The IELTS Reading section is a challenging part of the exam for many candidates, as it requires strong comprehension skills, a good vocabulary, and the ability to quickly analyze information. One topical theme that has appeared in various forms in the IELTS Reading test is “How Is Blockchain Technology Being Used To Improve Environmental Sustainability?” This subject combines elements of technology and environmental science, which are increasingly relevant in today’s world.

The theme has gained traction due to the growing awareness of environmental issues and the potential for blockchain technology to contribute to sustainable practices. Given its current popularity and relevance, it is highly probable that similar topics could appear in future IELTS exams.

In this article, we’ll explore this topic in depth through a simulated IELTS Reading passage, complete with questions and detailed answer keys. We will then delve into vocabulary, grammar, and tips for handling similar questions.

Reading Passage

Title: Harnessing Blockchain for a Sustainable Future

Blockchain technology, widely known for underpinning cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, is now being explored for its potential to improve environmental sustainability. This technological innovation offers several avenues for enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accountability in various processes, all of which are crucial for sustainable practices.

Firstly, blockchain can be employed to improve supply chain transparency. By recording every transaction on a public ledger, blockchain ensures that all parties have access to the complete history of a product’s lifecycle. This visibility helps consumers and companies to verify that products are sourced ethically and sustainably. For example, blockchain is being used to track the journey of coffee beans from farms to consumers, guaranteeing that they are grown and processed under fair trade practices.

Blockchain Supply Chain Transparency

Secondly, blockchain technology can optimize resource management. Smart contracts—self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code—can automate processes to reduce waste and ensure efficient resource use. This is particularly useful in the energy sector, where blockchain can manage energy grids, optimize the distribution of renewable energy like solar or wind power, and even facilitate peer-to-peer energy trading.

Additionally, blockchain promotes accountability and traceability in environmental conservation efforts. Organizations can use blockchain to track and verify carbon credits, ensuring that companies adhere to their emission reduction commitments. This system can also monitor the protection and management of natural resources like forests, helping to combat illegal logging and habitat destruction.

Despite its potential, blockchain technology is not without challenges. The energy consumption of blockchain networks, particularly those relying on proof-of-work consensus algorithms, raises concerns about their environmental impact. However, newer consensus mechanisms like proof-of-stake and hybrid models are being developed to address these issues, aiming to make blockchain itself more sustainable.

In conclusion, blockchain technology holds significant promise for enhancing environmental sustainability. By improving transparency, optimizing resource management, and promoting accountability, blockchain can contribute to a more sustainable and ethical global economy. As the technology evolves, it is expected to overcome current limitations, becoming an even more powerful tool in the fight against environmental degradation.

Questions

1. Multiple Choice

1. According to the passage, how does blockchain improve supply chain transparency?

   • A. By reducing the cost of goods
   • B. By recording every transaction on a public ledger
   • C. By increasing the speed of transactions
   • D. By automating the entire supply chain process

2. What is one way blockchain technology is used in the energy sector?

   • A. To reduce the price of renewable energy
   • B. To monitor illegal logging and habitat destruction
   • C. To manage energy grids and optimize the distribution of renewable energy
   • D. To track the lifecycle of coffee beans

2. Identifying Writer’s Views/Claims (Yes/No/Not Given)

3. The passage suggests that blockchain technology is the most important tool for achieving environmental sustainability.

   • Yes
   • No
   • Not Given

4. Blockchain networks currently use less energy than traditional data centers.

   • Yes
   • No
   • Not Given

3. Matching Information

5. Match each feature with the correct section of the passage.

   • A. Supply Chain Transparency
   • B. Resource Management
   • C. Environmental Conservation
   1. Guarantees products are sourced ethically and sustainably.
   2. Uses smart contracts to reduce waste.
   3. Tracks and verifies carbon credits.

4. Sentence Completion

6. Blockchain technology can help combat __ and habitat destruction.

7. Newer consensus mechanisms like __ are being developed to make blockchain more sustainable.

Answer Key

1. (B) By recording every transaction on a public ledger: This option correctly describes how blockchain improves supply chain transparency as stated in the passage.
2. (C) To manage energy grids and optimize the distribution of renewable energy: This is one of the uses of blockchain technology in the energy sector mentioned in the article.
3. No: The passage highlights the significant promise of blockchain technology in contributing to sustainability but does not claim it to be the most important tool.
4. No: The passage mentions concerns about the high energy consumption of blockchain networks, implying they currently use more energy than other technologies.
5. A1: Guarantees products are sourced ethically and sustainably – Supply Chain Transparency
   • B2: Uses smart contracts to reduce waste – Resource Management
   • C3: Tracks and verifies carbon credits – Environmental Conservation
6. illegal logging and habitat destruction: The passage specifically mentions blockchain’s role in monitoring these activities.
7. proof-of-stake: The passage states that newer consensus mechanisms like proof-of-stake are being developed to enhance blockchain sustainability.

Lessons Learned

One common mistake in such passages is misinterpreting details or failing to see the connections between different parts of the passage. Pay special attention to transitional words and phrases that link ideas and ensure that you understand how each part of the text contributes to the overall argument.

Vocabulary

1. Cryptocurrencies (noun) /ˈkrɪp.toʊˌkʌr.ən.si/: Digital currencies that use cryptography for security.
2. Ethically (adverb) /ˈeθ.ɪ.kəl.i/: In a manner that is morally right.
3. Smart Contracts (noun) /smɑːrt ˈkɒn.trækt/: Self-executing contracts with the agreement terms written into code.
4. Carbon Credits (noun) /ˈkɑːr.bən ˈkrɛd.ɪts/: Permits that allow a country or organization to produce a certain amount of carbon emissions.
5. Consensus Algorithms (noun) /kənˈsɛn.səs ˈæl.ɡəˌrɪ.ðəm/: Protocols by which many computers in a network agree on a data set.

Grammar

Relative Clauses

• Definition: A relative clause is a part of a sentence that describes a noun. It starts with relative pronouns like who, which, that.
• Examples:
  • “Blockchain technology, which is widely known for underpinning cryptocurrencies, is now being explored for its potential to improve environmental sustainability.”
  • “Smart contracts, which are self-executing contracts with the terms directly written into code, can automate processes.”

Advice

To score high in the IELTS Reading section, practice regularly with different types of texts. Focus on enhancing your vocabulary, understanding grammatical structures, and familiarizing yourself with various question types. Timed practice sessions can also help you improve your reading speed and accuracy. Remember, consistency is key to success.