99 Percentile GMAT Reading Comprehension
Try some challenging RC Questions below;
GMAT Reading Comprehension Passage 1: Renewable Energy Markets
In recent years, the adoption of renewable energy technologies, such as wind and solar power, has accelerated due to decreasing costs and growing awareness of environmental issues. Historically, renewable energy markets were constrained by high costs, lack of government support, and limited technology adoption. However, advances in battery storage, improvements in grid infrastructure, and supportive policies have made renewable energy more accessible and competitive with fossil fuels.
Despite this progress, significant challenges remain. The intermittent nature of renewable energy sources, such as solar power only producing electricity during the day, requires the use of energy storage systems to ensure a stable power supply. Furthermore, the global supply chain for critical materials like lithium and rare earth elements, essential for batteries and turbines, faces geopolitical and environmental constraints. For instance, lithium mining is water-intensive and environmentally destructive, raising concerns about the sustainability of large-scale renewable energy deployment.
Additionally, renewable energy adoption has been uneven across regions. Wealthier nations have been able to invest heavily in green infrastructure, while developing countries often lack the financial resources to transition away from fossil fuels. This disparity raises questions about equity and the global effectiveness of decarbonization efforts. Some experts argue that wealthier nations should take greater responsibility for funding renewable energy projects in developing countries to ensure a more equitable transition.
While renewable energy technologies hold immense promise, realizing their potential will require solving these technical, environmental, and financial challenges through global cooperation and innovation.
Q1. The passage suggests that renewable energy adoption is uneven across regions primarily because:
A) Developing countries lack the financial resources to transition to renewable energy.
B) Wealthier nations have prioritized domestic investments over international cooperation.
C) The supply chain for renewable energy technologies is controlled by a few countries.
D) Developing countries prefer fossil fuels due to their reliability and availability.
E) Wealthier nations face fewer environmental constraints in adopting renewable energy.
Q2. Which of the following is most analogous to the role played by battery storage in renewable energy systems, as described in the passage?
A) A backup generator in a hospital that ensures power supply during blackouts.
B) A water reservoir that stores excess water during rainy periods for use in dry seasons.
C) A traffic light that controls the flow of vehicles to reduce congestion.
D) A filter in a water treatment plant that removes impurities.
E) A thermostat that adjusts heating and cooling in a building to maintain a stable temperature.
Q3. The passage implies which of the following about lithium mining?
A) It is a necessary but environmentally harmful component of renewable energy production.
B) The environmental impacts of lithium mining outweigh the benefits of renewable energy.
C) Lithium mining is only economically viable in certain regions of the world.
D) The geopolitical risks of lithium mining are less significant than its environmental risks.
E) Technological innovations have reduced the environmental impacts of lithium mining.
Q4. The author would most likely agree with which of the following recommendations for addressing the challenges of renewable energy adoption?
A) Investing in fossil fuel technologies to support developing countries during their transition.
B) Expanding research into alternatives to lithium and rare earth materials.
C) Reducing global dependence on wind and solar power to avoid geopolitical conflicts.
D) Prioritizing domestic renewable energy projects in wealthier nations over global cooperation.
E) Shifting focus away from renewable energy technologies to improve energy efficiency.
Answers to Passage 1
Q1. Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The passage explicitly states that developing countries often lack financial resources to transition to renewable energy, highlighting this as the primary reason for the uneven adoption.
Q2. Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The role of battery storage is to store energy when it is abundant (e.g., during the day for solar) and release it when it is scarce, similar to how a reservoir stores water for use in dry periods.
Q3. Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The passage describes lithium mining as water-intensive and environmentally destructive, emphasizing its environmental challenges while acknowledging its necessity for renewable energy technologies.
Q4. Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The passage discusses the environmental and geopolitical challenges of critical materials like lithium and suggests that addressing these issues is necessary for the sustainable adoption of renewable energy technologies.
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GMAT Reading Comprehension Passage 2: Space Exploration and Private Sector Involvement
In recent decades, space exploration has undergone a profound transformation, with the private sector playing an increasingly prominent role. Historically, governments spearheaded space programs, with agencies like NASA and Roscosmos driving innovations and conducting missions. However, private companies such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Rocket Lab have disrupted the status quo, introducing cost-effective technologies and challenging traditional approaches to space exploration.
One key advantage of private companies is their ability to innovate quickly. For instance, SpaceX has significantly reduced the cost of launching payloads through the development of reusable rockets. These advancements have made space more accessible, enabling a wide range of industries, including telecommunications, research, and even tourism, to capitalize on space-based opportunities. However, critics argue that the privatization of space exploration may prioritize profit over scientific discovery and international cooperation.
A significant concern is the lack of regulation governing private companies’ activities in space. Issues such as space debris management and equitable access to orbital slots have become more pressing as the number of launches increases. Without international agreements to enforce accountability, the long-term sustainability of space operations could be at risk. Proponents of private sector involvement counter that market-driven innovation has accelerated progress at an unprecedented rate and that regulatory frameworks should evolve to support, not stifle, these advancements.
As humanity ventures further into space, striking a balance between private innovation and public accountability will be critical. Collaboration between governments and private entities may offer the best solution to ensure sustainable and equitable space exploration.
Q1. The passage suggests that private sector involvement in space exploration has primarily contributed to which of the following?
A) A reduction in government spending on space programs.
B) A shift in focus from scientific discovery to commercial applications.
C) Greater international cooperation in space exploration initiatives.
D) Significant advancements in cost-effective space technologies.
E) The creation of stricter regulations governing space operations.
Q2. Which of the following best describes the function of the example of SpaceX in the passage?
A) To illustrate how private companies have accelerated innovation in space exploration.
B) To demonstrate the superiority of private companies over government-led programs.
C) To highlight the potential risks of prioritizing profit in space exploration.
D) To emphasize the need for stricter regulations governing private sector activities in space.
E) To show the challenges governments face in competing with private companies.
Q3. Which of the following concerns does the author identify regarding the privatization of space exploration?
A) The technological capabilities of private companies may outpace those of government agencies.
B) The privatization of space exploration could limit access to space for developing countries.
C) Private companies may prioritize profits over long-term sustainability and international cooperation.
D) The lack of funding for government space programs could hinder scientific research.
E) Private companies may monopolize space-based industries, reducing competition.
Q4. The author of the passage would most likely agree with which of the following statements about the future of space exploration?
A) Governments should resume full control over space exploration to ensure sustainability.
B) Private companies should take the lead in space exploration without regulatory interference.
C) Collaboration between governments and private companies is essential for sustainable space exploration.
D) Regulatory frameworks should focus solely on mitigating space debris rather than restricting innovation.
E) Scientific discovery should no longer be a priority for space exploration initiatives.
Q5. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the author’s argument in favor of collaboration between governments and private entities in space exploration?
A) Private companies have launched more successful missions in the past decade than government space agencies.
B) Governments have historically struggled to keep pace with technological advancements in space exploration.
C) Private companies and governments have jointly developed technologies that significantly reduce space debris.
D) The commercial space industry has contributed more funding to scientific research than public agencies.
E) International cooperation in regulating orbital slots has led to fairer access for developing countries.
Answers to Passage 2
Q1. Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: The passage highlights that private companies, like SpaceX, have introduced cost-effective technologies such as reusable rockets, making space exploration more accessible.
Q2. Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The example of SpaceX is used to show how private companies have developed cost-saving innovations, such as reusable rockets, which accelerate progress in space exploration.
Q3. Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The passage explicitly mentions critics’ concerns that private companies may prioritize profits over sustainability and international cooperation.
Q4. Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The author emphasizes the need to balance private innovation with public accountability and suggests collaboration as the best path forward.
Q5. Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Collaboration between governments and private companies to address space debris aligns with the author’s argument that joint efforts are necessary for sustainable space exploration.