The IELTS Reading section is a crucial component of the test, requiring candidates to demonstrate their ability to understand and analyze complex texts. Today, we’ll focus on a topic that has been gaining traction in recent years: eco-friendly gardening. This subject aligns well with the increasing emphasis on environmental issues in IELTS exams, making it a potentially valuable area for preparation.
Based on our analysis of past IELTS exams and current trends, the likelihood of encountering a passage on sustainable gardening practices is quite high. Let’s dive into a practice exercise that will not only enhance your reading skills but also provide valuable knowledge about creating an eco-friendly garden.
Eco-friendly garden illustration
Reading Passage: Creating an Eco-Friendly Garden
Text
Creating an eco-friendly garden is not just a trend; it’s a responsible approach to cultivating green spaces that benefit both the environment and the gardener. By adopting sustainable practices, gardeners can create beautiful, thriving outdoor areas while minimizing their ecological footprint.
One of the fundamental principles of eco-friendly gardening is choosing native plants. These species are naturally adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, requiring less water, fertilizer, and pesticides to flourish. Native plants also provide essential habitats and food sources for local wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects. By incorporating a diverse range of native species, gardeners can create a balanced ecosystem that supports biodiversity.
Water conservation is another crucial aspect of sustainable gardening. Installing a rainwater harvesting system can significantly reduce reliance on mains water supplies. This can be as simple as placing rain barrels under downspouts or as complex as installing underground cisterns. Additionally, using mulch around plants helps retain soil moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering. Choosing drought-resistant plants and grouping those with similar water needs together (a practice known as hydrozoning) can further optimize water usage.
Composting is a cornerstone of eco-friendly gardening. By recycling kitchen scraps and garden waste, gardeners can create nutrient-rich soil amendments, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. Compost improves soil structure, enhances water retention, and promotes healthy plant growth. It also diverts organic waste from landfills, where it would otherwise contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an eco-friendly approach to controlling garden pests. Instead of relying on chemical pesticides, IPM utilizes a combination of biological controls (such as introducing beneficial insects), physical barriers, and cultural practices to manage pest populations. This approach minimizes harm to beneficial organisms and reduces the risk of pesticide resistance.
Energy efficiency in the garden can be achieved through thoughtful design and the use of sustainable technologies. Solar-powered lights and water features reduce electricity consumption, while manual or electric tools (preferably charged with renewable energy) can replace gas-powered equipment. Strategically placed trees and shrubs can provide natural shade and windbreaks, potentially reducing home energy costs for heating and cooling.
Creating wildlife-friendly spaces is an essential component of an eco-friendly garden. Installing bird feeders, baths, and nesting boxes encourages avian visitors. Leaving some areas of the garden slightly wild, with leaf litter and fallen branches, provides habitats for insects and small mammals. These creatures play vital roles in pollination and natural pest control.
Sustainable hardscaping choices can also contribute to an eco-friendly garden. Using permeable paving materials allows rainwater to seep into the ground, reducing runoff and helping to recharge groundwater supplies. Recycled or locally sourced materials for garden structures and furniture minimize transportation emissions and support local economies.
By implementing these practices, gardeners can create beautiful, productive spaces that work in harmony with nature. Eco-friendly gardens not only provide personal enjoyment and potentially reduce household expenses but also contribute to larger environmental goals such as biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and sustainable resource management. As awareness of environmental issues grows, the principles of eco-friendly gardening are likely to become increasingly important in both private and public green spaces.
Questions
1-5. Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
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According to the passage, native plants are beneficial in eco-friendly gardens because they:
A) are more colorful than non-native species
B) require less maintenance and resources
C) grow faster than other plants
D) are cheaper to purchase -
The practice of hydrozoning involves:
A) installing an underground watering system
B) grouping plants based on their water requirements
C) using only drought-resistant plants in the garden
D) watering plants at specific times of the day -
Composting is described in the passage as:
A) an optional practice for eco-friendly gardens
B) a method to dispose of inorganic waste
C) a way to create natural fertilizers and improve soil
D) a technique only suitable for large gardens -
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is characterized by:
A) the exclusive use of chemical pesticides
B) a combination of different pest control methods
C) avoiding any form of pest control
D) focusing solely on introducing beneficial insects -
According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a benefit of eco-friendly gardening?
A) Reduced water consumption
B) Increased property value
C) Support for local wildlife
D) Lower energy costs
6-10. Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
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A simple method of water conservation is to place ____ under downspouts to collect rainwater.
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Using ____ around plants helps to keep moisture in the soil, reducing watering needs.
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____ can be used instead of electric or gas-powered lights to save energy in the garden.
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Leaving some areas of the garden wild, with ____ and fallen branches, creates habitats for small animals and insects.
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Using ____ for garden pathways and driveways allows rainwater to soak into the ground, reducing runoff.
Answers and Explanations
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B
Explanation: The passage states that native plants “require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides to flourish,” indicating they need less maintenance and fewer resources. -
B
Explanation: The text defines hydrozoning as “grouping those with similar water needs together.” -
C
Explanation: Composting is described as a way to “create nutrient-rich soil amendments, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers” and improving soil structure. -
B
Explanation: IPM is described as utilizing “a combination of biological controls (such as introducing beneficial insects), physical barriers, and cultural practices to manage pest populations.” -
B
Explanation: While water conservation, wildlife support, and potential energy savings are mentioned, increased property value is not discussed in the passage. -
rain barrels
Explanation: The passage mentions “placing rain barrels under downspouts” as a simple water conservation method. -
mulch
Explanation: The text states, “using mulch around plants helps retain soil moisture.” -
Solar-powered lights
Explanation: The passage mentions “Solar-powered lights” as a way to reduce electricity consumption in the garden. -
leaf litter
Explanation: The text suggests “Leaving some areas of the garden slightly wild, with leaf litter and fallen branches” to provide habitats for wildlife. -
permeable paving materials
Explanation: The passage states, “Using permeable paving materials allows rainwater to seep into the ground, reducing runoff.”
Lessons Learned
When tackling IELTS Reading passages on topics like eco-friendly gardening, be aware of these common pitfalls:
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Overlooking key details: The text contains specific information that directly answers questions. Always refer back to the passage when answering.
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Misinterpreting synonyms: The questions often use synonyms or paraphrased ideas from the text. Familiarize yourself with a wide range of vocabulary to recognize these variations.
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Falling for distractors: In multiple-choice questions, incorrect options may contain information from the text but not answer the specific question asked.
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Exceeding word limits: In sentence completion tasks, pay close attention to the word limit given and extract only the required words from the text.
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Ignoring context: When selecting answers, consider the context of the entire paragraph or section, not just isolated sentences.
Vocabulary
Here are some challenging words from the passage, along with their definitions:
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Ecological footprint (noun) – /ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒɪkəl ˈfʊtprɪnt/: The impact of human activities on the environment, measured in terms of resource consumption and waste production.
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Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/: The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
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Hydrozoning (noun) – /ˈhaɪdrəʊˌzəʊnɪŋ/: The practice of grouping plants with similar water requirements together in a garden or landscape.
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Integrated Pest Management (IPM) (noun) – /ˈɪntɪɡreɪtɪd pest ˈmænɪdʒmənt/: An eco-friendly approach to pest control that uses a combination of methods to minimize environmental impact.
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Permeable (adjective) – /ˈpɜːmiəbl/: Allowing liquids or gases to pass through.
Grammar Focus
Pay attention to these grammatical structures in the passage:
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Passive voice: “These species are naturally adapted to the local climate and soil conditions.” This structure is often used in academic and scientific writing to emphasize the action rather than the actor.
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Present participle phrases: “By adopting sustainable practices, gardeners can create beautiful, thriving outdoor areas…” These phrases often provide additional information about how or why an action is performed.
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Comparatives and superlatives: “…requiring less water, fertilizer, and pesticides to flourish.” Understanding these forms is crucial for comprehending contrasts and emphases in the text.
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Conditional sentences: “By implementing these practices, gardeners can create beautiful, productive spaces…” This structure is used to describe cause-and-effect relationships or potential outcomes.
Tips for Success
To excel in the IELTS Reading section, especially with passages on topics like eco-friendly gardening:
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Improve your vocabulary: Regularly read articles on environmental topics to familiarize yourself with relevant terminology.
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Practice skimming and scanning: These techniques will help you quickly locate specific information in the text.
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Develop time management skills: Allocate your time wisely among the different questions and passages.
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Analyze question types: Familiarize yourself with various IELTS question formats to approach each type effectively.
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Stay informed about environmental issues: General knowledge about sustainability can provide context that aids comprehension.
Remember, consistent practice with diverse reading materials is key to improving your IELTS Reading score. Focus on understanding the main ideas and supporting details, and always refer back to the text when answering questions.
For more IELTS preparation resources, check out our articles on how to describe a place you would like to work in for the IELTS Speaking test and how to describe a public place you enjoy visiting. These resources can help you expand your vocabulary and improve your speaking skills, which are also crucial for success in the IELTS exam.