Global Warming In New Zealand - IELTS Reading Answers & Explanations
From IELTS Recent Actual Test 4 Academic Reading Test 5 · Part 3 · Questions 27–40
Reading Passage
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 27-40, which are based on Reading Passage 3 below.
Global Warming in New Zealand
For many environmentalists, the world seems to be getting warmer. As the nearest country of South Polar Region, New Zealand has maintained an upward trend in its average temperature in the past few years. However, the temperature in New Zealand will go up 4°C in the next century while the polar region will go up more than 6°C. The different pictures of temperature stem from its surrounding ocean which acts like the air conditioner. Thus New Zealand is comparatively fortunate.
Scientifically speaking, this temperature phenomenon in New Zealand originated from what researchers call “SAM” (Southern Annular Mode), which refers to the wind belt that circles the Southern Oceans including New Zealand and Antarctica. Yet recent work has revealed that changes in SAM in New Zealand have resulted in a weakening of moisture during the summer, and more rainfall in other seasons. A bigger problem may turn out to be heavier droughts for agricultural activities because of more water loss from soil, resulting in poorer harvest before winter when the rainfall arrive too late to rescue.
Among all the calamities posed by drought, moisture deficit ranks the first. Moisture deficit is the gap between the water plants need during the growing season and the water the earth can offer. Measures of moisture deficit were at their highest since the 1970s in New Zealand. Meanwhile, ecological analyses clearly show moisture deficit is imposed at different growth stage of crops. If moisture deficit occurs around a crucial growth stage, it will cause about 22% reduction in grain yield as opposed to moisture deficit at vegetative phase.
Global warming is not only affecting agriculture production. When scientists say the country’s snow pack and glaciers are melting at an alarming rate due to global warming, the climate is putting another strain on the local places. For example, when the development of global warming is accompanied by the falling snow line, the local skiing industry comes into a crisis. The snow line may move up as the temperature goes up, and then the snow at the bottom will melt earlier. Fortunately, it is going to be favourable for the local skiing industry to tide over tough periods since the quantities of snowfall in some areas are more likely to increase.
What is the reaction of glacier region? The climate change can be reflected in the glacier region in southern New Zealand or land covered by ice and snow. The reaction of a glacier to a climatic change involves a complex chain of processes. Over time periods of years to several decades, cumulative changes in mass balance cause volume and thickness changes, which will affect the flow of ice via altered internal deformation and basal sliding. This dynamic reaction finally leads to glacier length changes, the advance or retreat of glacier tongues. Undoubtedly, glacier mass balance is a more direct signal of annual atmospheric conditions.
The latest research result of National Institute of Water and Atmospheric (NIWA) Research shows that glaciers line keeps moving up because of the impacts of global warming. Further losses of ice can be reflected in Mt. Cook Region. By 1996, a 14 km long sector of the glacier had melted down forming a melt lake (Hooker Lake) with a volume. Melting of the glacier front at a rate of 40 m/yr will cause the glacier to retreat at a rather uniform rate. Therefore, the lake will continue to grow until it reaches the glacier bed.
A direct result of the melting glaciers is the change of high tides that serves the main factor for sea level rise. The trend of sea level rise will bring a threat to the groundwater system for its hyper-saline groundwater and then pose a possibility to decrease the agricultural production. Many experts believe that the best way to counter this trend is to give a longer-term view of sea level change in New Zealand. Indeed, the coastal boundaries need to be upgraded and redefined.
There is no doubt that global warming has affected New Zealand in many aspects. The emphasis on the global warming should be based on the joints efforts of local people and experts who conquer the tough period. For instance, farmers are taking a long term, multi-generational approach to adjust the breeds and species according to the temperature. Agriculturists also find ways to tackle the problems that may bring to the soil. In broad terms, going forward, the systemic resilience that’s been going on a long time in the ecosystem will continue.
How about animals’ reaction? Experts have surprisingly realised that animals have unconventional adaptation to global warming. A study has looked at sea turtles on a few northern beaches in New Zealand and it is very interesting to find that sea turtles can become male of female according to the temperature. Further researches will try to find out how rising temperatures would affect the ratio of sex reversal in their growth. Clearly, the temperature of the nest plays a vital role in the sexes of the baby turtles.
Tackling the problems of global warming is never easy in New Zealand, because records show the slow process of global warming may have a different impact on various regions. For New Zealand, the emission of carbon dioxide only accounts for 0.5% of the world’s total, which has met the governmental standard. However, New Zealand’s effort counts only a tip of the iceberg. So far, global warming has been a world issue that still hangs in an ambiguous future.
Questions
Questions 27–32 Multiple Choice (One Answer)
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
Questions 33–35 Summary Completion
Complete the summary below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
Research data shows that sea level has a closely relation with the change of climate. The major reason for the increase in sea level is connected with 33. The increase in sea level is also said to have a threat to the underground water system, the destruction of which caused by rise of sea level will lead to a high probability of reduction in 34. In the long run, New Zealanders may have to improve the 35 if they want to diminish the effect change in sea levels.
Questions 36–40 Yes / No / Not Given
Do the following statements agree with the claims of the writer in Reading Passage 3?
YES if the statement agrees with the claims of the writer
NO if the statement contradicts the claims of the writer
NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q27 | D | However, the temperature in New Zealand will go up 4°C in the next century while the polar region will go up more than 6°C. The different pictures of temperature stem from its surrounding ocean which acts like the air conditioner. Thus New Zealand is comparatively fortunate | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that New Zealand's temperature will rise by 4°C in the next 100 years, but the cold area near the South Pole will rise by more than 6°C. This difference happens because the ocean all around New Zealand works like a cooler, protecting it from getting too hot compared to other places. Because of this, New Zealand is luckier. Answer Explanation: The answer means that New Zealand's temperature will not go up as much as other places in the next 100 years. This is because it is surrounded by the sea. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is D because the first paragraph clearly states two important facts. First, it mentions that New Zealand's expected temperature increase (4°C) is less than that of the polar region (more than 6°C) in the next century, implying it will 'increase less than that of other regions'. Second, it explains that this difference in temperature comes from its 'surrounding ocean which acts like the air conditioner', which means the sea helps keep its temperature cooler compared to other places. |
| Q28 | B | Yet recent work has revealed that changes in SAM in New Zealand have resulted in a weakening of moisture during the summer, and more rainfall in other seasons. A bigger problem may turn out to be heavier droughts for agricultural activities because of more water loss from soil, resulting in poorer harvest before winter when the rainfall arrive too late to rescue | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that changes in the wind belt (SAM) mean less wet air in summer and more rain at other times. But a bigger issue is that it causes very dry periods (droughts) for farms, because the soil loses water. This means plants cannot grow well and there will be less food, especially when rain comes too late in winter to help. Answer Explanation: The answer means that because of the wind belt, New Zealand will experience dry periods, called droughts, more often during the hot times of the year. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because the passage explains that changes in the 'wind belt' (called SAM) cause less moisture during the summer. This lack of water leads to 'heavier droughts' which means very dry periods, especially bad for farming. Droughts happen when there is not enough rain, usually in hotter months, causing a 'loss from soil' and bad crops. |
| Q29 | A | If moisture deficit occurs around a crucial growth stage, it will cause about 22% reduction in grain yield as opposed to moisture deficit at vegetative phase | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that if plants don't get enough water at a very important time, they will make 22% less grain. This shows that the plants face difficult conditions when there's a lack of water. Answer Explanation: The answer means that when there is not enough water for plants, it becomes very hard for them to grow well. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is chosen because the passage explains that moisture deficit causes a big problem for farming. It directly states that if there isn't enough water during an important time for crops, it will lead to a 'reduction in grain yield'. This phrase 'reduction in grain yield' clearly means that the crops will not produce as much, making the growing 'condition' very 'tough' for them. |
| Q30 | C | Fortunately, it is going to be favourable for the local skiing industry to tide over tough periods since the quantities of snowfall in some areas are more likely to increase | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that good news for the local skiing business is that they can get through hard times because some places might get more snow. Answer Explanation: The answer is C. This means that in some places where people ski, there might be more snow falling. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because the passage states that even though global warming causes the snow line to move up and snow to melt earlier, there's a positive side for the skiing industry. It says that the amount of snowfall in *some areas* is actually expected to go up. This increased snowfall is what helps the skiing industry during difficult times. |
| Q31 | A | Over time periods of years to several decades, cumulative changes in mass balance cause volume and thickness changes, which will affect the flow of ice via altered internal deformation and basal sliding | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that over many years, all the small changes in a glacier's total ice (mass balance) lead to changes in its size (volume) and how thick it is. These size and thickness changes then affect how the ice moves inside and at its bottom. Answer Explanation: The answer says that changes in how much ice a glacier has over many years will make the glacier's size and thickness different. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because the passage clearly states that 'cumulative changes in mass balance' – which means total changes in a glacier's ice over time – directly 'cause volume and thickness changes'. This means the glacier will get bigger or smaller, or fatter or thinner. The other options describe effects that happen later or are not as directly caused by the changes in mass balance. |
| Q32 | A | Further losses of ice can be reflected in Mt. Cook Region. By 1996, a 14 km long sector of the glacier had melted down forming a melt lake (Hooker Lake) with a volume. Melting of the glacier front at a rate of 40 m/yr will cause the glacier to retreat at a rather uniform rate | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that more ice is melting in the 'Mt. Cook Region'. It gives a specific case: by 1996, a 14-kilometer part of a glacier melted and created a lake called Hooker Lake. It also mentions that the glacier is melting at a steady speed, making the lake grow bigger. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the writer talks about NIWA to give a specific real-world example of what happens when glaciers melt because of global warming. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because the sixth paragraph first mentions the research from NIWA (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research) which shows glaciers are melting. Then, the passage immediately gives the 'Mt. Cook Region' as a 'further loss of ice' example. It explains how a large part of a glacier there 'melted down forming a melt lake (Hooker Lake)', showing a clear impact of glacier melting. This detailed explanation serves as a 'particular example' of the 'effects brought by glacier melting'. |
| Q33 | high tides | A direct result of the melting glaciers is the change of high tides that serves the main factor for sea level rise | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that when glaciers melt, it directly causes the 'high tides' to change. These changing high tides are the most important reason why the sea level is going up. Answer Explanation: The answer is 'high tides'. This means that big changes in the ocean's water level, like when the water comes very high up on the shore, are the main reason why the sea is getting higher. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'high tides' because the passage clearly states that the 'change of high tides' is the 'main factor' causing the sea level to rise. This information comes from the section discussing the results of melting glaciers. So, the rising sea is mostly due to these 'high tides'. |
| Q34 | agricultural production | The trend of sea level rise will bring a threat to the groundwater system for its hyper-saline groundwater and then pose a possibility to decrease the agricultural production | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that when the sea level goes up, it will harm the water underground because that water will get very salty. This salty underground water will then cause farm work, like growing crops, to go down. Answer Explanation: The answer 'agricultural production' means making food, plants, and crops from farming. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer 'agricultural production' is explained in the seventh paragraph of the passage. This paragraph talks about how the 'trend of sea level rise' is a problem for the 'groundwater system' because it makes the water too salty. The passage then clearly states that this will 'decrease the agricultural production', which means there will be less food grown from farming. |
| Q35 | coastal boundaries | Indeed, the coastal boundaries need to be upgraded and redefined | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that the edges of the land where it meets the ocean, called 'coastal boundaries', must be made better or clearly marked again. This is because the sea level is going up. Answer Explanation: The answer, 'coastal boundaries', means the lines where the land meets the sea. To deal with rising sea levels, New Zealand might need to change or move these lines. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'coastal boundaries' because the passage states that experts believe one way to handle the problem of rising sea levels is to update these boundaries. The text clearly mentions that these areas need to be 'upgraded and redefined' to lessen the impact of sea level changes on New Zealand. |
| Q36 | NOT GIVEN | For instance, farmers are taking a long term, multi-generational approach to adjust the breeds and species according to the temperature. Agriculturists also find ways to tackle the problems that may bring to the soil | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that farmers are changing their crops and animals over many years to match the new temperatures. It also says that agriculturists (people who study farming) are finding solutions for soil problems caused by climate change. This shows both groups are working on the issues, but it doesn't compare who is doing more or less. Answer Explanation: The answer 'NOT GIVEN' means that the passage does not say if farmers are less responsive to climate change than agriculturists. The information to agree or disagree with this statement is not in the text. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'NOT GIVEN' because the passage mentions how both farmers and agriculturists are responding to climate change, but it does not compare their level of responsiveness. The text states that 'farmers are taking a long term, multi-generational approach to adjust the breeds and species according to the temperature' and that 'Agriculturists also find ways to tackle the problems that may bring to the soil.' While both groups are shown to be active in addressing climate change, the passage never implies that one group is 'less responsive' than the other. Thus, there is no information to support or deny the statement. |
| Q37 | NOT GIVEN | For instance, farmers are taking a long term, multi-generational approach to adjust the breeds and species according to the temperature. Agriculturists also find ways to tackle the problems that may bring to the soil | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that farmers are working to change their animals and plants over many years to fit new temperatures. It also says that farming experts are looking for solutions to problems that climate change causes for the soil. This shows efforts are being made by some in the farming community. Answer Explanation: The answer 'NOT GIVEN' means that the passage does not have enough information to say if the statement is true or false. The writer does not mention whether the farming industry is too slow or unwilling to change because of global warming. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'NOT GIVEN' because the passage describes some positive actions taken by farmers and 'agriculturists' (people who study farming) to deal with climate change. For example, it mentions that 'farmers are taking a long term, multi-generational approach to adjust the breeds and species according to the temperature' and that 'agriculturists also find ways to tackle the problems.' While these examples show that some parts of the agricultural sector are actively responding, the passage does not make a general claim or judgment about the *entire* sector being 'too conservative and resistant.' It doesn't give enough information to confirm or deny the statement's overall claim about the agricultural sector's attitude or how successfully it is dealing with climate change. |
| Q38 | NO | Experts have surprisingly realised that animals have unconventional adaptation to global warming. A study has looked at sea turtles on a few northern beaches in New Zealand and it is very interesting to find that sea turtles can become male of female according to the temperature | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that scientists have found something surprising: animals can adapt in a special way to global warming. For example, sea turtles in New Zealand can become a boy or a girl baby based on how warm it is. This shows they have a unique way to handle temperature changes, not that they are easily hurt. Answer Explanation: The answer, 'NO', means that the text says turtles are not easily hurt or damaged by changes in the weather caused by global warming. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is NO because the passage explains that animals, specifically sea turtles, show an 'unconventional adaptation to global warming'. This means they have a special and unique way to adjust to the changing temperatures. The passage mentions that sea turtles can become male or female depending on the temperature, rather than being harmed by it. This ability to 'adapt' suggests they are not vulnerable to climate change. |
| Q39 | YES | Tackling the problems of global warming is never easy in New Zealand, because records show the slow process of global warming may have a different impact on various regions | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that dealing with global warming is hard in New Zealand. It explains this is because information shows that global warming happens slowly, and it can affect different parts of New Zealand in different ways. Answer Explanation: The answer 'YES' means that the statement is true according to the writer in the passage. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is YES because the passage clearly states two things: that global warming is a 'slow process' and that it can have a 'different impact on various regions' within New Zealand. This directly matches what the question says about global warming moving slowly and affecting different areas differently. |
| Q40 | NO | For New Zealand, the emission of carbon dioxide only accounts for 0.5% of the world’s total, which has met the governmental standard. However, New Zealand’s effort counts only a tip of the iceberg. So far, global warming has been a world issue that still hangs in an ambiguous future | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that New Zealand makes very little carbon dioxide gas, only a tiny part of the world's total (0.5%). It also says that what New Zealand does is like 'a tip of the iceberg,' meaning it's only a small part of a much bigger problem. Global warming is a problem for the whole world, not just for New Zealand to solve by itself. Answer Explanation: The answer is 'NO'. This means the writer does not agree that New Zealand must significantly reduce its carbon dioxide gas to fix global warming. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is NO because the passage explains that New Zealand's contribution to carbon dioxide emissions is very small, only 0.5% of the world's total. The text also states that New Zealand's efforts are just 'a tip of the iceberg' and that global warming is a 'world issue'. This shows that even if New Zealand cuts its emissions, it alone cannot 'solve' the problem because its share is too small, and it's a global problem requiring worldwide action, not just New Zealand's. |