Reading Comprehension Practice Test 18
(Q. 1-9): Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow by selecting the most appropriate option.
Although wind power plants have relatively little impact on the environment compared to fossil fuel power plants, concerns have been raised over the noise produced by the rotor blades, visual impacts, and deaths of birds and bats that fly into the rotors (avian/bat mortality). These and other concerns are associated with wind energy development. Like all mechanical systems, wind turbines produce some noise when they operate. Most of the turbine noise is masked by the sound of the wind itself, and the turbines run only when the wind blows. In recent years, engineers have made design changes to reduce the noise from wind turbines. Early model turbines are generally noisier than most new and larger models. As wind turbines have become more efficient, more of the wind is converted into rotational torque and less into acoustic noise. Additionally, proper siting and insulating materials can be used to minimize noise impacts.
Unlike most other generation technologies, wind turbines do not use combustion to generate electricity, and hence don’t produce air emissions. The only potentially toxic or hazardous materials are relatively small amounts of lubricating oils and hydraulic and insulating fluids. Therefore, contamination of surface or ground water or soils is highly unlikely. And like all electrical generating facilities, wind generators produce electric and magnetic fields with potential for interference with radar and telecommunication facilities.
1. A ‘rotor’ is used in
(1) any mechanical equipment
(2) only turbine machines
(3) manufacturing rotary blades
(4) hydraulic pumps
Ans. 1
2. An expression from the essay meaning ‘prototype’ is
(1) groundwater
(2) early model
(3) mortality
(4) efficient
Ans. 2
93. ‘Acoustic’ refers to the
(1) capability of absorbing sound
(2) reducing noise
(3) causing low noise levels
(4) amplification of sounds
Ans. 4
4. A word which means the opposite in the essay for ‘potentially harmful’ is
(1) technologies
(2) interference
(3) hazardous
(4) hydraulic
Ans. 2
5. The essay claims that the deaths of birds are caused by
(1) being hit by turbine blades
(2) contamination in the soil
(3) lubricating oil mixed in water
(4) attacks by big bat
Ans. 1
6. A potential for interference is observed when
(1) birds and bats have become victims of machines.
(2) chemicals have seeped into the soil and water.
(3) functioning of electrical gadgets is affected near wind turbines.
(4) turbine blades, when in motion, may obstruct the flight path of aircraft.
Ans. 1
7. Today, the long-term option for energy generation is by
(1) using limited amounts of lubricating oils.
(2) avoiding the use of any fossil fuel.
(3) using combustion.
(4) using a renewable energy source.
Ans. 2
8. ‘Relatively little impact’ implies that there were
(1) only minor problems with fossil fuel use.
(2) some issues with wind power turbines.
(3) almost no negative impacts compared to other types of energy generation.
(4) both wind and fossil fuel pose some dangers as energy sources.
Ans. 2
9. ‘Mechanical systems’ are based on the principles of
(1) chemistry and economics
(2) geography and history
(3) physics and mathematics
(4) natural sciences
Ans. 3
