The IELTS Reading test can be challenging due to its diverse range of topics and complex vocabulary. One such topic that has gained prominence in recent years is the Economic Effects Of International Sanctions. Given the global political climate, this subject has appeared multiple times in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue to be relevant.
In this article, I will provide a comprehensive IELTS Reading practice based on this topic. This will include a full reading text, a variety of questions that reflect the real exam, answer keys with detailed explanations, as well as vocabulary and grammar notes. By practicing with this material, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of this complex subject while improving your reading skills.
Reading Passage: The Economic Effects of International Sanctions
Practicing Passage: Medium Text
The Economic Impacts of International Sanctions
International sanctions are regulatory tools used by countries and international bodies to influence or punish nations, groups, or individuals. These measures often include trade bans, financial restrictions, travel prohibitions, and asset freezes. While the intention behind sanctions is to achieve political or social change without resorting to military intervention, they can have profound economic effects on both the target and imposing countries.
One of the primary economic impacts on the targeted nation is a disruption in trade flows. Sanctions can significantly limit access to foreign markets, leading to a decrease in exports and imports. This often results in higher costs of goods, reduced economic growth, and increased inflation. For example, sanctions imposed on Iran have severely restricted its oil exports, leading to substantial revenue losses and economic hardship.
On the other hand, imposing countries may also face economic consequences. Businesses and industries that previously engaged in trade with the sanctioned nation may suffer losses. Additionally, global supply chains can be disrupted, potentially leading to higher prices for consumers. For instance, sanctions on Russia have led to increased prices for European consumers due to the restricted supply of natural gas.
Moreover, sanctions can have long-term economic repercussions. Persistent limitations on trade and investment can stifle technological advancement and reduce a country’s competitiveness on the global stage. For example, North Korea’s prolonged isolation has hampered its economic development, leaving the nation lagging significantly behind its neighbors.
However, the effectiveness of sanctions is often debated. While they aim to pressure the targeted entity into compliance, they sometimes result in unintended consequences. Ordinary citizens may bear the brunt of economic hardship, while the targeted government or entity finds alternative means to bypass restrictions. The role of international sanctions in global diplomacy remains a complex and contentious issue.
IELTS Reading Questions
Multiple Choice
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What is one of the primary objectives of international sanctions?
A. To disrupt global supply chains
B. To engage in military intervention
C. To achieve political or social change without military action
D. To encourage technological advancement -
What has been one effect of sanctions on Iran?
A. Reduced inflation
B. Increased oil exports
C. Economic growth
D. Substantial revenue losses
True/False/Not Given
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Sanctions can lead to increased prices for consumers in imposing countries.
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North Korea has become more competitive on the global stage due to sanctions.
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Sanctions are universally accepted as effective in achieving their goals.
Matching Headings
Match the following headings with the correct paragraphs in the passage.
A. Impacts on the target nation
B. Effects on the imposing countries
C. Long-term economic repercussions
D. Debates about the effectiveness
Sentence Completion
Complete the following sentences using no more than three words from the passage.
-
International sanctions are used to __ or punish nations.
-
One effect of sanctions is the __ in trade flows.
Summary Completion
Complete the summary below using words from the passage.
International sanctions often result in significant __ consequences for both the target and imposing countries. Targets may face __ economic growth and higher inflation, while imposing countries may deal with losses and higher __ due to disrupted supply chains.
Answer Keys and Explanations
Multiple Choice
- C – The objective of international sanctions is to achieve political or social change without military action.
- D – Sanctions imposed on Iran have led to substantial revenue losses and economic hardship.
True/False/Not Given
- True – Sanctions can lead to increased prices for consumers in imposing countries.
- False – North Korea’s prolonged isolation has hampered its economic development.
- Not Given – The passage mentions debates but does not state a universal agreement on their effectiveness.
Matching Headings
- Paragraph 2: A (Impacts on the target nation)
- Paragraph 3: B (Effects on the imposing countries)
- Paragraph 4: C (Long-term economic repercussions)
- Paragraph 5: D (Debates about the effectiveness)
Sentence Completion
- influence
- disruption
Summary Completion
International sanctions often result in significant economic consequences for both the target and imposing countries. Targets may face reduced economic growth and higher inflation, while imposing countries may deal with losses and higher prices due to disrupted supply chains.
Common Mistakes in Reading Tasks
- Misinterpreting True/False/Not Given and Yes/No/Not Given questions: These questions require careful reading of the text. The answer must be based solely on information presented in the passage.
- Matching headings: Students often struggle to find the most appropriate heading for each paragraph. Practice skimming for the main idea of each paragraph.
- Time management: Many students run out of time. Practice under timed conditions to improve your speed.
Vocabulary from the Passage
- Sanctions (noun): /ˈsæŋk.ʃənz/ – Punitive measures imposed by one country on another.
- Revenue (noun): /ˈrɛv.əˌnu/ – The income generated from normal business operations.
- Inflation (noun): /ɪnˈfleɪ.ʃən/ – The rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising.
- Competitiveness (noun): /kəmˈpɛt̬.ɪ.tɪv.nəs/ – The ability of a country or company to compete successfully internationally.
Important Grammar Notes
Complex Sentences
- Definition: A sentence containing a subordinate clause or clauses.
- Example from Passage: “While the intention behind sanctions is to achieve political or social change without resorting to military intervention, they can have profound economic effects on both the target and imposing countries.”
- Explanation: The sentence uses a subordinate clause “while the intention… intervention” which adds context to the main clause “they can have profound economic effects…”.
Passive Voice
- Definition: The object of an action becomes the subject of the sentence.
- Example from Passage: “Sanctions imposed on Iran…”
- Explanation: Here, “sanctions” (object) becomes the subject of the sentence, illustrating the impact rather than who imposed them.
Advice for High Reading Scores
- Practice regularly: Consistently read a variety of materials to build both your speed and comprehension.
- Expand your vocabulary: Knowing academic and topic-specific terms can significantly help in understanding reading passages.
- Practice different question types: Familiarize yourself with all question types to avoid surprises during the test.
- Use timing strategies: Allocate specific times for each passage and try not to exceed them.
For more practice and improvement tips, check our detailed guide on the effects of economic sanctions on international relations.