The Reading section of the IELTS exam tests your ability to understand and interpret written English texts. This portion of the test includes various types of questions designed to evaluate different reading skills, such as understanding the main idea, locating specific information, and comprehending detailed arguments. With the increasing globalization, “Challenges in achieving global economic resilience” has become a prominent topic, often featured in past IELTS exams. This article aims to provide a practical reading test on this subject and guide you through how to tackle such a topic effectively.
The Reading Passage
Title: Challenges in Achieving Global Economic Resilience
Economic resilience refers to the ability of an economy to withstand or recover from shocks. This concept has gained significant attention due to recent global events such as financial crises, pandemics, and climate change. However, achieving economic resilience on a global scale presents considerable challenges.
One of the primary challenges is economic interdependence. Countries are interconnected through trade, investment, and financial systems, making them vulnerable to disruptions in any part of the world. For instance, a financial crisis in one country can quickly spread to others through complex financial networks.
Another challenge is the disparity in economic development. Developing countries often lack the resources and infrastructure needed to implement resilient economic policies. These countries may be more susceptible to economic shocks and less equipped to recover compared to their developed counterparts.
Moreover, policy coordination at the international level remains a formidable obstacle. Different countries have diverse economic priorities and policy frameworks, making it difficult to formulate and implement cohesive global strategies. Effective coordination requires strong international institutions and mutual trust among nations.
Environmental changes also pose a significant threat to economic resilience. Climate change, in particular, has far-reaching economic impacts, from disrupting agricultural production to increasing the frequency of natural disasters. Economies must invest in sustainable practices and adaptive infrastructure to mitigate these risks.
Lastly, technological advancements, while beneficial, introduce new vulnerabilities. The growing reliance on digital infrastructure exposes economies to cyber threats, which can disrupt essential services and financial stability. Ensuring robust cybersecurity measures is paramount in maintaining economic resilience.
In conclusion, building global economic resilience requires addressing multiple interrelated challenges. Countries must work together to enhance economic interdependence management, support developing nations, coordinate policies, adapt to environmental changes, and safeguard against technological risks.
Practice Questions
Multiple Choice
-
What is the main idea of the passage?
- A. Discussing the benefits of global economic resilience.
- B. Examining the concept of economic resilience in developing countries.
- C. Exploring the challenges in achieving global economic resilience.
- D. Analyzing the role of technology in economic stability.
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According to the passage, what is one effect of economic interdependence?
- A. Increased financial security.
- B. Stability in developing countries.
- C. Vulnerability to global disruptions.
- D. Stronger international collaboration.
True/False/Not Given
- Developing countries are generally more susceptible to economic shocks than developed countries.
- A. True
- B. False
- C. Not Given
Matching Information
-
Match each challenge with its description:
- A. Economic Interdependence
- B. Disparity in Economic Development
- C. Policy Coordination
- D. Environmental Changes
- E. Technological Advancements
i) Different countries have diverse economic priorities.
ii) Vulnerability due to interconnected trade and financial systems.
iii) Increasing reliance on digital infrastructure leading to new risks.
iv) Significant impact from climate change.
v) Lack of resources in developing countries.
Short-answer Questions
- What is one major obstacle to policy coordination at the international level?
Summary Completion
Complete the summary below using words from the passage:
Achieving global economic resilience is complicated by various factors. The (6) in economic development makes it difficult for (7) countries to implement resilient policies. Additionally, (8) coordination among nations is crucial but challenging. Environmental changes, particularly (9) , and technological advancements also pose significant threats.
Answer Keys and Explanations
-
C. Exploring the challenges in achieving global economic resilience.
- This answer choice best captures the main idea of the passage.
-
C. Vulnerability to global disruptions.
- The passage explains that interconnected financial systems can lead to widespread vulnerabilities.
-
A. True
- The passage mentions that developing countries are more susceptible to economic shocks.
-
ii) – A, v) – B, i) – C, iv) – D, iii) – E
-
One major obstacle to policy coordination at the international level is the diverse economic priorities and policy frameworks of different countries.
-
disparity
-
developing
-
policy
-
climate change
Common Errors to Avoid
- Not Skimming Efficiently: Before diving into the questions, skim the passage to get a general idea of the content and structure.
- Ignoring Context: Ensure you understand the context of the sentences before answering True/False/Not Given questions.
- Misinterpreting Keywords: Keywords in the questions may not always appear in the text verbatim, so look for synonyms or related terms.
Vocabulary List
- Interdependence (noun) /ˌɪntərɪˈpɛndəns/ – Mutual reliance between two or more groups.
- Disparity (noun) /dɪˈspærɪti/ – A great difference.
- Formidable (adjective) /ˈfɔːrmɪdəbl/ – Inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large or capable.
- Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – Make less severe or serious.
- Robust (adjective) /roʊˈbʌst/ – Strong and healthy; vigorous.
Grammar Focus
Passive Voice
- Formation: Subject + Auxiliary Verb (to be) + Past Participle
- Example: Effective coordination requires strong international institutions. (Active)
- Strong international institutions are required for effective coordination. (Passive)
Use of conditionals
- First Conditional: If + Present Simple, will + Base Form
- If countries work together, they will enhance economic resilience.
- Type Zero Conditional: If + Present Simple, Present Simple
- If economic interdependence increases, vulnerability to disruptions increases.
Advice for High Reading Scores
- Develop Skimming and Scanning Skills: These techniques help identify the main ideas and locate specific information quickly.
- Expand Vocabulary: A strong vocabulary helps comprehend passages more effectively.
- Practice Various Question Types: Familiarize yourself with different question formats to know what to expect.