The IELTS Reading exam is designed to test a wide range of reading skills, including understanding main ideas, recognizing the writer’s opinion, and identifying specific information. A common and highly relevant topic that frequently appears in the IELTS Reading section is climate change and its far-reaching impacts, including its effects on global water resources. Given the rising concern and awareness surrounding climate change, it’s likely that this subject will continue to be relevant in future exams.

In this article, we will explore “What are the impacts of climate change on global water resources?” through an IELTS Reading practice passage. By practicing with this passage, you can familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions you might encounter, while also deepening your understanding of this critical issue.

The IELTS Reading Passage: Impact of Climate Change on Global Water Resources

Reading Passage (Medium Text)

Climate change significantly impacts global water resources through various mechanisms, affecting both the availability and quality of water worldwide. Increased temperatures, shifts in precipitation patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events are some of the primary ways through which climate change exerts its influence.

Firstly, rising temperatures lead to the accelerated melting of glaciers and ice caps, contributing to sea-level rise and altering freshwater supplies. Glacial meltwater is a crucial source of freshwater for millions of people, particularly in regions like the Himalayas, the Andes, and the Alps. The diminishing glaciers in these areas mean reduced dependable water supplies for drinking, agriculture, and hydropower.

Secondly, changes in precipitation patterns are creating inconsistencies in water availability. Some regions may experience intensified rainfall and flooding, while others may suffer from prolonged droughts. These changes are disrupting traditional water management practices and necessitating new strategies for water conservation and distribution. For example, regions that are overly dependent on seasonal rainfall are increasingly vulnerable to water scarcity.

Moreover, climate change is exacerbating the frequency and severity of extreme weather events such as hurricanes, typhoons, and intense storms. These events not only cause immediate destruction to water infrastructure but also lead to long-term disruptions in water supply and quality. For instance, hurricanes can damage water treatment facilities, leading to contamination of drinking water sources with pollutants and pathogens.

Lastly, rising sea levels due to climate change are leading to the intrusion of saltwater into coastal freshwater aquifers, which are vital sources of drinking water. Salinization of these aquifers makes the water unpalatable and unsuitable for agricultural irrigation, posing a significant threat to food and water security in coastal regions.

saltwater intrusion

In summary, the impacts of climate change on global water resources are multifaceted and profound, posing significant challenges for sustainable water management. To mitigate these effects, it is crucial to adapt current water management practices and develop innovative solutions to ensure the continued availability and quality of water for future generations.

Some questions for this passage are based on this text. Please read the passage carefully.

Part 1: Questions

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to the passage, what is one primary way climate change impacts global water resources?

   • A. Reduction in global temperatures.
   • B. Increased melting of glaciers and ice caps.
   • C. Decrease in precipitation levels worldwide.
   • D. Decreased frequency of extreme weather events.

2. What happens to the freshwater supplies as glaciers melt?

   • A. They become more reliable.
   • B. They lead to higher sea levels.
   • C. They increase in volume.
   • D. They become less reliable.

3. The changes in precipitation patterns mainly affect:

   • A. Urban infrastructure.
   • B. Seasonal crop production.
   • C. Traditional water management.
   • D. Air pollution levels.

Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given)

4. Increased temperatures cause slower melting of glaciers. (True/False/Not Given)
5. Extreme weather events can lead to long-term water supply disruptions. (True/False/Not Given)
6. Salinization due to sea-level rise makes groundwater more nutritious for crops. (True/False/Not Given)

Matching Information

7. Match each impact of climate change with its description:

   • I. Melting Glaciers

   • II. Changed Precipitation Patterns

   • III. Extreme Weather Events

   • IV. Saltwater Intrusion

   • A. Disruptions in water quality and supply

   • B. Long-term unavailability of freshwater

   • C. Inconsistent water supply and the need for new water management strategies

   • D. Contamination of coastal aquifers

Part 2: Answers and Explanations

Multiple Choice Answers

1. B. Increased melting of glaciers and ice caps.

   • Explanation: The passage mentions that rising temperatures lead to accelerated melting of glaciers and ice caps, affecting freshwater supplies.

2. D. They become less reliable.

   • Explanation: Melting glaciers result in reduced dependable water supplies, impacting drinking water, agriculture, and hydropower.

3. C. Traditional water management.

   • Explanation: Changes in precipitation patterns create inconsistencies in water availability, disrupting traditional water management practices.

Identifying Information Answers

4. False.

   • Explanation: The passage states that increased temperatures lead to accelerated melting of glaciers, not slower melting.

5. True.

   • Explanation: It is mentioned that extreme weather events can lead to long-term disruptions in water supply and quality.

6. Not Given.

   • Explanation: The passage does not discuss whether salinization makes groundwater more nutritious for crops.

Matching Information Answers

7. • I. B. Long-term unavailability of freshwater
   • II. C. Inconsistent water supply and need for new water management strategies
   • III. A. Disruptions in water quality and supply
   • IV. D. Contamination of coastal aquifers

Part 3: Lessons on Common Mistakes

One of the common mistakes learners make in the IELTS Reading section is not paying enough attention to specific details in the text. For example, understanding whether a statement is “True,” “False,” or “Not Given” requires careful reading and comprehension. Misinterpreting these can significantly lower your score. Practice reading carefully and noting specific details that support or refute statements in the questions.

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus

• Glacial (adj.) – /ˈɡleɪʃəl/ – Related to glaciers; made of ice.
• Precipitation (n.) – /prɪˌsɪpɪˈteɪʃən/ – The amount of rain, snow, etc., that falls: rainfall.
• Intrusion (n.) – /ɪnˈtruːʒən/ – The action of entering or going into a place where one is unwelcome or uninvited.
• Salinization (n.) – /ˈsælɪˌnaɪˈzæʃən/ – The process by which a nonsaline soil becomes saline, as by the irrigation of land with brackish water.

Part 5: Grammar Analysis

• Present Perfect Tense: Used to describe actions that have occurred at an unspecified time before now. Example: “Climate change has impacted water resources significantly.”
  • Formula: [have/has] + past participle
  • Example: “Researchers have found that there is a decline in freshwater availability.”

Conclusion

Achieving a high score on the IELTS Reading section requires comprehensive practice and deep understanding of various topics that commonly appear in the exam. Familiarize yourself with different types of questions and take your time to understand the passages thoroughly. Additionally, focus on your vocabulary and grammar to improve your overall reading comprehension.

By practicing with this reading passage on the impacts of climate change on global water resources, you can better prepare for the IELTS Reading test and increase your chances of success.