The IELTS Reading section is a crucial component of the test, assessing candidates’ ability to comprehend complex texts and extract relevant information. One topic that has gained significant attention in recent years is the role of public transportation in reducing air pollution. This subject has appeared in various forms in past IELTS exams and continues to be relevant due to growing environmental concerns worldwide. Given its importance and frequency, there’s a high probability that you may encounter a similar theme in future IELTS Reading tests.
Let’s dive into a practice passage and questions to help you prepare for this potential topic.
Practice Passage: The Impact of Public Transit on Urban Air Quality
Reading Passage
Public transportation plays a pivotal role in combating air pollution in urban areas. As cities worldwide grapple with the detrimental effects of poor air quality on public health and the environment, many are turning to robust public transit systems as a key solution. By reducing the number of private vehicles on the road, public transportation significantly decreases harmful emissions and helps create cleaner, more livable cities.
One of the primary ways public transit reduces air pollution is through its efficiency in moving large numbers of people. A single bus can replace dozens of cars on the road, dramatically cutting down on emissions per passenger. For instance, a study in New York City found that by choosing public transit over private cars, commuters prevent the emission of 17 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. This reduction is equivalent to the energy use of nearly two million homes.
Moreover, public transportation vehicles are becoming increasingly environmentally friendly. Many cities are investing in electric buses and trains, which produce zero direct emissions. These vehicles not only reduce air pollution but also noise pollution, contributing to a more pleasant urban environment. In London, the introduction of electric buses on some routes has led to a 40% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions on those corridors.
Public transit also indirectly contributes to cleaner air by promoting denser, more walkable urban development. When cities are built around public transportation nodes, it reduces the need for car-dependent sprawl. This compact development pattern not only makes public transit more viable but also encourages walking and cycling, further reducing emissions. Cities like Copenhagen and Amsterdam, known for their excellent public transportation and cycling infrastructure, consistently rank among the world’s cleanest and most livable cities.
The benefits of public transportation extend beyond air quality improvement. It helps reduce traffic congestion, which not only lowers emissions from idling vehicles but also improves overall urban mobility. This efficiency can lead to significant economic benefits. A study by the American Public Transportation Association found that for every $1 billion invested in public transit, $5 billion is generated in economic returns.
However, the success of public transportation in reducing air pollution depends on several factors. First, the transit system must be efficient, reliable, and extensive enough to serve as a viable alternative to private cars. Second, it needs to be affordable and accessible to all segments of the population. Lastly, it requires supportive urban planning policies that encourage transit use and discourage excessive car dependence.
Cities that have successfully leveraged public transportation to improve air quality often employ a combination of strategies. These may include implementing congestion pricing in city centers, creating dedicated bus lanes, and offering integrated ticketing systems that make it easy to use multiple forms of public transit. Seoul, for example, has seen a significant improvement in air quality since overhauling its public transportation system, including the introduction of a world-class bus rapid transit network.
In conclusion, while public transportation alone is not a panacea for urban air pollution, it is an indispensable tool in the fight for cleaner air. As cities continue to grow and climate change concerns mount, the role of public transit in creating sustainable, livable urban environments will only become more crucial. By investing in and promoting public transportation, cities can take a significant step towards cleaner air and a healthier future for their residents.
Public transportation reducing air pollution
Questions
True/False/Not Given
Answer True, False, or Not Given to the following statements based on the information in the passage:
- Public transportation is more efficient at moving large numbers of people than private vehicles.
- Electric buses produce fewer emissions than traditional diesel buses.
- All major cities have invested in electric public transportation vehicles.
- Public transit promotes denser urban development.
- Copenhagen and Amsterdam have the world’s best public transportation systems.
Multiple Choice
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
According to the passage, how much carbon dioxide emission is prevented annually by New York City commuters using public transit?
A) 1.7 million metric tons
B) 17 million metric tons
C) 170 million metric tons
D) 1.7 billion metric tonsWhat indirect benefit of public transportation is mentioned in the passage?
A) Increased property values
B) Improved air quality in surrounding rural areas
C) Promotion of denser, more walkable urban development
D) Reduced need for road maintenance
Matching Information
Match the following statements (8-11) with the correct city (A-D) mentioned in the passage. You may use any letter more than once.
A) New York City
B) London
C) Copenhagen
D) Seoul
- This city has seen improved air quality after revamping its public transportation system.
- Electric buses in this city have reduced nitrogen oxide emissions by 40% on certain routes.
- This city is known for its excellent public transportation and cycling infrastructure.
- Commuters in this city prevent 17 million metric tons of CO2 emissions annually by using public transit.
Short Answer Questions
Answer the following questions using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER from the passage for each answer.
- According to the American Public Transportation Association, how much economic return is generated for every $1 billion invested in public transit?
- What type of pricing do some cities implement in their centers to improve air quality?
- What kind of bus network has Seoul introduced as part of its public transportation overhaul?
Answer Key and Explanations
True – The passage states that “A single bus can replace dozens of cars on the road, dramatically cutting down on emissions per passenger.”
True – The passage mentions that electric buses produce “zero direct emissions.”
Not Given – While the passage discusses some cities investing in electric vehicles, it doesn’t state that all major cities have done so.
True – The passage says, “Public transit also indirectly contributes to cleaner air by promoting denser, more walkable urban development.”
Not Given – While these cities are mentioned as examples of clean and livable cities with good public transport, the passage doesn’t claim they have the world’s best systems.
B – The passage states, “a study in New York City found that by choosing public transit over private cars, commuters prevent the emission of 17 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.”
C – The passage mentions that public transit promotes “denser, more walkable urban development” as an indirect benefit.
D – Seoul – The passage states, “Seoul, for example, has seen a significant improvement in air quality since overhauling its public transportation system.”
B – London – The passage mentions, “In London, the introduction of electric buses on some routes has led to a 40% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions on those corridors.”
C – Copenhagen – The passage states, “Cities like Copenhagen and Amsterdam, known for their excellent public transportation and cycling infrastructure, consistently rank among the world’s cleanest and most livable cities.”
A – New York City – As mentioned in the passage, “a study in New York City found that by choosing public transit over private cars, commuters prevent the emission of 17 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.”
$5 billion – The passage states, “A study by the American Public Transportation Association found that for every $1 billion invested in public transit, $5 billion is generated in economic returns.”
Congestion pricing – The passage mentions “implementing congestion pricing in city centers” as one of the strategies used by successful cities.
Bus rapid transit – The passage states that Seoul introduced “a world-class bus rapid transit network.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overlooking specific details: In questions like number 6, it’s crucial to pay attention to exact figures mentioned in the passage.
Confusing “Not Given” with “False”: Remember, if the information isn’t explicitly stated in the passage, the answer is “Not Given,” not “False.”
Misinterpreting comparative statements: Be careful with questions like number 5. The passage doesn’t claim these cities have the “best” systems, only that they are good examples.
Overlooking indirect benefits: Questions like number 7 require you to understand implications beyond direct statements.
Mixing up information about different cities: In the matching exercise, it’s important to carefully associate the correct information with each city mentioned.
Key Vocabulary
Pivotal (adjective) – /ˈpɪv.ə.təl/ – of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else
Detrimental (adjective) – /ˌdet.rɪˈmen.təl/ – causing harm or damage
Grapple (verb) – /ˈɡræp.əl/ – to struggle or work hard to deal with or overcome a difficulty
Robust (adjective) – /rəʊˈbʌst/ – strong and healthy; vigorous
Viable (adjective) – /ˈvaɪ.ə.bəl/ – capable of working successfully; feasible
Panacea (noun) – /ˌpæn.əˈsiː.ə/ – something that will solve all problems
Indispensable (adjective) – /ˌɪn.dɪˈspen.sə.bəl/ – absolutely necessary
Overhaul (verb) – /ˈəʊ.və.hɔːl/ – to examine thoroughly and make necessary repairs
Grammar Focus
Pay attention to the use of comparative structures in the passage:
- “A single bus can replace dozens of cars on the road, dramatically cutting down on emissions per passenger.”
This sentence uses a comparative structure to highlight the efficiency of buses compared to cars.
- “Cities like Copenhagen and Amsterdam, known for their excellent public transportation and cycling infrastructure, consistently rank among the world’s cleanest and most livable cities.”
This sentence uses superlative forms (“cleanest,” “most livable”) to compare these cities to others globally.
Practice using these comparative and superlative structures in your own writing to make effective comparisons and emphasize key points.
Tips for Success in IELTS Reading
Time management: Practice timing yourself. Allocate about 20 minutes for each passage in the IELTS Reading test.
Skim and scan: Quickly skim the passage for general understanding, then scan for specific details when answering questions.
Read questions carefully: Understand exactly what each question is asking before searching for the answer in the text.
Use context clues: If you encounter unfamiliar vocabulary, try to deduce the meaning from the context.
Practice regularly: Consistent practice with various types of texts and question formats will improve your speed and accuracy.
Don’t leave blanks: Even if you’re unsure, always provide an answer. There’s no penalty for incorrect answers in IELTS Reading.
Remember, improving your IELTS Reading score takes time and practice. Focus on understanding various question types and developing effective strategies for each. With consistent effort, you’ll see improvement in your reading comprehension and test-taking skills.
For more tips on improving your IELTS performance, check out our guides on how to improve air quality in urban areas and the impact of air quality on health. These resources will not only help you prepare for potential IELTS topics but also broaden your understanding of important environmental issues.