The Reading section of the IELTS exam is designed to assess your ability to understand and analyze complex texts. One of the recurring themes in the IELTS Reading test is climate change and its far-reaching impacts. Given the increasing relevance of environmental issues, it’s highly likely that topics related to climate change and its effects on various sectors, including global fisheries, may appear in future exams.
This article provides a detailed and engaging reading exercise based on the topic “What are the impacts of climate change on global fisheries sustainability?” You will find a full IELTS-style reading passage, followed by a variety of question types designed to help you practice and improve your reading skills.
Reading Passage
The Impacts of Climate Change on Global Fisheries Sustainability
Climate change poses a significant threat to global fisheries, impacting marine ecosystems, fish populations, and the communities that rely on them. Rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and changing weather patterns are contributing to the decline of fish stocks, which can have devastating effects on food security and economic stability worldwide.
Rising Sea Temperatures
One of the most immediate impacts of climate change on fisheries is the rise in sea temperatures. Warmer waters can alter the distribution and abundance of fish species, forcing them to migrate to cooler areas. This shift disrupts local fishing industries and can lead to overfishing in new areas, further depleting fish stocks. Additionally, increased temperatures can affect the reproductive cycles of fish, leading to reduced population growth and even species extinction in extreme cases.
Ocean Acidification
Ocean acidification, caused by the absorption of excess carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere into the ocean, is another critical issue. Acidic waters can weaken the shells of shellfish and corals, essential components of marine ecosystems. This not only affects the biodiversity of the oceans but also endangers the livelihoods of communities dependent on these resources. The degradation of coral reefs, which serve as nurseries for many fish species, further amplifies the negative impact on global fisheries.
Changing Weather Patterns
Climate change also leads to more frequent and severe weather events, such as hurricanes and storms, which can have both immediate and long-term effects on fisheries. These events can destroy fishing infrastructure, reduce fishing days, and disrupt traditional fishing practices. The unpredictability of weather patterns also makes it difficult for fishers to plan their activities, leading to economic instability and increased risks.
Socio-Economic Impacts
The consequences of climate change on fisheries extend beyond environmental concerns. Communities that rely heavily on fishing for their livelihoods and food security face dire socio-economic challenges. Reduced fish catches can lead to higher prices and limited access to protein sources, exacerbating poverty and malnutrition in vulnerable regions. Moreover, the loss of fishing-related jobs can result in increased migration and social unrest.
IELTS Reading Exercise
Questions
Multiple Choice Questions
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
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What is one of the immediate impacts of rising sea temperatures on fish?
- A. Fish grow larger in size
- B. Fish migrate to warmer areas
- C. Fish migrate to cooler areas
- D. Fish reproduction increases
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How does ocean acidification primarily affect marine life?
- A. By increasing biodiversity
- B. By weakening the shells of shellfish
- C. By supporting coral growth
- D. By increasing fish population
True/False/Not Given
Do the following statements agree with the information given 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
- Warmer waters have no effect on fish reproductive cycles.
- Ocean acidification is caused by the absorption of CO2 into the ocean.
- Changing weather patterns have only short-term effects on fisheries.
Sentence Completion
Complete the sentences below with words taken from the passage. Use NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.
- Rising sea temperatures can disrupt local __ industries.
- The degradation of __ reefs affects the biodiversity of the oceans.
- Frequent and severe weather events can destroy fishing __.
Answer Key & Explanations
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C. Fish migrate to cooler areas
- Explanation: The passage mentions that warmer waters force fish to migrate to cooler areas.
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B. By weakening the shells of shellfish
- Explanation: The passage explains that ocean acidification weakens the shells of shellfish and corals.
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FALSE
- Explanation: The passage states that increased temperatures can affect the reproductive cycles of fish, leading to reduced population growth.
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TRUE
- Explanation: The passage correctly identifies that ocean acidification is caused by the absorption of excess CO2 into the ocean.
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FALSE
- Explanation: The passage mentions that changing weather patterns have both immediate and long-term effects on fisheries.
-
fishing
- Explanation: The passage states that rising sea temperatures can disrupt local fishing industries.
-
coral
- Explanation: The passage indicates that the degradation of coral reefs further affects the biodiversity of the oceans.
-
infrastructure
- Explanation: The passage highlights that more frequent and severe weather events can destroy fishing infrastructure.
Common Mistakes
- Misunderstanding the impacts of changes in ocean temperature and acidity on marine life.
- Confusing the socio-economic consequences with environmental impacts.
- Not identifying the grammatical clues in the passage that indicate the correct answers for sentence completion.
Vocabulary
-
Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiː.kəʊˌsɪs.təm/
- Definition: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
- Example: Climate change disrupts marine ecosystems, affecting fish populations.
-
Livelihood (noun) /ˈlaɪv.li.hʊd/
- Definition: The means of securing the necessities of life.
- Example: Many communities depend on fishing as their primary livelihood.
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Acidification (noun) /əˌsɪd.ɪf.ɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/
- Definition: The process of becoming acidic or more acidic.
- Example: Ocean acidification poses a serious threat to marine creatures.
Grammar Focus
- Passive Voice:
- Structure: Subject + to be + past participle
- Example: “Warmer waters can alter the distribution and abundance of fish species.”
- Usage: Often used to emphasize the action or the object of the action, rather than who performs the action.
Tips for High Scores in IELTS Reading
- Skim and Scan: Quickly glance through the text to get an overall idea before diving into the questions. This helps in locating information more efficiently.
- Manage Your Time: Allocate appropriate time for each passage and question. If one question is taking too long, move on and come back later.
- Understand Question Types: Familiarize yourself with the various types of questions such as True/False/Not Given, Multiple Choice, and Sentence Completion.
- Improve Vocabulary: A broad vocabulary helps in understanding and interpreting texts more accurately.
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice with various reading materials will significantly improve your reading speed and comprehension skills.
By following these guidelines and engaging with the practice exercise provided, you can enhance your skills and increase your chances of achieving a high score in the IELTS Reading section.