sustainability objectives, while ensuring that benefits and burdens are distributed equitably. As renewable energy capacity continues to expand and complementary technologies mature, the pace of transition is likely to accelerate. However, the trajectory will not be uniform across regions or sectors, with some areas achieving rapid decarbonization while others experience more gradual change. What remains clear is that the global energy system of the mid-21st century will bear little resemblance to that of the recent past, with profound implications for economies, societies, and the environment worldwide.

Questions 1-7

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the reading passage?

Write:

• TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
• FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
• NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this in the passage

1. The cost reduction in renewable energy technologies has been more significant for solar power than for wind power over the past decade.
2. Energy storage capacity has expanded sufficiently to meet the requirements of a grid powered predominantly by renewable sources.
3. Nations with abundant fossil fuel resources generally view the energy transition as beneficial to their geopolitical position.
4. The domination of renewable energy manufacturing by China has prompted policy responses from Western countries.
5. Developing economies have received adequate financial support from international climate mechanisms to implement renewable energy systems.
6. Electric vehicle sales have increased by approximately ten times between 2018 and 2023.
7. The transition to cleaner energy sources is expected to occur at an identical pace across all geographic regions and economic sectors.

For more IELTS Reading practice tests, you can also visit Smart Cities topic.