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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] There is also likely
more electricity generation centres, as households and
communities take up the opportunity to install photovoltaic
cells and small scale wind turbines. 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.

A second problem is the fact that many renewable power

generation sources are located in remote areas, such as
windy uplands and coastal regions, where there is currently
a lack of electrical infrastructure. New infrastructures
therefore must be built. Thankfully, with improved smart
technology, this can be done more efficiently by reducing
the reinforcement or construction costs.

Although Smart Technology is still in its infancy, pilot

schemes to promote and test it are already underway.
Consumers are currently testing the new smart meters
which can be used in their homes to manage electricity
use. There are also a number of demonstrations being
planned to show how the smart technology could
practically work, and trials are in place to test the new
electrical infrastructure. It is likely that technology will be
added in 'layers', starting with 'quick win' methods which
will provide initial carbon savings, to be followed by more
advanced systems at a later date. Cities are prime
candidates for investment into smart energy, due to the
high population density and high energy use. It is here
where Smart Technology is likely to be promoted first,
utilising a range of sustainable power sources, transport
solutions and an infrastructure for charging electrically
powered vehicles. The infrastructure is already changing
fast. By the year 2050, changes in the energy supply will
have transformed our homes, our roads and our behaviour.

1 According to paragraph 1, what has happened in some

oil producing countries? Correct

A They are unwilling to sell their oil any more.

B They are not producing as much oil as they used to.
C The supply of oil is unpredictable.
D Global warming is more sever here than in other
countries.

2 Where in paragraph 1 can the following sentence be

placed?
There is also likely more electricity generation centres, as
households and communities take up the opportunity to
install photovoltaic cells and small scale wind turbines.
Correct

A
B
C
D

3 Which of the following is NOT a benefit of Smart Grid

technology to consumers? Correct

A It can reduce their electricity bills.

B It can tell them how much energy each appliance is
using.
C It can allow them to turn appliances on and off when
they are not at home.
D It can reduce the amount of energy needed to power
appliances.

4 According to paragraph 4, what is the problem with

using renewable sources of power? Correct

A They do not provide much energy.

B They often cause system failure and blackouts.
C They do not supply a continuous flow of energy.
D They can't be used at off-peak times.

5 In paragraph 6, what can be inferred about cities in the

future? Correct

A More people will be living in cities in the future than

nowadays.
B People in cities will be using cars and buses powered
by electricity.
C All buildings will generate their own electricity.
D Smart Grid technology will only be available in cities.

6 The word 'remote' in paragraph 5 could be best replace

by: Correct

A isolated
B crowded
C attractive
D alone

7 The word 'underway' in paragraph 6 is closest in

meaning to: Correct

A permanent
B complete
C beneficial
D in progress

8 17 What is the main idea of the final paragraph?

(paragraph 6). Correct

A To describe who will benefit from Smart Grid

technology first.
B To outline the advantages of Smart Grid technology.
C To summarise the main ideas in the previous
paragraphs.
D To describe how, where and when Smart Technology
will be introduced.

9 In paragraph 6, what can be inferred about the

introduction of Smart Grid Technology? Correct

A The technologies which produce most benefits will be

introduced first.
B The cheapest technologies will be introduced first.
C The technologies which are most difficult to put into
place will be introduced first.
D Technologically advanced systems will be introduced
first.

Score: 9/9 Summary Question

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 TOEFL Reading tests:

Reading test 1

Reading test 2

Reading test 3

Reading test 4

Reading test 5

Reading test 6

Reading test 7

Reading test 8

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 TOEFL Sections

Reading

Listening

Speaking

Vocabulary

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