Drinking Filtered Water: IELTS Reading Passage with Questions & Answers

Introduction:

Understanding the importance and implications of drinking filtered water is not only a matter of health but also a relevant topic for IELTS reading test preparation. This passage aims to provide learners with in-depth knowledge and practice material tailored to help them develop the necessary skills to excel in the IELTS reading section.

Reading Passage:

In today’s health-conscious world, the quality of drinking water has become a topic of significant concern. Drinking filtered water is often touted as a necessary step towards ensuring one’s well-being. Filtered water is considered superior to tap water for several reasons, such as its reduced content of contaminants, improved taste, and added minerals.

The process of filtering water involves removing impurities and pathogens through various methods. These include activated carbon filtration, reverse osmosis, and UV light treatment, among others. Each method has its unique advantages and is chosen based on the specific needs of a community or individual.

While the benefits of drinking filtered water are widely recognized, the environmental impact of water filtration systems, particularly those that require frequent replacement of parts, cannot be overlooked. The debate between the health benefits and environmental costs continues to be a point of discussion among experts.

Summarizing the Passage

Filtered water is gaining prominence in health discussions worldwide. With the increasing concern over contaminants in unfiltered tap water – ranging from chlorine and lead to microorganisms – more individuals are turning to various filtration methods to purify their water. These methods, including activated carbon, reverse osmosis, distillation, and ion exchange, are tailored to remove specific impurities and improve the safety and taste of drinking water. Despite the clear health benefits, the environmental impact of producing and disposing of water filters poses challenges that need addressing.

Questions and Answers:

Q1. Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a common method of water filtration?

A. Condensation

B. Sublimation

C. Reverse osmosis

D. Photosynthesis

A1. C. Reverse osmosis

Explanation: Reverse osmosis is a widely used water filtration method known for its effectiveness in removing a broad range of contaminants from water.

Q2. Fill in the Blanks: Many people choose filtered water to avoid contaminants such as ________ and ________.

A2. Chlorine, lead

Explanation: Chlorine and lead are among the most common contaminants that people aim to remove from their water by using filters.

Q3. True or False: Distillation is a process used to purify water by removing dissolved gases.

A3. True

Explanation: Distillation involves boiling water to produce vapor and then condensing it back into liquid, effectively removing dissolved gases and other impurities.

Q4. Multiple Choice: What environmental concern is associated with water filtration?

A. Reduced groundwater levels

B. Deforestation

C. Waste from used filters

D. Increased soil salinity

A4. C. Waste from used filters

Explanation: The disposal of used water filters, which can contribute to environmental waste, is a concern when considering the overall sustainability of water filtration practices.

Q5. Fill in the Blanks: Ion exchange filters are commonly used to soften water by removing ________.

A5. Minerals

Explanation: Ion exchange is a process that filters water by swapping undesirable minerals (like calcium and magnesium, which cause hardness) with more desirable ones (like sodium).

Q6. Multiple Choice: Activated carbon filters are especially effective in removing what from water?

A. Sediment

B. Large debris

C. Dissolved minerals

D. Organic compounds

A6. D. Organic compounds

Explanation: Activated carbon filters are highly effective at removing organic compounds from water, which often include pesticides and herbicides, as well as chlorine.

Q7. Fill in the Blanks: The process of ________ involves heating water to form vapor and then cooling it to obtain purified water.

A7. Distillation

Explanation: Distillation purifies water through evaporation and condensation, separating pure water from its contaminants.

Q8. True or False: All water filtration methods remove viruses from water.

A8. False

Explanation: Not all filtration methods are effective against viruses. Methods like UV light treatment are needed to specifically target and inactivate viruses.

Q9. Multiple Choice: What is a primary reason individuals may opt for filtered water?

A. Aesthetic preferences for clearer water

B. Improved taste and odor

C. Belief in hydration benefits

D. Lower cost compared to tap water

A9. B. Improved taste and odor

Explanation: One of the main reasons individuals opt for filtered water is the improved taste and odor, which is often due to the removal of chlorine used to disinfect tap water.

Q10. Fill in the Blanks: ________ is a concern for individuals using water filtration systems due to the potential for mineral loss.

A10. Health

Explanation: While water filters can remove harmful contaminants, there is a health concern that they may also strip water of beneficial minerals.

IELTS Reading Test Tips:

Tip 1: Read the passage thoroughly before attempting the questions to ensure you understand the context and content.

Tip 2: Use the process of elimination in multiple-choice questions to narrow down your options.

Tip 3: Pay close attention to words that qualify statements, such as "all" or "some," as they can determine the truthfulness of a statement.

Tip 4: For fill-in-the-blank questions, ensure the word you choose fits both contextually and grammatically.

Tip 5: Remember that true/false questions often contain information that is partly true; focus on the entire statement to determine its accuracy.

Tip 6: Don’t spend too much time on one question. If unsure, mark it and come back to it later if time permits.

Tip 7: Practice active reading strategies, such as highlighting or noting key points, to improve retention and recall.

Tip 8: Enhance your vocabulary on common IELTS topics, as familiarity with subject-specific terminology can greatly aid comprehension.

Tip 9: Stay calm and focused, and manage your time effectively during the test to ensure you can answer all questions.

Tip 10: After answering the questions, if time allows, review your answers to check for and correct any inadvertent errors.

By applying these tips and carefully engaging with the passage and questions provided, IELTS candidates can build the necessary skills and confidence to excel in the reading section of the exam.