The Reading section of the IELTS exam is composed of three reading passages with increasing difficulty. These passages are followed by various types of questions designed to test a candidate’s reading comprehension skills. One trending topic in recent exams has been the “Effects of Climate Change on Human Migration,” reflecting its current global significance. Given the rising awareness and urgency surrounding climate change, this topic could very well appear in future IELTS exams.
Practice Reading Passage: Effects of Climate Change on Human Migration
Reading Passage (Medium Text Level)
The global issue of climate change has far-reaching implications, one of which is human migration. Over the past few decades, we have seen an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and changes in agricultural patterns, thereby affecting the livelihood and inhabited areas across the globe. Consequently, these environmental stresses are driving millions of people to move, both within and across national borders, in search of more favorable living conditions.
Recent studies highlight that climate-induced migration can be categorized into distinct types: displacement due to sudden-onset disasters, such as hurricanes and floods; and migration driven by slow-onset processes, such as droughts, desertification, and sea-level rise. Each of these phenomena presents unique challenges to the people affected and to the countries that receive them.
One stark example is the Pacific island nation of Tuvalu, which faces existential threats from rising sea levels. As their land becomes increasingly uninhabitable, the inhabitants are forced to relocate to other countries, such as New Zealand, creating a new class of refugees often referred to as “climate migrants.” Similarly, in sub-Saharan Africa, prolonged droughts have devastated agricultural communities, forcing families to move to urban areas or migrate to neighboring countries in search of better opportunities.
The socio-economic impacts of climate-induced migration are profound. Host countries often struggle to integrate these new populations, leading to strained public services and increased competition for jobs and resources. Moreover, there is often a lack of legal frameworks to protect the rights of climate migrants, who may not be recognized as refugees under international law.
Organizations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations have been working to address these challenges by developing policies aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on migration. However, effectively managing climate-induced migration requires global cooperation and sustainable development practices to reduce vulnerabilities and build resilience against future climate impacts.
Questions
Multiple Choice
According to the passage, what is one of the main effects of climate change on human systems?
- A. Increased agricultural yields
- B. Improved air quality
- C. Human migration
- D. Decreased frequency of extreme weather events
What are the two types of climate-induced migration mentioned in the passage?
- A. Seasonal and permanent
- B. Urban and rural
- C. Displacement due to sudden-onset disasters and migration driven by slow-onset processes
- D. Voluntary and involuntary
Which country is cited as an example of a nation experiencing climate-induced migration due to rising sea levels?
- A. Australia
- B. Canada
- C. New Zealand
- D. Tuvalu
Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given)
- ___ There is a universally agreed-upon legal definition of “climate migrants.”
- ___ Sub-Saharan Africa experiences migration mainly due to prolonged droughts.
- ___ The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has implemented policies to help integrate climate migrants into host countries.
Answer Key and Explanation
C. Human migration
- The passage clearly highlights that one of the main effects of climate change is human migration.
C. Displacement due to sudden-onset disasters and migration driven by slow-onset processes
- The text differentiates between migrations caused by immediate disasters and those caused by longer processes like droughts and desertification.
D. Tuvalu
- Tuvalu is mentioned specifically as a country facing severe threats from rising sea levels, forcing its inhabitants to relocate.
False
- The passage mentions that there is a lack of legal frameworks to protect the rights of climate migrants.
True
- It is stated that prolonged droughts have forced people in sub-Saharan Africa to migrate.
Not Given
- While it is mentioned that the IOM is working on policies, it does not state whether these policies have been implemented successfully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Misinterpreting Question Types: Ensure that you understand what each question type requires. For example, True/False/Not Given questions require you to identify information directly from the text.
- Skimming Instead of Reading: While skimming is useful, make sure to read thoroughly for detailed comprehension, especially for Matching Information questions.
- Ignoring Context: Always consider the context in which a word or phrase is used to avoid misinterpretation.
Vocabulary
- Migration (n.) /maɪˈɡreɪ.ʃən/: The movement of people from one place to another.
- Displacement (n.) /dɪsˈpleɪs.mənt/: Forcing people to leave their homes, typically due to environmental or social causes.
- Desertification (n.) /dɪˌzɜːr.t̬ɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/: The process by which fertile land becomes dessert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture.
- Resilience (n.) /rɪˈzɪl.i.əns/: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
Grammar Focus
Relative Clauses
Relative clauses add extra information about a noun or noun phrase. They often start with “who,” “which,” “that,” “whose,” “where,” or “when.”
- Example from the text: “Tuvalu, which faces existential threats from rising sea levels, is a stark example…”
Usage Tips
- Use commas with non-defining relative clauses (extra information): “Tuvalu, which faces existential threats from rising sea levels, …”
- No commas with defining relative clauses (essential information): “The passage highlights countries that face existential threats due to rising sea levels.”
Advice for High Scores in IELTS Reading
- Practice regularly: Consistent review of reading passages, like the one above, improves comprehension skills.
- Familiarize with different question types: Undersanding formats like Multiple Choice, True/False/Not Given, and Matching helps in strategic answering.
- Build your Vocabulary: A strong vocabulary aids in quicker understanding of passages and accuracy in answering questions.
- Time Management: Practice managing your time effectively, ensuring you have enough time to answer all questions.
For further reading on climate change topics, you might find these articles helpful: Effects of Climate Change on Biodiversity, The Effects of Climate Change on Marine Life, and Urban Infrastructure and Climate Change.
Climate-Induced Human Migration
By grasping the complexities of topics like the effects of climate change on human migration and improving reading skills, candidates can boost their chances of achieving high scores in the IELTS Reading section. Happy studying and best of luck!