Driving on Air IELTS Reading Passage: Vocabulary, Questions, and Mistakes to Avoid

Latest Update: The IELTS exam fee in India has been raised to INR 18,000 for both the Academic and General Training versions, regardless of the test format.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Reading section is essential for your exam success, and its reliability is well-established. With a Cronbach's alpha ranging from 0.85 to 0.92, it ensures a consistent measure of reading skills. 

For Indian students, the average IELTS band score is 6.1, indicating that there is room to improve their reading skills. One helpful resource is the Driving on Air  IELTS reading passage, known for its mix of factual information and inference-based questions. By focusing on its vocabulary and learning different question types, you can significantly improve your score.

In this blog you’ll explore the Driving on Air IELTS Reading Passage, covering important vocabulary, common question types, and mistakes to avoid, so you can confidently improve your reading skills and approach the IELTS Academic Reading section.

Understanding the Driving on Air IELTS Reading Passage

In the IELTS academic reading section, you will face a range of question types, including Summary Completion, Note Completion, and Matching Information. Each question type requires a tailored approach to ensure accuracy. 

The section contains 40 questions, spread across three passages, with 12 to 14 questions per passage. The Driving on Air passage focuses on compressed air-powered vehicles and their technology. It tests your ability to identify key details, understand technical vocabulary related to automotive technology and sustainability, and interpret complex ideas, all within a 20-minute time limit.

Here is an overview of the most common IELTS Academic Reading question types you'll encounter in the Driving on Air IELTS Reading Passage:

Type of IELTS Reading Question	Skill Evaluated
Completing a Summary	Integrating information from different sections of the passage to finalize a summary.
Filling in Sentences	Recognizing important details and placing them accurately within a sentence structure.
Associating Headings/Details	Matching parts of the passage with their corresponding main ideas or specific information.
True/False/Not Provided	Determining the truthfulness of statements and identifying whether details are confirmed, contradicted, or absent.
Choosing the Correct Option	Comprehending and analyzing explicit information to select the most precise answer.

Also Read: List of Documents Required for IELTS Exam & Tips to Register

Familiarizing yourself with these common question types, like the ones above, will help you approach the IELTS Reading section confidently and improve your chances of achieving a higher band score.

IELTS Reading Passages on Driving on Air

The Driving on Air IELTS reading passage challenges your ability to comprehend technical concepts related to air-powered vehicles and innovative transportation technologies. With technical language and detailed explanations, the passage focuses on the mechanics, benefits, and challenges of this innovative transportation method.

Understanding the details of the technology, the author's views, and the broader implications of air-driven transportation is key to answering the questions correctly. Here is a breakdown of the IELTS general reading passage on Driving on Air:

Paragraph A:

The concept of using compressed air to power vehicles, rather than fossil fuels or batteries, has intrigued engineers for over a century. First explored in the 19th century, compressed air engines were seen as a way to achieve zero emissions with a simple mechanical design. In 1870, French engineer Louis Mékarski developed compressed air locomotives for Parisian trams, using thermally heated air to prevent ice buildup in tanks. Though noisy and inefficient, these early models laid the groundwork for modern versions. In the 2000s, Tata Motors partnered with MDI to develop air-powered cars, including the AIRPOD and the Tata Nano. These vehicles stored energy in high-pressure carbon fiber tanks, using compressed air to drive pistons. Despite initial excitement, the technology faced significant challenges, offering valuable lessons for sustainable transportation.

Paragraph B:

Compressed air engines work by storing energy in pressurized air. When air is compressed to 300 bar (4,350 psi), it stores potential energy that turns into kinetic energy when released. However, compressed air has a low energy density of 0.1 megajoules per liter (MJ/L), much lower than gasoline (34 MJ/L) and lithium-ion batteries (0.9 MJ/L). Early prototypes, such as MDI's MiniCAT (2002), demonstrated urban commuter vehicles with a 200 km range and quick refueling capabilities. The AIRPOD, a three-seater, reached speeds of 70 km/h with a 175-liter tank. However, compressing air demands significant energy, often from non-renewable sources. Filling a 300-liter tank requires 90 kWh, equivalent to charging a Tesla Model 3 twice, limiting its environmental benefits.

Paragraph C:

In 2007, Tata Motors licensed MDI's technology, aiming to transform India's automotive market. The project targeted urban commuters with the $10,000 AIRPOD and a modified Tata Nano prototype, promising emissions-free travel at a fraction of EV costs. The AIRPOD's carbon fiber tanks could withstand 300 bar pressure, but technical issues arose. Energy losses during compression and expansion reduce efficiency by over 50%, as air cools when it is expanded, losing power. Engineers attempted to add heat exchangers to mitigate this, but it increased costs. By 2012, the project had stalled, overshadowed by the advancement of lithium-ion batteries and government-supported electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. Tata's CEO, Carl-Peter Forster, acknowledged, “The energy density challenge made compressed air impractical for mass-market adoption.”

Paragraph D:

The failure of compressed air vehicles stemmed from three key issues. First, the technology's low energy density meant that a Tata Nano-sized air tank stored the equivalent of just 1.5 liters of gasoline, limiting the range to 120 km under optimal conditions, which is well below consumer expectations. Second, the lack of infrastructure was a significant barrier. Refueling stations with specialized compressors cost over $500,000 each, making widespread deployment economically unfeasible. Third, thermodynamic inefficiencies reduced performance. The compression and expansion process resulted in significant energy losses, reducing the overall efficiency to 25%, compared to 75% for electric drivetrains. Safety concerns also arose after a 2010 stress test revealed that a prototype tank had ruptured, highlighting the dangers of storing air at such high pressures. Regulatory bodies delayed certification until safety improvements were made, further delaying commercialization.

Paragraph E:

Hybrid systems have been explored to address the limitations of air. PSA Peugeot Citroën's Hybrid Air prototype (2013) combined a gasoline engine with compressed air, using braking energy to reduce urban fuel use by 45%. Similarly, IIT Madras developed a hybrid rickshaw that utilizes both compressed air and batteries, resulting in a 30% reduction in emissions. While fully air-powered vehicles remain unsuitable for highways, niche applications continue to thrive. Mining companies, such as Anglo American, utilize compressed air locomotives in hazardous environments where sparks from batteries or engines pose a risk. Australia's EngineAir produces the Di Pietro motor, an air-powered rotary engine used in forklifts, producing zero emissions.

Paragraph F:

The rise of electric vehicles (EVs), driven by falling battery costs and government incentives, rendered air-powered cars obsolete. Between 2010 and 2023, lithium-ion battery prices declined sharply, from $1,100/kWh to $139/kWh, enabling the production of affordable electric vehicles (EVs), such as the Nissan Leaf. Governments have supported the development of charging infrastructure, with the EU aiming to install 450,000 public chargers by 2023. In contrast, compressed air received minimal investment. MDI pivoted to selling air-powered scooters in Southeast Asia, while Tata focused on electric vehicles (EVs), such as the Nexon. Analysts argue that air's low energy density and infrastructure needs make it impractical as a “transition fuel.” Dr. Julia Polak of Imperial College London remarked, “Compressed air's role is now limited to niche sectors—it can't compete with batteries or hydrogen.”

Paragraph G:

While Tata's experiment failed, it highlighted the importance of innovation in sustainable transportation. Researchers at MIT and the University of Nottingham are exploring isothermal compression, which uses liquid sprays to maintain air temperature during compression, improving efficiency to 70%. Graphene-reinforced tanks could safely store air at 700 bar, doubling energy density. In 2022, the EU-funded ALACA project tested a hydrogen-compressed air hybrid truck, achieving a range of 400 km. However, current efforts focus on electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen fuel cells, which offer higher efficiency. Industry expert James Carter concluded, “Air-powered cars remain an interesting part of automotive history, not a practical future solution.”

Paragraph H:

The story of compressed air vehicles shows the balance between innovation and practicality. Though the idea of “driving on air” fascinated engineers and environmentalists, physics and economics favored other solutions. The search continues: In 2023, China's SAIC Motor unveiled a solar-powered air compressor prototype, aiming to make the compression process more environmentally friendly. Whether these advances can revive air-powered vehicles remains uncertain, but they ensure that the concept remains alive in research labs, even if it is not yet on the road.

Also Read: Exams for Studying Abroad – IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT & More

With a clear understanding of the Driving on Air passage, it's time to focus on how to approach and answer the specific questions that follow.

IELTS Reading Answers: "Driving on Air" Explained

The "Driving on Air" passage contains 13 questions, divided into two IELTS test types: Summary Completion (1-8) and Multiple Choice Questions (9-13). These questions evaluate your ability to locate information, understand key details, identify main ideas, and draw conclusions. 

The first set focuses on completing a summary using key points from the passage, while the second set tests your understanding of specific statements and their connections to individuals. By using the correct strategy for each question type, you can answer efficiently and accurately. 

Let’s take a closer look at how you can approach each question type in the IELTS Reading Answers: "Driving on Air" passage.

Summary Completion (Questions 1-8)

Summary completion questions test your ability to fill in missing words or phrases based on a passage. They require careful reading to identify key details, ensuring the selected words match the original text's context and meaning.

Q. Write the correct letter, A-O, in boxes 1-8 on your answer sheet.

The 1) _______________ of compressed air-powered vehicles continued, despite 2) _______________ challenges. According to engineers, a(n) 3) _______________ approach, like hybrid systems combining air and batteries, shows more potential than pure air-powered vehicles. While air-powered cars are 4) _______________, their limitations in energy density remain a concern. Researchers believe these vehicles may 5) _______________ urban areas with suitable infrastructure. An AirPod weighs only 6) _______________ kilograms and reaches a maximum speed of 7) _______________ kph. Some people worry about the safety of storing air at high pressure, but these tanks have been used in 8) __________________ applications like public transport systems.

A) exist

B) popular

C) polluting

D) 80

E) benefit

F) although

G) 70

H) polluted

I) alternate

J) alternative

K) 220

L) use

M) popularity

N) 180

O) despite

Take some time to review your answers before verifying them. Use the table below to review correct answers and their explanations:

Question	Answer	Explanation
1	M) Popularity	The passage mentions the continued interest in compressed air vehicles despite the challenges they faced.
2	O) Despite	The passage suggests that the popularity of air-powered vehicles persisted despite the challenges they encountered.
3	J) Alternative	Engineers believe a hybrid system combining air and batteries is an alternative approach to pure air-powered vehicles.
4	C) Polluting	While air-powered vehicles are seen as eco-friendly, they still face limitations, such as their lower energy density.
5	E) Benefit	Researchers think air-powered vehicles could benefit urban areas with suitable infrastructure to support them.
6	D) 80	The AirPod weighs only 80 kilograms, as specified in the passage.
7	G) 70	The AirPod reaches a maximum speed of 70 km/h, as mentioned in the passage.
8	L) Use	High-pressure tanks have been safely used in public transportation systems, such as buses, as stated in the passage.

Also Read: Types of Societies Reading Answers in IELTS: Complete Guide

Now that you've explored how to complete the summary based on key ideas from the passage, let's move on to the next section.

Matching Information (Questions 9-13)

Matching Information questions test your ability to connect specific statements to the correct person or idea in the passage. In these questions, you will match each statement with the individual who expressed it or the concept it refers to. 

This task helps you understand how different sections of the passage relate to one another and requires you to make connections between various viewpoints. 

Q. Look at the following statements and the list of people below.
Match each statement with the correct person: A, B, C, or D.
Write the correct letter, A, B, C, or D, in boxes 9-13 on your answer sheet.

1. He believes the energy density challenge made air-powered vehicles impractical for mass adoption.
2. He feels compressed air vehicles could be more appealing to the elderly.
3. He doubts the practicality of air-powered cars, believing they won't compete with other vehicles unless they are redesigned.
4. He is concerned that air-powered vehicles do not have the range claimed by their creator.
5. He agreed to the development of air-powered vehicles in various countries.

List of people:
A) Bill Robertson
B) Guy Negre
C) Hamid Khan
D) Ulf Bossel

Practicing these questions will help you become more efficient at identifying key opinions and understanding the relationships between people and concepts in the text. 

Let's examine each of these questions and explore the most effective strategies to address them.

Statement	Answer	Explanation
He believes the energy density challenge made air-powered vehicles impractical for mass adoption.	B) Guy Negre	Guy Negre is mentioned as stating that compressed air's energy density problem made it impractical for mass-market adoption.
He feels compressed air vehicles could be more appealing to the elderly.	A) Bill Robertson	Bill Robertson believes that air-powered vehicles, such as the AIRPOD, could appeal to elderly users due to their compact design and user-friendly features.
He doubts the practicality of air-powered cars, believing they won't compete with other vehicles unless they are redesigned.	C) Hamid Khan	Hamid Khan expressed doubt that air-powered cars would compete with other vehicles unless changes were made to their design.
He is concerned that air-powered vehicles do not have the range claimed by their creator.	D) Ulf Bossel	Ulf Bossel doesn't believe the air-powered vehicles can achieve the range that their creator, Guy Negre, claimed.
He agreed to the development of air-powered vehicles in various countries.	B) Guy Negre	Guy Negre is the one who agreed to the development and manufacture of air-powered vehicles in several countries.

Also Read: The Water Crisis Reading Answers: Overview and Insights

With the IELTS reading answers: "Driving on Air" covered, you can now focus on the specific vocabulary from the passage to deepen your understanding of the text.

Essential Vocabulary from the Driving on Air IELTS Reading Passage

In the Driving on Air passage, you'll encounter technical terms related to automotive technology, energy systems, and sustainability. Understanding these terms is essential for accurately answering the questions. 

Many of these words are central to the passage's main ideas, and recognizing their meanings will help you avoid confusion. Here is a list of key vocabulary from the passage:

Term	Meaning	Contextual Usage
Compressed Air	Air that is pressurized in a container to store energy.	"Compressed air is stored in high-pressure tanks, ready to be used for powering vehicles like the AirPod."
Energy Density	The amount of energy stored in a given space or volume.	"The energy density of compressed air is much lower than gasoline, making it impractical for long-range driving."
Thermodynamic	Relating to the transfer of heat and energy.	"Thermodynamic inefficiencies during compression and expansion reduced the efficiency of air-powered engines."
Carbon Fiber	A lightweight, strong material used in vehicle construction.	"The AIRPOD uses carbon fiber tanks that are capable of withstanding high pressures."
Hybrid	Combining two different technologies, such as air and electricity.	"A hybrid system combining gasoline engines with compressed air storage aims to improve urban fuel efficiency."
Piston	A component that moves within a cylinder, converting pressure to mechanical motion.	"Compressed air is used to drive pistons, similar to how steam engines work."
Electric Vehicles (EVs)	Vehicles that run on electricity instead of fossil fuels.	"Electric vehicles are becoming more popular, leaving air-powered vehicles struggling to compete."
Safety Standards	Standards and protocols designed to ensure the safe operation of a technology.	"Safety standards for compressed air vehicles are stringent, especially regarding tank pressures."
Compressor	A machine used to increase the pressure of air.	"Specialized compressors are needed to refill the high-pressure tanks in air-powered vehicles."
Sustainability	The ability to maintain or improve systems without depleting resources.	"Compressed air vehicles were initially seen as a sustainable alternative to traditional fuel-powered cars."

Also Read: IELTS Listening Vocabulary- Words to Remember

In addition to individual terms, IELTS also assesses your understanding of how words are used in combination. Understanding how these terms are combined will give you deeper insights into the technical aspects of the text.

Collocations and Phrases

In the Driving on Air IELTS reading passage, certain collocations and phrases frequently appear. Recognizing these combinations will not only improve your comprehension but also help you answer related questions more confidently. 

By understanding the meaning of these standard terms, you'll be able to tackle complex ideas in the passage and better grasp the core concepts. 

Here are some essential collocations and phrases to focus on:

Collocation / Phrase	Meaning
Compressed air technology	The use of pressurized air to power vehicles or machines
Energy density	The amount of energy stored per unit of volume or mass
Alternative fuel source	A fuel source that is used as an alternative to traditional fuels
Hybrid system	A system that combines two different sources of power, such as air and electricity
Environmental benefits	Positive effects on the environment, including lower pollution levels.
Urban transportation	The movement of people within city areas using various vehicles
Pressure tanks	Containers designed to store air at high pressure for energy storage
Fuel efficiency	The ability to use fuel in a way that minimizes waste and maximizes distance
Technological limitations	The restrictions or boundaries that technology faces in terms of performance or capability
Sustainable mobility	Transportation that is environmentally friendly and uses renewable resources
Energy loss	The reduction of energy during processes like compression or expansion
Innovative design	A creative or novel approach to creating products or solutions
Infrastructure challenges	The difficulties related to setting up systems like refueling stations or energy grids
Low energy output	The production of a small amount of energy, often referring to the inefficiency of a system
Fuel storage	The act of storing fuel (in this case, compressed air) for later use

Also Read: Tips to Improve Pronunciation for IELTS

Now that you know the essential vocabulary words, let's look at some common mistakes to avoid when working through the Driving on Air IELTS reading passage.

Mistakes to Avoid in the IELTS Reading Passage on "Driving on Air"

When preparing for the IELTS Reading section, particularly with a passage like "Driving on Air," it's essential to be aware of typical mistakes that may impact your performance. Avoiding these errors will help improve both your speed and accuracy during the test.

1.Confusing Similar Terms: Terms like "energy density" and "compressed air" can be confusing if you focus only on their basic meanings. Understand their specific usage in the context.

Tip: Look for context clues in the passage to clarify technical terms.

2.Ignoring Details of Key Technologies: The passage compares air-powered, hybrid, and conventional vehicles. Pay attention to the differences.

Tip: Create a comparison table to track unique features of each technology.

3.Misunderstanding the Importance of Context: Focus on the overall meaning, not just individual words, especially when identifying implied ideas.

Tip: Understand the broader context of each paragraph to get the main message.

4.Missing Cause-and-Effect Connections: Grasping cause-and-effect relationships is crucial for accurate answers.

Tip: Look for words like "because" or "as a result" to identify these connections.

5.Overlooking the Author's Opinion: Recognizing the author's perspective is key, especially for opinion-based questions.

Tip: Pay attention to subjective language or modal verbs (e.g., "could," "might").

6.Not Adhering to Word Limits in Answers: Failing to follow word limits can result in penalties.

Tip: Always check the word count for each answer before submitting.

7.Spending Too Much Time on One Question: Time management is essential for completing all questions.

Tip: Skip difficult questions initially and revisit them later if time allows.

8.Not Connecting Key Points: Understanding how ideas relate to one another is essential for accuracy.

Tip: Keep track of how the main ideas connect as you read.

9.Neglecting to Practice with a Variety of Passages: Practice with diverse texts to improve overall reading skills.

Tip: Read passages on various topics such as technical, scientific, and historical.

Also Read: How To Reduce Spelling Mistakes In English While Writing?-IELTS

By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll be better prepared to handle the challenges of the IELTS Reading section. Now, explore some of the best resources to help you practice and achieve a good IELTS score.

Best Resources to Practice IELTS Reading Passages Like Driving on Air

To truly excel in IELTS reading passages like "Driving on Air," you need to challenge yourself with resources that push your limits, which force you to understand complex ideas and technical language. 

So, instead of settling for basic practice, immerse yourself in the resources that will sharpen your mind and take your reading skills to the next level. 

Here's where to prepare for IELTS:

Resource	Overview	Benefits
Free IELTS Exam Preparation Material	Offers practice materials specifically for fact-based and summary completion questions.	Improves your accuracy with questions like those in "Driving on Air."
IELTS Reading Test	Provides academic reading practice with detailed, challenging passages.	Helps you become comfortable with complex, information-heavy texts.
IELTS Online Coaching	Structured lessons with expert guidance on tackling technical language.	Breaks down difficult passages and builds understanding of technical terms.
IELTS Preparation Videos	Strategy-based video lessons focused on complex question types.	Guides you through strategies to tackle detailed passages and technical vocabulary.

Also Read: IELTS Plan for 1 Month – A Complete Preparation Strategy

If you're looking for even more personalized support, upGrad's expert-led training can take your preparation to the next level. Let's see how upGrad can help you excel in your IELTS reading preparation.

How Can upGrad Help You With IELTS Reading Passages?

Struggling with complex passages like "Driving on Air"? upGrad's IELTS Reading training is here to make it easier. Our strategies help you break down tough texts, understand challenging vocabulary, and focus on key details.

With timed practice sets, you'll enhance your ability to manage time and stay focused. Personalized feedback will highlight areas for improvement, helping you move closer to your IELTS goal, whether it's Band 7 or Band 9.

Book a free 1:1 session with upGrad experts today and start answering the reading passages confidently!