The IELTS Reading section can be challenging, but with structured practice, you can improve your reading comprehension and speed. A frequently discussed topic in IELTS exams is climate change and its impact on natural disasters. Understanding this topic not only prepares you for the exam but also educates you on a critical global issue.
Historical data shows that topics related to climate change and natural disasters often appear in IELTS Reading sections because of their relevance and urgency. Given the increasing awareness and ongoing discussions about climate change, it is likely that such topics will reappear in future IELTS exams.
In this article, you will find a detailed reading passage, followed by questions and answers in the format of the IELTS Reading section, along with tips and vocabulary explanations to help you succeed.
Reading Passage: The Effects of Climate Change on Natural Disasters
The Effects of Climate Change on Natural Disasters
Climate change has been a topic of intense discussion over the past few decades. Scientific evidence indicates that climate change significantly impacts the frequency and severity of natural disasters.
Increasing Temperature and Heatwaves
One of the most noticeable effects of climate change is the rising average global temperature. Heatwaves have become more common and intense, affecting millions of people worldwide. Prolonged periods of extreme heat can lead to severe health issues, increased mortality rates, and devastating agricultural losses.
Intense Storms and Hurricanes
Warmer ocean temperatures contribute to more powerful storms and hurricanes. As the sea surface heats up, the energy available to fuel these storms increases, leading to stronger and more destructive hurricanes. Coastal regions are particularly vulnerable, with devastating consequences for communities, infrastructure, and economies.
Floods and Heavy Rainfall
Climate change also affects precipitation patterns. Some regions experience heavy rainfall and flooding, while others suffer from prolonged droughts. Increased atmospheric moisture leads to more intense and frequent rainstorms. Flooding can cause significant damage to homes, infrastructure, and agriculture, while also posing serious health risks.
Droughts and Water Scarcity
On the flip side, some regions face the opposite problem—droughts. Changes in weather patterns can result in less frequent and irregular rainfall, leading to prolonged periods of drought. This affects water availability for drinking, sanitation, and agriculture, thereby impacting food security and livelihoods.
Wildfires
An increase in temperature and prolonged dry periods create ideal conditions for wildfires. Regions such as the western United States, Australia, and parts of the Mediterranean have seen a dramatic rise in the number and intensity of wildfires. These fires not only destroy vast areas of forest and wildlife but also pose significant risks to human life and property.
Questions
Multiple Choice
-
What is one of the most noticeable effects of climate change according to the passage?
- A) Increasing frequency of earthquakes
- B) Rising average global temperature
- C) Expansion of polar ice caps
- D) Decreasing ocean levels
-
How do warmer ocean temperatures influence hurricanes?
- A) They decrease the frequency of hurricanes
- B) They make hurricanes weaker
- C) They increase the energy available to fuel hurricanes
- D) They prevent hurricanes from reaching coastal areas
True/False/Not Given
-
The passage states that every region experiencing climate change will face the same type of natural disaster.
- A) True
- B) False
- C) Not Given
-
Increased atmospheric moisture leads to prolonged droughts.
- A) True
- B) False
- C) Not Given
Matching Headings
Match the heading to the correct paragraph:
5. Intense Storms and Hurricanes
6. Increasing Temperature and Heatwaves
7. Droughts and Water Scarcity
Sentence Completion
- Climate change creates ideal conditions for ___ in regions such as the western United States and Australia.
- Flooding can cause damage to homes and ___.
Answer Keys
- B – Rising average global temperature
- C – They increase the energy available to fuel hurricanes
- B – False
- B – False
- Paragraph 5
- Paragraph 3
- Paragraph 7
- wildfires
- infrastructure
Common Mistakes
When answering IELTS Reading questions, test-takers often:
- Misinterpret key phrases or overlook critical details.
- Struggle with True/False/Not Given questions due to the subtlety of the information.
- Match headings incorrectly by not identifying the main idea of each paragraph.
Vocabulary
- Heatwave (n): /ˈhiːtweɪv/ – A prolonged period of excessively hot weather.
- Hurricane (n): /ˈhʌrɪkən/ – A severe tropical storm with heavy rains and high winds.
- Drought (n): /draʊt/ – A prolonged period with an inadequate supply of water.
Grammar Points
- Present Perfect Tense: Used to describe actions that happened at an unspecified time, e.g., “Scientific evidence indicates that climate change has significantly impacted natural disasters.”
- Passive Voice: Often used in academic writing to describe processes or results, e.g., “Warmer ocean temperatures contribute to more powerful storms.”
Lời khuyên
- Regular Practice: Regularly practice reading passages similar to IELTS topics.
- Analyze Mistakes: Learn from mistakes and understand why an answer was incorrect.
- Improve Vocabulary: Build a strong vocabulary related to frequently tested topics such as climate change.
- Time Management: Practice under timed conditions to improve speed and efficiency.
By focusing on these strategies and practicing with authentic materials, you can enhance your reading skills and increase your IELTS Reading score.