The Reading component of the IELTS exam often involves passages that discuss critical global issues, such as environmental changes and their impacts. One such topic is “How is climate change affecting global fisheries?” This theme has appeared in IELTS exams due to its relevance and the increasing global concern for the environment. Understanding this subject can help candidates better prepare for the Reading test, as similar passages may appear in future exams.
Sample IELTS Reading Passage
Here’s a practice reading passage, formatted to resemble an IELTS Reading text, focusing on the impact of climate change on global fisheries. This is a Medium Text passage suitable for practice.
Passage: The impact of climate change on global fisheries
Over the past few decades, the effects of climate change have become increasingly evident in various natural ecosystems. One area particularly affected is global fisheries. As temperatures rise, oceanic conditions are altered, leading to significant impacts on marine life.
Firstly, warmer ocean temperatures alter fish distribution. Species that were once abundant in temperate zones have gradually migrated towards colder waters. For example, cod, a staple in the North Atlantic, are now found in diminishing numbers closer to the equator, whereas they are flourishing near the Arctic Circle. This shift complicates fishing efforts, as fishers must traverse greater distances to maintain their catch volumes.
Secondly, ocean acidification, a by-product of increased carbon dioxide absorption, adversely affects the marine food chain. Shellfish, including crabs and lobsters, have seen drastic population declines due to the difficulty in forming exoskeletal structures in more acidic waters. Consequently, species that prey on these shellfish, including larger fish and marine birds, are also impacted.
Furthermore, the phenomenon known as coral bleaching, linked to rising sea temperatures, has grave consequences for fish populations. Coral reefs provide essential habitats for various marine species. When coral systems die off, the biodiversity they support dwindles, leading to reduced fish populations and affecting the livelihoods of communities dependent on reef fishing.
Lastly, unpredictable weather patterns and increased storm activities have made fishing operations more dangerous and less predictable. Coastal areas, particularly in the developing world, face heightened vulnerability to natural disasters, which can decimate fishery infrastructure and local economies.
Given these multifaceted impacts, it is clear that climate change poses a severe threat to global fisheries. Addressing this issue requires concerted international efforts focused on reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable fishing practices.
IELTS Reading Questions
Following the passage, here are various question types that you may encounter. These questions will test different skills required in the IELTS Reading section.
Multiple Choice
-
What is one significant change mentioned that affects fish distribution?
A. Increase in freshwater fish numbers
B. Migration of fish to colder waters
C. Decrease in fish population due to overfishing
D. Growth of fish populations in temperate zones -
What is a primary cause of ocean acidification outlined in the passage?
A. Increased oil spills
B. Reduced oxygen levels
C. Increased carbon dioxide absorption
D. Higher salt concentrations -
According to the passage, what is the consequence of coral bleaching?
A. Increased fish diversity
B. Stability in marine food chains
C. Decline in fish populations relying on corals
D. Enhancement of coral habitats
True/False/Not Given
-
Cod are now more frequently found near the equator. (True/False/Not Given)
-
Coastal communities in the developed world are the most affected by climate change. (True/False/Not Given)
-
Ocean acidification aids in the formation of shellfish exoskeletons. (True/False/Not Given)
Summary Completion
Complete the summary using the list of words below the text.
Climate change has several negative impacts on global fisheries. Fish species are (7) toward colder waters, making fishing more challenging. Increased carbon dioxide leads to (8), resulting in difficulties for shellfish. Additionally, (9) affects fish populations dependent on reefs for their habitat. Lastly, unpredictable weather patterns make fishing operations (10) and less predictable.
Options:
- ocean acidification
- migrating
- dangerous
- coral bleaching
Answer Keys
- B – Migration of fish to colder waters
- C – Increased carbon dioxide absorption
- C – Decline in fish populations relying on corals
- False
- Not Given
- False
Summary Completion:
7. migrating
8. ocean acidification
9. coral bleaching
10. dangerous
Common Mistakes
- Misinterpreting True/False/Not Given questions by not closely aligning with the passage’s information.
- Confusing similar concepts, such as ocean acidification and hypoxia (low oxygen).
- Overlooking the relevance of keywords in summary completions, leading to incorrect word choices.
Vocabulary
- Distribution (n) /ˌdɪstrɪˈbjuː.ʃən/: the way something is shared out among a group or spread over an area.
- Ocean acidification (n) /oʊˈʃən æsɪdɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/: the decrease in pH levels of the Earth’s oceans.
- Coral bleaching (n) /ˈkɔːr.əl ˈbliː.tʃɪŋ/: loss of color in corals due to stress factors like rising sea temperatures.
Grammar Focus
Passive Voice
The passage uses the passive voice to emphasize actions and their impacts rather than the doers. For instance:
- “Fish species are migrated…”
- “Shellfish populations have seen drastic declines…”
Use of Present Perfect
The present perfect tense is employed to highlight ongoing effects:
- “The effects of climate change have become evident…”
- “Fish species have gradually migrated…”
Recommendations
To excel in the IELTS Reading section:
- Practice reading various materials on current global issues.
- Familiarize yourself with different question types.
- Develop strategies for skimming and scanning texts to efficiently locate answers.