The IELTS Reading test is often a challenging component for many candidates. Understanding the types of passages that appear, as well as the variety of questions, can be key to achieving a high score. Over the years, topics related to environmental issues, including deforestation and its impact on climate change, have frequently appeared in IELTS Reading passages. This article will delve into the consequences of deforestation on climate change and provide you with a practice reading passage that can help you prepare effectively.
Deforestation is a critical issue with far-reaching consequences, not just for biodiversity but also for global climatic patterns. Given its significance, it’s a topic that has repeatedly surfaced in IELTS examinations.
Practice Reading Passage: The Consequences of Deforestation on Climate Change
Passage (Medium Text)
Deforestation, the large-scale removal of trees, has profound effects on climate change. Forests play a critical role in maintaining the Earth’s climate by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere and storing it in the biomass. When forests are cut down, this carbon storage capability is lost, leading to higher concentrations of CO₂, a principal greenhouse gas, in the atmosphere.
A significant consequence of this increased CO₂ level is global warming. The greenhouse effect, exacerbated by the rise in atmospheric CO₂, results in higher global temperatures. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports that deforestation accounts for about 10% of global CO₂ emissions. This is because, when trees are cut down and often burned, the carbon stored in the biomass is released back into the atmosphere.
Beyond CO₂ emissions, deforestation impacts regional climates, particularly through the water cycle. Trees play a crucial part in the water cycle, helping to regulate the distribution and amount of precipitation. Forests produce moisture via a process called transpiration, wherein water is absorbed by the roots and released into the atmosphere from the leaves. This moisture is essential for cloud formation and precipitation. When large forested areas are cleared, this process is disrupted, often leading to reduced rainfall and prolonged dry seasons.
Deforestation also affects albedo, the measure of how much sunlight the Earth’s surface reflects. Forested areas have low albedo compared to deserts or barren lands. Removing forests increases the surface albedo, which can influence local climates, leading to more extreme temperature variations and reduced participation.
Another indirect impact of deforestation on climate change is the loss of biodiversity. Forests are home to myriad species, many of which play roles in regulating the climate. For example, certain plants and soil microbes can affect the carbon and nitrogen cycles, both critical to climate regulation. The loss of biodiversity can thus impair these natural processes, further exacerbating climate change.
Restoration and reforestation efforts are essential for mitigating these impacts. By replanting trees and restoring damaged ecosystems, we can enhance carbon sequestration, improve the water cycle, and maintain biodiversity, all of which are vital in combating climate change.
Deforestation Impact on Climate Change
Questions
Multiple Choice
-
According to the passage, why do forests play a critical role in maintaining the Earth’s climate?
- A. They absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
- B. They release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
- C. They increase surface albedo.
- D. They reduce precipitation.
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What percentage of global CO₂ emissions is attributed to deforestation according to the IPCC?
- A. 5%
- B. 10%
- C. 20%
- D. 25%
True/False/Not Given
-
Trees release moisture into the atmosphere through a process known as transpiration.
- A. True
- B. False
- C. Not Given
-
Deforestation increases the amount of heat absorbed by the Earth’s surface, leading to global cooling.
- A. True
- B. False
- C. Not Given
Matching Headings
- Match the correct heading to each paragraph from the passage.
- A. Impact on Global Warming
- B. Effects on Regional Climates
- C. Role in the Water Cycle
- D. Loss of Biodiversity
- E. Importance of Reforestation
Answers
- A – They absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
- B – 10%
- A – True
- B – False
-
- Paragraph 1-2: Impact on Global Warming
- Paragraph 3: Role in the Water Cycle
- Paragraph 4: Effects on Regional Climates
- Paragraph 5: Loss of Biodiversity
- Paragraph 6: Importance of Reforestation
Common Mistakes
- Overlooking Key Details: Candidates often miss critical points in the text. Pay close attention to figures and specific claims, such as the 10% CO₂ emission attributed to deforestation.
- Misinterpreting Questions: Ensure you understand what the question is asking. For example, distinguishing between global and regional climate effects can be crucial.
Vocabulary
- Biomass (noun): /ˈbaɪ.oʊˌmæs/ – Organic material that comes from plants and animals and contains stored energy from the sun.
- Transpiration (noun): /ˌtræn.spɪˈreɪ.ʃən/ – The process by which water is absorbed by plant roots, travels through plants, and is released as vapor from the leaves.
- Albedo (noun): /ælˈbiː.d.oʊ/ – The reflectivity of the Earth’s surface.
Grammar
- Relative Clauses: “Forests, which absorb carbon dioxide, play a critical role…”
- Usage: Provides additional information about the noun without starting a new sentence.
- Example: The researchers, who studied the impact of deforestation, concluded that it significantly affects climate change.
Advice for High Reading Scores
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice with a variety of topics will enhance your reading comprehension skills.
- Time Management: Learn to allocate your time efficiently across different sections of the test.
- Develop Skimming and Scanning Skills: Effectively skim through passages for main ideas and scan for specific information to answer questions quickly.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Regularly learn new words and phrases, especially those related to common IELTS topics like the environment and climate change.
By integrating these practices into your study routine, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Reading test and increase your overall band score.
