The IELTS Reading test is known for its diverse range of topics, with environmental issues being particularly popular. One subject that has gained prominence is the effects of climate change on public health. This topic is not only highly relevant but also frequently appears in IELTS exams due to its global importance.
Understanding the impact of climate change on public health involves a comprehensive examination of various factors such as heatwaves, infectious diseases, and air quality. As we delve into this topic, we will create a reading passage and accompanying questions to help you prepare effectively. Let’s predict the likelihood of this topic appearing in future exams based on its prevalence and significance.
Reading Passage
Instructions: You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1-13, which are based on the Reading Passage below.
Climate change refers to significant and lasting changes in the Earth’s climate and weather patterns. Over the past century, there has been significant scientific consensus that human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, have accelerated climate change. This phenomenon has far-reaching effects on public health, affecting various determinants of health and leading to increased risks of illness and mortality.
Heatwaves and Mortality
One of the most noticeable impacts of climate change is the increase in the frequency and severity of heatwaves. Higher temperatures can exacerbate cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and those with preexisting health conditions. During heatwaves, instances of heatstroke and dehydration are common, often resulting in hospitalization and, in severe cases, death. Data from various studies indicate a direct correlation between rising temperatures and increased mortality rates.
Spread of Infectious Diseases
As global temperatures rise, the habitats of many pathogens and their vectors, such as mosquitoes and ticks, expand. This has led to the spread of infectious diseases to new regions. For example, tropical diseases like malaria and dengue fever, which were once confined to equatorial countries, are now being reported in more temperate regions. These diseases place significant burdens on healthcare systems and present new challenges for public health officials.
Air Quality Deterioration
Climate change also contributes to poorer air quality. Increased temperatures can lead to higher concentrations of ground-level ozone and particulate matter, exacerbating conditions like asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Additionally, wildfires, which are becoming more frequent and severe due to drier conditions, release large amounts of smoke and pollutants into the air, further deteriorating air quality and endangering public health.
Mental Health Impacts
The psychological effects of climate change should not be underestimated. Natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires can lead to severe trauma and stress among affected populations. The uncertainty and fear associated with these events can contribute to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Public health initiatives must therefore include mental health support to address these challenges.
Conclusion
The effects of climate change on public health are profound and multifaceted. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts at global, national, and local levels to mitigate climate change and adapt to its impacts. Public health policies must evolve to protect vulnerable populations and enhance healthcare infrastructures to cope with these emerging threats.
Effects of Climate Change on Public Health
Questions
Questions 1-5: Matching Information
Match each statement with the correct section (A-E) of the Reading Passage.
- This section discusses the psychological consequences of natural disasters affected by climate change.
- This section details how increasing temperatures can lead to higher mortality rates during heatwaves.
- This section explains how climate change affects air quality and exacerbates respiratory diseases.
- This section outlines the spread of diseases to new regions as a result of climate change.
- This section concludes by highlighting the need for coordinated efforts to address climate change impacts on health.
Questions 6-9: True/False/Not Given
Do the following statements agree with the information in the Reading Passage? Write:
True if the statement agrees with the information
False if the statement contradicts the information
Not Given if there is no information on this
- All regions around the world experience the same level of impact from climate change-induced heatwaves.
- Climate change has resulted in the spread of malaria to new regions.
- Poor air quality due to climate change only affects individuals with preexisting respiratory conditions.
- Mental health is often overlooked in public health policies addressing climate change.
Questions 10-13: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
-
Which population group is most vulnerable to heatwaves?
A. Adults
B. Teenagers
C. Elderly and children
D. Working professionals -
What is one of the primary challenges posed by the spread of infectious diseases due to climate change?
A. Increased medical costs
B. Decreased vaccine effectiveness
C. New healthcare personnel required
D. Inadequate healthcare infrastructure in the newly affected regions -
How do wildfires exacerbate respiratory illnesses?
A. By increasing pollen levels
B. By releasing large amounts of smoke and pollutants
C. By causing stress and anxiety
D. By increasing temperature levels -
Which of the following mental health issues is associated with climate change-induced natural disasters?
A. Alzheimer’s disease
B. Schizophrenia
C. PTSD
D. Autism
Answer Key
Matching Information
- E
- A
- C
- B
- D
True/False/Not Given
- False
- True
- False
- True
Multiple Choice
- C
- D
- B
- C
Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes
Many test-takers make the following mistakes:
- Skimming too quickly: It’s essential to read carefully to avoid missing critical information.
- Misinterpreting the question types: Different question types require different strategies.
- Ignoring context clues: Always consider the full sentence or paragraph context, especially for matching headings and true/false/not given questions.
Tips for Success
- Practice regularly: Use diverse reading materials to build your comprehension skills.
- Timed practice: Simulate exam conditions by practicing under timed constraints.
- Use keywords: Highlight or underline keywords in questions to find answers more efficiently.
- Answer all questions: Even if you are unsure, attempt all questions; there is no penalty for guessing.
Vocabulary and Grammar
Vocabulary
- Heatwave (noun): a prolonged period of excessively hot weather.
- Mortality (noun): the state of being subject to death.
- Pathogen (noun): a bacterium, virus, or other microorganisms that can cause disease.
- Emphasize (verb): to give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing.
- Cardiovascular (adj.): relating to the heart and blood vessels.
- Respiratory (adj.): relating to, or affecting respiration or the organs of respiration.
Grammar
- Use of Present Perfect Tense: “Over the past century, there has been significant scientific consensus…”
- Complex Sentences: “Higher temperatures can exacerbate cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, particularly among…”
- Passive Voice: “The habitats of many pathogens and their vectors, such as mosquitoes and ticks, expand…”
Conclusion
Preparing effectively for the IELTS Reading test involves understanding how to approach different question types, skimming and scanning techniques, and practicing with passages on prevalent topics like climate change’s effects on public health. Implementing these strategies will help you boost your reading score and increase your overall performance on the exam.