IELTS Reading Practice: How to Reduce Food Waste at School

The IELTS Reading section is a crucial component of the test, assessing your ability to comprehend complex texts and extract relevant information. Today, we’ll focus on a topic that has gained significant attention in recent years: reducing food waste in schools. This subject has appeared in various forms in past IELTS exams and, given its growing importance in sustainability discussions, is likely to resurface in future tests.

Food waste in school cafeteria

Reading Passage: Tackling Food Waste in Educational Institutions

Medium Text

Food waste is a growing concern in schools across the globe, with significant environmental and economic implications. In the United States alone, it is estimated that schools generate approximately 530,000 tons of food waste annually. This staggering figure not only represents a substantial economic loss but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions when food decomposes in landfills. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, many educational institutions are implementing innovative strategies to reduce food waste and promote sustainability.

One effective approach gaining traction is the implementation of food waste audits. These audits involve systematically measuring and analyzing the amount and types of food being discarded. By conducting regular audits, schools can identify patterns in waste generation and tailor their reduction strategies accordingly. For instance, a school in California found through an audit that a significant portion of their waste consisted of unopened milk cartons. This discovery led to changes in their milk distribution policy, resulting in a 50% reduction in milk waste.

Another promising strategy is the introduction of share tables. These designated areas allow students to place unopened food items or whole fruits they don’t intend to eat, making them available to other students who may want additional servings. This simple yet effective method not only reduces waste but also helps address food insecurity among students. A study conducted in Florida schools showed that share tables could potentially recover up to 22% of discarded food items.

Composting programs are also becoming increasingly popular in schools. By converting food scraps into nutrient-rich soil, composting offers a dual benefit of waste reduction and educational opportunities. Students learn about the decomposition process and the importance of recycling organic matter. Some schools have even integrated composting into their science curriculum, using it as a hands-on learning tool for topics such as ecosystems and sustainability.

Technology is playing a crucial role in modernizing food waste reduction efforts. Some schools have adopted digital ordering systems that allow students to pre-order their meals. This approach helps kitchen staff prepare more accurate quantities, reducing overproduction. Additionally, apps that track food waste in real-time are being used to provide immediate feedback to both students and staff, fostering a culture of mindfulness around food consumption.

Education and awareness campaigns are fundamental to the success of any food waste reduction program. Many schools organize workshops, assemblies, and poster competitions to engage students in the issue. By making students active participants in the solution, these initiatives cultivate a sense of responsibility and empower young people to become advocates for sustainable practices.

Partnerships with local farms and food banks have also proven effective. Some schools donate excess edible food to local charities, ensuring that good food doesn’t go to waste while helping those in need. Others have established relationships with local farmers to source fresh, seasonal produce, which often leads to more appealing meals and less waste.

The impact of these initiatives extends beyond the school gates. Students often carry the lessons learned about food waste reduction into their homes, influencing family behaviors and spreading awareness in their communities. This ripple effect amplifies the impact of school-based programs, contributing to broader societal changes in attitudes towards food waste.

As the urgency to address environmental issues intensifies, the role of schools in reducing food waste becomes increasingly critical. By implementing a combination of these strategies, educational institutions can significantly diminish their food waste footprint while simultaneously educating the next generation about the importance of resource conservation and sustainable living practices.

Questions

True/False/Not Given

1. Schools in the United States produce over half a million tons of food waste each year.
2. Food waste audits have been mandatory in all California schools since 2020.
3. Share tables have been shown to potentially recover more than a fifth of discarded food items in some schools.
4. Composting programs in schools only benefit waste reduction efforts.
5. Digital ordering systems have been universally adopted by schools to reduce food waste.
6. Students’ involvement in food waste reduction programs can influence behaviors at home.
7. All schools with food waste reduction programs have partnerships with local farms.

Multiple Choice

8. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a strategy for reducing food waste in schools?
   A) Conducting food waste audits
   B) Implementing share tables
   C) Extending lunch periods
   D) Using digital ordering systems

9. The study conducted in Florida schools focused on:
   A) The effectiveness of composting programs
   B) The potential of share tables in recovering food waste
   C) The impact of digital ordering systems on waste reduction
   D) The success of partnerships with local food banks

10. Which of the following best describes the role of technology in food waste reduction efforts in schools?
    A) It is the primary solution to food waste problems
    B) It helps in accurate meal preparation and real-time waste tracking
    C) It has replaced traditional composting methods
    D) It is used exclusively for educational purposes

Matching Headings

Match the following headings to the appropriate paragraphs in the passage. Write the correct number (i-vii) next to questions 11-14.

i. Technological innovations in waste management
ii. The ripple effect of school initiatives
iii. Quantifying waste through systematic analysis
iv. Collaborative efforts with external organizations
v. Repurposing food scraps for educational benefits
vi. Empowering students through knowledge and participation
vii. Redistributing excess food within the school community

11. Paragraph 3 __
12. Paragraph 4 __
13. Paragraph 5 __
14. Paragraph 7 __

Answer Key

1. True – The passage states “In the United States alone, it is estimated that schools generate approximately 530,000 tons of food waste annually.”
2. Not Given – The passage mentions food waste audits in California schools but doesn’t state they are mandatory for all schools since 2020.
3. True – The passage mentions “A study conducted in Florida schools showed that share tables could potentially recover up to 22% of discarded food items.”
4. False – The passage states that composting offers “a dual benefit of waste reduction and educational opportunities.”
5. Not Given – The passage mentions digital ordering systems as one strategy but doesn’t state they have been universally adopted.
6. True – The passage states “Students often carry the lessons learned about food waste reduction into their homes, influencing family behaviors.”
7. Not Given – The passage mentions partnerships with local farms as one strategy but doesn’t state all schools with reduction programs have these partnerships.
8. C – Extending lunch periods is not mentioned in the passage as a strategy for reducing food waste.
9. B – The passage states “A study conducted in Florida schools showed that share tables could potentially recover up to 22% of discarded food items.”
10. B – The passage mentions that technology helps in “preparing more accurate quantities” and “apps that track food waste in real-time.”
11. vii – This paragraph discusses share tables, which redistribute excess food within the school.
12. v – This paragraph talks about composting programs and their educational benefits.
13. i – This paragraph focuses on technological innovations like digital ordering systems and waste tracking apps.
14. iv – This paragraph discusses partnerships with local farms and food banks.

Common Mistakes

When tackling this type of reading passage, students often make the following mistakes:

1. Overlooking specific details: In True/False/Not Given questions, students sometimes miss crucial words that change the meaning of a statement.
2. Making assumptions: For Not Given answers, students sometimes infer information that isn’t explicitly stated in the text.
3. Misinterpreting percentages: In questions involving numerical data, ensure you understand what the percentage refers to.
4. Failing to distinguish between general statements and specific examples: Pay attention to whether the text is making a broad claim or providing a particular instance.

Vocabulary

Here are some challenging words from the passage:

1. Implications (noun) /ˌɪm.plɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/: the possible effect or result of an action or decision
2. Staggering (adjective) /ˈstæɡ.ə.rɪŋ/: very shocking and surprising
3. Traction (noun) /ˈtræk.ʃən/: the extent to which an idea, product, etc. gains popularity or acceptance
4. Tailored (adjective) /ˈteɪ.ləd/: designed or adapted for a particular purpose or person
5. Composting (noun) /ˈkɒm.pɒs.tɪŋ/: the process of decomposing organic matter to create fertilizer

Grammar Focus

Pay attention to the use of present perfect tense in the passage, for example:

“Many schools have adopted digital ordering systems”

This tense is used to describe actions that started in the past and continue to be relevant in the present. The structure is:

Subject + have/has + past participle

Example: Schools have implemented various strategies to reduce food waste.

Tips for IELTS Reading Success

1. Practice active reading: Engage with the text by highlighting key information and making mental notes.
2. Improve your time management: Allocate your time wisely between reading the passage and answering questions.
3. Expand your vocabulary: Regularly learn new words and their contextual usage.
4. Develop skimming and scanning techniques: These skills are crucial for quickly locating specific information.
5. Analyze question types: Familiarize yourself with different question formats to develop targeted strategies.

Remember, success in IELTS Reading comes with consistent practice and a strategic approach. Focus on understanding the overall message while being attentive to specific details. By applying these techniques and continually refining your skills, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any reading passage in the IELTS exam.

For more tips on sustainable practices and waste reduction, check out our articles on how to reduce plastic use in schools and sustainable living practices. These resources can provide valuable context and vocabulary for environment-related topics in IELTS.