The IELTS Reading test challenges you to understand and interpret complex texts on various topics. One of the frequent themes is sustainability, with a particular focus on “Challenges in Achieving Economic Sustainability.” This article will not only provide a practice reading passage but also analyze common questions and difficulties associated with this topic, preparing you for the IELTS exam.
Economic sustainability remains a highly relevant topic due to global concerns about economic stability, equity, and resource management. Its frequent occurrence in past exams suggests that it’s a timely subject likely to appear again. This article will provide you with a sample reading passage, questions, answers, and detailed explanations to help you understand and prepare better.
Reading Passage: Challenges in Achieving Economic Sustainability
Reading Passage
Economic sustainability is a crucial aspect of long-term economic health and viability. While the term encompasses various factors, achieving it often presents numerous challenges. This passage explores key issues that impede economic sustainability and suggests ways to mitigate these challenges.
One of the primary challenges is resource allocation. Many economies face difficulties in managing their natural resources efficiently. Overexploitation of resources leads to environmental degradation, which in turn affects economic stability. For example, countries reliant on fossil fuels experience economic fluctuations due to volatile oil prices, which can disrupt economic planning and sustainability efforts.
Another significant impediment is inequality. Economic inequality, whether between different regions or within a country, hinders sustainable growth. Wealth concentration means that resources are not used optimally, which can stifle economic opportunities for the broader population. This inequality is often exacerbated by inadequate educational and healthcare systems, which prevent large segments of the population from contributing effectively to the economy.
In addition, economic policies can sometimes be counterproductive. Short-term policies aimed at immediate economic gains often undermine long-term sustainability. Examples include excessive borrowing and spending without adequate investment in sustainable economic infrastructure. Short-termism also leaves economies vulnerable to crises, as seen during the global financial crisis of 2008.
Globalization, while beneficial in many ways, also poses challenges to economic sustainability. It can lead to economic dependencies and vulnerabilities. Developing countries, in particular, may rely heavily on exports to advanced economies, making them susceptible to global economic fluctuations. Moreover, multinational corporations often prioritize profit over sustainability, exacerbating issues like resource depletion and labor exploitation in less regulated markets.
Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach. Efficient resource management, equitable economic policies, and long-term planning are essential. For instance, investing in renewable energy can reduce dependency on non-renewable resources and provide more stable economic conditions. Promoting education and healthcare ensures a capable and productive workforce, which can drive sustainable economic growth. Additionally, international cooperation and stringent regulations can help manage the negative impacts of globalization.
In conclusion, while achieving economic sustainability is fraught with challenges, strategic policies and investments can pave the way for long-term economic health.
Questions
Multiple Choice
-
Which of the following is identified as a primary challenge to economic sustainability in the passage?
a. Lack of technological innovation
b. Overexploitation of resources
c. High levels of corruption
d. Political instability -
How does economic inequality impede economic sustainability?
a. It leads to environmental degradation.
b. It causes economic fluctuations.
c. It results in suboptimal use of resources.
d. It increases dependency on global markets.
Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given)
- Overexploitation of natural resources can affect economic stability.
- The passage suggests that educational systems are adequately addressing economic inequality.
- The global financial crisis of 2008 was caused by long-term economic policies.
Sentence Completion
- Countries reliant on fossil fuels experience economic fluctuations because of ____.
- Efficient resource management and equitable economic policies are essential for ____.
Summary Completion
Complete the summary using the list of words:
(investing, policies, fluctuations, globalization, inequality, resources)
Challenges to economic sustainability include resource overexploitation, economic __(8)__, and counterproductive __(9)__. Strategies to address these challenges include __(10)__ in renewable energy and promoting education and healthcare.
Answer Keys and Explanations
Answers
- b
- c
- True
- False
- False
- volatile oil prices
- long-term economic health
- inequality
- policies
- investing
Explanations
- The passage clearly states that one of the primary challenges is “overexploitation of resources.”
- Economic inequality results in suboptimal resource use, as wealth concentration prevents broader economic opportunities.
- The passage indicates that overexploitation of resources leads to environmental degradation, impacting economic stability.
- The passage implies that inadequate education systems exacerbate inequality, contrary to the statement.
- The global financial crisis was linked to short-term economic policies, not long-term ones.
- Volatile oil prices create fluctuations in economies reliant on fossil fuels.
- Efficient resource management and equitable policies contribute to sustaining long-term economic health.
8-10. The summary should be completed with the specific terms used in the passage to capture the main ideas accurately.
Common Mistakes
Common mistakes when addressing this type of reading passage include misinterpreting the connection between resource management and economic stability or underestimating the long-term impact of short-term policies. Students often neglect to consider the broader implications of globalization, focusing only on its benefits without acknowledging its challenges.
Vocabulary
- Overexploitation /ˌoʊ•vər•ɛks•plɔɪ•ˈteɪ•ʃən/: (noun) The excessive use of resources, leading to depletion.
- Volatile /ˈvɒl•ə•taɪl/: (adjective) Prone to rapid and unpredictable changes.
- Equitable /ˈɛk•wɪ•tə•bəl/: (adjective) Fair and impartial.
- Sustenance /ˈsʌs•tə•nəns/: (noun) Means of support or maintenance.
- Counterproductive /ˌkaʊn•tər•prəˈdʌk•tɪv/: (adjective) Having the opposite of the desired effect.
Grammar
Complex Sentences
When discussing complex issues such as economic sustainability, employ complex sentences to convey detailed and nuanced information. For example:
- “While the term encompasses various factors, achieving it often presents numerous challenges, which require multifaceted approaches.”
Passive Voice
Use passive voice to emphasize the action over the subject. For instance:
- “Resource overexploitation is seen as a key issue impeding economic stability.”
Tips for High IELTS Reading Scores
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice with a variety of texts will enhance your reading abilities.
- Time Management: Allocate specific times for each section to ensure you complete the test.
- Understand Question Types: Familiarize yourself with different question formats like True/False/Not Given and Multiple Choice.
- Develop Skimming and Scanning Skills: Quickly identify key information and main ideas in a text.
- Expand Vocabulary: A rich vocabulary will not only aid comprehension but also help in accurately answering questions.
By applying these strategies and utilizing this practice passage, you will be better prepared to tackle the Reading section of the IELTS exam.