IELTS Reading Practice: How to Reduce Water Consumption at Home

The IELTS Reading section tests your ability to comprehend and analyze written texts. One topic that has gained prominence in recent years is water conservation, particularly in domestic settings. This article provides an IELTS Reading practice test focused on “How to reduce water consumption at home,” a subject that has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests due to growing environmental concerns.

Water conservation at home

IELTS Reading Practice Test

Reading Passage

Water is a precious resource that is often taken for granted in many households. As global water scarcity becomes an increasingly pressing issue, it is crucial for individuals to adopt water-saving habits at home. This passage explores various strategies to reduce domestic water consumption, benefiting both the environment and household budgets.

One of the most effective ways to conserve water is by addressing bathroom usage. Installing low-flow showerheads can significantly decrease water consumption without compromising the shower experience. These devices can reduce water flow by up to 60% compared to traditional showerheads. Similarly, dual-flush toilets offer different flush options for liquid and solid waste, potentially saving thousands of liters of water annually.

In the kitchen, simple changes can lead to substantial water savings. Repairing leaky faucets promptly is crucial, as a single dripping tap can waste up to 20,000 liters of water per year. Using a dishwasher instead of hand-washing dishes can also conserve water, especially when running full loads. Modern, water-efficient dishwashers use less than half the water of manual washing.

Outdoor water use often accounts for a large portion of household consumption. Implementing water-wise gardening techniques can make a significant difference. Choosing native, drought-resistant plants that are adapted to local climate conditions reduces the need for frequent watering. Mulching garden beds helps retain soil moisture, while collecting rainwater for garden use can substantially decrease reliance on mains water.

Laundry practices present another opportunity for water conservation. Front-loading washing machines typically use 40-50% less water than top-loading models. Additionally, waiting until you have a full load before running the machine maximizes water efficiency. For those who hand-wash clothes, using a basin instead of running water can save hundreds of liters per wash.

Technology can play a crucial role in monitoring and reducing water usage. Smart water meters provide real-time data on consumption, helping households identify and address excessive use. Some advanced systems can even detect leaks and automatically shut off water supply to prevent waste.

Educating family members, especially children, about the importance of water conservation is vital for long-term change. Simple habits like turning off taps while brushing teeth or shaving can save significant amounts of water over time. Encouraging shorter showers and reusing greywater for purposes like watering plants can further reduce consumption.

By implementing these strategies, households can substantially reduce their water footprint. Not only does this contribute to environmental sustainability, but it also results in lower water bills. As water scarcity becomes more prevalent globally, individual efforts to conserve this vital resource at home are more important than ever.

Questions

1-5. Complete the sentences below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

1. Low-flow showerheads can reduce water flow by up to ____ compared to traditional models.
2. A single leaky faucet can waste up to ____ liters of water annually.
3. ____ plants are recommended for water-efficient gardens as they require less watering.
4. Front-loading washing machines use ____ less water than top-loading models.
5. ____ can provide households with real-time data on their water consumption.

6-10. Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Reading Passage?

Write:
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

6. Dual-flush toilets use the same amount of water for all types of waste.
7. Using a dishwasher is generally more water-efficient than washing dishes by hand.
8. Mulching garden beds increases water evaporation from the soil.
9. Waiting for a full load before running the washing machine saves water.
10. Smart water meters can automatically repair leaks in the water system.

Answer Key and Explanations

1. 60%
   Explanation: The passage states, “These devices can reduce water flow by up to 60% compared to traditional showerheads.”

2. 20,000
   Explanation: The text mentions, “a single dripping tap can waste up to 20,000 liters of water per year.”

3. Native
   Explanation: The passage recommends “Choosing native, drought-resistant plants that are adapted to local climate conditions.”

4. 40-50%
   Explanation: According to the text, “Front-loading washing machines typically use 40-50% less water than top-loading models.”

5. Smart water meters
   Explanation: The passage states, “Smart water meters provide real-time data on consumption.”

6. FALSE
   Explanation: The passage mentions that dual-flush toilets “offer different flush options for liquid and solid waste,” indicating they use different amounts of water.

7. TRUE
   Explanation: The text states, “Using a dishwasher instead of hand-washing dishes can also conserve water, especially when running full loads.”

8. FALSE
   Explanation: The passage says, “Mulching garden beds helps retain soil moisture,” which is the opposite of increasing evaporation.

9. TRUE
   Explanation: The text advises, “waiting until you have a full load before running the machine maximizes water efficiency.”

10. NOT GIVEN
    Explanation: While the passage mentions that smart water meters can detect leaks, it doesn’t state that they can automatically repair them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Misinterpreting percentages: Be careful when reading percentages. For example, a 60% reduction is not the same as using 60% less water.

2. Overlooking specific details: Pay attention to precise numbers and quantities mentioned in the text.

3. Making assumptions: Avoid inferring information that isn’t explicitly stated in the passage.

4. Confusing similar concepts: Be clear about the differences between related ideas, such as water conservation methods for different household areas.

5. Misreading technical terms: Familiarize yourself with environmental and household terminology to avoid misunderstandings.

Vocabulary

1. Scarcity (noun) /ˈskeəsəti/
   Definition: The state of being scarce or in short supply; shortage.

2. Consumption (noun) /kənˈsʌmpʃən/
   Definition: The using up of a resource.

3. Drought-resistant (adjective) /draʊt rɪˈzɪstənt/
   Definition: Able to withstand long periods without water.

4. Mulching (verb) /mʌltʃɪŋ/
   Definition: Covering the surface of soil with a layer of material to retain moisture.

5. Greywater (noun) /ˈɡreɪwɔːtə/
   Definition: Relatively clean waste water from baths, sinks, washing machines, etc.

Grammar Focus

Pay attention to the use of comparative structures in the passage:

• “Front-loading washing machines typically use 40-50% less water than top-loading models.”

This sentence uses the comparative form “less… than” to compare two types of washing machines. The structure “X% less than” is commonly used to express relative differences in quantities or measurements.

Example: Solar panels are 30% more efficient than they were a decade ago.

Tips for IELTS Reading Success

1. Practice time management: Allocate your time wisely across all sections of the reading test.

2. Skim and scan effectively: Quickly identify main ideas and locate specific information.

3. Read questions carefully: Understand exactly what each question is asking before searching for the answer.

4. Use context clues: If you encounter unfamiliar words, try to deduce their meaning from the surrounding text.

5. Don’t rely on prior knowledge: Base your answers solely on the information provided in the passage.

6. Practice regularly: Familiarize yourself with various question types and passage structures through consistent practice.

By focusing on these strategies and continuously improving your reading skills, you can enhance your performance in the IELTS Reading section. Remember, success in IELTS Reading comes from a combination of language proficiency, test-taking strategies, and familiarity with a wide range of topics.

For more tips on improving your environmental awareness and reducing your carbon footprint, which can be beneficial for both IELTS preparation and daily life, check out our article on how to reduce your environmental footprint. Additionally, for those interested in broader energy conservation strategies, our guide on how to reduce energy consumption in homes provides valuable insights that complement water conservation efforts.