Practice Tests
IELTS Reading (AC) Task 1 #158

A. Water scarcity refers to the lack of sufficient available water resources to meet the demands of water usage within a region. It is a growing global crisis, affecting every continent and driven by a combination of factors including population growth, increased agricultural and industrial demand, and the impacts of climate change on water cycles. The issue is multifaceted, encompassing both physical scarcity, where there is simply not enough water to meet all demands, and economic scarcity, where a lack of investment in infrastructure prevents people from accessing an available water source.

B. Agriculture is the largest consumer of freshwater worldwide, accounting for approximately 70% of all water withdrawals. The need to produce more food for a growing global population is putting immense pressure on water resources, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Urbanisation and industrialisation also contribute significantly to water demand. Furthermore, climate change is exacerbating the problem by altering rainfall patterns, causing more frequent and severe droughts, and shrinking the glaciers and snowpacks that act as natural water reservoirs.

C. The consequences of water scarcity are severe and wide-ranging. It directly impacts public health through a lack of safe drinking water and sanitation, leading to the spread of waterborne diseases. It is a major threat to food security, as crop failures due to drought can lead to famine and malnutrition. Water scarcity can also be a source of social and political instability, sparking conflicts between communities and even nations over shared water resources.

D. Addressing water scarcity requires a comprehensive approach focused on better management of existing resources. This includes improving water-use efficiency in agriculture through techniques like drip irrigation, investing in infrastructure to reduce water loss from leaks, and increasing the use of water recycling and desalination. On the demand side, policies that promote water conservation in cities and industries are crucial. Ultimately, sustainable water management is essential for human well-being, economic development, and environmental health.