The Reading segment of the IELTS exam assesses your ability to comprehend and analyze texts, a crucial skill for navigating academic and professional settings. In recent years, the topic “Economic Impacts Of Global Warming” has gained prominence due to its pressing relevance. Given the trend, there’s a high probability this subject might appear in future exams. This article offers an in-depth practice test on this timely topic, optimized for SEO using related keywords and common queries.
Reading Passage: Economic Impacts of Global Warming
Passage: Economic Impacts of Global Warming
Global warming and climate change undoubtedly have wide-ranging effects on the world’s economies. This passage focuses on various economic sectors and explores how global warming influences them.
One significant area of impact is agriculture. As temperatures rise, crop yields are affected. For instance, warmer temperatures can lead to longer growing seasons in some regions but also pose severe risks such as increased droughts and unpredictable weather patterns, which can devastate crops. According to a study by the International Food Policy Research Institute, climate change could lead to a decline in global food production by as much as 16%.
The energy sector is another vital area experiencing the effects of global warming. The increased frequency of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and heatwaves, can cause significant damage to energy infrastructure, leading to increased costs for repairs and maintenance. Additionally, higher temperatures lead to a rise in energy demand due to increased use of air conditioning, thereby straining power grids. For example, a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) notes that energy demand for cooling could more than triple by 2050.
Furthermore, global warming significantly impacts tourism, an industry heavily reliant on stable climates and natural beauty. Rising sea levels threaten coastal resorts, while warming temperatures and altered weather patterns can deter tourists. A notable example is the Great Barrier Reef, where rising sea temperatures have led to widespread coral bleaching, drastically affecting Australia’s tourism industry. According to the Australian Institute of Marine Science, coral bleaching could cost the tourism industry millions of dollars annually.
Moreover, global warming affects economic stability. Regions heavily dependent on agriculture, fisheries, or tourism are particularly vulnerable to climate-related disruptions. For instance, the World Bank estimates that climate change could push an additional 100 million people into poverty by 2030, primarily due to its impact on agriculture and related sectors.
In conclusion, the economic impacts of global warming are profound and multifaceted, affecting various sectors from agriculture to energy and tourism. Addressing these challenges requires global cooperation and innovative solutions to mitigate risks and adapt to changing conditions.
Economic Impact of Global Warming
Questions
1. Multiple Choice
-
According to the passage, which sector could see a tripling of demand by 2050 due to global warming?
A. Agriculture
B. Energy
C. Tourism
D. Transportation -
The International Food Policy Research Institute predicts a decline in global food production by what percentage as a result of global warming?
A. 10%
B. 12%
C. 16%
D. 18%
2. True/False/Not Given
- The passage states that global warming will shorten the growing seasons in all regions. (True/False/Not Given)
- The Australian Institute of Marine Science claims that coral bleaching could result in the loss of millions of dollars to the tourism industry each year. (True/False/Not Given)
3. Matching Heading
Match the paragraph headings with the correct paragraph number.
A. The energy sector’s challenges
B. Tourism industry at risk
C. Impact on agriculture
D. Overall economic stability
- Paragraph 1
- Paragraph 2
- Paragraph 3
- Paragraph 4
4. Summary Completion
Complete the summary below using words from the passage.
Global warming has significant impacts on 1) __, energy, and 2) __ sectors. Agriculture is affected by longer growing seasons and higher risks such as 3) __. The energy sector faces increased repair costs due to 4) __ while the tourism industry suffers due to rising sea levels and coral bleaching.
5. Short-answer Questions
- According to the World Bank, how many people could be pushed into poverty by 2030 due to global warming?
- What specific natural phenomenon is affecting Australia’s tourism industry?
Answers and Explanations
Multiple Choice
- B. Energy
- C. 16%
True/False/Not Given
- False – The passage mentions longer growing seasons in some regions, not all.
- True – This is explicitly stated in the text.
Matching Heading
- C. Impact on agriculture
- A. The energy sector’s challenges
- B. Tourism industry at risk
- D. Overall economic stability
Summary Completion
- agriculture
- tourism
- increased droughts
- extreme weather events
Short-answer Questions
- 100 million people
- Coral bleaching
Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes
- Misinterpreting keywords: Ensure that you understand the context in which a keyword is used.
- Overlooking specific details: Pay close attention to data and statistics mentioned, as they often form the basis of questions.
Vocabulary
- Yield (n): /jiːld/ – the amount produced of an agricultural product.
- Infrastructure (n): /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌkʧər/ – the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
Grammar
- Conditional sentences: “If temperatures rise, crop yields can be affected.”
Formula: If + present simple, + result clause (will/can + base verb).
Final Tips for Reading Section
- Practice skimming and scanning techniques to locate information quickly.
- Develop a strong understanding of synonyms and paraphrasing, as examiners often restate ideas in questions differently from the passage.
- Allocate time wisely, spending roughly 20 minutes on each passage.
By consistently practicing with passages like the one above, you can improve both your reading skills and your overall IELTS score.
For more practice on related topics, you might find these articles helpful:
- Impact of Global Tourism on Natural Resources
- Global Impact of Deforestation
- The Impact of Climate Change on Economic Stability
Happy studying and best of luck with your IELTS preparation!
