The IELTS Reading section is one of the most challenging components of the IELTS exam. Candidates are often required to read and comprehend a variety of texts and answer questions related to them. One of the recurring themes in recent years has been climate change and its broad impacts. This topic, specifically “How does climate change influence global migration patterns?” is both timely and relevant, making it a likely candidate for future examinations.
Understanding the historical and current trends in climate change and migration can provide valuable insights and help you prepare better for the reading section.
Climate Change and Global Migration Patterns
Reading Passage
Climate Change and Global Migration Patterns
Climate change is increasingly recognized as a significant driver of migration across the globe. As global temperatures continue to rise, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts are also increasing. These environmental changes contribute to the displacement of populations, often pushing them towards safer areas. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as “climate migration.”
A recent study by the World Bank estimated that by 2050, climate change could displace up to 140 million people within their own countries. Africa, South Asia, and Latin America are expected to be the most affected regions. These internal migrants, often termed “climate refugees,” may seek refuge in urban areas, leading to overcrowded cities and increased pressure on infrastructure and resources.
Additionally, sea-level rise due to melting polar ice caps and glaciers threatens low-lying coastal areas. Significant regions such as the Maldives, parts of Bangladesh, and coastal cities in the USA face the risk of becoming uninhabitable. These rising sea levels compel residents to relocate to higher ground or even different countries.
Agriculture is another sector significantly affected by climate change. Altered precipitation patterns and extreme temperatures can lead to crop failures and reduced agricultural productivity. This, in turn, can trigger food insecurity and economic instability, driving rural populations to migrate to urban areas or more fertile regions.
Internationally, climate-induced migration poses complex challenges. Countries experiencing large influxes of climate migrants may face socio-economic strain, while those losing population could suffer from a depleted workforce. Therefore, global cooperation and sustainable policies are crucial to address and manage the complexities of climate-induced migration.
Questions
Passage Type: Medium Text
1. Multiple Choice
1.1. What is “climate migration” primarily driven by?
a) Economic crises
b) Political instability
c) Extreme weather events
d) Urbanization
2. Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given)
2.1. Climate change is expected to displace 140 million people globally by 2050.
2.2. Urban areas usually face less pressure after an influx of climate refugees.
2.3. Sea-level rise is primarily caused by increased precipitation.
3. Matching Headings
3.1. Match the headings with the corresponding paragraphs.
i. “The phenomenon of climate migration”
ii. “The impact on agriculture”
iii. “Global cooperation is essential”
- Paragraph 1: __
- Paragraph 2: __
- Paragraph 3: __
4. Summary Completion
4. Complete the summary using the words from the passage.
Climate change is causing significant shifts in global migration patterns. Severe weather events, rise, and reduced agricultural productivity are key factors leading to displacement. While some regions may become uninhabitable, urban areas face pressure from incoming climate migrants. Global cooperation is ___ to manage these challenges.
Answer Keys
1. Multiple Choice:
1.1. c) Extreme weather events
2. Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given):
2.1. True
2.2. False
2.3. Not Given
3. Matching Headings:
Paragraph 1: i. “The phenomenon of climate migration”
Paragraph 2: ii. “The impact on agriculture”
Paragraph 3: iii. “Global cooperation is essential”
4. Summary Completion:
Climate change is causing significant shifts in global migration patterns. Severe weather events, sea-level rise, and reduced agricultural productivity are key factors leading to displacement. While some regions may become uninhabitable, urban areas face increased pressure from incoming climate migrants. Global cooperation is crucial to manage these challenges.
Lessons Learned
When tackling IELTS Reading passages similar to the one above:
- Be mindful of details and figures. Numbers, statistics, and specific terms often hold the key to answering questions correctly.
- Understand the main idea of each paragraph. This will help in answering matching headings and summary completion questions more efficiently.
Vocabulary
1. Displacement (noun) – /dɪsˈpleɪsmənt/ – The moving of something from its place or position.
2. Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌkʧər/ – The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society.
3. Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪlɪti/ – The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
Grammar
Conditional Sentences (Type 1)
- Structure: If + present simple, will + infinitive
- Example: If the sea levels continue to rise, coastal areas will become uninhabitable.
Reported Speech
- Structure: Reporting verb + that + clause
- Example: The study reported that climate change could displace up to 140 million people by 2050.
Tips for a High IELTS Reading Score
- Practice regularly. Utilize a variety of reading materials on diverse topics.
- Scan for answers. Develop the skill of skimming and scanning to locate answers quickly.
- Expand vocabulary. A richer vocabulary will help comprehend and answer questions more effectively.
- Understand question types. Familiarize yourself with all question types to know what to expect.
For more in-depth analysis on related topics, you may find our articles on How does climate change influence migration patterns and How is climate change influencing global migration patterns insightful.
By consistently applying these strategies and insights, you can improve your chances of achieving a high score in the IELTS Reading section.