The IELTS Reading test is a crucial component of the IELTS exam. It requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to understand and interpret written texts from a variety of sources. One common topic that appears in the test is the impact of climate change on water scarcity, especially in developing countries. Given the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related issues, this theme is highly relevant and likely to reappear in future exams.
In this article, we will provide a sample reading passage, questions, and detailed answers based on the topic “How does climate change impact water scarcity in developing countries?” This will help IELTS candidates practice and improve their reading skills.
Sample Reading Passage
How Does Climate Change Impact Water Scarcity in Developing Countries?
Climate change poses a significant threat to water resources around the world, particularly in developing countries. These nations often lack the infrastructure and financial resources to manage the effects of climate variability, making them more vulnerable to water scarcity. This passage will explore the multifaceted ways climate change exacerbates water scarcity and the subsequent socio-economic impacts.
Rising Temperatures and Evaporation
One of the most direct impacts of climate change is the increase in global temperatures. Higher temperatures accelerate the rate of evaporation from water bodies and soil. This heightened evaporation causes water levels in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs to drop, reducing the availability of fresh water. In agricultural zones, this can lead to drought conditions, adversely affecting crop yields and food security.
Altered Precipitation Patterns
Climate change is also altering precipitation patterns, resulting in more extreme weather events. Some regions experience prolonged droughts, while others face intense and frequent rainfall. For developing countries, erratic rainfall can disrupt the traditional farming calendar, making it difficult for farmers to plan and harvest crops. Additionally, heavy rains can lead to flooding, destroying infrastructure and contaminating fresh water supplies with pollutants.
Melting Glaciers and Reduced Snowpack
In many developing countries, especially those located in mountainous regions, glaciers and snowpacks serve as essential sources of fresh water. Climate change is accelerating the melting of glaciers, which initially increases water flow but eventually leads to a reduction in long-term water availability. This phenomenon affects both agriculture and urban water supplies, leading to water scarcity during the dry season.
Socio-economic Impacts
Water scarcity induced by climate change has profound socio-economic impacts. In rural areas, women and children often bear the burden of fetching water from distant sources, taking time away from education and other productive activities. Furthermore, water scarcity can lead to conflicts over water usage between different communities and sectors, such as agriculture, industry, and domestic use.
Sample Questions
Multiple Choice (Choose the correct answer)
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According to the passage, how does climate change directly affect water availability?
- A) By causing more natural disasters
- B) By increasing evaporation rates
- C) By promoting economic growth
- D) By reducing population growth
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Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an effect of altered precipitation patterns?
- A) Prolonged droughts
- B) Intense and frequent rainfall
- C) Increased reliability of the farming calendar
- D) Destruction of infrastructure
Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given)
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Climate change has no impact on the socio-economic conditions of developing countries. (True/False/Not Given)
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Melting glaciers only affect urban water supplies. (True/False/Not Given)
Summary Completion
Complete the summary below using words from the passage.
Climate change leads to an increase in global temperatures, which subsequently accelerates the rate of __ from water bodies and soil. This can result in __ conditions in agricultural areas. Altered __ patterns cause disruptions in farming schedules and can lead to __ that contaminate fresh water supplies. Melting glaciers initially increase water flow but eventually result in long-term water __.
Answer Key with Explanations
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B) By increasing evaporation rates
- Explanation: The passage states that higher temperatures increase the rate of evaporation from water bodies and soil, thereby reducing the availability of fresh water.
-
C) Increased reliability of the farming calendar
- Explanation: The passage mentions that erratic rainfall disrupts the traditional farming calendar, making it difficult for farmers to plan and harvest crops.
-
False
- Explanation: The passage discusses various socio-economic impacts, such as the burden on women and children to fetch water and conflicts over water usage.
-
Not Given
- Explanation: The passage states that melting glaciers affect both agriculture and urban water supplies but does not specify that it affects only urban areas.
Summary Completion Answers
Climate change leads to an increase in global temperatures, which subsequently accelerates the rate of evaporation from water bodies and soil. This can result in drought conditions in agricultural areas. Altered precipitation patterns cause disruptions in farming schedules and can lead to floods that contaminate fresh water supplies. Melting glaciers initially increase water flow but eventually result in long-term water scarcity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Misinterpreting the Passage: Pay close attention to what the passage is explicitly stating versus what is implied.
- Ignoring Key Details: Underlining or noting key phrases can help you remember important information.
- Overlooking Context: Contextual clues are essential for answering True/False/Not Given questions correctly.
Vocabulary
- Evaporation (noun) [ɪˌvæpəˈreɪʃən]: The process of turning from liquid into vapor.
- Precipitation (noun) [prɪˌsɪpɪˈteɪʃən]: Any form of water that falls from clouds and reaches the ground.
- Glacier (noun) [ˈɡlæsiər]: A large mass of ice feeding into a valley or forming a peak.
- Drought (noun) [draʊt]: A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water.
- Scarcity (noun) [ˈskɛrsəti]: The state of being in short supply; shortage.
Grammar Points to Note
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Present Perfect Tense: “Climate change has accelerated the melting of glaciers.”
- Structure: Subject + has/have + past participle.
- Usage: Describes actions that have occurred at some unspecified time before now.
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Passive Voice: “Water levels are reduced due to evaporation.”
- Structure: Subject + to be + past participle.
- Usage: Emphasizes the action rather than the doer.
Tips for High Reading Scores
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice helps improve speed and accuracy.
- Master Skimming and Scanning: Quickly identify the main idea and locate specific information.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Understanding a wider range of words can help in comprehending texts more efficiently.
- Understand Question Types: Familiarize yourself with the different types of questions and the best strategies to tackle them.
By focusing on these elements, candidates can enhance their reading comprehension skills and improve their performance in the IELTS Reading test.