Reading is one of the most crucial parts of the IELTS exam, which evaluates a candidate’s reading comprehension skills through various texts and associated questions. One frequently occurring theme in recent years is climate change and its impact on our environment. This article will explore how climate change affects oceanic ecosystems, providing a sample reading passage and related questions to help you practice for the IELTS Reading test. Given the urgency and frequency of climate-related topics in the IELTS, it is highly likely we will see more of such themes in future exams.
Main Content
Comprehensive Sample IELTS Reading Passage
The Effects of Climate Change on Oceanic Ecosystems
Climate change is an immediate and unequivocal threat to oceanic ecosystems. The rising levels of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide have led to increased global temperatures, causing oceanic changes at an alarming rate. These changes manifest in various ways, notably ocean acidification, temperature rise, and sea-level rise, which collectively pose significant challenges to marine life and biodiversity.
Ocean Acidification: The ocean acts as a carbon sink, absorbing approximately 30% of the world’s carbon dioxide. When CO2 dissolves in seawater, it forms carbonic acid which reduces the ocean’s pH levels, leading to a more acidic environment. This condition jeopardizes the survival of calcifying organisms such as corals, shellfish, and certain plankton species. These organisms depend on carbonate ions to build their calcium carbonate structures, which are essential for their growth and reproduction.
Temperature Rise: Studies have shown that the world’s oceans have absorbed over 90% of the extra heat trapped by greenhouse gases. This increase in oceanic temperature has several nefarious effects, including the bleaching of coral reefs, migration of marine species to cooler waters, and the disruption of breeding cycles of various marine life forms. Warmer waters also affect the metabolic rates of marine organisms, potentially leading to changes in growth, reproduction, and survival rates.
Sea-Level Rise: Melting ice caps and glaciers contribute to rising sea levels, which threaten coastal habitats such as mangroves, wetlands, and estuaries. These areas serve as nurseries for many marine species and provide critical ecosystem services like water filtration and protection from storm surges. Losing these habitats not only affects the species that reside within them but also alters the overall marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of human communities dependent on these ecosystems.
To optimize understanding and retention, students should engage in active reading techniques such as annotation, summarizing paragraphs, and asking questions about the text as they read.
Practice Questions
Multiple Choice
-
What percentage of the world’s carbon dioxide is absorbed by the ocean?
A. 20%
B. 30%
C. 50%
D. 70% -
Which species are primarily affected by ocean acidification?
A. Fish and sharks
B. Whales and dolphins
C. Calcifying organisms like corals and shellfish
D. Sea otters and sea turtles
Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given)
- Ocean acidification enhances the ability of marine organisms to build calcium carbonate structures.
- The increase in oceanic temperature aids in the breeding cycles of marine species.
- Sea-level rise poses no threat to coastal habitats.
Summary Completion
Complete the summary using the list of words below:
The melting of ice caps and glaciers contributes to rising (6) , threatening coastal habitats such as (7) . These areas are crucial as they provide important ecosystem services and serve as (8) ___ for many marine species.
(List: sea levels, nurseries, mangroves, coral reefs, breeding grounds)
Answer Keys and Explanations
Multiple Choice Answers:
- B
- C
Explanation:
- According to the passage, the ocean absorbs approximately 30% of the world’s carbon dioxide.
- Ocean acidification affects calcifying organisms such as corals, shellfish, and certain plankton species.
Identifying Information Answers:
- False
- False
- Not Given
Explanation:
3. The passage states that ocean acidification jeopardizes, rather than enhances, the ability of marine organisms to build calcium carbonate structures.
4. The text mentions that the increase in ocean temperature disrupts the breeding cycles of various marine species.
5. There is no specific information given about whether sea-level rise poses no threat to coastal habitats in the passage.
Summary Completion Answers:
- sea levels
- mangroves
- nurseries
Common Mistakes in Reading Passage Practices
- Skimming too quickly: While skimming is a useful technique, it’s crucial to understand the main ideas of each paragraph.
- Not paying attention to keyword matching: Many students look for exact words rather than synonyms or paraphrased structures.
- Overlooking specific details: Sometimes, important details that can answer the questions or support an argument are hidden within longer sentences or complex structures.
Vocabulary Focus
- Calcifying (adj.): Related to the accumulation of calcium salts – /ˈkælsɨfaɪɪŋ/
- Biodiversity (n.): The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem – /ˌbaɪ.oʊ.daɪˈvɜːr.sɪ.ti/
- Metabolic (adj): Relating to the chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain life – /mɛtəˌbɒlɪk/
- Ecosystem (n.): A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment – /ˈiː.kəʊˌsɪs.təm/
Grammar Focus
- Present Perfect Tense: Used to describe actions that have occurred at an unspecified time before now.
- Structure: have/has + past participle
- Example: “Studies have shown that the world’s oceans have absorbed over 90% of the extra heat trapped by greenhouse gases.”
- Passive Voice: Used to emphasize the action rather than the subject performing the action.
- Structure: to be + past participle
- Example: “The ocean acts as a carbon sink, absorbing approximately 30% of the world’s carbon dioxide.”
Conclusion
Practicing with topics like “The effects of climate change on oceanic ecosystems” not only prepares you for the IELTS Reading test but also builds your awareness of global issues. Always remember to diversify your reading practices with different types of questions and to stay updated with current and frequently tested themes.
Tips for Achieving a High Reading Score
- Read Actively: Engage with the text by summarizing, questioning, and predicting.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Regularly review and learn new words, focusing on synonyms and antonyms.
- Practice Different Question Types: Familiarize yourself with all kinds of reading questions used in IELTS.
- Time Management: Develop strategies to effectively manage the 60 minutes you get for the reading section.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you can enhance your reading comprehension skills and achieve a high score in the IELTS exam. Happy practicing!