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The Gulf Stream And Global Warming Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test

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Updated on Jul 02, 2024, 11:57

In the IELTS Reading section, candidates encounter a variety of texts designed to evaluate their ability to comprehend and analyse written information. This section is structured around three passages, each progressively more intricate in nature. These passages showcase different writing styles—descriptive, argumentative, and narrative—drawing from a broad spectrum of sources, including newspapers, magazines, scholarly journals, and academic texts. 

 

By presenting such diverse materials, the test aims to simulate the breadth of reading materials one might encounter in an English-speaking academic context. This diversity not only challenges candidates' reading skills but also prepares them for comprehending and engaging with academic content effectively. 


 

Therefore, success in this section not only hinges on linguistic proficiency but also on the capacity to navigate and interpret various types of written discourse fluently and accurately.

 

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1. The Gulf Stream And Global Warming 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. Why Being Bored is Stimulating Reading Questions and Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about The Gulf Stream And Global Warming

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1.

The Gulf Stream And Global Warming 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.

 

 

 

 


 

The Gulf Stream And Global Warming Reading Passage


 



Paragraph A: The Gulf Stream that flows from the Caribbean up the Atlantic coast of the United States and then turns northward into Europe is essential to marine life. When this water is exposed to the sun's heat in the tropics, it evaporates at a faster pace, making the water saltier. Along its course, the Gulf Stream splits into several branches, although the majority of its water flows north and east.

 

 

Paragraph B: Computer models are used to predict the impacts of global warming on the Gulf Stream, and these models produce results that vary. But, there are a number of key details that are already known. Formerly, as many as seven chimneys drew Gulf Stream water down into the ocean floor south of Greenland. Throughout the final few years, there was only one left, and in 2007, it vanished. Fresh water from melting glaciers may have contributed to the death of the chimneys.

 

 

Paragraph C: Historically, there have been temperature fluctuations on a global scale, as evidenced by changes in ocean sediments and glacial cores. A dip of around 5 degrees Celsius in average temperature brought on the previous Ice Age, when glaciers 2 miles thick covered much of North America and northern Europe. Twenty thousand years ago, that ice age finally melted away.

 

 

Paragraph D: Labrador and London lie at around the exact latitude, but Labrador is cold and contains only 30 miles of paved roadways while London is one of the main centers of civilization. Why do two places, equidistant from the Arctic Circle, have such disparate climates? The Gulf Stream that flows by the British Isles creates all the distinction: Its warm waters cause northwestern Europe so much with life that palm trees can actually grow on the southern shores of England.

 

 

Paragraph E: Most of the heat from the Gulf Stream dissipates as it reaches southeast Greenland and western Iceland, and the colder, denser water subsequently sink. In as many as seven huge vortices, or chimneys, the majority of the Gulf Stream is funnelled downward towards the ocean floor. They act like a vacuum, sucking water from the Gulf Stream to depths of nearly a mile, where it is absorbed by yet another whirling ocean current. About two miles below the ocean's surface, this icy water current moves in the opposite direction, from north to south.

 

 

Paragraph F: Reduced nutrient circulation in the ocean occurs when the slow, cold water from the lower half of the conveyor belt does not rise due to a weak Gulf Stream. This exacerbates the warming problem because less carbon dioxide is being removed from the atmosphere by the syphoning of surface water into the depths of the ocean.

 

 

Paragraph G: The Great Ocean Conveyor Belt describes the flow of warm water along the ocean's surface and cold water down the ocean floor. To keep the planet habitable, ocean currents have played a crucial role in maintaining a steady temperature distribution. The North Atlantic Currents are connected to the rest of the Great Conveyor Belt that circulates throughout the world's oceans. Of all parts of this worldwide stream, the North Atlantic is the one with the least consistency.

2.

The Gulf Stream And Global Warming Reading Questions & Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about The Gulf Stream And Global Warming

Questions and Answers 1-3
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Reading Passage?
In boxes 1-3 on your answer sheet, write

  • TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
  • FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
  • NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this in the passage

 

 

1.  As a result of the favourable climate provided by the Gulf Stream, the southern coast of England is home to palm trees.

2. Exposure to the sun's heat in the tropics causes this water to evaporate at a faster rate, increasing its salt content.

3. Experts are not sure about the causes of Global warming.

 

 

The Gulf Stream And Global Warming Reading Answers with Explanations (1-3)


 

Type of Question: True/False/Not Given


 

These types of questions involve choosing whether the statement is TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN  based on the given paragraph. 


 

How to best answer: 


 

  • Understand the question and focus on the specific information being asked.
  • Quickly scan the relevant part of the text to find information related to the question.
  • Compare the information in the text with the statement given in the question.
  • Base your answer solely on the information provided in the text; do not make assumptions.
  • Select TRUE if the statement matches the information in the text, FALSE if it contradicts, and NOT GIVEN if there is insufficient information to decide.


 

Answer 1: False



 

Reference: From Paragraph D, "Europe is so abundant with life that palm trees can actually grow on the southern shores of England."

 

Explanation: The statement is marked as False because it suggests the opinion that the favorable climate of the southern coast of England is solely due to the Gulf Stream, which is an oversimplification. The passage actually states that the Gulf Stream contributes to the favorable climate but not as the sole factor.

 

 

Answer 2: True



 

Reference: From Paragraph A, "When this water is exposed to the sun's heat in the tropics, it evaporates at a faster pace, making the water saltier."

 

Explanation: This statement is true because it directly describes the process by which exposure to the sun's heat in the tropics increases the evaporation rate of Gulf Stream water, thereby increasing its saltiness.

 

 

Answer 3: Not given



 

Reference: From Paragraph B, "But, there are a number of key details that are already known."

 

Explanation: The statement is marked as Not given because the passage does not provide explicit information about experts' uncertainty regarding the causes of global warming. The paragraph focuses on the variability of computer models predicting the impacts of global warming on the Gulf Stream rather than on experts' opinions about the causes of global warming.

 

Questions and Answers 4-9
  • The flow chart below shows a possible effect of global warming on the Gulf Stream.
  • Complete the flowchart using the list of words below.
  •  

    4. Glaciers
      —--------------------
                  
    5.   The ocean becomes
        _____________ 
                  
    6. The water doesn’t
        _____________
                    
      7. The Gulf stream current is
        _____________
                              
      8. The cold water at the southern end doesn’t
        ______________
                            
        9.  There is less ____________ available for sea life


     

    The Gulf Stream And Global Warming Reading Answers with Explanations (4-9)


     

    Type of Question: Flowchart Completion 


     

    To answer flow chart completion questions in IELTS reading, carefully follow the sequence in the flow chart, find specific details in the passage that match each step, and ensure the information fits logically into the flow chart diagram.



     

    How to best answer: 


     

    • Read the statements and paragraphs carefully to understand the context and meaning.
    • Identify keywords or key phrases in both the statements and paragraphs.
    • Look for direct matches between the statements and the content of the paragraphs.
    • Pay attention to synonyms or paraphrases that convey similar meanings.
    • Choose the paragraph that best aligns with the statement based on the information provided in the passage.


     

    Answer 4: Thaw



     

    Reference: From Paragraph F, "Much of Europe was affected by the last 'Little Ice Age,' which saw average temperatures dip by only 1 to 2 degrees Celsius, throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries."

     

    Explanation: The term "thaw" refers to the melting of glaciers during warmer periods, as described in the context of historical temperature fluctuations.

     

     

    Answer 5: Less Salty



     

    Reference: From Paragraph B, "When this water is exposed to the sun's heat in the tropics, it evaporates at a faster pace, making the water saltier."

     

    Explanation: The phrase "less salty" accurately reflects the outcome of increased evaporation in warmer temperatures, resulting in higher salinity levels.

     

     

    Answer 6: Sink


    Reference: From Paragraph E, "and western Iceland, and the colder, denser water subsequently sink."


    Explanation: The term "sink" describes the downward movement of colder, denser water towards the ocean floor, essential for ocean circulation patterns.

     

     

    Answer 7: Weakened



     

    Reference: From Paragraph D, "The Gulf Stream that flows by the British Isles creates all the distinction: Its warm waters cause northwestern Europe so much with life that palm trees can actually grow on the southern shores of England."

     

    Explanation: The term "weakened" is implied from the passage discussing the Gulf Stream's significant impact on the climate of northwestern Europe.

     

     

    Answer 8: Rise



     

    Reference: From Paragraph E, "conveyor belt does not rise due to a weak Gulf Stream."

     

    Explanation: The term "rise" refers to the upward movement of water in the ocean conveyor belt, hindered when the Gulf Stream weakens, affecting global ocean currents.

     

     

    Answer 9: Food


     

    Reference: From Paragraph C, "Fish and other marine organisms benefit from this upwelling because it replenishes their food supply with minerals and food from the trash at the ocean's bottom."

     


    Explanation: The word "food" accurately describes the nutrient-rich upwelling that supports marine life, crucially influenced by ocean temperature and circulation patterns.

    Questions and Answers 10-13
  • Multiple choice questions
  • Write the correct letter> A, B, or C, on lines 10—13 on your answer sheet.
  •  

     

    10. Labrador and London are similar in some ways.
    A. climate.
    B. distance from the North Pole.
    C. abundance of wildlife.

     

    11. Because Europe can support a large population,
    A. it has a lot of fresh water.
    B. it is at the proper latitude.
    C. it has a good climate for farming.

     

    12. The Gulf Stream sinks when it reaches the North Atlantic because
    A. it has become colder.
    B. it has become less salty.
    C. it is blown by the winds.

     

    13. Ocean currents contribute to the possibility of life on Earth because
    A. enable marine life to travel.
    B. maintain suitable temperatures.
    C. regulate glacial melt.


     

    The Gulf Stream And Global Warming Reading Answers with Explanations (10-13)


     

    Type of Question: Multiple Choice Questions


     

    These types of questions in IELTS reading involve identifying the right choice from the given options using the given paragraph. 


     

    How to best answer: 


     

    • Read the question carefully to grasp what information is being asked for.
    • Quickly scan all the provided options to understand the choices available.
    • Identify keywords or key phrases in the question and options that match information in the text.
    • Rule out options that are clearly incorrect based on the information in the passage.
    • Select the option that best fits the information given in the passage, even if it requires inference.


     

    10. B



     

    Reference: From Paragraph D, "Labrador and London lie at about the same latitude, but Labrador is frigid and has only 30 miles of paved roads while London is one of the major centres of civilization."

     

    Explanation: The answer is B because the question asks about similarities, specifically mentioning the latitude (distance from the North Pole), which is directly compared in the paragraph.

     

    11. C



     

    Reference: From Paragraph B, "The Gulf Stream warms the atmosphere as it passes Europe, and the prevailing westerly winds transport this air across all of northwestern Europe."

     

    Explanation: The correct answer is C because the passage explains how the Gulf Stream contributes to Europe's ability to support a large population by creating a favorable climate for farming.

     

    12. A


     

    Reference: From Paragraph E, "Most of the heat from the Gulf Stream dissipates as it reaches southeast Greenland and western Iceland, and the colder, denser water subsequently sinks."

     


    Explanation: Answer A is correct because it directly addresses why the Gulf Stream sinks in the North Atlantic, which is explained in the paragraph as the water becomes colder.

     

     

    13. B



     

    Reference: From Paragraph G, "The Great Ocean Conveyor Belt describes the flow of warm water along the ocean's surface and cold water down the ocean floor... ocean currents have played a crucial role in maintaining a steady temperature distribution."

     

    Explanation: The answer is B because the paragraph discusses how ocean currents, including the Gulf Stream, help maintain suitable temperatures globally, which is crucial for life on Earth.

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    FAQs

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

    Ans.  To manage time effectively during the IELTS Reading test, allocate approximately 20 minutes per passage. Skim the passage to grasp the main idea before reading the questions. Read questions first to identify keywords, then scan the text for answers. Avoid spending too much time on difficult questions; mark them and return if time permits. Practice with timed tests to improve speed and accuracy, ensuring you can finish all questions within the allotted time.


     

    Q. What are some good sources for practice materials for the IELTS Reading test?

    Ans. Reliable sources for IELTS Reading practice materials include official IELTS practice books like "The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS" and "IELTS Trainer." Websites such as IELTS.org, British Council, and Magoosh offer free practice tests and tips. Additionally, consider using apps like IELTS Prep or Cambridge IELTS books, which provide real exam questions and detailed answer keys. These resources help familiarize you with the test format and improve your reading skills.


     

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

    Ans. To enhance comprehension skills for the IELTS Reading test, practice reading materials like newspapers, journals, and academic articles to improve reading speed and understanding. Focus on summarizing paragraphs to grasp main ideas and supporting details. Build vocabulary through regular reading and note-taking. Additionally, practice past IELTS reading papers under timed conditions to develop effective skimming and scanning techniques, enhancing your ability to locate and understand information quickly.