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Tidal Power Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test

updated at

Updated on Jul 02, 2024, 11:57

The IELTS Reading section is designed to assess your reading comprehension skills through various texts and question types. You will have 60 minutes to read three passages and answer 40 questions, which may include multiple-choice, true/false/not given, matching headings, and completing sentences or summaries. This section evaluates your ability to understand and interpret information and identify the main ideas, details, and implications within the passages.

 

In the passage, Tidal power harnesses the energy from tidal movements to generate electricity, offering a renewable and predictable energy source. It involves using various technologies, such as tidal barrages and underwater turbines, to capture the kinetic and potential energy of tides.

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1. Tidal Power Reading Passage

You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 - 13 based on the Reading Passage below. This approach can help manage time effectively during a reading comprehension activity or exam. 

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2. Tidal Power Reading Question & Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Tidal Power

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1.

Tidal Power Reading Passage

General Information

  • Ensure to carefully read the instructions for each question and respond accordingly.
  • The complexity of the reading passages will escalate as you advance through the test.
  • Skimming and scanning the passage is pivotal for achieving a high score in the reading section.
  • Manage your time judiciously to ensure ample time for answering all questions.
  • Electronic devices, including mobile phones, are prohibited in the test room.

 

 

 

 

Tidal Power Reading Passage


 

Paragraph 1

Undersea turbines that generate electricity from waves are becoming a major source of renewable energy for Britain. It is still too early to anticipate the extent of the consequence they may have, but there are all indications that they may play an important role in the future.

Operating according to the same principle as wind turbines, the force of sea turbines comes from wave currents, which turn blades like propellers on ships, but unlike wind, the waves are predictable, and the power input is stable. The technology increases the possibility of Britain becoming self-sufficient in renewable energy and drastically lowers its carbon dioxide emissions. If tidal, wind, and tidal power all grow Britain will be able to close gas, coal, and nuclear power plants and export renewable energy to other parts of Europe. Unlike wind power, which Britain first created and then quit 20 years later, letting the Dutch turn it into a large industry, submarine turbines could generate large export revenue for island nations like Japan and New Zealand.

 

Paragraph 2

Tidal bases have already been determined to will deliver one-sixth or more of the UK's energy and reduce the cost of competing with current gas turbines and the already dilapidated nuclear industry. One site alone, Pentland Firth, between Orkney and Scotland's mainland, could generate 10% of the country's electricity from the shores of submarine turbines and three times more than the 1,200 megawatts at Britain's biggest and unknown nuclear power plant on the Channel Islands, Alderney. Sizewell B, in Suffolk. Further sites identified contain the Bristol Canal and the west coast of Scotland, especially between Campbelltown and Northern Ireland.

 

Paragraph 3

Work on the plans for the latest turbine blades and bases is well underway at the University of Southampton's Sustainable Energy Research Committee. The first station is desired to be set up soon in Lynmouth, Devon, to test the technology in an effort to co-finance trade and industry and the EU. Abubakr Bahaj, who is the head of the Southampton study, says the potential for energy from tidal currents is much better than from wind because water flows are predictable and stable. Technology for dealing with seawater-hostile salinity was formed in the North Sea oil industry and is already known for turbine blade design due to wind and ship propulsion. There are some technical issues, but I hope that in the next five to ten years, we will establish commercial sea turbine farms. Southampton was awarded £215,000 over three years to build the turbines and is functioning with IT power subsidiary Marine Current Turbines on the Lynmouth project. EU research has now determined possible sites for 106 wave power, with 80% located around the UK coast. The finest sites are between islands or about more inland beaches where there are powerful tidal currents.

 

Paragraph 4

A sea turbine blade should be only one-third the size of a wind turbine generator to deliver thrice as much power. The blades are about 20 meters in diameter, so about 30 meters of water is needed. Unlike wind energy, environmental resistance is unlikely. Fish and other creatures are thought to be less likely to be endangered by relatively slow-moving blades. Each turbine will be placed on a tower, which will be connected to the national power supply grid through undersea cables. The towers are designed to stick out of the water and burn alert shipping, take it out of the water for maintenance, and clean the sponge from blades.

 

Paragraph 5

Dr. Bahaj has accomplished a lot of work on the Alderney site, where there are strong currents. The single-submarine turbine farm will create more power than the Channel Islands need, and most will be injected into the French grid and re-imported to Britain through cable under the channel. 

 

Paragraph 6

Technical difficulty is cavitation, where low pressure causes air bubbles behind the turning plate. These can generate vibrations and damage the blades of the turbines. Dr Bahaj stated, "We need to sample several blade types to prevent this from occurring or at least make sure it does not harm the turbines or lower performance." One more minor problem is the submerged waste floating on the blades. So far, we couldn’t got to know the level of consequence it might be. The turbines need to be made stronger because the sea is a hostile environment, but all indications are good that it can be done.

2.

Tidal Power Reading Question & Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Tidal Power

Questions and Answers 1-4
This reading passage has six paragraphs, A–F.
Which paragraph contains the following information?
  • Write the correct letter, A-F, as your answer to each question.

Note: You may use any letter more than once.

 

1. Other sites identified contain the Bristol Canal and the west coast of Scotland.

2. Technology raises the chance of Britain becoming self-sufficient in renewable energy and drastically lowers its carbon dioxide emissions.

3. Unlike wind power, which Britain first created and then quit 20 years later.

4. Pentland Firth, between Orkney and Scotland's mainland, could generate 10% of the country's electricity from the shores of submarine turbines.


 

Tidal Power Answers with Explanations (1-4)

 

Question Type: Matching Information to Paragraphs

 

In this question type, you are required to locate specific information within the reading passage and match it to the appropriate paragraph. The information may include facts, details, examples, explanations, or reasons.

 

How to best answer the question:

 

  • Carefully read the instructions to know exactly what you are looking for.
  • Identify keywords in the statements you need to match.
  • Skim the passage to get a general idea of the content and structure.
  • Consider the context around the keywords to ensure the information matches the statement.
  • Don’t spend too much time on a single question. Move on if you’re unsure, and return later if you have time.

 

 

1. Paragraph 2

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph 2

Tidal bases have already been determined…..especially between Campbelltown and Northern Ireland.

 

Explanation 

Paragraph 2 contains information about the additional sites identified for tidal power, including the Bristol Canal and the west coast of Scotland. This paragraph discusses the potential for tidal power generation beyond the specific site mentioned, Pentland Firth.


 

2. Paragraph 1

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph 1

Undersea turbines that generate ……revenue for island nations like Japan and New Zealand.

 

Explanation 

Paragraph 1 discusses the technological advancements in tidal power and its potential to make Britain self-sufficient in renewable energy while reducing carbon dioxide emissions. It contrasts tidal power with wind power and highlights its stable power input from predictable waves.

 

 

3. Paragraph 1

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph 1

Undersea turbines that generate ……revenue for island nations like Japan and New Zealand.

 

Explanation

Paragraph 1 also contrasts tidal power with wind power, mentioning Britain's historical engagement with wind power and its potential for exporting tidal power technology, indicating Britain's continued commitment to this renewable energy source.

 

4. Paragraph 2

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph 2

Tidal bases have already been determined…..especially between Campbelltown and Northern Ireland.

 

Explanation

Paragraph 2 provides information about Pentland Firth, stating that it could generate a significant portion of the UK's electricity from submarine turbines. This paragraph emphasises the potential of tidal power generation at specific sites like Pentland Firth.

Questions and Answers 5-9
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Reading Passage?
In boxes 6-10 on your answer sheet, write.

  • YES if the statement agrees with the claims of the writer
  • NO if the statement contradicts the claims of the writer
  • NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this

 

 

5. The force of sea turbines comes from wave currents, which turn blades like propellers on ships.

6. Work on the plans for the old turbine blades and bases is well underway at the University of Southampton's Sustainable Energy Research Committee. 

7. Southampton was awarded £ 216,000 over three years to build the turbines 

8. Undersea turbines can replace all other types of energy in the UK.

9. The best sites are between islands or more inland beaches where there are powerful tidal currents.

 

 

Tide Power Answers with Explanations (5-9)

 

Question Type: True/False/Not Given

 

In True/False/Not Given questions, you're given statements based on the reading passage. You need to determine if the information in the statement aligns with what's mentioned in the passage (True), contradicts the passage (False), or if there's not enough information to make a judgement (Not Given).

 

How to best answer this question:

 

  • Read the statement carefully.
  • Compare it with the information in the passage.
  • If you find direct support in the passage for the statement, answer True.
  • If you find a direct contradiction in the passage, answer False.
  • If the statement isn't clearly supported or contradicted by the passage, answer Not Given.
  • Avoid making assumptions or adding information from outside the passage.
  • Stay focused on the information provided in the passage.

 

5. Yes

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph 1

Operating according to the same principle as wind turbines, the force of sea turbines comes from wave currents, which turn blades like propellers on ships, but unlike wind, the waves are predictable, and the power input is stable. 

 

Explanation

The passage states, "the force of sea turbines comes from wave currents, which turn blades like propellers on ships," aligning with the statement.


 

6. No

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph 3

Work on the plans for the latest turbine blades and bases is well underway at the University of Southampton's Sustainable Energy Research Committee. 

 

Explanation

The passage mentions ongoing work on "the latest turbine blades and bases" at the University of Southampton, which implies the plans are for new, not old, turbine blades and bases.

 

 

7. No

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph 3

Southampton was awarded £215,000 over three years to build the turbines and is functioning with IT power subsidiary Marine Current Turbines on the Lynmouth project. 

 

Explanation
The passage states that Southampton was awarded £215,000, not £216,000, over three years to build the turbines.

 

 

8. Not Given

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph 

NA

 

Explanation

The passage does not provide information regarding whether undersea turbines can replace all other types of energy in the UK.


 

9. Yes

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph 3

The finest sites are between islands or about more inland beaches where there are powerful tidal currents.

 

Explanation
The passage mentions that the finest sites for turbine farms are "between islands or about more inland beaches where there are powerful tidal currents," supporting the statement.

Questions and Answers 10-13
  • Choose the correct letter, A - D

 

10. The blades are about 20 meters in diameter, so about 

 

A. 20 meters of water required
B. 25 meters of water needed
C. 30 meters of water is needed
D. 10 meters of water is needed

 

11.  Each turbine will be placed on a tower, connected to the national power supply grid through 

 

A. undersea cables
B. channel
C. turning plate
D. turbine blades

 

12. Towers take out of the water for maintenance and to clean the 

 

A. turbine
B. cables
C. sea
D. sponge from blades

 

13. One more minor drawback is the submerged waste 

 

A. floating on the blades
B. found in the sea
C. observed by the turbine
D. stuck in the blades

 

Tidal Power Answers with Explanations (10-13)

 

Question Type: Multiple Choice 

 

Multiple Choice questions in the IELTS reading test present you with a question followed by a set of options from which you must choose the correct answer. Typically, there are three or four options to choose from. You must carefully read the question and each option before selecting the correct answer.
 

How to best answer this question:

 

  • You must comprehend the passage to select the most accurate option.
  • Efficient skimming and scanning help locate relevant information quickly.
  • Some options may be designed to mislead you, so it's crucial to base your choice on evidence from the passage.
  • Multiple-choice questions can be time-consuming if you dwell on each option too long. Manage your time wisely to ensure you can attempt all questions.

 

10. C. 30 meters of water is needed

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph 4

The blades are about 20 meters in diameter, so about 30 meters of water is needed.

 

Explanation

The blades' size is mentioned in this paragraph, and it's stated that about 30 meters of water is needed for them, aligning with option C.


 

11. A. undersea cables

 

Reference:

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph 4

Each turbine will be placed on a tower, which will be connected to the national power supply grid through undersea cables.  

 

Explanation

The paragraph describes how each turbine will be connected to the national power supply grid through undersea cables, matching with option A.


 

12. D. sponge from blades

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph 4

The towers are designed to stick out of the water and burn, alert shipping, take it out of the water for maintenance, and to clean the sponge from blades.

 

Explanation

The passage specifies that the towers are designed to take out of the water for maintenance and to clean the sponge from blades, supporting option D.


 

13. Q13 - A. floating on the blades

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph 6

One more minor problem is the submerged waste floating on the blades. So far, we couldn’t get to know the level of consequence it might be.

 

Explanation

In Paragraph 6, it mentions "submerged waste floating on the blades," which corresponds to option A, indicating waste floating on the blades.

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FAQs

Q. How can I improve my reading speed for the IELTS exam?

Ans: Practice is key to improving reading speed. Start with easier texts and gradually work your way up to more complex ones. Use techniques like skimming and scanning to locate key information quickly. Additionally, expand your vocabulary to enhance comprehension and reduce the time spent deciphering unfamiliar words.

Q. How can I effectively manage my time during the IELTS reading test?

Ans. Time management is crucial for success in the IELTS reading test. Allocate a specific amount of time for each passage and stick to it. Skim through the passage first to get a sense of its structure and main ideas. Focus on answering easier questions first to gain momentum and save time for more challenging ones. Lastly, don't spend too much time on a single question. If you're unsure, mark it and come back to it later if time permits.

Q. What should I do if I don't understand a word or phrase while reading?

Ans: Encountering unfamiliar vocabulary is common in the IELTS reading test. Instead of getting stuck on a word, try to infer its meaning from the context. If that doesn't work, make an educated guess based on the rest of the passage. If the word or phrase is crucial for understanding the question or passage, underline it and come back to it later with more context. Finally, expand your vocabulary through consistent reading and vocabulary-building exercises to minimize encountering unknown words during the exam.