The IELTS Reading section is designed to assess a wide range of reading skills. These include understanding the gist, reading for main ideas, reading for detail, skimming, understanding argument, and recognizing writers’ opinions, attitudes and purpose. One recurring topic in IELTS Reading passages is climate change, especially its impact on various sectors like agriculture. Given the importance and relevance of climate change, this topic frequently appears in IELTS exams, reflecting its prominence in contemporary global issues.

Knowing how climate change affects global agriculture systems is not just pivotal for the IELTS exam, but also for real-world knowledge. Trends show climate change is a pertinent topic both historically and currently, increasing the likelihood of its repeated appearance in future tests.

Main Content

Practice Reading Test

Passage: Climate Change and Global Agriculture Systems

Agriculture, a fundamental part of human civilization, is surprisingly delicate and susceptible to changing climate conditions. As the climate continues to evolve, its impacts on agriculture are becoming more pronounced, posing substantial challenges to food security worldwide.

Numerous studies have observed that rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events directly affect crop yields and agricultural productivity. For instance, higher temperatures can accelerate crop maturation and reduce the growth period, which can lead to lower yields. Simultaneously, erratic rainfall can cause droughts or floods, significantly harming crop production.

Climate Change Impact on Agriculture

Furthermore, climate change also brings about secondary impacts through increased pest and disease prevalence, altered ecosystems, and soil degradation. These not only affect crop production but also livestock health and productivity. For example, heat stress in animals can decrease milk production in dairy cattle and weight gain in beef cattle.

Adaptation and mitigation strategies are crucial to safeguard global agriculture. Farmers are increasingly adopting methods such as altering sowing dates, crop diversification, and using climate-resilient crop varieties. Policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable agricultural practices also play a vital role in combating climate change impacts.

However, the efficacy of these measures depends on the regional context and specific climatic conditions. Developing countries, with limited resources, are particularly vulnerable and require significant support in building resilient agricultural systems.

Agriculture and climate change share a complex relationship. While agriculture is adversely impacted by climate change, it also contributes to it through greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation, use of fertilizers, and methane production by livestock. Therefore, a balanced approach addressing both adaptation and mitigation is necessary to ensure sustainable agricultural practices.

In conclusion, the interplay between climate change and agriculture highlights the need for comprehensive strategies to secure food production and combat climate change. It is imperative for global communities to work collaboratively in creating resilient agricultural systems and reducing the overall impact of climate change on this vital sector.

Questions

Question 1

Multiple Choice: Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.

1. What is the primary impact of rising temperatures on crop yields according to the passage?
   • A. Delayed crop maturation
   • B. Prolonged growth period
   • C. Reduced growth period
   • D. Increased yields

Question 2

True/False/Not Given: Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text? 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.

2.1. Climate change has no effect on livestock productivity.

2.2. Developing countries have enough resources to combat the effects of climate change on agriculture.

Question 3

Matching Information: Match each statement with the correct part of the text (A, B, C or D).

3.1. Methods farmers adopt to combat climate change impacts.
3.2. The interrelation between agriculture and climate change.

Question 4

Summary Completion: Complete the sentences. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

4.1. Heat stress in livestock can decrease .
4.2. Policies reducing are vital in combating climate change.

Answer Keys and Explanations

1. C. Reduced growth period – The passage states that higher temperatures can “accelerate crop maturation and reduce the growth period,” which can decrease yields.

2.1. FALSE – The passage mentions that livestock “health and productivity” are affected by climate change, specifically noting “heat stress in animals.”
2.2. FALSE – The passage notes that “developing countries, with limited resources, are particularly vulnerable.”

3.1. B – This can be found where the text talks about “adaptation and mitigation strategies” such as “altering sowing dates, crop diversification, and using climate-resilient crop varieties.”
3.2. D – Discusses “the interplay between climate change and agriculture” and the need for “comprehensive strategies.”

4.1. milk production – Mentioned as an impact of heat stress on dairy cattle.
4.2. greenhouse gas emissions – Stated as necessary policies to combat climate change.

Common Mistakes

1. Misunderstanding Terminology: Words like “mitigation” and “adaptation” might be confused. Understanding these terms is crucial.
2. Skimming vs. Detailed Reading: Skimming might miss key details, while too detailed reading might waste time. Balance is required.
3. Vague Answer Picking: Be specific and precise, matching the text most closely.

Vocabulary

• Susceptible (adj) /səˈsɛptəbl/: Likely to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing.
• Prevalence (n) /ˈprɛvələns/: The fact or condition of being prevalent; widespread.
• Descent (n) /dɪˈsɛnt/: An action of moving downward, dropping, or falling.
• Disparate (adj) /ˈdɪspərət/: Essentially different in kind; not allowing comparison.

Grammar

• Comparative and Superlative Structures: “More frequent extreme weather events” utilizes comparative form.
  • Example: The new regulations are more significant than the previous ones.
• Gerunds and Infinitives: “Adapting methods such as altering sowing dates” shows the use of gerunds.
  • Example: She enjoys swimming in her free time.

Tips for a Good IELTS Reading Score

1. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice helps in improving speed and comprehension.
2. Time Management: Avoid spending too much time on one question.
3. Paraphrasing Skills: Develop these skills to better understand the questions and passage.
4. Understand Question Types: Knowing the format and types of questions can save time and increase accuracy.
5. Expand Vocabulary: A robust vocabulary helps in comprehending complex texts.

By consistently practicing and following the tips provided, achieving a high score in the IELTS Reading section is attainable. Good luck!