The IELTS Reading section is a crucial part of the IELTS examination, testing candidates’ abilities to comprehend and interpret academic texts. A recurring theme in many IELTS exams revolves around environmental issues, such as the impacts of climate change on global biodiversity. This topic has been increasingly pivotal, given the heightened awareness and tangible effects climate change has on the environment. Understanding this topic deeply not only aids in the IELTS exam but also raises awareness of global ecological issues.
In past examinations, topics related to climate change and biodiversity have frequently appeared, making it a significant area of study for prospective IELTS candidates. This article aims to provide a comprehensive reading passage on this topic, accompanied by a series of questions and answers to facilitate practice and improve comprehension skills.
Reading Passage
The Impacts of Climate Change on Global Biodiversity
Climate change is one of the most significant threats to global biodiversity. It affects ecosystems and species around the world, leading to altered habitats, changed species distribution, and increased extinction rates.
Several factors contribute to the impacts of climate change on biodiversity:
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Temperature Increases: Rising global temperatures affect the physiological functions of plant and animal species. Some species may not survive in their current habitats if temperatures exceed their tolerance levels.
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Changes in Precipitation Patterns: Altered rainfall patterns can lead to droughts or floods, impacting water availability and quality. This can affect species that are highly dependent on specific water conditions.
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Ocean Acidification: Increased levels of CO2 lead to higher acid levels in oceans, affecting marine life, particularly species with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons, such as corals and some plankton species.
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Habitat Shifts: Many species are forced to migrate to new areas to find suitable living conditions. This can lead to conflicts with existing species in those areas and disrupt existing ecosystems.
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Increased Frequency of Extreme Weather Events: Storms, hurricanes, and other extreme weather patterns can destroy habitats and directly harm or kill species.
To mitigate these effects, it is crucial to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and implement conservation strategies to protect vulnerable species and ecosystems. International cooperation and immediate action are needed to combat this global challenge.
Impacts of Climate Change on Biodiversity
Questions
Multiple Choice
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Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an impact of climate change on biodiversity?
A. Habitat shifts
B. Ocean acidification
C. Decreased temperature
D. Changes in precipitation patterns -
Why are some species unable to survive in their current habitats due to temperature increases?
A. They can’t adapt quickly enough.
B. Their food sources disappear.
C. They need more water.
D. Their body temperature regulation fails.
True/False/Not Given
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True/False/Not Given: Rising temperatures could potentially benefit some species by improving their physiological functions.
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True/False/Not Given: International cooperation is deemed unnecessary in combating climate change impacts on biodiversity.
Sentence Completion
- Increased levels of CO2 in oceans primarily affect species with ___ shells or skeletons.
Short-answer Questions
- What are two consequences of altered rainfall patterns due to climate change?
Answers
Multiple Choice
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C. Decreased temperature
- Explanation: The passage mentions habitat shifts, ocean acidification, and changes in precipitation patterns as impacts of climate change on biodiversity, but not decreased temperature.
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A. They can’t adapt quickly enough.
- Explanation: Rising temperatures exceed the tolerance levels of some species, leading to their inability to survive as they cannot adapt quickly enough.
True/False/Not Given
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False
- Explanation: The passage discusses the negative impacts of rising temperatures, such as species not surviving, without mentioning any potential benefits.
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Not Given
- Explanation: The passage emphasizes the need for international cooperation but does not state whether it is unnecessary.
Sentence Completion
- Increased levels of CO2 in oceans primarily affect species with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons.
- Explanation: The passage specifies marine species like corals and some plankton that have calcium carbonate shells or skeletons are affected by ocean acidification.
Short-answer Questions
- Two consequences of altered rainfall patterns due to climate change are droughts and floods.
- Explanation: The passage mentions that altered precipitation patterns can lead to droughts or floods, impacting water availability and quality.
Common Mistakes and Tips
- Not Skimming the Passage: Skimming for main ideas before diving into the questions helps in understanding where information is located.
- Misinterpreting Questions: Ensure you clearly understand if a question asks for True/False/Not Given or other answer types.
- Ignoring Keywords: Pay attention to keywords in both passages and questions. They can guide you to the relevant parts of the text.
Vocabulary
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Physiological (adj.): /ˌfɪz.i.əˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl/ – relating to the way in which a living organism or bodily part functions.
- Example Sentence: Rising global temperatures affect the physiological functions of plant and animal species.
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Precipitation (noun): /prɪˌsɪp.ɪˈteɪ.ʃən/ – rain, snow, sleet, or hail that falls to or condenses on the ground.
- Example Sentence: Altered rainfall patterns can lead to droughts or floods, impacting water availability and quality.
Grammar Points
- Passive Voice: Frequently used for formal writing to focus on actions rather than the subject.
- Example: “Several factors contribute to the impacts of climate change on biodiversity.”
- Relative Clauses: Adds information about a noun without beginning a new sentence.
- Example: “Increased levels of CO2 lead to higher acid levels in oceans, which affects marine life.”
Advice for High IELTS Reading Scores
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice with a variety of texts helps in familiarizing yourself with different topics and question types.
- Enhance Vocabulary: A broad vocabulary aids in understanding and interpreting reading passages effectively.
- Manage Time: Develop strategies to allocate time effectively across different sections of the reading test.
- Review Mistakes: Analyze errors to understand patterns and areas that need improvement.
By engaging deeply with topics like climate change and its impacts on biodiversity, you will not only be well-prepared for the IELTS Reading section but also contribute to greater ecological awareness.
For further study, consider exploring related topics:
- What are the Effects of Climate Change on Global Biodiversity?
- How is Climate Change Affecting Global Biodiversity?
- The Effects of Climate Change on Marine Life
Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
