The IELTS Reading test aims to assess your reading skills and ability to comprehend academic texts. Among the various topics related to the IELTS reading section, climate change and its impacts frequently appear. One of the emerging topics in recent years is “How does climate change impact the spread of vector-borne diseases?” Due to its current relevance and significant presence in scientific discussions, it is important to practice and be well-versed in this area.
Understanding the IELTS Reading Test
The IELTS Reading test comprises 40 questions and features three reading passages. It includes different types of questions such as Multiple Choice, Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given), Identifying Writer’s Views/Claims (Yes/No/Not Given), Matching Information, and more. The test evaluates your ability to read quickly and efficiently, understand the main idea, and grasp detailed information.
How Climate Change Impacts the Spread of Vector-Borne Diseases
Reading Passage
How Climate Change Impacts the Spread of Vector-Borne Diseases
Climate change is a pressing issue affecting various aspects of our environment and health. One of the most critical impacts is on the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Lyme disease. Vector-borne diseases are transmitted by vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, and flies, which thrive in specific environmental conditions. Changes in temperature, precipitation, and humidity due to climate change can significantly alter the habitat and behavior of these vectors, thereby affecting the transmission of diseases.
Rising temperatures are particularly conducive to the proliferation of mosquitoes, which are the primary vectors for diseases like malaria and dengue fever. Warmer temperatures not only enhance mosquito breeding but also shorten the incubation period of the pathogens they carry. This means that mosquitoes can become infectious more quickly, leading to an increased transmission rate of these diseases.
Changes in precipitation patterns also play a crucial role. Increased rainfall and resultant stagnant water bodies provide ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Conversely, drought conditions can force human populations to store water in containers, creating new habitats for mosquito breeding. Both scenarios can lead to a spike in vector-borne diseases.
Humidity levels impact the survival and activity of vectors as well. For instance, high humidity levels are favorable for mosquitoes and ticks, allowing them to live longer and thus have more opportunities to transmit pathogens to humans.
Global warming and extreme weather events such as hurricanes and floods can disrupt ecosystems, thereby affecting the distribution and abundance of vectors. As a consequence, vector-borne diseases can spread to new regions where they were previously unheard of, posing a significant public health challenge.
In addition to environmental changes, climate change affects human behavior, which indirectly influences the spread of vector-borne diseases. For example, heatwaves may lead people to spend more time outdoors, increasing their exposure to mosquito bites. Extreme weather conditions can also lead to displacement of populations, creating conditions conducive to the spread of diseases in temporary shelters.
The relationship between climate change and public health is complex and multifaceted. While measures to combat climate change are essential, public health strategies must also adapt to the emerging threats posed by vector-borne diseases.
Questions
Multiple Choice
What is the primary way in which climate change impacts vector-borne diseases?
- A) By increasing human travel.
- B) Through changes in vector habitats.
- C) By reducing water availability.
- D) Through improved healthcare.
Why can warmer temperatures lead to an increased transmission rate of vector-borne diseases?
- A) Vectors die off faster in warmer conditions.
- B) Pathogens in vectors incubate faster.
- C) Humans adapt to warmer climates.
- D) Vectors move slower in warm climates.
True/False/Not Given
- Climate change has no effect on the breeding habits of mosquitoes. (True/False/Not Given)
- Increased rainfall always leads to a decrease in vector-borne diseases. (True/False/Not Given)
Matching Headings
Match each paragraph with the appropriate heading:
- Paragraph 2
- Paragraph 3
- Paragraph 4
Headings:
- A) Effects of Temperature on Vector-Borne Diseases
- B) Human Behavioral Changes Due to Climate Change
- C) Impact of Precipitation on Vector Habitats
Short-answer Questions
What events can disrupt ecosystems and affect vector distribution?
How do political strategies need to adapt in response to the threats posed by vector-borne diseases due to climate change?
Answer Keys
- B) Through changes in vector habitats.
- B) Pathogens in vectors incubate faster.
- False
- Not Given
- Paragraph 2: A) Effects of Temperature on Vector-Borne Diseases
- Paragraph 3: C) Impact of Precipitation on Vector Habits
- Paragraph 4: B) Human Behavioral Changes Due to Climate Change
- Extreme weather events like hurricanes and floods.
- Public health strategies need to adapt to emerging threats posed by vector-borne diseases.
Common Mistakes
- Misunderstanding the question type, especially ‘True/False/Not Given’ and ‘Yes/No/Not Given,’ which require careful attention to detail.
- Focusing too much on a specific part of the passage and missing the overall context.
- Not managing time effectively, leading to rushed answers and mistakes.
Vocabulary
- Vector (noun): an organism, typically a biting insect or tick, that transmits a disease.
- Incubation (noun): the process of incubating eggs, cells, bacteria, or pathogens.
- Ecology (noun): the branch of biology that deals with the relationships of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings.
- Pathogen (noun): a bacterium, virus, or other microorganisms that can cause disease.
Grammar
- Relative Clauses: “which are the primary vectors for diseases like malaria and dengue fever.”
- Example: The cancer cells, which invade and destroy tissue, can be very aggressive.
- Causative Constructions: “can lead to a spike in vector-borne diseases.”
- Example: The new policy caused an increase in the job market.
Tips for High Band Score in IELTS Reading
- Practice Regularly: Make reading a daily habit. Read various academic articles on topics like environment, health, and technology.
- Time Management: Allocate specific times to each section of the passage to ensure you complete the test in time.
- Understand Question Types: Familiarize yourself with different question types and practice accordingly.
- Scan Efficiently: Develop skills in skimming and scanning for key information.
- Work on Vocabulary: Enhance your vocabulary, especially academic terms related to common IELTS topics.
Mosquito Breeding Grounds in Stagnant Water
By practicing reading passages such as the one above and answering the various question types, you can better prepare yourself for the IELTS Reading section and achieve a high band score.