The IELTS Reading section is a critical component of the IELTS exam, designed to evaluate your reading comprehension abilities through various question types. The topic of environmental issues, such as the effects of deforestation on global biodiversity, frequently appears in the IELTS Reading test due to its relevance and significance. Understanding this topic can greatly enhance your ability to tackle related questions in the examination.
In this article, we will delve into a comprehensive practice test centered around the keyword: “What are the effects of deforestation on global biodiversity?” The practice will simulate the IELTS Reading section format to provide you with an authentic experience.
Practice Test: Deforestation and Biodiversity
Reading Passage
Deforestation refers to the clearing or thinning of forests by humans. It has far-reaching impacts on the environment and especially on global biodiversity. Biodiversity is crucial for maintaining ecosystems and the variety of life on our planet. However, ongoing deforestation threatens numerous species and ecosystems worldwide.
Forests house over 80% of the terrestrial species of animals, plants, and microorganisms. When these forests are cut down, the habitats for these species are destroyed, leading to a significant reduction in biodiversity. Species that depend on very specific forest conditions cannot adapt quickly enough and face extinction.
Deforestation contributes to climate change, which further exacerbates the loss of biodiversity. Trees play a vital role in carbon sequestration – absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When trees are removed, stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere as CO2, contributing to global warming. This change in climate affects ecosystems, causing altered weather patterns, shifts in temperature ranges, and changes in the types of plants and animals that can survive.
In addition to climate change, deforestation disrupts the water cycle. Trees play a key role in maintaining the water balance by absorbing and releasing water. Without trees, areas are more prone to extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, which can devastate local ecosystems and the species that inhabit them.
While deforestation opens up land for agriculture and human development, the environmental costs are considerable. Protecting the remaining forests is essential for preserving the biodiversity that supports life on Earth. Conservation efforts, such as establishing protected areas and enforcing sustainable land use policies, are crucial to mitigate the negative impacts of deforestation.
Questions
Multiple Choice
-
What percentage of terrestrial species do forests house?
A. Over 50%
B. Over 80%
C. Over 60%
D. Over 70% -
What role do trees play in the water cycle?
A. They absorb carbon dioxide.
B. They absorb and release water.
C. They provide habitat for animals.
D. They block sunlight.
True/False/Not Given
- Deforestation leads to the extinction of species that cannot adapt quickly enough.
- Deforestation has no impact on climate change.
- Trees store carbon dioxide which is released when they are cut down.
Matching Information
6-8. Match each impact of deforestation to its corresponding consequence:
- Climate change
- Habitat destruction
- Disruption of the water cycle
A. Increase in extreme weather events
B. Reduction in species population
C. Release of stored carbon dioxide
Answer Key
-
B. Over 80%
-
B. They absorb and release water.
-
True. Deforestation leads to the extinction of species that cannot adapt quickly enough.
-
False. Deforestation does impact climate change.
-
True. Trees store carbon dioxide which is released when they are cut down.
-
Climate change – C. Release of stored carbon dioxide
-
Habitat destruction – B. Reduction in species population
-
Disruption of the water cycle – A. Increase in extreme weather events
Common Mistakes
- Misunderstanding the role of trees in different environmental processes.
- Confusing the impacts of deforestation with other environmental issues.
- Skimming too quickly through the text and missing significant details.
Vocabulary
- Sequestration (noun) /ˌsekwəˈstreɪʃən/: the process of removing or hiding something (in this context, carbon dioxide).
- Exacerbate (verb) /ɪɡˈzæsɚˌbeɪt/: to make a problem, situation, or negative effect worse.
- Prone (adjective) /proʊn/: likely to or liable to suffer from, do, or experience something, typically something regrettable or unwelcome.
Grammar Focus
- Relative Clauses: Examples from the text include “Forests house over 80% of the terrestrial species of animals, plants, and microorganisms.”
- Passive Voice: The text uses sentences like “stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere” to highlight actions where the doer is not the focus.
Tips for High IELTS Reading Scores
- Skimming and Scanning: Quickly identify the main ideas and locate specific information.
- Practice Regularly: Engage in regular practice using varied topics and question types.
- Build Vocabulary: Enhance your understanding of complex terms often used in academic texts.
- Time Management: Monitor the time effectively to ensure completion within the allotted 60 minutes.
By incorporating these practices into your study routine, you can greatly improve your reading comprehension and overall performance in the IELTS Reading section.
We encourage deep diving into related topics, such as “The Effects of Climate Change on Wildlife Habitats”, as these interconnected issues often appear in the exam and enhance your contextual understanding.