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A New Ice Age Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test

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Updated on Aug 16, 2024, 18:20

The passage discusses the possibility of a new ice age due to climate changes, despite current global warming trends. It provides historical context, mentioning past small ice ages in Europe and North America, and highlights scientific concerns from experts like William Curry and Terrence Joyce about rapid temperature drops caused by changes in ocean salinity and circulation. 

 

The passage outlines potential impacts, such as severe economic and environmental consequences, including agricultural losses, habitat destruction, and societal disruptions. It explains the mechanism behind this phenomenon, noting that melting Arctic ice is reducing the salinity of the North Atlantic, which could disrupt the Gulf Stream and lead to significant cooling.

 

This passage can help you prepare for the IELTS Reading test by improving your vocabulary through exposure to terms related to climate science and historical references, understanding complex ideas by analysing cause-and-effect relationships in environmental phenomena, developing summarisation skills by practising how to condense detailed information into concise summaries and enhancing comprehension by engaging with multi-paragraph texts to grasp main ideas and supporting details. 

 

By studying passages like this, you can become more adept at quickly identifying key points and summarising them, crucial skills for the IELTS Reading section.

 

The IELTS Reading section consists of three passages covering different topics. Test takers must respond to various question types, including multiple-choice, matching headings, and True/False/Not Given. This part of the test lasts for 60 minutes and assesses the ability to comprehend intricate subjects, identify key concepts, and draw implications accurately.
 

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1. A New Ice Age Reading Passage

You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 - 13 based on the Reading Passage below. This approach can help manage time effectively during a reading comprehension activity or exam.

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2. A New Ice Age Reading Questions and Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about A New Ice Age Reading Questions & Answers

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1.

A New Ice Age Reading Passage

General Information

  • Read Instructions: Understand each question before answering.
  • Manage Time: Spend about 20 minutes per passage.
  • Skim and Scan: Quickly get the main idea and find specific information.
  • Highlight Key Info: Underline essential words or phrases.
  • Answer All Questions: Attempt every question; no penalty for wrong answers.
  • Stay Focused: Avoid distractions and keep your attention on the task.
  • Check Spelling: Ensure correct spelling and grammar.
  • Transfer Answers Clearly: Write answers neatly on the answer sheet.
  • Don’t Dwell: Move on if stuck and return later.
  • Review: If time allows, review your answers.

 

 

 

 

A New Ice Age Reading Passage 

 

Paragraph A 


William Curry is a sincere, sober climate scientist, not an art critic. But, he has contributed a large amount of time to examine Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze’s prominent painting. “George Washington Crossing the Delaware”, which portrays a heap of colonial American fighters making their way to attack English and Hessian troops the day after Christmas in 1776. “Most people think of these other fellows,” says Curry, tapping his finger on a duplication of the painting. Sure sufficient, the guide oarsman is hitting the iced river with his gumboot. “I developed in philadelphia. The place in this painting is half an hour away by car. I can tell you, this kind of thing just doesn’t occur once again”. 

 

Paragraph B

 

But it may happen again soon. An ice-gag location, alike to those commemorated by the 16th-century Flemish painter Pieter Brueghel the Elder, may also return to Europe. His toils, as well as the 1565 masterpiece “Hunters in the Snow”, make the now-mild European scenery glance more like Lapland. Such bitterly cold sets were ordinary throughout a period dating violently from 1300 to 1850 since much of North America and Europe was in the agony of a small ice age. And currently there is climbing proof that the chill could go back. A flourishing number of researcher trust states are mature for another lengthen calm down, or tiny ice age. While no one is forecast a savage ice sheet like the one that protect the Northern Hemisphere with iceberg about 12,000 many moons ago, the next cooling tendency could let fall average climate 5 degrees Fahrenheit over much of the United States and 10 degrees in the Northeast, northern Europe, and northern Asia.

 

Paragraph C

 

 “It could occur in 10 years”, says Terrence Joyce, who chairs the Woods Hole Physical marineology Department. “Once it does, it may take a century to come back”. And he is frightened that Americans have so far taken the warning solemnly.

 

Paragraph D

 

A drop of 5- 10 degrees necessitate much more than clearly hit up the thermometer and convey on. Both frugal and green, such fast, tenacious chilling could have destructive results. A 2002 announcement titled “Abrupt temperature Change: unavailable shocks”, manufactured by the National Academy of Sciences, fixed the cost from farming losses alone at $ 100 billion to $250  billion, also forecasting that harm to human environments could be huge and uncountable. A stern sampler: vanishing forests, increased housing cost, diminish pure water, lower crop surrender and expedite species dying out.

 

Paragraph E


The cause for such an enormous result is easy. A rapid change in temperature inflicts much more interference than a slow one. People, plants, animals and the monetary that be in the control on them are like rivers; says the report: “for illustration, lofty water in a river will constitute few difficulty till the water trample on the bank, after which ridge can be rupture and huge inundate can happen. Many biotic procedures go through moves at specific entrances of climate and abrupt”.

 

Paragraph F

 

Political changes since the last ice age could make existence much more hard for the world’s poor. Throughout foregoing cooling times, entire ethnic groups simply gather and shift to the south, but that choice doesn’t work in the  present-day, rigid world of shut boundaries. “To the stretch that sudden temperature swap may cause quick and large swaps of chance for those who exploit  the land, the lack of ability to roam may detach one of the main welfare nets of upset people,” says the report.

 

Paragraph G

 

But  foremost. Isn’t the earth actually warming? Actually it is, says Joyce. ‘In his litter office, full of mushy lights from the misty Cloak Cod morning, he describes how such stirring could literally be the astonishing offender of the next small-ice age. The contradiction is a result of the looks over the over 30 years in the North Atlantic of immense rivers of pure water- the equal of a 10-foot-thick-layer- assorted into the saline sea. No one is unquestionable where the pure flood is coming from, but a main feel is melting Arctic ice, created by a build-up of CO2 in the aerosphere that mouths solar energy.

 

Paragraph H

 

The purewater trend is crucial news in marine-science circles. Bob Dickson, a British oceanology who resonate an fear at a February discussion in Honolulu, has called the drop in saltiness and  climate in the Labrador Sea- a loch between northeastern Canada and Greenland that abut the Atlantic- “ possibly the biggest full-depth swaps noticed in the current involved oceanology record”.

 

Paragraph I

 

The trend can create a small ice age by destabilizing the northern perforation of Gulf Stream Waters. Usually, the Gulf Stream, loaded with hot immersed in the tropics, zigzags the east seaboard of the United States and Canada. As it runs through the north side, the brook capitulates heat to the air. Since the won North Atlantic Winds gust eastward, a lot of the heat drifts to Europe. That’s why many researchers trust that the winter climate on the  mainland is 36 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than those in North America at the same latitude. Frigid Boston, for illustration, reclines at nearly exactly the same latitude as mild Rome. and Some researchers say that the heat can also heat Americans and canadians. “It’s an actual error to think of this only as a European occurrence,'' says Jouce.

 

Paragraph J

 

Possessing given up its hotness to the air, the now-cooler water converts thick and submerged into the North Atlantic by a mile or more in a procedure marineology call marine conveyor belt motion. This huge pillar of pouring cold is the chief engine powering a predicament current called the immense marine conveyor that serpent through all the world’s marines, but as the North Atlantic fills with pure water, it develops less dense, building the waters conveyed facing north side by the Gulf Stream less able to drop. The new pile of proportionate pure water sits on top of the marine like a big warm cover, menacing the point, the entire system could clearly close down, and do so fastly. “There is bigger proof that we are closer to a change point, from which we can leap to a fresh state”.


 

2.

A New Ice Age Reading Questions and Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about A New Ice Age

Questions and Answers 1-4
  • Choose the correct letter A, B, C or D.
  • Write your answers in boxes 1-4 on your answer sheet.

 

1.   The writer uses paintings in the first paragraph to illustrate

 

A.  possible future climate change.

B.  climate change of the last two centuries.

C.  the river doesn’t freeze in winter anymore.

D.  how George Washington led his troops across the river.

 

2.   Which of the following do scientists believe to be possible?

 

A.  The temperature may drop over much of the Northern Hemisphere.

B.  It will be colder than 12,000 years ago.

C.  The entire Northern Hemisphere will be covered in ice.

D.  Europe will look more like Lapland.

 

3. Why is it difficult for the poor to survive the next ice age?

 

A.  People don’t live in tribes anymore.

B.  Politics are changing too fast today.

C.  Abrupt climate change causes people to live off their land.

 

D.  Migration has become impossible because of closed borders.

 

4. Why is continental Europe much warmer than North America in winter?

A.  Wind blows most of the heat of tropical currents to Europe.

B.  Europe and North America are at different latitudes.

C.  The Gulf Stream has stopped yielding heat to the air.

D.  The Gulf Stream moves north along the east coast of North America.



 

A New Ice Age Reading Answers with Explanations (1-4)


 

Question Type: Multiple Choice 

 

Multiple Choice questions in the IELTS reading test present you with a question followed by a set of options from which you must choose the correct answer. Typically, there are three or four options to choose from. You must carefully read the question and each option before selecting the correct answer.


 

How to best answer this question:

 

  • You must comprehend the passage to select the most accurate option.
  • Efficient skimming and scanning help locate relevant information quickly.
  • Some options may be designed to mislead you, so it's crucial to base your choice on evidence from the passage.
  • Multiple-choice questions can be time-consuming if you dwell on each option too long. Manage your time wisely to ensure you can attempt all questions.


 

B

 

Reference: 

 

Paragraph A 
they are literally shoving the ice away, says Curry

 


Explanation: 


The line in Paragraph A describes the action of the soldiers in the painting shoving the ice away with their boots, indicating that the river no longer freezes in winter. This detail illustrates the climate change that has occurred over the last two centuries, making it a relevant answer to the question about the use of paintings to depict historical climate conditions.
 

 

2. A

 

Reference: 

 

Paragraph B 


The Northern Hemisphere had an iceberg about 12,000 many moons ago

 


Explanation: 


The line in Paragraph B explains that scientists believe a temperature drop is possible, referencing the last ice age when an iceberg covered the Northern Hemisphere. This suggests that a similar cooling trend could occur in the future, with temperatures dropping significantly over much of the Northern Hemisphere.
 

 

3. D

 

Reference: 

Paragraph F 


To the stretch that sudden temperature swap may cause quick and large swaps of chance for those who exploit the land, the lack of ability to roam may detach one of the main welfare nets of upset people



Explanation: 


The line in Paragraph F discusses how sudden climate change can lead to quick and large changes for those who depend on the land. It also highlights that the inability to migrate due to closed borders removes a crucial survival strategy for the poor, making it difficult for them to adapt and survive the next ice age.
 

 

4. A

 

Reference: 

Paragraph I 


As it runs through the north side, the brook capitulates heat to the air. Since the won North Atlantic Winds gust eastward, a lot of the heat drifts to Europe

Explanation: 


The line in Paragraph I explains how the Gulf Stream, loaded with warm water, releases heat into the air as it moves north. The warm air is then carried eastward by the North Atlantic Winds, causing Europe to experience warmer winters compared to North America at the same latitude. This phenomenon explains why continental Europe is much warmer than North America in winter.

 

Read more about Dictation Words for IELTS: Practice and Preparation!

Questions and Answers 5-9
  • Look at the following statements (Questions 5-9) and the list of people in the box below.
  • Match each statement with the correct person A-D
  • Text Box: Write the appropriate letter A-D in boxes 5-9 on your answer sheet.
  • NB You may use any letter more than once.

 

 

5. Most Americans are not prepared for the next ice age.

6. The result of abrupt climate change is catastrophic.

7. The world is not as cold as it used to be.

8. Global warming is closely connected to the ice age.

9. Alerted people to the change of ocean water in a conference

 

List of People:

 

A William Curry

B Terrence Joyce

C Bob Dickson

D National Academy of Sciences


 

A New Ice Age Reading Answers with Explanations (5-9)


 

Type of question: Matching Features

 

In the task of "Matching Features," you typically need to pair related items based on certain criteria. This could involve comparing characteristics, identifying connections, or linking items that complement each other. The specific approach will depend on the task's context. 


 

How to best answer the question

 

  • Start by identifying the key aspects of each item and then clearly demonstrate how they align or differ. 
  • Providing specific examples or evidence to support your comparisons can strengthen your answer. 
  • It's also essential to ensure that your response is organised and easy to follow, so consider using a structured format such as a table or a side-by-side comparison.


 

5. B

 

Reference:

Paragraph C 


It could occur in 10 years', says Terrence Joyce, who chairs the Woods Hole Physical marineology Department. 'Once it does, it may take a century to come back'



Explanation: 


The line in Paragraph C indicates that Terrence Joyce believes Americans have not taken the warning about the potential for a new ice age seriously. He emphasises that if it occurs, it could take a century to reverse, showing a lack of preparedness among Americans for such a significant climate change event.


 

6. D

 

Reference:

Paragraph C 


It could occur in 10 years', says Terrence Joyce, who chairs the Woods Hole Physical marineology Department. 'Once it does, it may take a century to come back'



Explanation: 


The line in Paragraph C indicates that Terrence Joyce believes Americans have not taken the warning about the potential for a new ice age seriously. He emphasises that if it occurs, it could take a century to reverse, showing a lack of preparedness among Americans for such a significant climate change event.


 

7. A

 

Reference:

Paragraph A 


I can tell you, this kind of thing just doesn’t occur once again

 

Explanation: 


The line in Paragraph A, spoken by William Curry, indicates that the kind of freezing conditions depicted in the painting no longer occur. This suggests that the world is not as cold as it used to be, highlighting the changes in climate over time.


 

8. B

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph G 


how such stirring could literally be the astonishing offender of the next small-ice age



Explanation: 


The line in Paragraph G explains that global warming, caused by the buildup of CO2 and the melting of Arctic ice, could paradoxically lead to a new small ice age. Terrence Joyce describes this process, showing the close connection between global warming and the potential for significant cooling events.
 

 

9. C

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph H 


Bob Dickson, a British oceanology who resonate an fear at a February discussion in Honolulu

 

Explanation: 


The line in Paragraph H shows that Bob Dickson, a British oceanologist, raised concerns about ocean water changes at a Honolulu conference. This indicates his role in alerting people to the significant alterations in ocean conditions, which could affect climate change.



 

Read more about A Guide on Most Common English Words Used in Daily Life!

 

Questions and Answers 10-13
  • Complete the flowchart below.
  • Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
  • Write your answers in boxes 10-13 on your answer sheet.

 

 

 


 

A New Ice Age Reading Answers with Explanations (10-13)

 

 

Type of question: Flow- Chart Completion

 

In the IELTS Reading section, flow chart completion questions require you to fill in missing information in a flow chart based on the provided reading passage. The flow chart represents a sequence of events, processes, or steps that are logically connected. The missing information can be words or phrases, and you need to extract this information directly from the passage.


 

How to best answer the question

 

  • Read the task instructions carefully, noting the word limit (usually NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER).
  • Skim the passage to understand its content and locate the process described in the flow chart.
  • Identify keywords in the flow chart to help find relevant information in the passage.
  • Locate these keywords and pay attention to the sequence of events.
  • Carefully read the sentences around the keywords to fill in the blanks, ensuring your answers fit logically and grammatically.


 

10. Heat

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph I 


loaded with hot immersed in the tropics, zigzags



Explanation: 


The line in Paragraph I describes the Gulf Stream as being loaded with heat from the tropics. This heat is carried northward, affecting the climate of the regions it passes through, and is crucial to understanding the flow of warm water and its impact on global temperatures.


 

11. Dense

 

Reference:

Paragraph J 


water converts thick



Explanation: 


The line in Paragraph J indicates that as the Gulf Stream water cools, it becomes dense and sinks. This process is essential for the functioning of the ocean conveyor belt, which plays a vital role in regulating global climate by circulating cold and warm water throughout the oceans.

 

12. Greater ocean conveyor

 

Reference:

Paragraph J 


This huge pillar of pouring cold is the chief engine powering a predicament current called the immense marine conveyor



Explanation: 


The line in Paragraph J describes the ocean conveyor belt, driven by the sinking of cold, dense water. This system, also known as the marine conveyor belt, distributes heat and maintains climate stability across the globe.
 

 

13. Pure water

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph J 


but as the North Atlantic fills with pure water, it develops less dense



Explanation: 


The line in Paragraph J explains that the addition of pure water (from melting ice) to the North Atlantic reduces the density of the water. This affects the sinking process that drives the ocean conveyor belt, potentially disrupting the entire system and leading to significant climate changes.


 

Read More:

 

 

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FAQs

Q. What types of questions are in the IELTS Reading section?

Ans. The IELTS Reading section features various question types including multiple-choice, true/false/not given, matching headings, summary completion, sentence completion, and short answer questions. These are designed to test a range of reading skills such as understanding main ideas, detail, logical argument, and recognizing writers' opinions, attitudes, and purposes.

Q. How long is the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. The IELTS Reading test lasts for 60 minutes. During this time, candidates must read three passages and answer a total of 40 questions. Time management is crucial to ensure all questions are attempted

Q. Can I write on the question paper?

Ans. Yes, candidates are allowed to write on the question paper, which can help note key points or highlight important information. However, only answers written on the answer sheet will be marked, so it is essential to transfer answers accurately.