Welcome to our IELTS Reading practice session focused on “The role of scientific research in solving global problems”. This topic has been a recurring theme in IELTS examinations, reflecting its significance in our modern world. As global challenges continue to evolve, the importance of scientific research in addressing these issues remains paramount. Let’s dive into a practice passage that will help you prepare for this type of content in your IELTS Reading test.
Introduction to the IELTS Reading Test
Before we begin, let’s quickly review the IELTS Reading test requirements:
- You have 60 minutes to complete the test
- There are 40 questions based on three passages
- Texts can be factual, analytical, or opinion-based
- You must transfer your answers to the answer sheet within the time given
Now, let’s focus on our topic. “The role of scientific research in solving global problems” is a subject that has appeared in various forms in past IELTS exams. Its relevance to current global issues makes it a strong candidate for future tests. Understanding this topic will not only help you in the IELTS but also broaden your knowledge of critical world matters.
Practice Passage: The Impact of Scientific Research on Global Challenges
Reading Passage
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow.
The 21st century has ushered in an era of unprecedented global challenges, from climate change to infectious diseases, from food security to energy crises. As these issues grow in complexity and urgency, the world increasingly turns to scientific research for solutions. The role of scientific research in solving global problems has never been more critical, serving as a beacon of hope in navigating the turbulent waters of our modern world.
Climate change, perhaps the most pressing issue of our time, exemplifies the crucial role of scientific research. Through extensive studies, scientists have not only identified the anthropogenic causes of global warming but also proposed innovative solutions. Research into renewable energy technologies, such as improved solar panels and wind turbines, offers alternatives to fossil fuels. Meanwhile, climate models developed by researchers provide invaluable insights into future scenarios, enabling policymakers to make informed decisions.
In the realm of public health, scientific research has been instrumental in combating global pandemics and endemic diseases. The rapid development of vaccines for COVID-19 stands as a testament to the power of focused scientific effort. Beyond immediate crises, ongoing research into antibiotic resistance, cancer treatments, and genetic therapies promises to revolutionize healthcare, potentially saving millions of lives in the coming decades.
Food security presents another arena where scientific research plays a pivotal role. As the global population continues to grow, ensuring adequate nutrition for all becomes increasingly challenging. Agricultural research has led to the development of drought-resistant crops, more efficient farming techniques, and sustainable pest management strategies. Biotechnology offers the potential for higher-yielding, more nutritious crops that can thrive in changing climatic conditions.
The energy sector, too, benefits immensely from scientific research. As fossil fuel reserves dwindle and environmental concerns mount, research into alternative energy sources has gained momentum. Advancements in battery technology, for instance, are making electric vehicles more viable, while research into nuclear fusion holds the promise of clean, virtually limitless energy.
However, the path from scientific discovery to practical application is often long and complex. It requires not only rigorous research but also effective communication between scientists, policymakers, and the public. Furthermore, ethical considerations must be carefully weighed, particularly in fields like genetic engineering or artificial intelligence, where the potential for unintended consequences looms large.
Despite these challenges, the importance of scientific research in addressing global problems cannot be overstated. It provides the foundation for evidence-based decision-making, drives technological innovation, and offers hope for a more sustainable and equitable future. As we face the complex challenges of the 21st century, continued investment in scientific research across all disciplines will be crucial in finding the solutions we so desperately need.
In conclusion, while scientific research alone cannot solve all of the world’s problems, it remains our most powerful tool in understanding and addressing global challenges. From climate change to public health, from food security to energy crises, science continues to light the way forward, offering innovative solutions and hope for a better tomorrow.
Questions
Answer questions 1-13 which are based on the reading passage.
Questions 1-4
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
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According to the passage, the role of scientific research in the 21st century is:
A) Diminishing in importance
B) Focused solely on climate change
C) More critical than ever before
D) Limited to public health issues -
The passage suggests that climate models developed by researchers:
A) Are not reliable for predicting future scenarios
B) Are only used by scientists
C) Help policymakers make informed decisions
D) Have solved the problem of climate change -
The rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines is presented as:
A) An example of the limitations of scientific research
B) A demonstration of the power of focused scientific effort
C) A lucky coincidence
D) An isolated incident in medical research -
According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a benefit of agricultural research?
A) Development of drought-resistant crops
B) More efficient farming techniques
C) Sustainable pest management strategies
D) Elimination of all crop diseases
Questions 5-9
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
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Scientific research into renewable energy technologies offers alternatives to ____.
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Ongoing research into antibiotic resistance and other medical fields has the potential to save ____ in the coming decades.
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As the global population grows, ensuring ____ for all becomes increasingly challenging.
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Advancements in ____ are making electric vehicles more viable.
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The passage states that the path from scientific discovery to ____ is often long and complex.
Questions 10-13
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
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Scientific research is the only factor needed to solve global problems.
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Ethical considerations are important in fields like genetic engineering and artificial intelligence.
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The passage suggests that all scientific research immediately leads to practical applications.
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Continued investment in scientific research across all disciplines is crucial for addressing future challenges.
Answer Key and Explanations
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C
Explanation: The passage states, “The role of scientific research in solving global problems has never been more critical.” -
C
Explanation: The text mentions, “climate models developed by researchers provide invaluable insights into future scenarios, enabling policymakers to make informed decisions.” -
B
Explanation: The passage describes the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines as “a testament to the power of focused scientific effort.” -
D
Explanation: The passage mentions drought-resistant crops, efficient farming techniques, and sustainable pest management, but does not mention the elimination of all crop diseases. -
fossil fuels
Explanation: The passage states, “Research into renewable energy technologies, such as improved solar panels and wind turbines, offers alternatives to fossil fuels.” -
millions of lives
Explanation: The text says, “ongoing research into antibiotic resistance, cancer treatments, and genetic therapies promises to revolutionize healthcare, potentially saving millions of lives in the coming decades.” -
adequate nutrition
Explanation: The passage mentions, “As the global population continues to grow, ensuring adequate nutrition for all becomes increasingly challenging.” -
battery technology
Explanation: The text states, “Advancements in battery technology, for instance, are making electric vehicles more viable.” -
practical application
Explanation: The passage notes, “the path from scientific discovery to practical application is often long and complex.” -
FALSE
Explanation: The conclusion states, “while scientific research alone cannot solve all of the world’s problems, it remains our most powerful tool in understanding and addressing global challenges.” -
TRUE
Explanation: The passage mentions, “ethical considerations must be carefully weighed, particularly in fields like genetic engineering or artificial intelligence.” -
FALSE
Explanation: The text states that “the path from scientific discovery to practical application is often long and complex,” contradicting the idea of immediate practical applications. -
TRUE
Explanation: The passage concludes by saying, “continued investment in scientific research across all disciplines will be crucial in finding the solutions we so desperately need.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When tackling a reading passage like this, be aware of these common pitfalls:
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Overconfidence in general knowledge: While background knowledge can be helpful, always base your answers on the information provided in the passage.
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Rushing through the text: Take time to understand the main ideas and supporting details.
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Ignoring qualifying words: Pay attention to words like “sometimes,” “often,” or “may,” which can change the meaning of a statement.
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Falling for distractors: In multiple-choice questions, some options may be partially correct but not the best answer. Read all options carefully.
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Not managing time effectively: Allocate your time wisely between reading the passage and answering questions.
Key Vocabulary
Here are some challenging words from the passage, along with their definitions:
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Unprecedented (adjective) /ʌnˈpresɪdentɪd/: Never done or known before
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Anthropogenic (adjective) /ˌænθrəpəˈdʒenɪk/: Originating in human activity
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Endemic (adjective) /enˈdemɪk/: Regularly found among particular people or in a certain area
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Pivotal (adjective) /ˈpɪvətl/: Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else
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Dwindle (verb) /ˈdwɪndl/: Diminish gradually in size, amount, or strength
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Viable (adjective) /ˈvaɪəbl/: Capable of working successfully; feasible
Grammar Focus
Pay attention to the use of present perfect tense in the passage, for example:
“The role of scientific research in solving global problems has never been more critical.”
This tense is used to connect past events or states to the present, emphasizing the current relevance of scientific research.
Tips for Success
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Practice active reading: Engage with the text by identifying main ideas and supporting details.
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Improve your vocabulary: Regularly learn new words related to science and global issues.
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Time management: Practice completing reading tests within the allotted time.
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Develop skimming and scanning skills: These are crucial for quickly locating specific information.
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Stay informed: Read scientific articles regularly to familiarize yourself with the language and concepts often used in IELTS passages.
Remember, success in the IELTS Reading test comes with consistent practice and a strategic approach. Keep refining your skills, and you’ll see improvement over time.
For more IELTS preparation resources, check out our articles on the significance of scientific research in modern society and describing a person who is very intelligent in their field. These will provide additional context and vocabulary related to scientific research and its impact on society.