IELTS Capability Test:
Reading Subject: Climate Change and Its Impacts
Climate change refers to significant, long-term changes in the average weather patterns of a region,
which can occur over decades or even centuries. These changes are largely driven by human
activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, which release greenhouse gases
into the atmosphere.
The impacts of climate change are far-reaching and diverse, affecting various aspects of the
environment, economy, and society. One of the most noticeable impacts is the rise in global
temperatures, leading to phenomena such as melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and more frequent
extreme weather events.
Furthermore, climate change poses serious threats to ecosystems and biodiversity. Many species are
facing habitat loss and extinction as their natural environments are altered or destroyed. Coral reefs,
for example, are highly sensitive to changes in water temperature and acidity, making them
particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
In addition to environmental impacts, climate change also has significant social and economic
consequences. Displacement of communities due to sea-level rise, disruptions in agriculture and food
security, and increased health risks from heatwaves and infectious diseases are some of the challenges
faced by societies worldwide.
Addressing climate change requires concerted efforts at the global, national, and local levels. This
includes transitioning to renewable energy sources, implementing sustainable land-use practices, and
adopting policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, time is of the essence, and urgent
action is needed to mitigate the worst effects of climate change and build a more sustainable future for
generations to come.
Questions:
1. What does climate change refer to?
a) Short-term changes in weather patterns
b) Significant, long-term changes in weather patterns
c) Daily fluctuations in temperature and precipitation
d) Natural variations in climate over centuries
2. What are the primary drivers of climate change?
a) Volcanic eruptions
b) Deforestation and urbanization
c) Burning of fossil fuels and deforestation
d) Changes in solar radiation
3. Which of the following is NOT a consequence of rising global temperatures?
a) Melting ice caps
b) Rising sea levels
c) Decrease in extreme weather events
d) Changes in precipitation patterns
4. Why are coral reefs particularly vulnerable to climate change?
a) They are resilient to changes in water temperature
b) They are adapted to thrive in acidic conditions
c) They are highly sensitive to changes in water temperature and acidity
d) They can easily migrate to cooler waters
5. What are some of the social and economic consequences of climate change?
a) Increased agricultural productivity
b) Disruptions in agriculture and food security
c) Reduced health risks from heatwaves
d) Enhanced economic growth
6. What is required to address climate change effectively?
a) Global warming denial
b) Increased use of fossil fuels
c) Transition to renewable energy sources
d) Expansion of deforestation
7. Which level of action is NOT mentioned in the text for addressing climate change?
a) Global
b) National
c) Regional
d) Local
8. Why is urgent action needed to mitigate the effects of climate change?
a) Climate change is a natural phenomenon
b) Climate change has no significant impacts
c) Time is of the essence to prevent the worst effects
d) Climate change only affects future generations
9. What is the main idea of the text?
a) Climate change has minimal impact on ecosystems
b) Human activities are not responsible for climate change
c) Climate change has diverse impacts on the environment, economy, and society
d) Climate change is a problem that will resolve itself over time
10. According to the text, what are some examples of extreme weather events?
a) Mild rain showers
b) Hurricanes and typhoons
c) Sunny days
d) Light breezes
11. Which of the following is mentioned as a threat to biodiversity due to climate change?
a) Expansion of natural habitats
b) Decrease in water temperature
c) Habitat loss and extinction of species
d) Increase in carbon dioxide levels
12. What is emphasized as a vulnerable ecosystem in the text?
a) Urban areas
b) Deserts
c) Coral reefs
d) Grasslands
13. How do human activities contribute to climate change?
a) By reducing greenhouse gas emissions
b) By conserving natural habitats
c) By burning fossil fuels and deforestation
d) By promoting renewable energy sources
14. Which term is used to describe changes in the acidity of oceans due to climate change?
a) Oceanic acidification
b) Marine desalination
c) Coral bleaching
d) Ocean warming
15. What is the tone of the text?
a) Optimistic
b) Neutral
c) Alarmist
d) Indifferent
16. What effect does climate change have on agricultural practices?
a) Increased stability in crop yields
b) Enhanced soil fertility
c) Disruptions in agricultural practices and food security
d) Expansion of arable land
17. What is the significance of sea-level rise in relation to climate change?
a) It helps to stabilize global temperatures
b) It leads to the formation of glaciers
c) It causes flooding and displacement of communities
d) It promotes marine biodiversity
18. Which action is NOT recommended to address climate change?
a) Transitioning to renewable energy sources
b) Implementing sustainable land-use practices
c) Increasing deforestation
d) Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
19. What is the overarching message regarding the future in the text?
a) Climate change is inevitable and irreversible
b) Urgent action is needed to mitigate the effects of climate change
c) Climate change will not have any significant impacts
d) Human activities are not responsible for climate change
20. What is the purpose of the text?
a) To promote climate change denial
b) To provide information about the causes and impacts of climate change
c) To downplay the severity of climate change
d) To discourage environmental conservation efforts
1. b) Significant, long-term changes in weather patterns
2. c) Burning of fossil fuels and deforestation
3. c) Decrease in extreme weather events
4. c) They are highly sensitive to changes in water temperature and acidity
5. b) Disruptions in agriculture and food security
6. c) Transition to renewable energy sources
7. c) Regional
8. c) Time is of the essence to prevent the worst effects
9. c) Climate change has diverse impacts on the environment, economy, and society
10. b) Hurricanes and typhoons
11. c) Habitat loss and extinction of species
12. c) Coral reefs
13. c) By burning fossil fuels and deforestation
14. a) Oceanic acidification
15. c) Alarmist
16. c) Disruptions in agricultural practices and food security
17. c) It causes flooding and displacement of communities
18. c) Increasing deforestation
19. b) Urgent
action is needed to mitigate the effects of climate change
20. b) To provide information about the causes and impacts of climate change
