The IELTS Reading section is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to read and understand passages of varying lengths and complexities. Today, we’ll look into a significant topic that’s not only relevant to the IELTS test but also crucial from a global perspective: “How does climate change impact global migration patterns?” This subject has increasingly appeared in various forms in past IELTS exams and could be a potential candidate for future tests due to its contemporary relevance and wide implications.
In this guide, we will cover everything from creating a practice reading test to providing detailed answers and useful strategies.
IELTS Reading Test: Practice Passage and Questions
Climate Change and Global Migration Patterns
Climate change remains one of the most pressing issues of the 21st century. From rising sea levels to increased frequency of extreme weather events, its effects are far-reaching. One of the less discussed but equally vital consequences is its impact on global migration patterns.
The Science Behind Climate Change
The scientific consensus is that human activities are significantly contributing to global warming and climate change. The burning of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, which trap heat in the atmosphere. This has led to rising global temperatures, melting polar ice caps, and altered weather patterns.
Impact on Coastal Areas
Coastal areas are among the most affected by climate change. Rising sea levels threaten to submerge low-lying regions, making them uninhabitable. For instance, island nations like the Maldives face existential threats. Similarly, densely populated deltas like the Ganges Delta in Bangladesh are prone to frequent flooding and storm surges, forcing people to move inland or migrate to other countries.
Agricultural Disruption
Climate change also disrupts agricultural patterns. Altered rainfall patterns and increased temperatures result in reduced crop yields, affecting food security. Farmers in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia are particularly vulnerable. As agricultural productivity declines, people are compelled to migrate to urban areas or other countries in search of better livelihoods.
Conflict and Social Displacement
The strain on resources can exacerbate existing conflicts or create new ones. Water scarcity, for instance, can lead to disputes over access to rivers and lakes. In Syria, prolonged droughts between 2006 and 2010 contributed to social unrest, which eventually escalated into civil war, leading to massive internal displacement and international migration.
Urban Migration
Cities, seen as lands of opportunity, become the default migration destinations. However, the influx into urban areas without adequate infrastructure can strain resources, impact the quality of life, and lead to the emergence of informal settlements or slums.
Practice Questions
Multiple Choice
-
According to the passage, what is the primary cause of rising global temperatures?
- A. Deforestation
- B. Industrial activities
- C. Fossil fuel combustion
- D. Overpopulation
-
Which area is most threatened by rising sea levels?
- A. Sahara Desert
- B. Rural Midwest USA
- C. Island nations
- D. Mountain regions
True/False/Not Given
-
Climate change is causing agricultural productivity to increase globally.
- A. True
- B. False
- C. Not Given
-
Water scarcity has no impact on social conflicts.
- A. True
- B. False
- C. Not Given
Identifying Writer’s Views/Claims (Yes/No/Not Given)
- The author believes that urban areas offer adequate infrastructure for all migrants.
- A. Yes
- B. No
- C. Not Given
Summary Completion
Complete the summary using the list of words below:
(coastal, conflict, infrastructure, temperature, food, urban)
Climate change affects several aspects of life. Rising ____ levels can make coastal areas uninhabitable, forcing people to migrate. Changes in weather patterns impact ____ security, leading to further displacement. Increased competition for resources can also lead to ____ and social unrest, pushing more people toward ____ areas.
Answers
- C. Fossil fuel combustion – The passage mentions that the burning of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, which trap heat and lead to rising global temperatures.
- C. Island nations – The passage specifically mentions island nations like the Maldives as being extremely vulnerable to rising sea levels.
- B. False – The passage states that climate change leads to reduced crop yields, not increased productivity.
- B. False – The passage indicates that water scarcity can lead to disputes and social conflicts.
- B. No – The author suggests that the influx of migrants can strain resources and lead to the emergence of informal settlements.
Summary Completion:
- Rising sea levels
- Impact food security
- Lead to conflict
- Pushing more people toward urban areas
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Misinterpreting True/False/Not Given questions: Always base your answers on the information provided in the passage, not on your prior knowledge or assumptions.
- Ignoring keywords: Pay attention to keywords and phrases in the questions and passage to avoid missing crucial information.
Vocabulary
-
Exacerbate (verb) /ɪɡˈzæs.ə.beɪt/ – to make a problem worse
- Sentence: The influx of migrants can exacerbate existing urban problems.
-
Uninhabitable (adjective) /ˌʌn.ɪnˈhæb.ɪ.tə.bəl/ – unsuitable for living
- Sentence: Coastal areas may become uninhabitable due to rising sea levels.
Grammar Insights
- Relative Clauses: Used to provide extra information about a noun.
- Example: “Cities, seen as lands of opportunity, become the default migration destinations.”
- Passive Voice: Used to focus on the action rather than the subject.
- Example: “The scientific consensus is that human activities are significantly contributing…”
Conclusion
Successfully tackling the Reading section of the IELTS requires diligent practice and a good grasp of a variety of topics, including contemporary issues like climate change. By thoroughly understanding the impact of climate change on global migration patterns, you can not only prepare for potential exam topics but also develop a deeper understanding of critical global issues.
Related Reading Material:
- How does climate change affect global weather patterns?
- How does climate change influence global migration patterns?
- How is climate change affecting global tourism patterns?
Tips for High Reading Scores
- Practice regularly: Consistent practice with various reading materials helps improve speed and comprehension.
- Understand question types: Familiarize yourself with different types of questions to improve accuracy.
- Expand your vocabulary: A broader vocabulary assists in better understanding passages and questions.
- Time management: Practice under timed conditions to improve efficiency during the actual test.