©AP Photo/Manish Swarup, File
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you learned about renewable energy before? If so, which kind did you learn about? If not, where can you learn about it?
- Do you know what kind of energy India used most in the past? If so, when did you learn about it? If not, what do you think it was?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- preserve /pri-ZURV/
- storage /STAR-ij/
- inevitable /in-EV-i-tuh-buhl/
- transition /tran-ZISH-uhn/
- challenge /CHAL-inj/
[verb] – to keep something as it is, especially in order to prevent it from decaying or being damaged or destroyed
We plant trees to preserve clean air.
[noun] – the putting and keeping of things in a special place for use in the future
The school has storage for books and bags.
[adjective] – certain to happen and unable to be avoided or prevented
It is inevitable that winter will come.
[noun] – a change from one form or type to another
The school made a smooth transition to online classes.
[noun] – something that needs great mental or physical effort in order to be done successfully
Climbing the mountain was a big challenge.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
India has started to use more renewable energy to lower its dependence on coal. From April 2024 to April 2025, the country added 30 gigawatts of clean energy, which can power about 18 million homes. The Ministry of Power shared that coal once made up 60% of India’s electricity supply 11 years ago, but now it is below 50%. Solar energy is becoming cheaper because of abundant sunlight and low-cost solar parts. This change is needed because India’s economy and industries are growing fast, which increases energy demand. Experts believe that this move is also important to fight climate problems and preserve the environment.
Clean sources like solar and wind are now seen as more reliable because battery storage is improving. A climate expert explained that new technology makes it easier to use green energy, even without sunlight or wind. At present, India is building 170 gigawatts of renewable energy and aims to reach 500 gigawatts by 2030. The government has given strong support, including a $452 million fund and laws that promote clean power. Over the past 10 years, this support helped bring in $81 billion in clean energy projects. Although this is remarkable, coal still provides 75% of the electricity. Experts say switching to clean energy is inevitable, and better systems are needed to manage the transition. Some challenges, like land problems and weak power lines, are still significant barriers.
Clean sources like solar and wind are now seen as more reliable because battery storage is improving. A climate expert explained that new technology makes it easier to use green energy, even without sunlight or wind. At present, India is building 170 gigawatts of renewable energy and aims to reach 500 gigawatts by 2030. The government has given strong support, including a $452 million fund and laws that promote clean power. Over the past 10 years, this support helped bring in $81 billion in clean energy projects. Although this is remarkable, coal still provides 75% of the electricity. Experts say switching to clean energy is inevitable, and better systems are needed to manage the transition. Some challenges, like land problems and weak power lines, are still significant barriers.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What kind of energy is India using more of now?
- How much clean energy did India add from April 2024 to April 2025?
- How many homes can this clean energy power?
- What energy source made up 60% of India’s electricity 11 years ago?
- Why is solar energy becoming cheaper?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever learned about solar energy at school? If so, what did you learn? If not, would you like to learn? Why or why not?
- Have you ever visited a place that uses wind or solar power? If so, where was it? If not, do you know one in your area?
- Do you agree that using renewable energy is good for the environment?
- Why is it hard to stop using coal in big countries like India?
- What problems can happen if the power system is not strong enough for clean energy?