Reading comprehension is a crucial part of the IELTS exam, testing your ability to understand and analyze complex texts. One recurring topic that is particularly relevant and timely is climate change, especially its effects on polar regions. Understanding this topic not only prepares you for potential exam questions but also enriches your knowledge about an important global issue.
Climate change impacts on polar regions have been a frequent subject in IELTS Reading passages, reflecting its widespread significance and ongoing relevancy. Therefore, being familiar with this topic can boost your chances of encountering a similar passage in the actual exam.
Practice Reading Passage
Passage Title: The Dramatic Effects of Climate Change on the Polar Regions
The polar regions, consisting of the Arctic and Antarctic, are experiencing some of the most severe impacts of climate change. These changes are leading to a wide array of environmental, biological, and social consequences that are reshaping these areas and influencing the global climate system.
Paragraph 1
The Arctic, characterized by its tundra and sea ice, has seen a dramatic reduction in ice cover over the past few decades. Satellite data indicates that the summer sea ice extent has decreased by more than 40% since the late 1970s. This reduction not only affects global weather patterns but also disrupts the habitats of polar bears, seals, and walrus, all of which rely on sea ice for survival.
Paragraph 2
In the Antarctic, the situation is somewhat different but equally alarming. The West Antarctic Ice Sheet is losing mass at an accelerating rate, contributing significantly to global sea level rise. Additionally, the thinning of ice shelves, which act as a barrier to slow the flow of glaciers into the ocean, poses a substantial risk. If current trends continue, we could see several meters of sea level rise in the next century, inundating coastal areas worldwide.
Paragraph 3
Climate change is also impacting the polar marine ecosystem. Warmer ocean temperatures are causing shifts in the distribution of key species like krill, which forms the base of the Antarctic food web. Such shifts can have cascading effects throughout the ecosystem, impacting species like penguins, seals, and whales.
Paragraph 4
The socio-economic impacts are also profound. Indigenous communities in the Arctic face challenges due to changing sea ice conditions, which affect their traditional hunting practices and livelihoods. Furthermore, new shipping routes opening up due to ice melt introduce geopolitical tensions, with countries vying for control over these emerging passages.
Practice Questions
Multiple Choice
What is the estimated reduction percentage of the summer sea ice extent in the Arctic since the late 1970s?
- A) 20%
- B) 30%
- C) 40%
- D) 50%
Which part of Antarctica is contributing significantly to global sea level rise?
- A) East Antarctic Ice Sheet
- B) West Antarctic Ice Sheet
- C) Ross Ice Shelf
- D) Larsen Ice Shelf
True/False/Not Given
- The reduction in sea ice in the Arctic has no impact on global weather patterns.
- A) True
- B) False
- C) Not Given
Matching Information
Match the following impacts with the respective regions:
(i) Dramatic reduction in ice cover
(ii) Thinning of ice shelves
(iii) Changes in traditional hunting practices
A) Arctic
B) Antarctic
C) Arctic
Sentence Completion
- Warmer ocean temperatures are causing shifts in the distribution of __, which forms the base of the Antarctic food web.
Summary Completion
Complete the summary using the list of words provided.
markdown
indigenous, sea level rise, krill, sea ice, tundraThe melting of __ in the Arctic has impacted the habitat of numerous species, while in the Antarctic, the thinning ice shelves pose a risk for enhanced __.
Answer Keys
- C – 40%: The passage indicates that the summer sea ice extent has decreased by more than 40% since the late 1970s.
- B – West Antarctic Ice Sheet: The passage mentions that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet is losing mass at an accelerating rate.
- B – False: The passage states that the reduction in Arctic sea ice does affect global weather patterns.
- (i) A — Arctic
- (ii) B — Antarctic
- (iii) C — Arctic
- Krill: Warmer ocean temperatures are causing shifts in the distribution of krill.
- Sea ice, sea level rise: The summary should read, “The melting of sea ice in the Arctic has impacted the habitat of numerous species, while in the Antarctic, the thinning ice shelves pose a risk for enhanced sea level rise.”
Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes
- Misinterpreting specific details: Pay attention to data and details provided in the passage.
- Overlooking keywords: Highlight and note down key terms and figures as you read.
Tips
- Skim for gist, then read for details: Quickly skim the passage to get the main idea, then read thoroughly to grasp details.
- Practice with similar topics: Regularly read about climate change and global environmental issues to familiarize yourself with related vocabulary and contexts.
Vocabulary
Key Terms
- Reduction (noun) /rɪˈdʌkʃən/: The action of making something smaller in size, amount, or number.
- Thinning (verb) /ˈθɪnɪŋ/: Making or becoming thinner.
- Barrier (noun) /ˈbæriər/: A structure that blocks or hinders something.
Grammar Points
Complex Sentences
- Structure: Subordinate clause + Main clause (e.g., “If current trends continue, we could see several meters of sea level rise…”)
- Example: Understanding how to correctly join ideas with appropriate conjunctions can enrich your writing and comprehension.
Conclusion
Mastering the IELTS Reading section involves practice and familiarity with diverse topics. This passage on the effects of climate change on polar regions should serve as a valuable practice tool. For more reading practice, explore our related content on global water resources and climate change.
Melting Polar Ice
By continuously working on such passages and improving your reading strategies, you’ll be well-prepared for the IELTS exam. Good luck!
Remember, familiarity with the subject matter can improve both speed and comprehension, leading to higher scores in the reading section of the IELTS exam.