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Sunset For The Oil Business Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test

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Updated on Sep 06, 2024, 09:33

The passage examines the debate on whether the world is nearing the depletion of oil. It highlights contrasting views between experts predicting imminent oil scarcity, based on Hubbert's peak theory, and those who believe technological advancements and new reserves will sustain oil production. Dr. Hubbert's accurate prediction of the U.S. oil peak in the 1970s has influenced current geologists, while skeptics argue past doomsday predictions were incorrect. Technological advancements could improve oil recovery rates, but significant investment is needed to maintain production levels from aging reserves. The passage underscores the uncertainty and differing opinions on oil depletion timelines.

 

This passage helps in honing skills for comprehending complex arguments, evaluating contrasting viewpoints, and summarising detailed information. It includes technical terms, varied perspectives, and historical context, which are typical in the IELTS Reading section. Practising with such texts enhances the ability to quickly identify main ideas, understand nuanced arguments, and effectively summarise content, which is crucial for the exam.

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1. Sunset For The Oil Business Reading Passage

You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 - 14 based on the Reading Passage below. 

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2. Sunset For The Oil Business Reading Questions & Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Sunset For The Oil Business Reading Questions & Answers

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1.

Sunset For The Oil Business Reading Passage

General Information

  • Read Instructions: Understand each question before answering.
  • Manage Time: Spend about 20 minutes per passage.
  • Skim and Scan: Quickly get the main idea and find specific information.
  • Highlight Key Info: Underline essential words or phrases.
  • Answer All Questions: Attempt every question; no penalty for wrong answers.
  • Stay Focused: Avoid distractions and keep your attention on the task.
  • Check Spelling: Ensure correct spelling and grammar.
  • Transfer Answers Clearly: Write answers neatly on the answer sheet.
  • Don’t Dwell: Move on if stuck and return later.
  • Review: If time allows, review your answers.

 

Learn about IELTS General Reading. 

 

 

 

Sunset For The Oil Business Reading Passage 

 

Paragraph A: 
Representatives of the Department Analysis Centre (ODAC) lately convened in London to present technical evidence in support of their dire forecast that the world is dangerously close to running out of oil. Notable figures of the time, such as geologist Colin Campbell, refuted the opposing viewpoints put forward by the American geological survey and the international energy agency, which contradicted the results they found. Dr. Campbell has even questioned the shocking level of incompetence, denial, and obfuscation on this issue that has been demonstrated by the government, business, and academia.

 

Paragraph B: 
So, is oil really becoming rare? The answer is simple: Yes. Nobody doubts that oil is, for all intents and purposes, a nonrenewable resource that will eventually run out, whether in a few years or a few decades. The more difficult question is identifying exactly when oil will become limited. And the solution to this question requires ascending Hubbert's summit.

 

Paragraph C: 
A Shell geologist with a legendary reputation among depletion specialists, M. King Hubbert, predicted in 1956 that oil production in the United States would reach its peak in the early 1970s and then gradually fall in a bell-shaped curve. His prediction was controversial at the time, and many disbelieved it. By 1970, however, actual data demonstrated that he was correct: oil output in the United States reached its apex in 1970 and has been decreasing ever since.

 

Paragraph D: 
Dr. Hubbert's research was founded on the notion that oil production in a new location often increases rapidly initially when the most accessible and affordable reserves are tapped. Over time, it becomes more costly to produce oil as reserves age and productivity drops. Hence, the oil from this sector becomes less competitive compared to alternative fuels or oil from other regions. As a consequence, output generally slows down, tapers off, and decreases. He reasoned that this resulted in a bell-shaped pattern.

 

Paragraph E: 
His accurate estimation has influenced a new generation of geologists to employ his approach on a worldwide scale. At ODAC, chief among the experts are most concerned that the global peak in production will occur within the next decade. The peak should have occurred already; he now thinks it is just around the corner, Dr. Campbell contended. This dismal chorus now includes a major player. In his recent book, "The View from Hubbert's Peak," Kenneth Deffeyes of Princeton University contends that the world's oil output might reach its apex as early as 2004.

 

Paragraph F: 
It is in direct contrast to conventional wisdom. In part to rebut Dr. Campbell's arguments, America’s Geological Survey conducted a comprehensive analysis of oil depletion last year that put the peak of production some decades off. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has recently released a new "World Energy Outlook" that estimates residual oil stocks will be sufficient to supply demand until 2020. René Dahan, one of ExxonMobil's top executives, goes even further: with the conviction of the world's biggest energy firm, he declares that the globe will continue to be drenched in oil for the next seventy years.

 

Paragraph G: 
Who is correct? It is advantageous to look into the pathetic history of oil forecasting in order to comprehend these wildly differing viewpoints. Since the 1970s, doomsayers have prophesied that oil wells would run empty, yet so far the oil continues to flow. Several doomsday forecasts for the year 2000 generated in the aftermath of the energy crises of the 1970s proved to be too negative. The U.S. Department of Energy estimated that oil would reach $150 per barrel in 2000 dollars; Exxon expected that it would sell for $100.

 

Paragraph H: 
An economic consultancy, Michael Lynch of DRI-WEFA, is one of the few trustworthy sources for oil price predictions. Dr. Lynch analyzes the accuracy of those previous predictions in the new research. He uncovers both systematic bias and repeated errors, which points to methodological flaws as the source of the difficulty rather than inadequate data merely. In particular, he blames Hubbert style analysts for generating stagnant predictions about how much oil is "ultimately recoverable" underground. This is a term used by the oil industry to describe the quantity of oil that may be extracted from the earth.

 

Paragraph I: 
This is what will ultimately determine whether the pessimists or optimists are correct: technical progress. The first group is suspicious of promises that deep-water drilling and better recovery would soon usher in technological revolutions. Dr. Deffeyes accurately depicts this post technological worldview. He claims it is tough to ask for new technology at this time since the industry has already spent billions on technological research and most of the wheels have been created.

 

Paragraph J: 
Yet, technological optimists argue that the oil industry has just seen the beginning of the technological revolution. The current average recovery rate (the quantity of oil that can be recovered from a reservoir) is only between 30 and 35 percent. Optimists in the industry estimate that within a decade, new techniques now under research might increase this percentage to between 50 and 60%.

 

Paragraph K: 
It could be difficult to invest in the sector given its extraordinary innovation history. The nationalisations in the 1970s compelled Big Oil to invest in exploring reserves in distant, high-cost areas like the North Sea and Alaska, refuting Dr. Hubbert's hypothesis that inexpensive reserves would be exploited first. In the past two decades, the cost of identifying and developing wells has been lowered from over $20 per barrel to approximately $6 per barrel as a result of the ensuing upstream expenditures. At less than $4 per barrel, the price of oil has dropped by more than half.

 

Paragraph L: 
Nevertheless, the majority of the world's oil is currently in production from ageing reserves that are gradually diminishing, suggesting that such miracles will not come cheap. With proper investment, the world will be able to avoid an oil production peak within the next two decades, the International Energy Agency has determined. So how much is required? The agency estimates that oil corporations would be required to spend $1 trillion in non-OPEC nations over the next decade to replace the production lost at those ageing fields and keep up with the world's growing demand for oil. That's a huge number.

 

2.

Sunset For The Oil Business Reading Questions & Answers

Questions and Answers 1-5
  • Match each statement with the correct person, A-E.
  • Write the correct letter, A-E in your answer sheet.
  • NB You may use any letter more than once.

 

List of People

A. Colin Campbell 

B. M. King Hubbert 

C. Kenneth Deffeyes 

D. Rene Dahan 

E. Michael Lynch

 

  1. ..................... has found fault in the geological research procedure
  2. ..................... has provided the longest-range prediction regarding oil supply
  3. ..................... has persuaded others that oil production will follow a certain model 
  4. ..................... has accused fellow scientists of refusing to see the truth 
  5. ..................... has expressed doubt over whether upgrade methods of extracting oil are possible.

 

Sunset For The Oil Business Reading Answers with Explanations (1-5)

 

Type of question: Matching Features

 

In the task of "Matching Features," you typically need to pair related items based on certain criteria. This could involve comparing characteristics, identifying connections, or linking items that complement each other. The specific approach will depend on the task's context. 

 

How to best answer the question

 

  • Start by identifying the key aspects of each item and then clearly demonstrate how they align or differ. 
  • Providing specific examples or evidence to support your comparisons can strengthen your answer. 
  • It's also essential to ensure that your response is organised and easy to follow, so consider using a structured format such as a table or a side-by-side comparison.


     
1. Michael Lynch


Reference: 
Paragraph H 
Dr. Lynch analyzes the accuracy of those previous predictions in the new research. He uncovers both systematic bias and repeated errors, which points to methodological flaws as the source of the difficulty rather than inadequate data merely.

Explanation: 
Dr. Michael Lynch found fault in the geological research procedure by identifying systematic biases and methodological flaws.

 

2. Rene Dahan


Reference: 
Paragraph F 
René Dahan, one of ExxonMobil's top executives, goes even further: with the conviction of the world's biggest energy firm, he declares that the globe will continue to be drenched in oil for the next seventy years.

Explanation: 
Rene Dahan provided the longest-range prediction regarding oil supply, asserting it will last for seventy years.

 

3. M. King Hubbert


Reference: 
Paragraph C 
M. King Hubbert predicted in 1956 that oil production in the United States would reach its peak in the early 1970s and then gradually fall in a bell-shaped curve.

Explanation: 
M. King Hubbert persuaded others that oil production would follow a bell-shaped model based on his accurate predictions.

 

4. Colin Campbell


Reference: 
Paragraph A 
Dr. Campbell has even questioned the shocking level of incompetence, denial, and obfuscation on this issue that has been demonstrated by the government, business, and academia.

Explanation: 
Colin Campbell accused fellow scientists of refusing to see the truth about the imminent oil shortage.

 

5. Kenneth Deffeyes


Reference: 
Paragraph I 
Dr. Deffeyes accurately depicts this post technological worldview. He claims it is tough to ask for new technology at this time since the industry has already spent billions on technological research and most of the wheels have been created. 

Explanation: 
Kenneth Deffeyes expressed doubt over whether upgrade methods of extracting oil are possible due to already extensive technological investments.


 

Read more about Dictation Words for IELTS: Practice and Preparation!

Questions and Answers 6-9
  • Complete the notes below. ,
  • Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.

 

Many people believed Hubbert’s theory was 6. ..................... when it was originally presented. 

 

sunset for the oil business reading answers

 

(1) When an oilfield is 7. ....................., it is easy to… 
(2) The recovery of the oil gets more 8. .................... as the reservoir gets older 
(3) The oilfield can’t be as 9. .................... as other areas.

 

Sunset For The Oil Business Reading Answers with Explanations (6-9)

 

Type of question: Note Completion

 

In note completion questions, you are required to fill in the gaps in notes or summaries using information from the reading passage. This task assesses your ability to find specific details within the passage and requires you to understand and identify the main points. 


 

How to best answer the question

 

  • Understand what specific information you need to fill in the blanks.
  • Quickly read through the passage to get a general understanding of its main ideas, key points, and the context surrounding the information you need to complete.
  • Pay attention to keywords or phrases in the notes provided. 
  • Once you've identified the keywords, scan the passage to locate the section that contains the information needed to complete the notes. 
  • Be prepared for the information in the passage to be paraphrased or expressed using synonyms. 

Ensure that the completed notes fit logically within the context of the passage.

 

6. controversial


Reference: 
Paragraph C 
His prediction was controversial at the time, and many disbelieve it.

Explanation: 
Hubbert's theory was considered controversial when it was originally presented.

 

7. Tapped


Reference: 
Paragraph D 
Dr. Hubbert's research was founded on the notion that oil production in a new location often increases rapidly initially when the most accessible and affordable reserves are tapped. 
 

Explanation: 
When an oilfield is tapped, it is easy to extract oil initially.

 

8. Costly


Reference: 
Paragraph D 
Over time, it becomes more costly to produce oil as reserves age and productivity drops.

Explanation: 
The recovery of oil gets more costly as the reservoir gets older.

 

9. . competitive


Reference: 
Paragraph D 
Hence, the oil from this sector becomes less competitive compared to alternative fuels or oil from other regions.

Explanation: 
The oilfield can’t be as competitive as other areas.
 

Read more about A Guide on Most Common English Words Used in Daily Life!

 

Questions and Answers 10-14
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Reading Passage?
In boxes 10-14 on your answer sheet, write

  • YES if the statement agrees with the information given
  • NO if the statement contradicts the information given
  • NOT GIVEN if there is no information about this

 

10. Hubbert has a high-profile reputation amongst ODAC members.
11. Oil is likely to last longer than some other energy sources.
12. The majority of geologists believe that oil will start to run out sometime this decade.
13. Over 50 percent of the oil we know about is currently being recovered.
14. History has shown that some of Hubbert’s principles were mistaken.

 

Sunset For The Oil Business Reading Answers with Explanations (10-14)

 

Question Type:  Yes/No/Not Given

 

In this task, you are presented with a statement, and your task is to determine if it agrees with the information in the passage (Yes), contradicts the information in the passage (No), or if there is insufficient information in the passage to decide (not given).

 

How to best answer the question:

 

  • Read the statement carefully to ensure you understand exactly what it is saying. 
  • Pay attention to details such as dates, numbers, and specific information.
  • Scan the passage to find the section where the relevant information is likely to be located. 
  • Focus on finding evidence that either supports or contradicts the statement.
  • Yes: If the statement agrees with the information in the passage.
  • No: If the statement contradicts the information in the passage.
  • Not Given: If there is no information in the passage that confirms or contradicts the statement.

     
10. Yes


Reference: 
Paragraph E 
His accurate estimation has influenced a new generation of geologists to employ his approach on a worldwide scale.

Explanation: 
Hubbert has a high-profile reputation among ODAC members due to his influential predictions.

 

11. Not Given


Reference: 
NA

Explanation: 
There is no information provided about the comparative longevity of oil versus other energy sources.

 

12. No


Reference: 
Paragraph F 
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has recently released a new 'World Energy Outlook' that estimates residual oil stocks will be sufficient to supply demand until 2020. 

Explanation: 
The majority of geologists do not believe that oil will start to run out this decade.

 

13. No


Reference: 
Paragraph J 
The current average recovery rate (the quantity of oil that can be recovered from a reservoir) is only between 30 and 35 percent.

Explanation: 
Over 50 percent of the oil we know about is not currently being recovered.

 

14. Yes


Reference: 
Paragraph C 
By 1970, however, actual data demonstrated that he was correct: oil output in the United States reached its apex in 1970 and has been decreasing ever since.

Explanation: 
History has shown that some of Hubbert’s principles were validated by actual data.

 

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FAQs

Q. What types of questions are in the IELTS Reading section?

Ans. The IELTS Reading section features various question types, including multiple-choice, true/false/not given, matching headings, summary completion, sentence completion, and short answer questions. These are designed to test a range of reading skills, such as understanding main ideas, detail, logical argument, and recognising writers' opinions, attitudes, and purposes.

Q. How long is the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. The IELTS Reading test lasts for 60 minutes. During this time, candidates must read three passages and answer a total of 40 questions. Time management is crucial to ensure all questions are attempted.

Q. Is the IELTS Reading test computer-based or paper-based?

Ans. The IELTS Reading test can be taken in either a computer-based format or a paper-based format, depending on your preference and the availability at your chosen test center. Both formats assess the same skills and contain the same types of questions, but the method of answering and the overall experience may differ.