The IELTS Reading section is designed to test a candidate’s ability to understand and interpret texts in English. One recurrent theme in IELTS exams is environmental issues, particularly the effects of climate change on ecosystem services. Given its rising significance, the probability of encountering a passage related to this topic in future exams is high. This article offers an in-depth exploration of this topic and presents a sample IELTS Reading test for practice.
Sample Reading Passage: The Effects of Climate Change on Ecosystem Services
This practice test is a Medium Text to provide a balanced challenge for IELTS candidates.
Reading Passage
The Effects of Climate Change on Ecosystem Services
Ecosystem services are the many and varied benefits that humans freely gain from the natural environment and properly functioning ecosystems. Such ecosystems include, for example, agroecosystems, forest ecosystems, grassland ecosystems, and aquatic ecosystems. These ecosystems can provide services such as food, water, shelter, and clean air. Climate change significantly impacts these ecosystem services through various means.
One notable effect of climate change on ecosystem services is the alteration of water supply. Glacial melt, changing precipitation patterns, and prolonged droughts contribute to scarcity and unpredictability of water resources. For example, the Himalayan glaciers, serving as the water source for millions in Asia, are rapidly retreating. This decline drastically affects agricultural productivity and drinking water availability.
himalayan-glaciers-melting|melting glaciers|A wide shot of the Himalayan mountain range with visible glaciers melting and receding, showing the impact of global warming.
Another critical impact is on biodiversity. Warmer temperatures and altered weather patterns force species to migrate, sometimes to regions where survival is less likely. The phenological changes, such as earlier blooming of plants and migration of birds, disrupt the synchrony between species and their environment. This leads to a loss of biodiversity which is key to ecosystem resilience.
Additionally, soil degradation and erosion are exacerbated by climate change. Increased precipitation intensity, coupled with the loss of vegetation cover, results in greater soil erosion. This, in turn, reduces the land’s capacity to support plant life and agricultural activities. The degradation of soil health affects the nutrient cycling essential for crop production.
Climate change also affects the provisioning services of coastal and marine ecosystems. Rising sea levels, increased ocean temperatures, and acidification have detrimental effects on coral reefs, mangroves, and fisheries. For instance, coral bleaching events have been more frequent and severe, undermining marine biodiversity that supports fisheries and tourism industries.
Lastly, climate change poses significant risks to human health via ecosystem services. Changes in ecosystems can lead to the emergence of zoonotic diseases, such as those spread by mosquitoes and ticks which thrive in warmer conditions. Food security is also at risk; reduced agricultural productivity can lead to shortages and increased malnutrition.
Despite these challenges, adaptive measures can mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on ecosystem services. Sustainable agriculture practices, reforestation, and water conservation techniques are essential strategies. Protection of biodiverse regions and restoration of degraded habitats can also enhance resilience against climate changes.
Questions
Multiple Choice
- What is the primary cause of water supply issues mentioned in the passage?
A. Urbanization
B. Climate change
C. Increased agricultural activities
D. Industrial pollution
True/False/Not Given
- The Himalayan glaciers are receding at a rate that threatens millions of lives in Asia. (True/False/Not Given)
- Phenological changes always benefit plant and animal species. (True/False/Not Given)
- Sustainable agricultural practices have no effect on mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change. (True/False/Not Given)
Matching Information
-
Match the following ecosystem services with their related impacts due to climate change:
A. Water supply
B. Biodiversity
C. Soil health
D. Coastal and marine ecosystems
E. Human healthi. Coral bleaching effects
ii. Glacial melt
iii. Migration of species
iv. Soil erosion
v. Spread of zoonotic diseases
Answers and Explanations
- B. Climate change – The passage highlights how changing precipitation patterns and glacial melt due to climate change affect water supply.
- True – The passage states that the retreat of the Himalayan glaciers impacts millions who rely on them for water.
- False – The passage mentions that phenological changes disrupt synchrony, leading to biodiversity loss.
- False – The passage suggests that sustainable agricultural practices are crucial for mitigating climate change effects.
- ii, iii, iv, i, v
- A matches ii: Glacial melt affects the water supply.
- B matches iii: Migration of species is related to biodiversity.
- C matches iv: Soil erosion affects soil health.
- D matches i: Coral bleaching affects coastal and marine ecosystems.
- E matches v: Spread of zoonotic diseases impacts human health.
Common Mistakes and Tips
- Misinterpretation of Information: Candidates often misinterpret phenological changes. Always connect the cause and effect accurately.
- Ignoring Context: Do not overlook the context provided; small details can significantly alter the meaning.
- Insufficient Vocabulary: Enhance your environmental and scientific vocabulary as contextual knowledge can aid in better comprehension.
Vocabulary
- Ecosystem services (noun): Benefits provided by ecosystems to humans.
- Phenological (adj): Relating to the seasonal changes of plants and animals.
- Mitigate (verb): To make less severe or serious.
Grammar Focus
- Present Continuous Tense: Used to describe actions that are currently happening, e.g., “The glaciers are rapidly retreating.”
Conclusion
Scoring high in the IELTS Reading section requires diligent practice and a solid understanding of potential topics. Familiarize yourself with varied subjects, particularly pressing global issues like climate change and its effect on ecosystem services, to enhance your reading skills and comprehension. Practice consistently, identify your weak areas, and work on them diligently.
By following the structure and advice given above, candidates can significantly improve their IELTS reading skills and perform better in the exam.