The IELTS Reading section is a crucial component of the exam, testing your ability to comprehend complex texts and extract relevant information. Today, we’ll focus on a topic that has gained significant traction in recent years: “Sustainability Challenges In Resource Extraction.” This subject has appeared in various forms in past IELTS exams and, given its ongoing relevance, is likely to resurface in future tests.
Based on an analysis of past IELTS exams and current global trends, sustainability in resource extraction remains a hot topic. Its prevalence in academic and professional discourse suggests a high probability of encountering similar themes in upcoming IELTS Reading tests. Let’s dive into a practice exercise to sharpen your skills on this important subject.
Sustainability challenges in resource extraction
Practice Test: Sustainability Challenges in Resource Extraction
Reading Passage
Sustainability in resource extraction has become a paramount concern in the 21st century. As global demand for raw materials continues to rise, the environmental and social impacts of mining and other extractive industries have come under intense scrutiny. The challenges faced by these industries are multifaceted and complex, requiring innovative solutions and a fundamental shift in operational paradigms.
One of the primary sustainability challenges in resource extraction is the depletion of non-renewable resources. Many of the materials crucial to modern technology and infrastructure, such as rare earth elements and fossil fuels, exist in finite quantities. The rate at which these resources are being extracted often far outpaces their natural replenishment, raising questions about long-term availability and the need for more efficient use and recycling.
Water management presents another significant challenge. Mining operations often require vast amounts of water, which can strain local water supplies, particularly in arid regions. Moreover, the risk of water pollution through acid mine drainage and the release of heavy metals poses severe threats to ecosystems and human health. Companies are increasingly adopting water-saving technologies and treatment processes, but the scale of the problem remains daunting.
The carbon footprint of extractive industries is a growing concern in the face of climate change. From the energy-intensive processes of extraction to the transportation of raw materials, the sector contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions. The transition to renewable energy sources and the implementation of carbon capture technologies are becoming essential strategies for companies looking to reduce their environmental impact.
Biodiversity loss is another critical issue associated with resource extraction. Open-pit mining, in particular, can lead to widespread habitat destruction and fragmentation. The effects on local flora and fauna can be devastating and long-lasting, even after mining operations have ceased. Restoration ecology and biodiversity offsetting are emerging fields aimed at mitigating these impacts, but their effectiveness is still debated.
Social sustainability is an often-overlooked aspect of resource extraction. Many mining operations occur in developing countries or rural areas, where they can significantly impact local communities. Issues such as land rights, fair compensation, and the distribution of benefits from resource extraction frequently lead to conflicts. Companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of obtaining a “social license to operate” through community engagement and benefit-sharing programs.
The concept of circular economy is gaining traction as a potential solution to many sustainability challenges. This approach emphasizes the importance of designing products for reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling, thereby reducing the demand for new raw materials. While still in its early stages in many sectors, the circular economy model offers promising pathways for more sustainable resource use.
Technological innovation is playing a crucial role in addressing sustainability challenges. Advances in remote sensing, artificial intelligence, and robotics are enabling more precise and less invasive exploration techniques. Meanwhile, breakthroughs in materials science are leading to the development of alternatives to scarce resources and more efficient extraction methods.
As the world grapples with the dual challenges of meeting growing resource demands and protecting the environment, the sustainability of resource extraction remains a critical global issue. The future of the sector will depend on its ability to innovate, adapt, and fundamentally rethink its relationship with the natural world and local communities.
Questions
True/False/Not Given
- Non-renewable resource depletion is a major sustainability challenge in the extractive industry.
- Water pollution from mining operations only affects marine ecosystems.
- The extractive industry is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions.
- Biodiversity loss due to mining can be completely reversed through restoration ecology.
- Social sustainability issues in resource extraction are well-addressed in all regions.
Multiple Choice
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a sustainability challenge in resource extraction?
A) Water management
B) Carbon emissions
C) Urban sprawl
D) Biodiversity lossAccording to the passage, the circular economy model:
A) Is widely implemented in the extractive industry
B) Focuses on reusing and recycling materials
C) Has been proven ineffective in resource management
D) Is only applicable to renewable resources
Matching Headings
Match the following headings to the correct paragraphs in the passage. There are more headings than paragraphs, so you will not use all of them.
- Paragraph 2
- Paragraph 4
- Paragraph 6
Headings:
A) The Impact of Mining on Local Water Resources
B) Addressing the Carbon Footprint in Extractive Industries
C) The Challenge of Depleting Non-renewable Resources
D) Technological Solutions for Sustainable Mining
E) Community Relations and Social License to Operate
F) The Role of Government Regulations in Resource Extraction
Summary Completion
Complete the summary below using words from the box. There are more words than spaces, so you will not use all of them.
The sustainability challenges in resource extraction are diverse and complex. They include the depletion of (11)__ resources, issues with (12)__ management, and the industry’s significant (13)__ footprint. The sector also faces challenges related to (14)__ loss and social sustainability. Emerging concepts like the (15)__ economy and technological innovations offer potential solutions to these challenges.
Box:
renewable, non-renewable, water, air, carbon, nitrogen, biodiversity, cultural, circular, linear, social
Answer Key and Explanations
True – The passage explicitly states, “One of the primary sustainability challenges in resource extraction is the depletion of non-renewable resources.”
False – The passage mentions that water pollution poses “severe threats to ecosystems and human health,” implying it affects more than just marine ecosystems.
True – The text states, “the sector contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions.”
Not Given – While restoration ecology is mentioned, the passage does not claim it can completely reverse biodiversity loss.
Not Given – The passage discusses social sustainability issues but does not state that they are well-addressed in all regions.
C) Urban sprawl – This is not mentioned in the passage as a sustainability challenge in resource extraction.
B) Focuses on reusing and recycling materials – The passage states that the circular economy “emphasizes the importance of designing products for reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling.”
C) The Challenge of Depleting Non-renewable Resources – This paragraph discusses the depletion of non-renewable resources as a primary challenge.
B) Addressing the Carbon Footprint in Extractive Industries – This paragraph focuses on the carbon emissions from the extractive industry and strategies to reduce them.
E) Community Relations and Social License to Operate – This paragraph discusses social sustainability and the concept of “social license to operate.”
non-renewable
water
carbon
biodiversity
circular
Explanations for summary completion:
11. “Non-renewable” is correct as the passage discusses the depletion of non-renewable resources as a primary challenge.
12. “Water” management is explicitly mentioned as a significant challenge in the passage.
13. The passage discusses the “carbon footprint” of extractive industries as a growing concern.
14. “Biodiversity” loss is described as a critical issue associated with resource extraction.
15. The “circular” economy is mentioned as a potential solution to many sustainability challenges.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overlooking key words: In questions like True/False/Not Given, pay close attention to absolute terms like “only,” “all,” or “completely.”
- Making assumptions: Stick to the information provided in the passage. Don’t bring in outside knowledge or make inferences beyond what’s stated.
- Misinterpreting “Not Given”: Remember, this means the information is neither confirmed nor denied in the passage.
- Rushing through the passage: Take time to understand the main ideas and structure of the text before attempting the questions.
Key Vocabulary
- Sustainability: /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ (noun) – the ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time
- Extraction: /ɪkˈstrækʃən/ (noun) – the action of taking out something, especially using effort or force
- Depletion: /dɪˈpliːʃən/ (noun) – reduction in the number or quantity of something
- Paradigm: /ˈpærədaɪm/ (noun) – a typical example or pattern of something; a model
- Biodiversity: /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ (noun) – the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat
Grammar Focus
Pay attention to the use of passive voice in academic writing, as seen in this sentence from the passage:
“The rate at which these resources are being extracted often far outpaces their natural replenishment.”
Structure: Subject + be + past participle
This structure is commonly used in scientific and academic writing to emphasize the action rather than the actor.
Tips for Success
- Practice active reading: Engage with the text by underlining key points and making mental summaries as you read.
- Improve your vocabulary: Regularly learn new words related to environmental and scientific topics.
- Time management: Allocate your time wisely between reading the passage and answering questions.
- Use contextual clues: If you encounter unfamiliar words, try to deduce their meaning from the surrounding text.
- Stay informed: Regularly read articles on current global issues to familiarize yourself with common themes and vocabulary in IELTS Reading passages.
Remember, success in IELTS Reading comes with consistent practice and a strategic approach. By focusing on understanding the main ideas and key details of passages like this one on sustainability challenges in resource extraction, you’ll be well-prepared for similar topics in your actual IELTS exam.
For more practice on environmental topics, you might find our articles on deforestation challenges in the Amazon and water management challenges in arid regions helpful. These will provide additional context and vocabulary relevant to sustainability and resource management issues.
