Talk Icon

Practice 100+ speaking topics!

Star rating icon

4.2

1M+ Installs

Get App

leap-scholar-logo
hamburger-menu

Making Every Drop Count Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test

updated at

Updated on Jul 02, 2024, 11:57

In the IELTS Reading section, your reading comprehension skills are tested. Lasting for 60 minutes, this segment comprises three passages, each accompanied by a series of questions spanning various formats like multiple choice, matching headings, and True/False/Not Given. Success here hinges on your ability to grasp key information, discern main ideas, and infer meaning from context.

 

To ace the IELTS Reading section, adopt effective reading strategies such as skimming for main ideas and scanning for specific details. Regular practice with sample questions and exposure to different question types will sharpen your skills for test day.

 

Prepare for an enlightening exploration of "Making Every Drop Count," an insightful look into the critical issues of water conservation and management. Delve into the importance of water resources, the challenges faced in preserving them, and the innovative solutions being implemented worldwide. Through engaging passages and accompanying questions, enrich your understanding of how every drop of water is counted and conserved for future generations.

On this page

Arrow right
Slider image

1. Making Every Drop Count 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. 

Slider image

2. Making Every Drop Count Reading Question & Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Making Every Drop Count

More for you

Boost your IELTS Reading score

Book Free Reading class arrow right

See how to score 8+ in Speaking. 

 

Get proven strategies to ace your IELTS Speaking test.

Learn More arrow right
3/3
1.

Making Every Drop Count 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.

 

 

 

 

Making Every Drop Count Reading Passage


 

 

Paragraph A 

The history of human civilisation, right from the golden age, evolved parallel to the history of the ways we learnt to handle water and its resources across the globe. As urban areas expanded slowly and steadily, water resources were taken rapidly from remote sources, amounting to luxury engineering impacts like aqueducts, dams, and so on. During the Roman Empire's era, nine major systems had a drastic change with the help of a sophisticated idea of sewers, pipelines, etc. Such engineering advancements by the Roman occupants provided as much water per individual person as it has in many industrial areas today. 

 

Paragraph B

It was evident that the demand for water resources rose exponentially due to the Industrial Revolution and population growth in the 19th and 20th centuries. Moreover, enormous monuments and other tens and thousands of engineering projects were built, incorporating flood control systems, clean water supply, irrigation and hydropower projects that brought happiness to millions of human lives. There was also a food supply growing to compensate for the soaring population due to the spread of artificial irrigation systems that ensure a potential growth of 40% of the world's food. Almost one-fifth of the current electricity produced across the world is generated using big turbines spun by the power of a tsunami.

 

Paragraph C

However, there is a negative face to this picture. Besides our reach, nearly 50 per cent of the world’s human population still faces hurdles, with water resources lesser than those had by the ancient Greeks and Romans. According to the United Nations (UN) report on access to water reemphasised in the month of November 2001, above one billion people are deprived of clean drinking water, and almost two and a half billion people do not have access to necessary sanitation facilities. Avoidable diseases pertaining to water kill an estimated 11,000 to 22,000 children every day, and recent proof reveals that we need to speed up the process of solving problems before it is too late.

 

Paragraph D

The repercussions of our water policy framework extend not just to jeopardising human health but also to mere existence. Millions of people coerced to shift from their homes permanently- with some warning or temporary relief - to give space for the reservoirs behind water dams. 20 percent and above of all freshwater fish species are now under serious threat or endangered mainly due to dams and water reservoirs. Withdrawals have stopped the natural flow of river water where they live and survive. It eventually destroyed the entire ecosystem. There are some best irrigation methods that lead to soil degradation and deteriorated production of agriculture. Apart from that, groundwater aquifers (underground water stored) are used faster than they are naturally refilled in different parts of China, India, the US and elsewhere. And problems related to shared water resources have caused unnecessary troubles and persist in causing local, national, and international disturbances.

 

Paragraph E

In the beginning of the new millennium, the way policymakers plan for water resources is beginning to take a twist. Their aim is to gradually move towards basic human and environmental needs as the highest priority. It is to ensure 'some for all', rather than 'more for some'. A few environmentalists and water experts suggest that existing infrastructure facilities could be utilised in an efficient way instead of constructing new buildings. However, it has been taken into consideration. This philosophical change is not universal yet, as it's strongly opposed by certain organisations, that closely work for water security. In spite of that, it could be the ideal way to correctly tackle the overwhelming problem of serving everyone with clean water. It is to drink and grow food and create a society free from water-borne diseases.

 

Paragraph F

Fortunately - and without anticipating - the water demand is not increasing as rapidly as some estimated. Because of that, the intense pressure to construct many water infrastructures has been destroyed for more than two decades from now. Even though the human population, industries, and economic development seem to fly high in developed countries, the frequency at which the public does not consume water from aquifers, rivers, and lakes has decreased. Moreover, in a few parts of the world, the demand for water has seriously dipped to some extent.

 

 

Paragraph G

How do these remarkable events take place? Well! There are two major factors involved: people have noticed how efficiently water can be used, and similarly, communities at large started thinking about their priorities on the usage of water. Right from the 20th century, on average, the amount of freshwater consumption per individual has doubled; in the US, the withdrawal of water increased ten times higher, while the population increased four times higher. However, if we look from 1980, the amount of water consumption has decreased per individual, it's all because of new inventions and technologies that support the preservation of water in homes and industries. For example, in 1965, Japan consumed exactly 13 million gallons (1 gallon equals 4.546 litres) of water for the purpose of $1 million of commercial output; by 1989, this amount of consumption had decreased drastically to 3.5 million gallons (even taking inflation into account) - almost four times higher of water productivity. Meanwhile, in the USA, water withdrawals were at their peak in 1980, but it has fallen by more than 20 per cent.

 

Paragraph H

Nevertheless, aqueducts, water dams and other forms of infrastructure need to be built, especially in emerging countries where the basic human needs did not come into place. However, those infrastructure projects must be constructed with more specifications, more accountability to local people and their environment than in the past. Moreover, in areas where new projects receive a warranty, we should still discover new ways to meet demands with limited available resources without compromising ecological criteria. All these things need to be done with a smaller budget.

2.

Making Every Drop Count Reading Question & Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Making Every Drop Count

Questions and Answers 1-5
  • Choose the correct letter, a, b, c, or d.

 

 

1. 1 gallon is equal to 

 

  1. 4.555 litres
  2. 4.565 litres
  3. 4.547 litres
  4. 4.546 litres

 

2. During the Roman empire, nine major systems had a big change due to?

 

  1. Idea of sewers, pipelines
  2. Water management system
  3. Sophisticated infrastructure facilities
  4. Dams, reservoirs

 

3. In the USA, water withdrawals had fallen by more than?

 

  1. 23 per cent
  2. 21 per cent
  3. 20 per cent
  4. 50 per cent

 

4. In emerging countries, what forms of infrastructure need to be built?

 

  1. Water dams
  2. Aqueducts
  3. Both a and b
  4. None of the above 

 

5. The irrigation system leads to

 

  1. Water pollution
  2. Soil degradation
  3. Tsunami
  4. All of the above 


 

Making Every Drop Count  Reading Answers with Explanations (1-5)

 

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.

 

 

1. d. 4.546 litres

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph G 

1 gallon equals 4.546 litres

 

Explanation

The line explicitly states that 1 gallon equals 4.546 litres, confirming the answer.


 

2. a. Idea of sewers, pipelines

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph A 

During the Roman Empire's era, nine major systems had a drastic change with the help of a sophisticated idea of sewers, pipelines, etc.
 

Explanation

The paragraph highlights that the significant change during the Roman Empire was due to the implementation of sewers and pipelines.


 

3. c. 20 per cent

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph  G 

In the USA, water withdrawals were at their peak in 1980, but it has fallen by more than 20 per cent.
 

Explanation

The paragraph clearly mentions that water withdrawals in the USA have decreased by more than 20 percent since 1980.


 

4. c. Both a and b

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph H 

aqueducts, water dams and other forms of infrastructure need to be built, especially in emerging countries where the basic human needs did not come into place.
 

Explanation

The paragraph states that both aqueducts and water dams are necessary infrastructure in emerging countries.


 

5. b. Soil degradation

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph  D 

There are some best irrigation methods that lead to soil degradation and deteriorated production of agriculture.

 

Explanation

The paragraph indicates that certain irrigation methods cause soil degradation and negatively affect agricultural production.

Questions and Answers 6-10
  • Complete the summary below.
  • Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER from the passage for each answer.

 

 

6) ___________ and above of all freshwater fish species are now under serious threat or 7) _____________ mainly due to dams and water reservoirs withdrawals have stopped the natural flow of river water where they live and survive. It eventually destroyed the 8) ____________. There are some best irrigation methods that lead to soil degradation and deteriorated production of 9) __________. Apart from that, groundwater aquifers (underground water stored) are used faster than they are naturally refilled in different parts of China, India, 10) __________ and elsewhere.

 

Making Every Drop Count Reading Answers with Explanations (6-10)

 

Type of Question: Summary Completion

 

Summary completion questions provide a summary of part of the reading passage with several blanks. Your task is to fill in these blanks with appropriate words or phrases from the passage. The summary may cover a whole passage or a part of it, focusing on key points and main ideas.
 

How to best answer this question:

 

  • Quickly skim the passage to get an idea of its main ideas and structure.
  • Focus on keywords in the summary and look for them or their synonyms in the passage.
  • Carefully read the instructions to know the word limit and any specific guidelines.
  • Identify the part of the passage related to the summary. This often involves scanning for keywords or phrases.
  • Ensure the words you choose fit grammatically and contextually within the summary.
  • After filling in the blanks, review the summary to ensure it makes sense and adheres to the word limit.


 

6. 20 per cent

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph  D

20 per cent and above of all freshwater fish species are now under serious threat.

 

Explanation

The line directly states that over 20 per cent of freshwater fish species are seriously threatened.


 

7. endangered

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph D 

20 per cent and above of all freshwater fish species are now under serious threat or endangered, mainly due to dams and water reservoirs.
 

Explanation

The line indicates that these fish species are endangered primarily because of dams and reservoirs.


 

8. entire ecosystem

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph D 

It eventually destroyed the entire ecosystem.

 

Explanation

The passage mentions that the stoppage of natural river flows has led to the destruction of whole ecosystems.


 

9. agriculture

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph D

There are some best irrigation methods that lead to soil degradation and deteriorated production of agriculture.

 

Explanation

The passage explains how certain irrigation methods degrade soil and reduce agricultural productivity.


 

10. the US

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph D 

groundwater aquifers (underground water stored) are used faster than they are naturally refilled in different parts of China, India, the US and elsewhere.

 

Explanation

The line specifies that groundwater aquifers in China, India, and the US are being depleted faster than they can be naturally replenished.

Questions and Answers 11-13
  • Answer the questions below.
  • Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER from the passage for each answer.

 

 

11. For how many years has the intense pressure to build water infrastructure been destroyed? 

12. Millions of people were forced to move from their homes permanently with what? 

13. During which centuries did the water resources demand rise exponentially due to the industrial revolution? 


 

Making Every Drop Count Reading Answers with Explanations (11-13)

 

Type of Question: Short Answer

 

Short answer questions in the IELTS Reading section require you to read a passage and answer questions using a limited number of words, typically no more than two or three. These questions test your ability to locate specific information within the text and understand detailed facts.

 

How to best answer this question:

 

  • Identify keywords in the question and scan the passage to locate the relevant section.
  • Once you find the keywords, read the surrounding sentences to grasp the context and find the precise answer.
  • Ensure your answers adhere to the word limit specified in the instructions.
  • Regular practice with past IELTS reading materials will improve your ability to quickly locate and identify relevant information.

 

 

11. two decades

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph F 

the intense pressure to construct many water infrastructures has been destroyed for more than two decades from now.
 

Explanation

This paragraph discusses the reduction in pressure to build water infrastructure over the past twenty years.


 

12. temporary relief

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph D 

Millions of people are coerced to shift from their homes permanently- with some warning or temporary relief.
 

Explanation

This paragraph explains the consequences of water policies, including forced relocations with temporary relief for affected people.


 

13. 19th & 20th centuries

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph B 

It was evident that the demand for water resources rose exponentially due to the Industrial Revolution and population growth in the 19th and 20th centuries.
 

Explanation

This paragraph details the historical rise in water demand during the Industrial Revolution and subsequent population growth in the 19th and 20th centuries.

ielts logo

Get the IELTS Prep App

Star rating icon

4.2

1M+ Installs

app download banner image

Get the app link on your phone

+91

Or download app from

google play storeapp store

Next Up

IELTS Reading Practice Test

Read Now Read now

IELTS Speaking Practice Test

Read Now Read now

IELTS Practice Test

Read Now Read now

IELTS Listening Practice Test

Read Now Read now

IELTS Writing Practice Test

Read Now Read now

Top Reading Samples with Answers

IELTS Important Information

Read More about IELTS Practice Test

IELTS Accepting Universities

IELTS Test Centre and Dates in India

IELTS Accepting Countries

FAQs

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

Ans. The IELTS Reading section features a range of question types, including multiple-choice, True/False/Not Given, matching headings, matching information, sentence completion, summary completion, and note completion. Familiarize yourself with these formats to develop effective test-taking strategies.

Q. How can I manage my time effectively during the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. To manage your time efficiently, allocate approximately 20 minutes per passage. Skim the text to grasp the main ideas and scan for specific details when answering questions. Practising with timed reading tests will help you improve your ability to complete the section within the 60-minute timeframe.

Q. How can I improve my comprehension skills for the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. Enhance your comprehension skills by regularly reading a variety of texts and practising skimming and scanning techniques. Focus on expanding your vocabulary and using context clues to understand unfamiliar words. Additionally, regularly taking practice tests will help you become more familiar with the test format and question types.