Học lại bài cũ: IELTS Reading 62: The Role of Small Businesses.
IELTS Reading: Economic impact on the environment
In recent decades, economic growth has been linked directly to environmental challenges. Industrialization and global trade, both engines of economic progress, have been central to the transformation of economies. However, these processes have often resulted in environmental degradation, pollution, and a higher carbon footprint. Factories worldwide contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, and international shipping adds to the ecological burden by increasing carbon emissions and oceanic waste.
The pursuit of economic prosperity often leads to deforestation and land exploitation, particularly in developing countries. Forests, known as vital carbon sinks, are frequently cleared to make way for agriculture, livestock farming, or urban development. This not only leads to the destruction of biodiversity but also increases the concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change.
Another issue is waste management. With the surge in consumerism, the amount of waste generated has skyrocketed, much of which is not biodegradable. Plastics and other non-renewable materials end up in oceans and landfills, affecting marine life and polluting soil and water resources. Additionally, e-waste from discarded electronics is a growing concern, releasing toxic materials that contaminate the environment.
While developed nations are often the largest contributors to environmental harm, developing nations face the most severe consequences. Due to limited resources, these countries struggle to implement strict environmental policies or invest in sustainable technologies. Consequently, they face air and water pollution that affects public health and reduces life expectancy.
To mitigate these environmental impacts, countries and corporations have started investing in green technologies and sustainable practices. Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power are becoming more popular. There are also efforts to encourage sustainable farming, reduce waste through recycling, and protect natural resources. However, these initiatives require substantial financial investment and commitment, which not all economies are ready or able to make.
The economic impact on the environment remains a complex issue, with many countries facing the challenge of balancing growth with sustainability. Solutions demand cooperation among governments, industries, and citizens worldwide.
Questions
1. Multiple Choice (Chọn đáp án đúng)
- What is the main cause of environmental degradation as mentioned in the passage?
A. Deforestation
B. Industrialization and global trade
C. Agriculture
D. Transportation - Which of the following is a consequence of consumerism?
A. Reduction in greenhouse gases
B. Increase in e-waste
C. Sustainable farming
D. Forest conservation - According to the passage, what is one major challenge faced by developing countries?
A. They produce more waste than developed countries.
B. They struggle with limited resources to implement policies.
C. They have no access to renewable energy.
D. They do not face public health issues.
2. True/False/Not Given (Đúng/Sai/Không có thông tin)
- International shipping has no significant impact on the environment.
- Developing nations are less affected by pollution compared to developed countries.
- Recycling is mentioned as one of the methods to reduce environmental harm.
3. Yes/No/Not Given (Có/Không/Không có thông tin)
- The author believes economic growth is harmful to the environment.
- The passage suggests that only governments are responsible for environmental protection.
- The author thinks that developing countries should receive financial support for sustainable practices.
4. Matching Information (Ghép thông tin)
Match the following information to the correct paragraph (A, B, C, or D):
- Information about the consequences of deforestation.
- Details on renewable energy sources being adopted.
- Discussion about the impact of consumerism on waste production.
- Challenges faced by developing countries in managing environmental issues.
5. Matching Headings (Ghép tiêu đề)
Choose the correct heading for each paragraph:
- The role of industrialization in environmental degradation
- Economic pressures on forests and land resources
- Problems with waste management in a consumer-driven world
- Solutions and challenges in sustainable development
6. Matching Sentence Endings (Ghép kết thúc câu)
Match the beginning of each sentence with the correct ending:
- Forests play an important role in…
A. …by implementing sustainable farming techniques.
B. …reducing CO₂ in the atmosphere.
C. …increasing biodiversity worldwide. - Many countries are investing in renewable energy to…
A. …reduce their reliance on industrialization.
B. …generate more profit from tourism.
C. …minimize their environmental impact. - Consumerism leads to an increase in waste, much of which…
A. …is biodegradable and causes no harm.
B. …ends up polluting oceans and landfills.
C. …promotes sustainable lifestyles.
7. Sentence Completion (Hoàn thành câu)
Complete each sentence with an appropriate word or phrase from the passage:
- Factories worldwide contribute significantly to _____________.
- The rise in consumerism has led to an increase in _____________ waste.
- Developing nations often struggle to implement _____________ policies.
8. Summary Completion (Hoàn thành bản tóm tắt)
Complete the summary below using words from the passage:
Economic growth has been a significant factor in causing _____________ and pollution. The increased demand for goods has led to more waste, with much of it ending up in _____________ and affecting the environment. Developing countries face difficulties as they lack the _____________ to enforce environmental protection measures.
9. Diagram Label Completion (Hoàn thành nhãn sơ đồ)
Label the diagram below with words from the passage:
[Diagram: Illustration of carbon cycle and deforestation impact]
- _____________ increases CO₂ concentration.
- _____________ act as carbon sinks.
- Land exploitation for _____________ reduces forest area.
10. Short Answer Questions (Câu hỏi trả lời ngắn)
Answer the following questions using no more than three words:
- What type of waste is a growing concern due to toxic materials?
- What are countries investing in to minimize environmental damage?
- What resource do developing nations often lack to tackle environmental issues?
11. Table/Flowchart/Note Completion (Hoàn thành bảng/sơ đồ dòng/chú thích)
Complete the table below using words from the passage:
| Problem | Cause | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Greenhouse gases | Factories worldwide | _____________ |
| _____________ | Increase in consumerism | Ocean pollution and landfill |
| Deforestation | _____________ | Increased CO₂ concentration |
Đáp án
1. Multiple Choice (Chọn đáp án đúng)
- B. Industrialization and global trade
- B. Increase in e-waste
- B. They struggle with limited resources to implement policies
2. True/False/Not Given (Đúng/Sai/Không có thông tin)
- False
- False
- True
3. Yes/No/Not Given (Có/Không/Không có thông tin)
- Yes
- No
- Not Given
4. Matching Information (Ghép thông tin)
- B
- D
- C
- C
5. Matching Headings (Ghép tiêu đề)
- A
- B
- C
- D
6. Matching Sentence Endings (Ghép kết thúc câu)
- B. …reducing CO₂ in the atmosphere.
- C. …minimize their environmental impact.
- B. …ends up polluting oceans and landfills.
7. Sentence Completion (Hoàn thành câu)
- greenhouse gas emissions
- non-biodegradable
- environmental
8. Summary Completion (Hoàn thành bản tóm tắt)
- environmental degradation
- oceans and landfills
- resources
9. Diagram Label Completion (Hoàn thành nhãn sơ đồ)
- Deforestation
- Forests
- agriculture
10. Short Answer Questions (Câu hỏi trả lời ngắn)
- e-waste
- green technologies
- resources
11. Table/Flowchart/Note Completion (Hoàn thành bảng/sơ đồ dòng/chú thích)
| Problem | Cause | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Greenhouse gases | Factories worldwide | Pollution |
| Waste | Increase in consumerism | Ocean pollution and landfill |
| Deforestation | Land exploitation | Increased CO₂ concentration |
