The IELTS Reading section challenges candidates to understand and analyze complex texts on a variety of topics. One increasingly relevant topic is the impact of climate change on global food supply. This theme has frequently appeared in previous exams and remains a probable subject due to its ongoing significance and wide-ranging consequences. This guide provides an in-depth exploration of this topic, along with a practice reading passage, questions, answer keys, and additional learning resources.
Practice Reading Passage and Questions
Reading Passage
The Consequences of Climate Change on Global Food Supply
Climate change has become one of the most pressing global issues, affecting not just the environment but also the economy and human health. One of the most critical aspects impacted by climate change is the global food supply. The rising global temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events are having a profound effect on agriculture and the ability to produce food.
Firstly, changing climatic conditions alter crop yields. Many staple crops, including wheat, maize, and rice, are sensitive to temperature changes. Higher temperatures can reduce crop yields by accelerating physiological processes and increasing the susceptibility to pests and diseases. For example, a study from the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) indicated that for every degree Celsius increase in global temperature, wheat yields could drop by 6%.
Secondly, water scarcity exacerbated by fluctuating precipitation patterns poses a significant challenge. Crops require a consistent water supply, yet climate change is causing more erratic rainfall and prolonged droughts in many regions. In areas such as Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where agriculture heavily relies on rainwater, the impact is particularly severe. The reduction in water availability not only affects the quantity of food produced but also its quality, as seen in the diminished nutritional value of crops grown under water stress.
Thirdly, extreme weather events, including hurricanes, floods, and heatwaves, disrupt food production and supply chains. These events can destroy crops, reduce soil fertility, and damage infrastructure essential for food distribution. For example, the 2020 floods in South Asia affected millions of hectares of farmland, leading to severe food shortages and increased prices. Similar patterns have been observed in parts of North America where frequent hurricanes have damaged extensive agricultural areas.
Moreover, climate change affects the fisheries and livestock sectors. Ocean acidification and warming seas impact fish stocks by altering their habitats and reproductive cycles. Livestock, on the other hand, suffer from heat stress, reduced feed and water availability, and increased disease transmission. These changes result in lower productivity and higher mortality rates.
In conclusion, the consequences of climate change on global food supply are substantial and multifaceted. They require urgent attention and concerted efforts at both local and global levels to ensure food security in the coming decades.
Questions
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According to the passage, what is one effect of rising global temperatures on crop yields?
a. It makes crops more nutritious.
b. It accelerates physiological processes in crops.
c. It increases the amount of rainfall.
d. It reduces the ability of pests to destroy crops. -
What has the IFPRI study indicated about the impact of a one-degree Celsius increase in global temperature on wheat yields?
a. Wheat yields increase by 6%.
b. Wheat yields remain unaffected.
c. Wheat yields drop by 6%.
d. Wheat becomes more resistant to diseases. -
How does water scarcity impact agriculture according to the passage?
a. It improves the quality of food.
b. It has no significant impact.
c. It leads to erratic rainfall benefits for crops.
d. It affects both the quantity and nutritional value of food. -
In which areas are the effects of water scarcity particularly severe?
a. Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
b. North America and Europe.
c. Australia and New Zealand.
d. South America and Southeast Asia. -
Which sector is affected by ocean acidification and warming seas?
a. Agriculture.
b. Fisheries.
c. Livestock.
d. Manufacturing. -
What impact do extreme weather events have on food production?
a. They usually improve soil fertility.
b. They increase the nutritional value of crops.
c. They disrupt food production and supply chains.
d. They are beneficial for livestock.
Answer Key and Explanations
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b. It accelerates physiological processes in crops.
- Explanation: The passage mentions that higher temperatures “accelerate physiological processes” in crops, which can contribute to reduced yields.
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c. Wheat yields drop by 6%.
- Explanation: The IFPRI study mentioned in the passage found that a one-degree Celsius increase in global temperature leads to a 6% reduction in wheat yields.
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d. It affects both the quantity and nutritional value of food.
- Explanation: Water scarcity impacts both the quantity of food produced and its quality, specifically referencing the diminished nutritional value of crops under water stress.
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a. Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
- Explanation: The passage notes that the impact of water scarcity is “particularly severe” in areas like Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where agriculture relies heavily on rainwater.
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b. Fisheries.
- Explanation: Ocean acidification and warming seas specifically impact fish stocks, altering their habitats and reproductive cycles.
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c. They disrupt food production and supply chains.
- Explanation: Extreme weather events disrupt food production and supply chains by destroying crops, reducing soil fertility, and damaging essential infrastructure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to identify precise information in the passage.
- Misinterpreting comparative data or percentages.
- Overlooking the broader context of specific statements.
Vocabulary
- Acidification (n.) /ˌæsɪdɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ – The process of becoming acidic.
- Susceptibility (n.) /səˌsɛptəˈbɪlɪti/ – The likelihood of being affected by a particular condition.
- Erratic (adj.) /ɪˈrætɪk/ – Not regular or consistent; unpredictable.
- Prolonged (adj.) /prəˈlɒŋd/ – Extended in duration.
- Mortality (n.) /mɔːˈtælɪti/ – The incidence of death in a population.
Grammar Focus: Complex Sentences
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Structure: A complex sentence contains an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses.
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Example: “As climate change continues to affect global temperatures, the susceptibility of crops to diseases increases.”
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Usage: Notice how the dependent clause “As climate change continues to affect global temperatures” provides a context for “the susceptibility of crops to diseases increases.”
Advice for High IELTS Reading Scores
- Practice Regularly: Engage with a wide range of topics to become familiar with different text types.
- Focus on Vocabulary: Expand your academic vocabulary to better understand and interpret reading passages.
- Understand Question Types: Familiarize yourself with various question types and strategies for answering them correctly.
- Time Management: Develop the skill of quickly identifying key information to efficiently manage the time allotted for reading tasks.
By preparing thoroughly with practice passages like the one provided, you can sharpen your reading skills and improve your chances of achieving a high score on the IELTS Reading section.