Trees in Trouble: Understanding Global Deforestation - IELTS Reading Passage With Questions & Answer

Intro to the Passage:

Forests cover about 31% of the land area on our planet. They produce vital oxygen and provide homes for people and wildlife. However, forests around the world are in crisis. Large areas are being degraded due to deforestation; a problem with dire consequences for the entire planet. This passage delves into the reasons behind this worrying trend and the impact it has on our environment. IELTS candidates will explore this topic in depth, preparing them to answer questions accurately in their reading test.

Passage:

Trees in Trouble

Forests, the lungs of our planet, are diminishing at an alarming rate. Deforestation, the second leading cause of climate change after fossil fuel combustion, is robbing the earth of its most valuable ecosystems. While natural phenomena like wildfires contribute to this loss, human activities are the main culprits.

In the Amazon, often referred to as the Earth's green lung, logging and agricultural expansion are primary drivers of deforestation. The lush canopy that once teemed with biodiversity is shrinking, giving way to farmland and pasture. But the repercussions extend far beyond the loss of species; local and indigenous communities who depend on these forests for their livelihoods are left vulnerable.

Deforestation also exacerbates climate change. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, and store it in their wood and soil. When these trees are cut down and burned, this carbon is released back into the atmosphere, contributing to the warming of the planet. The process is a vicious cycle; as the climate warms, forest fires become more frequent, causing further deforestation.

Efforts to combat this crisis are in motion, with reforestation projects and sustainable logging practices gaining traction. These initiatives are vital in reversing deforestation's damaging effects and preserving the delicate balance of our environment.

Questions & Answers:

Q1. What is the second leading cause of climate change?

A) Agricultural expansion

B) Fossil fuel combustion

C) Deforestation

D) Wildfires

A1. C) Deforestation

Explanation: The passage explicitly identifies deforestation as the second leading cause of climate change after fossil fuel combustion.

Q2. Fill in the blank: The Amazon is often referred to as the Earth's _______ lung.

A) blue

B) green

C) red

D) yellow

A2. B) green

Explanation: The passage uses the term "Earth's green lung" to describe the Amazon, highlighting its importance to the planet's ecosystem.

Q3. True or False: Wildfires are the main cause of deforestation.

A) True

B) False

A3. B) False

Explanation: The passage states that while natural phenomena like wildfires do contribute to deforestation, human activities are the main culprits.

Q4. Which of the following is not a consequence of deforestation?

A) Loss of species

B) Loss of livelihood for local communities

C) Increased carbon dioxide absorption

D) Contribution to global warming

A4. C) Increased carbon dioxide absorption

Explanation: Deforestation results in less carbon dioxide being absorbed since there are fewer trees to take in this greenhouse gas.

Q5. Fill in the blank: Reforestation projects and sustainable logging practices are _______ to reverse the damage of deforestation.

A) inconsequential

B) detrimental

C) vital

D) optional

A5. C) vital

Explanation: The passage mentions that these efforts are vital, meaning they are essential or absolutely necessary to combat the crisis of deforestation.

Q6. True or False: Trees store carbon dioxide in their leaves and flowers.

A) True

B) False

A6. B) False

Explanation: The passage indicates that trees absorb carbon dioxide and store it in their wood and soil, not specifically in their leaves and flowers.

Q7. What is the primary driver of deforestation in the Amazon?

A) Reforestation

B) Logging and agricultural expansion

C) Sustainable logging

D) Urbanization

A7. B) Logging and agricultural expansion

Explanation: The passage identifies logging and agricultural expansion as the primary drivers of deforestation in the Amazon.

Q8. Fill in the blank: When trees are cut down and burned, the carbon they stored is released back into the _______.

A) soil

B) atmosphere

C) rivers

D) oceans

A8. B) atmosphere

Explanation: The passage explains that the burning of trees releases the stored carbon back into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.

Q9. Multiple Choice: Which group is left vulnerable due to deforestation?

A) Tourists

B) Urban developers

C) Local and indigenous communities

D) Large corporations

A9. C) Local and indigenous communities

Explanation: The passage mentions that local and indigenous communities who rely on forests for their livelihoods are left vulnerable due to deforestation.

Q10. True or False: Climate change makes forest fires less frequent.

A) True

B) False

A10. B) False

Explanation: The passage indicates that as the climate warms, forest fires become more frequent, not less, causing further deforestation.

Tips for Cracking IELTS Reading Exam:

Tip 1: Understand the Passage Structure. Recognize the introduction, body, and conclusion to better anticipate the type of information that may be asked.

Tip 2: Look for Keywords. Keywords such as 'primary drivers,' 'repercussions,' and 'efforts' can guide you to important points that may be referenced in questions.

Tip 3: Practice Skimming and Scanning. Learn to quickly skim for the general idea and scan for specific information without reading every word.

Tip 4: Develop Vocabulary. A broader vocabulary can help you understand a wide range of topics, including environmental issues like deforestation.

Tip 5: Analyze Question Types. Familiarize yourself with different question formats such as multiple-choice, true/false, and fill-in-the-blanks to improve your test-taking strategies.

By incorporating these tips and carefully engaging with the reading passage and its accompanying questions and answers, IELTS candidates can deepen their understanding of key environmental issues while honing their test preparation for success.