Snow Makers - IELTS Reading Passage With Questions & Answers

Introduction:

Snowmaking is an ingenious process that resorts and winter sports events rely on heavily, especially in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns due to climate change. Understanding this technology not only appeals to those curious about modern innovations but also serves as an excellent topic for IELTS reading practice. The following passage delves into the fascinating world of artificial snow production, offering learners a chance to enhance their reading skills through a subject that combines science, technology, and environmental considerations.

Passage:

In regions where powdery white slopes are essential for both economy and recreation, snow makers are the unsung heroes of winter. These machines mimic nature to create snow by combining cooled water and compressed air. The basic principle is simple yet profoundly effective: water is sprayed into the cold air, forming tiny droplets that freeze and fall as snow.

The process starts with water being drawn into the snowmaking system, which is then filtered and cooled. High-pressure pumps propel this water to snow guns positioned strategically on the slopes. Here, compressed air is introduced, atomizing the water into fine particles. As they are ejected into the air, the ambient cold causes them to crystallize, falling gently to the ground as artificial snow.

However, temperature and humidity play critical roles in snow production. For optimal snowmaking, the wet-bulb temperature, which factors in both air temperature and relative humidity, should be -2°C or lower. Innovations in snowmaking include automated systems that adjust water and air flow based on real-time weather data, ensuring both quality and efficiency.

Despite its benefits, snowmaking is not without controversy. Environmental concerns arise over water usage, energy consumption, and the potential impact on local ecosystems. Snowmaking technology continues to evolve, with advances aimed at reducing its environmental footprint while providing winter sports enthusiasts with the reliable conditions they crave.

Questions & Answers:

Q1: What is the primary component used to create artificial snow?

A) Compressed air

B) Filtered water

C) Cooled water

D) Snow guns

A1: C) Cooled water

Explanation: The passage states that the process begins with water being drawn into the system, then filtered and cooled, which is the key component in creating snow.

Q2: Fill in the blank: High-pressure pumps send the water to snow guns, where _______ air is introduced.

A2: compressed

Explanation: Compressed air is mentioned as the element that is introduced to atomize the water into fine particles.

Q3: True or False: The wet-bulb temperature must be above -2°C for optimal snowmaking.

A3: False

Explanation: The passage specifies that the wet-bulb temperature should be -2°C or lower for optimal snowmaking.

Q4: What is not a factor in the effectiveness of snowmaking?

A) The shape of the snow gun

B) Temperature

C) Humidity

D) Water quality

A4: A) The shape of the snow gun

Explanation: The passage does not mention the shape of the snow gun as a factor in snowmaking effectiveness, but it does reference temperature, humidity, and water quality.

Q5: Fill in the blank: Innovations in snowmaking technology include automated systems that adjust based on _______.

A5: real-time weather data

Explanation: The passage discusses automated systems that adjust water and air flow based on real-time weather data.

Q6: True or False: Snowmaking is universally accepted and has no environmental concerns.

A6: False

Explanation: The passage clearly states that snowmaking has environmental concerns related to water usage, energy consumption, and potential impacts on local ecosystems.

Q7: What do snow guns do in the snow making process?

A) Melt existing snow

B) Atomize water into particles

C) Increase the wet-bulb temperature

D) Compress the air

A7: B) Atomize water into particles

Explanation: Snow guns are described as atomizing the water into fine particles, which then freeze and fall as snow.

Q8: Fill in the blank: Environmental concerns about snowmaking include its usage of _______ and energy.

A8: water

Explanation: Environmental concerns highlighted include the usage of water and energy consumption.

Q9: What is the purpose of filtering water in the snow making process?

A) To warm the water

B) To remove impurities

C) To add chemicals

D) To compress the water

A9: B) To remove impurities

Explanation: The passage implies that water is filtered as part of the preparation for snowmaking, which is typically done to remove impurities.

Q10: True or False: Snowmaking technology remains static and has not evolved to be more environmentally friendly.

A10: False

Explanation: The passage concludes by mentioning that snowmaking technology continues to evolve with advances aimed at reducing its environmental footprint.

Tips for Cracking the IELTS Reading Exam:

Tip 1: Skim the passage first to get a general understanding before diving into the questions.

Tip 2: Look for keywords in the questions that will help you locate the information in the passage.

Tip 3: Practice reading passages on a variety of topics to become familiar with different writing styles and vocabularies.

Tip 4: Time yourself when practicing to improve your speed and efficiency in finding answers.

Tip 5: Develop the skill of inferring meaning from context for questions that may not have direct answers in the text.

By employing these tips and thoroughly engaging with the practice passage and questions, IELTS candidates can enhance their reading comprehension skills and increase their chances of achieving a high score in the reading section.