The IELTS Reading test is designed to assess a wide range of reading skills, such as reading for gist, reading for main ideas, reading for detail, understanding inferences and implied meaning, recognizing a writer’s opinions, attitudes and purpose, and following the development of an argument.
One topic that has become increasingly relevant and may appear in the IELTS Reading section is “How does climate change influence migration patterns?” This topic is of considerable significance today due to the growing evidence linking climate change with changes in migration trends around the world. Given its relevancy, it is highly probable that this topic could reappear in future IELTS tests.
Reading Practice: Climate Change and Migration Patterns
Reading Passage: Medium Text
Climate Change and Migration Patterns
Climate change, an ever-pressing issue, has profound impacts on global migration patterns. As the Earth’s climate continues to warm, environmental conditions evolve, prompting substantial shifts in human habitation and movement. Studies reveal that climate change can exacerbate conditions such as droughts, floods, and extreme weather events, pushing communities to relocate.
One of the primary drivers of climate-induced migration is the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Hurricanes, floods, and wildfires have displaced millions, creating a surge in internal and international migrations. For instance, in 2020 alone, nearly 30 million people were displaced due to weather-related disasters according to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre.
Agricultural degradation is another significant factor. Changing weather patterns and prolonged droughts have led to decreased agricultural productivity in several regions, notably in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. As crops fail and livelihoods are threatened, people move in search of better opportunities, often towards urban areas or more developed countries.
Rising sea levels are also a vital aspect of climate-induced migration. Low-lying coastal areas, home to millions, are particularly vulnerable. Countries like Bangladesh and island nations in the Pacific face existential threats as sea levels rise, forcing entire communities to seek safer ground.
Migration due to climate change poses complex questions for policymakers. It intersects with issues like humanitarian response, development planning, and geopolitical stability. Consequently, adapting to the migration patterns induced by climate change requires a multifaceted approach that includes early warning systems, sustainable development practices, and international cooperation.
In summary, climate change significantly influences global migration patterns by exacerbating environmental crises, undermining agricultural productivity, and threatening coastal habitats. Addressing these issues necessitates robust and coordinated global strategies.
Questions
Multiple Choice
-
What is one main cause of climate-induced migration?
- A. Improved agricultural techniques
- B. Rising sea levels
- C. Increased industrialization
- D. Better job opportunities
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Which region is notably affected by decreased agricultural productivity due to climate change?
- A. Northern Europe
- B. Sub-Saharan Africa
- C. North America
- D. Eastern Europe
-
According to the passage, how many people were displaced due to weather-related disasters in 2020?
- A. 10 million
- B. 20 million
- C. 30 million
- D. 40 million
True/False/Not Given
- The passage states that countries in the Pacific are wholly unaffected by rising sea levels.
- Internal and international migrations are increasing due to hurricanes, floods, and wildfires.
- The passage provides examples of early warning systems currently being used to manage climate-induced migration.
Matching Information
Match the events (1-3) with their corresponding impacts (A-C):
-
Agricultural degradation
-
Rising sea levels
-
Extreme weather events
- A. Displacement of communities in low-lying areas
- B. Migration to urban areas or more developed countries
- C. Increase in internal and international migrations
Answers and Explanations
Multiple Choice
- B. Rising sea levels – This is explicitly mentioned as a primary reason for climate-induced migration.
- B. Sub-Saharan Africa – The passage specifically identifies this region as impacted by decreased agricultural productivity.
- C. 30 million – According to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, this was the number of people displaced in 2020.
True/False/Not Given
- False – The passage states that countries like Bangladesh and island nations in the Pacific are very much affected by rising sea levels.
- True – The passage indicates that extreme weather events like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires have displaced millions of people.
- Not Given – The passage does not provide specific examples of early warning systems in use.
Matching Information
- B. Migration to urban areas or more developed countries – This matches agricultural degradation leading to people moving in search of better opportunities.
- A. Displacement of communities in low-lying areas – Rising sea levels directly threaten these areas.
- C. Increase in internal and international migrations – Extreme weather events lead to this increased migration.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Misunderstanding Key Details: Always go back to the text to check specific details which are often tricky and nuanced.
- Misinterpreting Information: Ensure that you’ve understood the information correctly before selecting an answer, especially in True/False/Not Given questions.
- Overlooked Keywords: Keywords in the questions can guide you to the correct part of the text, ensuring you do not miss important points.
Vocabulary
- Exacerbate (verb) /ˌeksəˈsərˌbāt/ – Make a problem or a bad situation worse
- Displacement (noun) /dɪsˈpleɪsmənt/ – The moving of something from its place or position
- Degradation (noun) /ˌdɛgrəˈdeɪʃən/ – The process of converting to a lower state
Grammar Point
- Present Perfect Continuous: This tense is used to describe actions that started in the past and continue up to the present moment. Example from the passage: “The Earth’s climate continues to warm.”
- Formula: Subject + have/has + been + present participle (verb+ing)
- Example: Scientists have been studying the effects of climate change for decades.
Tips for Scoring High in IELTS Reading
- Skim and Scan: Quickly skim through the text to get a general idea and then scan for specific information related to the questions.
- Time Management: Aim to complete each passage in about 20 minutes. Keep track of time and avoid spending too long on any one question.
- Practice Regularly: Regular practice using a variety of reading materials will help improve speed and comprehension skills.
- Develop Vocabulary: Enhance your vocabulary to better understand complex texts and contexts.