Bài tập Reading - Test 2

TOEFL® Reading Test 2

This page will help you practise for the TOEFL reading test. This section has a reading passage about smart energy and 12 questions. Think carefully before you select an answer. Your answer is scored on the first click! You can also do part 1 of this test.

Questions 1–9

Read the passage. Then answer the questions below. After you have answered the first 9 questions you

will answer a 'Summary Question'. Smart Energy

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.

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.

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