IELTS Reading

Technology: Recent Advancements 1

– Artificial Photosynthesis –

“In an era defined by climate change and environmental crises, recent technological advancements aim to address these daunting challenges. One notable development is artificial photosynthesis, an innovative technique mirroring nature’s process to convert light energy into chemical energy.

Scientists aspire to utilize this technology to harness solar energy, creating a renewable energy source that is both efficient and environmentally friendly. The underlying process involves the use of light-sensitive materials, which when struck by sunlight, generate electrons to instigate chemical reactions.

The outcome of this process is the formation of energy-rich compounds like hydrogen or carbon-based fuels.

Furthermore, it can aid in reducing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide, a key participant in photosynthesis, can be incorporated and transformed into useful fuels. In essence, it’s a double victory: producing clean energy and combating climate change.

However, despite the promising potential, artificial photosynthesis is still at its infancy stage. Numerous technical obstacles and the need for further refinement restrain its widespread application. Nonetheless, the technology holds promise for a sustainable future.”

​Choose NO MORE THAN TWO words from the text for each answer.
  1. Artificial photosynthesis is an emerging technology designed to emulate nature’s process of converting ______ energy into ______ energy.
  2. The goal of this technology is to capture _____ energy and transform it into a renewable energy source that is both proficient and harmless to the environment.
  3. The core process involves the employment of _______-sensitive substances that initiate chemical reactions when exposed to sunlight.
  4. One of the advantageous effects of this technology could be the decrease in ________ dioxide levels, a major player in global warming.
  5. Despite the _______ potential, the technology is currently in its early stages of development.
  6. The main hurdles for its broader use are numerous technical _______ and the necessity for more enhancements.
Choose NO MORE THAN ONE word from the text for each answer.

Artificial photosynthesis, a recent ________, imitates the natural ________ of turning light energy into a different form. Its aim is to create a renewable and efficient ________ of energy from the sun. By utilizing light-sensitive ________ and encouraging specific chemical reactions, this technology may produce energy-rich compounds and mitigate levels of a certain ________ gas. Yet, its nascent stage and various technical ________ impede its wider deployment.

Vocabulary Builder 

  • Find the synonyms (words with the same or similar meaning) to these 9 words from the original passage.
Original Word Variants Used
Technology _________________
Convert ___________ / ___________
Light ___________ / ___________
Energy _________________
Materials _________________
Electrons _________________
Carbon Dioxide _________________
Potential _________________
Obstacles _________________
Original Word Variants Used
Technology Breakthrough
Convert Transform, turn
Light Sunlight, solar
Energy Source
Materials Substances
Electrons Chemical reactions
Carbon Dioxide Atmospheric gas
Potential Promising
Obstacles Hurdles

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