The IELTS Reading section can be one of the most challenging parts of the exam, demanding not only a keen eye for detail but also a deep understanding of different topics. One recurring theme in IELTS reading passages involves technology and its transformative impacts on various sectors. Given the increasing relevance of blockchain technology, the topic “How is blockchain technology being used to improve transparency in supply chains?” is both timely and likely to appear in future IELTS exams.
This article will provide a comprehensive practice reading passage on this topic, complete with a variety of questions and detailed answer explanations, to help IELTS candidates prepare effectively.
Full IELTS Reading Practice Passage
Blockchain and Supply Chain Transparency
In recent years, blockchain technology has garnered significant attention for its potential to revolutionize supply chain transparency. Originally developed as the underlying technology behind cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, blockchain offers a decentralized and immutable record of transactions, making it nearly impossible to alter or tamper with data. This characteristic is particularly valuable in supply chain management, where transparency and traceability are paramount.
Blockchain technology allows stakeholders to follow products from their origin to the end consumer, providing an indisputable record of each step in the supply chain. For instance, in the food industry, a blockchain can track a product from farm to table, ensuring that all parties involved adhere to regulatory standards and that any breaches can be easily identified and rectified.
blockchain supply chain
Moreover, blockchain’s decentralized nature means that no single entity controls the data, reducing the risk of corruption or fraud. Each participant in the supply chain maintains a copy of the blockchain, which is updated in real-time with new transactions. This transparency ensures that all stakeholders have a synchronized and accurate view of the supply chain, facilitating faster and more efficient dispute resolution.
One practical application of blockchain in supply chains is in the diamond industry. Historically plagued by concerns over conflict diamonds, companies have adopted blockchain to ensure that their diamonds are ethically sourced. Each diamond receives a unique identifier, which is recorded on the blockchain along with its entire provenance. This allows consumers to verify the origins of their diamonds and ensures compliance with ethical sourcing standards.
Similarly, the pharmaceutical industry has capitalized on blockchain to combat counterfeit drugs. By embedding blockchain in their supply chains, pharmaceutical companies can trace the journey of each medication from production to shelf. This not only helps in ensuring the authenticity of drugs but also aids in monitoring any recalls or quality issues more efficiently.
However, despite its promising applications, the adoption of blockchain in supply chains faces several challenges. The technology is relatively new and requires significant investment in infrastructure and training. Additionally, there are concerns about data privacy, as sensitive information recorded on the blockchain could be accessible to all participants.
Nevertheless, as technology matures and the benefits become more apparent, it is anticipated that more industries will adopt blockchain for their supply chains, paving the way for enhanced transparency and accountability.
Questions
Multiple Choice
What is one primary advantage of using blockchain technology in supply chains?
- A. It is cheaper than traditional methods.
- B. It offers a decentralized and immutable record of transactions.
- C. It requires less technical training.
- D. It increases the profitability of companies.
Which industry is mentioned as using blockchain to ensure ethical sourcing?
- A. Food industry
- B. Pharmaceutical industry
- C. Diamond industry
- D. Textile industry
True/False/Not Given
Blockchain technology was initially developed for supply chains. (True/False/Not Given)
The food industry can use blockchain to ensure regulatory compliance. (True/False/Not Given)
Blockchain allows a single entity to control all data in a supply chain. (True/False/Not Given)
Matching Information
Match the following industries to their use of blockchain mentioned in the text:
Diamond industry
Pharmaceutical industry
i. Combating counterfeit drugs
ii. Verifying ethical sourcing of products
Short-answer Questions
- What is one challenge mentioned in the passage regarding the adoption of blockchain technology?
Answer Key and Explanations
B. It offers a decentralized and immutable record of transactions.
- Explanation: The text emphasizes that one of the primary advantages of blockchain is its ability to provide a decentralized and immutable record of transactions.
C. Diamond industry
- Explanation: The passage specifically mentions the diamond industry as using blockchain to ensure that diamonds are ethically sourced.
False
- Explanation: The text states that blockchain was originally developed as the underlying technology behind cryptocurrencies, not supply chains.
True
- Explanation: The food industry can use blockchain to ensure that all parties involved adhere to regulatory standards.
False
- Explanation: The passage clearly points out that blockchain’s decentralized nature means that no single entity controls the data.
- Diamond industry – ii. Verifying ethical sourcing of products
- Pharmaceutical industry – i. Combating counterfeit drugs
One challenge is the significant investment in infrastructure and training required for blockchain adoption.
- Explanation: The text notes that significant investment in infrastructure and training is one of the challenges facing the adoption of blockchain in supply chains.
Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes
- Misunderstanding the Concept: Many students mistakenly believe that blockchain gives central control to one entity. Understanding the decentralized nature of blockchain is crucial.
- Not Identifying Key Information: Failing to pinpoint specific details like applications in various industries can lead to incorrect answers.
Tips for Improvement
- Skim and Scan: Practice skimming and scanning techniques to quickly locate relevant details in the text.
- Vocabulary Building: Enhance your vocabulary, especially technical terms related to emerging technologies like blockchain.
Vocabulary
- Immutable (adj.) /ɪˈmjuːtəbl/ – Unchanging over time or unable to be changed.
- Decentralized (adj.) /diːˈsentrəlaɪzd/ – Distributed power away from a central authority.
- Provenance (n.) /ˈprɒvənəns/ – The place of origin or earliest known history of something.
- Synchronized (adj.) /ˈsɪŋkrənaɪzd/ – Occurring at the same time or rate.
Grammar Focus
Present Perfect Passive
- Pattern: Subject + have/has been + past participle
- Example: Blockchain has been adopted by various industries to improve transparency.
Usage Tip
- Utilize the present perfect passive to discuss completed actions with present relevance, particularly in technology-related contexts.
Conclusion
Preparing for the IELTS Reading section can be daunting, but with structured practice, success is achievable. Understanding contemporary topics like blockchain technology and its applications in supply chains can give you an edge. Keep practicing with similar texts, hone your skimming and scanning skills, and continually expand your vocabulary to ensure a high score in the Reading section.
For further reading, you might want to explore how blockchain technology is being used in international development and how blockchain technology is being used in international trade.