The Reading section of the IELTS exam assesses a candidate’s ability to understand and interpret written English. One common topic that has appeared in past IELTS exams is the societal effects of mass migration. As mass migration continues to be a pressing global issue, understanding its consequences on social cohesion could potentially appear in future IELTS Reading passages. This article will provide a comprehensive practice reading passage on the topic, followed by questions, answers, and explanations to help you enhance your reading skills and vocabulary.
IELTS Reading Practice: The Consequences of Mass Migration on Social Cohesion
Reading Passage
Mass migration refers to the movement of a large number of people from one geographic location to another. This phenomenon can significantly impact the social cohesion of both the sending and receiving regions.
Paragraph 1: In recent decades, developed countries have seen a surge in immigrants seeking better economic opportunities or escaping conflict. While mass migration can bring a range of benefits, it often poses serious challenges to social cohesion—the bonds that hold a society together.
Paragraph 2: One of the primary effects of mass migration is cultural diversity. Cultural diversity can enrich the social fabric by introducing new perspectives, customs, and cuisines. However, it can also lead to tensions and misunderstandings if not managed properly. For instance, language barriers and differing cultural norms can create divisions within communities.
Paragraph 3: Economic factors also play a crucial role. Migrants often fill labor market gaps, taking on jobs that native citizens are reluctant to do. This can lead to economic growth and increased productivity. However, it can also result in competition for jobs, which may create resentment among the local population.
Paragraph 4: Social integration is another significant issue. Successful integration of migrants requires the efforts of both the immigrants and the host society. Policies promoting education, employment opportunities, and social participation are essential for fostering social cohesion. Conversely, a lack of integration can lead to segregation and social exclusion, further fracturing the social cohesion.
Paragraph 5: Furthermore, political stability can be affected by mass migration. In some cases, the influx of immigrants can become a polarizing issue, leading to debates over immigration policies, resource allocation, and national identity. Politicians may exploit these tensions to gain support, which can result in increased societal divisions.
Paragraph 6: Lastly, public perception and media portrayal significantly influence social cohesion. Negative media coverage can fuel xenophobia and create a hostile environment for migrants. On the other hand, positive portrayals that highlight the benefits of immigration can promote acceptance and unity.
Questions
Multiple Choice Questions
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What is one of the primary benefits of cultural diversity brought by mass migration?
- a) Increased competition for jobs
- b) The introduction of new customs and cuisines
- c) Segregation and social exclusion
- d) Increased political stability
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What is a crucial aspect needed for the successful social integration of migrants?
- a) Restrictive immigration policies
- b) Media coverage promoting xenophobia
- c) Policies promoting education and employment
- d) Language barriers
True/False/Not Given Questions
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Mass migration always results in economic growth for the receiving country.
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Politicians may use immigration issues to polarize society.
Matching Headings
Match the following headings to the appropriate paragraphs (Paragraph 1-6).
- Cultural diversity and its challenges
- Economic impact of mass migration
- Social integration and exclusion
- The role of public perception
Answer Keys and Explanations
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a) Incorrect. Increased competition for jobs is a negative consequence.
b) Correct. One of the benefits of cultural diversity is the introduction of new customs and cuisines.
c) Incorrect. Segregation and social exclusion are negative outcomes.
d) Incorrect. Increased political stability is not a primary benefit discussed. -
a) Incorrect. Restrictive policies do not promote integration.
b) Incorrect. Media coverage promoting xenophobia hinders social cohesion.
c) Correct. Policies promoting education and employment are crucial for successful integration.
d) Incorrect. Language barriers are a challenge rather than a solution. -
False. Economic growth is mentioned as a potential outcome, but it is not guaranteed.
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True. The text states that politicians may use immigration issues to gain support and polarize society.
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Paragraph 2: Cultural diversity and its challenges
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Paragraph 3: Economic impact of mass migration
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Paragraph 4: Social integration and exclusion
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Paragraph 6: The role of public perception
Common Mistakes
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Misinterpreting True/False/Not Given questions: Candidates often confuse ‘False’ with ‘Not Given’. Remember, ‘False’ means the statement directly contradicts the text, whereas ‘Not Given’ means there’s no information regarding the statement.
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Matching headings incorrectly: Ensure to read the entire paragraph to understand the main idea before assigning a heading.
Vocabulary
- Cohesion (noun, /kəʊˈhiː.ʒən/): The action or fact of forming a united whole.
- Segregation (noun, /ˌsɛɡ.rɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/): The action or state of setting someone or something apart from others.
- Xenophobia (noun, /ˌzɛn.əˈfəʊ.bi.ə/): Dislike of or prejudice against people from other countries.
Grammar Point
- Relative Clauses: E.g., “Migrants, who often fill labor market gaps, can lead to economic growth.”
- Structure: [Main Clause] + who/whom/which/that + [Relative Clause]
- Example: The policies that promote social integration are essential.
Final Tips for High Scores in IELTS Reading
- Practice regularly: Consistently practicing reading passages can help in understanding various topics and question types.
- Expand vocabulary: A strong vocabulary aids in quick comprehension and accurate answering.
- Read the instructions carefully: Many students lose marks by not following the instructions properly.
By focusing on these strategies, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Reading section.
Stay tuned for more practice passages and tips to excel in your IELTS preparation!