IELTS
Reading Formula
(MAXIMISER)
121
IEL TS Reading (Activity
29)
Sentence com�letion
..,. Wave energy
Wave energy, which differs from tidal power and ocean current energy, is the energy generated by
surface ocean waves. These waves are caused by a number of forces, including the gravitational pull of
the Sun
and Moon, earthquakes, and especially the wind moving at a higher speed across the surface of
ocean water. A feature of wave energy is that it is irregular and oscillating - that is, vibrating.
Interest in
renewable, non-polluting forms of energy has led to the development of new technologies to
harness the energy of waves. Although attempts have been made to do this since the 1890s, it is only in
recent years that fledgling energy technologies have been developed that could
generate commercially
viable amounts of electricity on a greater scale in the future. This electricity could be used for domestic
and commercial energy generation, water desalination and the pumping of water into reservoirs.
There are several methods of harnessing wave energy. It may be taken from locations either at or near
the shoreline or further out to sea and either from the surface of the ocean or from pressure fluctuations
below the surface. There are three main methods of doing this: floats on the surface, wave surge devices
and oscillating water columns. The latter are the most common currently being used.
There are a number of advantages to this source of energy. The first is that there are a large number
of locations capable of being exploited. These include the
western seaboard of Europe, the north coast of
the United Kingdom, the Pacific coastlines of North and South America and the western
coasts of South
Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The presence of strong, reliable westerly winds is a significant factor.
Other advantages include the fact that the energy source is free, with no waste and with significant
amounts of energy being able to be produced.
However, there are a number of disadvantages. The cost of installing the technology and capturing the
energy over a large area is a significant factor. The energy levels tend to fluctuate,
making it difficult for
power generators, which need a constant steady flow of power. The devices installed need to survive the
storm and saltwater damage. Noise and visual pollution may have a negative impact on coastal
communities, and the fishing industry may be affected.
Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
1
A characteristic of wave energy is that it is .......................... ..
2 Original attempts were made to harness wave energy in .......................... ..
3 The most common method to harness wave energy is through using ........................... .
4 For successful generation of energy from Waves, the best wind direction is .......................... ..
5 One disadvantage of the energy levels is that they may .......................... ..
6 An activity in coastal communities that may be disrupted by Wave energy technology is ........................... .
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