The IELTS Reading test assesses your ability to comprehend complex texts and answer questions accurately. One topic that frequently appears in IELTS exams is environmental issues, particularly the impact of deforestation on global warming. This subject has been a recurring theme in past tests and, given its ongoing relevance, is likely to feature in future exams as well. Let’s explore this topic through a practice reading passage and questions, designed to mirror the format and difficulty level of the actual IELTS test.
IELTS Reading Practice Test
The Impact of Deforestation on Global Warming
A. Deforestation, the large-scale removal of forests, is a significant contributor to global warming. As trees are cut down or burned, they release the carbon they have stored throughout their lifetime into the atmosphere. This process accounts for about 15% of all greenhouse gas emissions, making deforestation the second-largest source of carbon dioxide after fossil fuel combustion. The loss of forests not only releases stored carbon but also reduces the Earth’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, creating a double impact on global warming.
B. The Amazon rainforest, often called the “lungs of the Earth,” plays a crucial role in regulating global climate. It absorbs about 2 billion tons of carbon dioxide annually, making it one of the world’s largest carbon sinks. However, deforestation in the Amazon has been occurring at an alarming rate. Between 2000 and 2020, the Amazon lost about 10% of its forest cover, equivalent to the size of Spain. This loss significantly diminishes the forest’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide and regulate the global climate.
C. Deforestation affects global warming through several mechanisms. Firstly, it directly releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when trees are burned or decompose. Secondly, it reduces the Earth’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. Thirdly, it alters local weather patterns, potentially leading to droughts in some areas and increased rainfall in others. These changes can have far-reaching effects on global climate systems.
D. The impact of deforestation extends beyond carbon emissions. Forests play a crucial role in the water cycle, releasing water vapor into the atmosphere and influencing rainfall patterns. When large areas of forest are removed, it can lead to reduced rainfall and increased drought in some regions. This, in turn, can affect agriculture and water availability, potentially leading to food insecurity and social unrest.
E. Efforts to combat deforestation and its impact on global warming include international agreements such as the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Many countries have committed to reducing deforestation and increasing reforestation efforts. However, the effectiveness of these measures varies widely, and deforestation continues to be a significant challenge in many parts of the world.
F. Sustainable forest management and conservation efforts are crucial in mitigating the impact of deforestation on global warming. These efforts include protecting existing forests, promoting sustainable logging practices, and implementing large-scale reforestation projects. Additionally, reducing demand for products that drive deforestation, such as certain types of palm oil and beef, can help preserve forests and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
G. The role of technology in combating deforestation is becoming increasingly important. Satellite monitoring systems can now track deforestation in real-time, allowing for more effective enforcement of forest protection laws. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are being used to predict areas at risk of deforestation, enabling preemptive action. These technological advancements, combined with policy measures and public awareness, offer hope in the fight against deforestation and its impact on global warming.
Questions 1-7
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the reading passage?
Write
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this in the passage
- Deforestation is the largest source of carbon dioxide emissions globally.
- The Amazon rainforest absorbs approximately 2 billion tons of carbon dioxide each year.
- Between 2000 and 2020, the Amazon lost forest cover equivalent to the size of France.
- Deforestation can lead to increased rainfall in some areas.
- The Paris Agreement aims to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
- All countries have successfully implemented measures to reduce deforestation.
- Artificial intelligence is being used to predict areas at risk of deforestation.
Questions 8-13
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
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Deforestation accounts for about 15% of all ____ ____ emissions.
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The Amazon rainforest is often referred to as the “____ of the Earth.”
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Deforestation can lead to ____ in some areas, affecting agriculture and water availability.
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____ ____ management is crucial in mitigating the impact of deforestation on global warming.
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Reducing demand for products like palm oil and ____ can help preserve forests.
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____ ____ systems can now track deforestation in real-time.
Answer Key and Explanations
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FALSE – The passage states that deforestation is the “second-largest source of carbon dioxide after fossil fuel combustion.”
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TRUE – Paragraph B explicitly states, “It absorbs about 2 billion tons of carbon dioxide annually.”
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FALSE – The passage mentions that the Amazon lost forest cover “equivalent to the size of Spain,” not France.
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TRUE – Paragraph C states that deforestation “alters local weather patterns, potentially leading to droughts in some areas and increased rainfall in others.”
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FALSE – The passage states that the Paris Agreement aims to limit global temperature rise to “well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels,” not 1.5 degrees.
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FALSE – The passage mentions that “the effectiveness of these measures varies widely, and deforestation continues to be a significant challenge in many parts of the world.”
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TRUE – Paragraph G states, “Artificial intelligence and machine learning are being used to predict areas at risk of deforestation.”
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greenhouse gas
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lungs
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droughts
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Sustainable forest
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beef
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Satellite monitoring
Common Mistakes and Lessons
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Misinterpreting comparative statements: Be careful when the passage compares two things. In question 1, many test-takers might mistakenly choose TRUE because deforestation is described as a significant contributor to emissions.
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Confusing similar information: In question 3, test-takers might confuse Spain with France. Always double-check specific details in the passage.
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Overlooking specific numerical details: For question 5, the exact temperature target mentioned in the passage is crucial.
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Making assumptions: Question 6 requires careful reading. The passage doesn’t state that all countries have successfully implemented measures.
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Missing key phrases: In fill-in-the-blank questions, pay attention to the exact wording used in the passage.
Key Vocabulary
- Deforestation (noun) – /diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃn/ – the action of clearing a wide area of trees
- Carbon sink (noun) – /ˈkɑːbən sɪŋk/ – a forest, ocean, or other natural environment viewed in terms of its ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
- Photosynthesis (noun) – /ˌfəʊtəʊˈsɪnθəsɪs/ – the process by which green plants use sunlight to synthesize nutrients from carbon dioxide and water
- Mitigation (noun) – /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/ – the action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something
- Reforestation (noun) – /riːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃn/ – the process of planting trees in an area where there used to be a forest
Grammar Focus
Passive voice is frequently used in academic and scientific writing. For example:
“Deforestation is considered a major contributor to global warming.”
Structure: Subject + to be (in appropriate tense) + past participle
Practice: Transform these sentences into passive voice:
- Scientists study the effects of deforestation.
- Countries implement measures to reduce deforestation.
Answers:
- The effects of deforestation are studied by scientists.
- Measures to reduce deforestation are implemented by countries.
Tips for IELTS Reading Success
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Practice time management: Allocate your time wisely between reading the passage and answering questions.
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Skim and scan effectively: Quickly identify key information without reading every word.
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Pay attention to paragraph headings and topic sentences: These often contain the main ideas.
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Be cautious with absolute statements: Words like “always,” “never,” or “all” in the questions often indicate false statements.
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For fill-in-the-blank questions, ensure your answers fit grammatically and logically in the sentence.
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Read the instructions carefully: Make sure you understand what type of answer is required (e.g., True/False/Not Given, word limit for fill-in-the-blank).
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Don’t let unfamiliar vocabulary discourage you: Try to understand the overall meaning from context.
By practicing with passages like this and focusing on improving your reading strategies, you can enhance your performance in the IELTS Reading test. Remember, consistent practice and familiarity with various question types are key to achieving a high score.
For more practice on environmental topics, you might find our articles on the impact of industrial growth on the environment and climate change’s impact on natural resources helpful. Additionally, to deepen your understanding of deforestation issues, check out our piece on deforestation challenges in the Amazon.