The IELTS Reading Test assesses a wide range of reading skills, from understanding main ideas and details to recognizing the writer’s opinion and purpose. Given its increasing relevance in today’s world, topics such as blockchain technology are becoming more common in the reading sections. Blockchain, known primarily for its role in cryptocurrency, is now being utilized across various industries to enhance supply chain transparency. This article delves into how blockchain technology is applied to improve transparency in supply chains, a topic that has made appearances in past IELTS exams and is likely to recur given its growing significance.
Main Content
Reading Passage: Blockchain Technology in Supply Chains
Title: How Blockchain Technology is Being Used to Enhance Supply Chain Transparency
In recent years, blockchain technology has emerged as a groundbreaking tool for enhancing the transparency and efficiency of supply chains. By providing a decentralized and immutable ledger, blockchain enables all participants in the supply chain to access and verify recorded transactions. This has profound implications for traceability, accountability, and trust among stakeholders.
Blockchain’s application in supply chains is multifaceted. For instance, it allows tracking the provenance of goods—from raw material sourcing to the end consumer. This is particularly vital in industries like food and pharmaceuticals, where knowing the origin and journey of a product can prevent fraud and ensure quality and safety. Furthermore, blockchain can streamline processes by automating tasks through smart contracts, reducing the need for intermediaries and minimizing errors and delays.
A notable example of blockchain enhancing supply chain transparency is its use in the diamond industry. Companies like De Beers leverage blockchain to authenticate the origin and journey of each diamond, thus preventing the circulation of conflict diamonds. Similarly, Walmart uses blockchain to trace the journey of food products, which enables rapid response in the event of contamination or recalls.
Despite its advantages, blockchain adoption in supply chains faces several challenges. High implementation costs, technological complexity, and the need for industry-wide collaboration are significant hurdles. Moreover, the integration of blockchain requires a cultural shift towards transparency and accountability, which can be met with resistance from traditional practices.
In conclusion, while blockchain technology holds the promise of transforming supply chain transparency, its widespread adoption will depend on overcoming numerous technical, financial, and cultural challenges.
Questions
Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given)
- Blockchain technology can only be used in the food industry.
- Blockchain allows participants in the supply chain to verify transactions.
- De Beers uses blockchain to ensure the authenticity of wooden products.
- One challenge to adopting blockchain in supply chains is its high implementation cost.
- Blockchain eliminates the need for any intermediaries in all cases.
Matching Headings
A. Challenges in Blockchain Adoption
B. Applications in Different Industries
C. Introduction to Blockchain
D. Example of Blockchain in the Diamond Industry
E. Conclusion on Blockchain Potential
- Paragraph 1
- Paragraph 2
- Paragraph 3
- Paragraph 4
- Paragraph 5
Summary Completion
Complete the summary using the list of words below.
Blockchain technology provides a decentralized and (11) __ ledger, which enhances the (12) __ and efficiency of supply chains. It allows traceability of products, crucial in industries like food and (13) __. Companies like De Beers and (14) __ use blockchain to authenticate the origin of products and streamline processes, respectively. However, challenges like high (15) __ costs and the need for cultural shifts impede widespread adoption.
Words: effective, immutable, efficient, pharmaceuticals, Walmart, implementation, faulty
Answers with Explanations
Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given)
- False – Blockchain technology can be used in various industries.
- True – The text states that blockchain allows participants to verify recorded transactions.
- False – The correct industry mentioned is diamonds, not wooden products.
- True – High implementation costs are mentioned as a challenge.
- Not Given – The text does not state that blockchain eliminates all intermediaries in all cases.
Matching Headings
6. C
7. B
8. D
9. A
10. E
Summary Completion
11. immutable
12. transparency
13. pharmaceuticals
14. Walmart
15. implementation
Common Mistakes in This Type of Reading
- Skimming Too Quickly: Missing out on key details can lead to incorrect answers. Always skim thoroughly and look for keywords.
- Misinterpreting the Question: Ensure you understand what is being asked. Incorrectly assuming what the question might be based on skimming can result in errors.
- Ignoring Context: Contextual clues are crucial. Use them effectively to deduce meanings and relationships.
Vocabulary
Here are some challenging words from the passage:
- Immutable: /ɪˈmjuː·tə·bəl/ (adjective) Unchanging over time or unable to be changed.
- Provenance: /ˈprɒv.ən.əns/ (noun) The place of origin or earliest known history of something.
- Intermediaries: /ˌɪn·təˈmiː·di·er·iz/ (noun) A person who acts as a link between people in order to try to bring about an agreement.
- Traceability: /ˌtræs.əˈbɪl.ə.ti/ (noun) The capability of being traced.
Grammar Point
One notable grammatical structure in the text is the use of the passive voice, particularly in:
- “Blockchain technology has emerged…”
Passive Voice Construction:
- Form: Be + past participle (e.g., is used, has been chosen)
- Example: The process is facilitated by blockchain technology.
Conclusion
To excel in the IELTS Reading Test, familiarize yourself with the format and practice with diverse topics like blockchain technology in supply chains. Understand the keywords and context, skim and scan effectively, and be aware of typical challenges. By doing so, you’ll improve both your speed and accuracy, ensuring a higher score in the reading section.