The IELTS Reading Test is designed to measure your reading comprehension skills using a wide range of texts. Topics that are current and relevant, such as climate change and its impact on various sectors, often appear in these tests. One recurring and critically important topic is how climate change is influencing global public health initiatives. As climate change becomes more pressing, understanding its effects on public health is imperative not just for the IELTS test but also for general awareness.
Statistical data shows that topics related to climate change and public health have appeared multiple times in past IELTS exams, indicating their significance and the likelihood of their reappearance in future tests. With this in mind, let’s delve into an IELTS Reading task focused on this subject.
Sample IELTS Reading Test
Passage
Text: Hard
Climate change is an existential threat that extends its tendrils into various aspects of human life, including global public health. As temperatures rise, sea levels elevate, and extreme weather patterns become more frequent, the susceptibility of human populations to diseases increases. This text explores how climate change is influencing global health initiatives, the multifaceted challenges it brings, and the proactive measures being taken worldwide.
Rising global temperatures facilitate the proliferation of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. Warm climates enhance mosquito breeding habitats, leading to larger populations and extended periods of transmission. Additionally, the frequency and intensity of heat waves are escalating, contributing to heat-related illnesses and mortality, particularly among vulnerable groups like the elderly and those with preexisting health conditions.
Meanwhile, shifting weather patterns compromise food security by affecting crop yields and livestock productivity. Food scarcity and malnutrition can weaken immune systems, making populations more susceptible to diseases. Inadequate nutrition also hampers physical and cognitive development, particularly in children, setting back educational and socioeconomic progress.
Another concerning aspect is the increased occurrence of extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts. These events disrupt healthcare services, destroy infrastructure, and displace populations, complicating the delivery of medical care. They also foster unsanitary living conditions, heightening the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid.
In response to these challenges, health organizations and governments are adapting their initiatives. Surveillance systems are being enhanced to track and predict disease outbreaks. Investment in research geared towards understanding the health impacts of climate change is also a priority. International cooperation is vital, as global health issues surpass national borders. Programs aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable practices are integral parts of the larger solution.
Furthermore, community-level interventions play a crucial role. Educational campaigns raise awareness about the health risks associated with climate change and encourage adaptive behaviors. Emergency preparedness plans are being updated to ensure quick and effective responses to climate-related health crises. Public infrastructure projects, such as the development of cooling centers and improved water management systems, are being prioritized to mitigate immediate health threats.
In conclusion, the intersection of climate change and public health is complex and evolving. While climate change poses significant challenges, it also spurs innovation and collaboration in the public health sector. By continuously adapting and responding to these emerging threats, global health initiatives aim to protect and improve the well-being of populations worldwide.
climate change and public health
Questions
Multiple Choice
-
What factors are contributing to the rise of vector-borne diseases according to the passage?
A. Increased use of pesticides
B. Warm climates enhancing mosquito breeding habitats
C. Adoption of new agricultural practices
D. Improved medical facilities -
What is a notable consequence of extreme weather events on public health services?
A. Increased funding for health research
B. Decrease in global healthcare costs
C. Destruction of healthcare infrastructure
D. Improved food security
True / False / Not Given
-
The text mentions that heat waves only affect the elderly and people with preexisting conditions.
A. True
B. False
C. Not Given -
Hurricanes and floods are causing a decrease in the prevalence of waterborne diseases.
A. True
B. False
C. Not Given
Matching Information
Match the following actions to the corresponding challenges they address.
- Investment in research
- Educational campaigns
- Enhanced surveillance systems
- Public infrastructure projects
A. Combatting malnutrition
B. Tracking and predicting disease outbreaks
C. Promoting adaptive behaviors
D. Mitigating immediate health threats
Sentence Completion
Complete the sentences with NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS.
- Shifting weather patterns can affect yields and ___.
- Programs aimed at reducing emissions are part of ___ solutions to climate change.
Answer Keys
Multiple Choice
- B. Warm climates enhancing mosquito breeding habitats
- C. Destruction of healthcare infrastructure
True / False / Not Given
- B. False
- B. False
Matching Information
- Investment in research – A. Combatting malnutrition
- Educational campaigns – C. Promoting adaptive behaviors
- Enhanced surveillance systems – B. Tracking and predicting disease outbreaks
- Public infrastructure projects – D. Mitigating immediate health threats
Sentence Completion
- livestock productivity
- larger
Common Mistakes
- Misinterpreting Keywords: Students often misunderstand key terms in the passage. For instance, words like “malnutrition” and “vector-borne diseases” should be clearly understood.
- Guessing Answers: Some students tend to guess answers without proper reasoning. Always derive answers from the text.
- Time Management: Spending too much time on difficult questions can affect overall performance. Allocate time wisely and move on if stuck.
Vocabulary
- Vector-borne diseases (noun): /ˈvɛktər bɔrn dɪˈzizɪz/
- Diseases transmitted by organisms such as mosquitoes.
- Surveillance (noun): /sɜrˈveɪləns/
- Close observation of a place or person.
- Malnutrition (noun): /ˌmælnuːˈtrɪʃən/
- Lack of proper nutrition caused by not having enough to eat or not eating enough healthy foods.
- Greenhouse gas emissions (noun): /ˈɡrinˌhaʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃənz/
- Gases released into the atmosphere from industrial and other human activities that contribute to climate change.
Grammar Focus
Complex Sentences
- What it is: Sentences with multiple clauses, often using linking words like “because,” “although,” and “since.”
- Formula: Independent Clause + (Linking Word) + Dependent Clause
- Example: “Rising global temperatures facilitate the proliferation of vector-borne diseases because warm climates enhance mosquito breeding habitats.”
By mastering these complex sentence structures, you can effectively convey detailed information and sophisticated arguments in your essays, enhancing your overall score in the IELTS Writing Test.
Tips for High Scores in IELTS Reading
- Practice Regularly: Keep practicing different types of questions to get familiar with the format.
- Enhance Vocabulary: Regularly learn new words and their usage.
- Time Management: Aim to improve your speed and accuracy.
- Understand the Questions: Make sure you comprehend what is being asked before looking for answers.
- Summarize Paragraphs: Try summarizing each paragraph in your own words to better understand the main ideas.
In conclusion, excelling in the IELTS Reading Test requires a combination of regular practice, expanding your vocabulary, effective time management, and strategic comprehension techniques. By consistently implementing these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a high score in your IELTS exam. Happy studying!
