The Growing Global Threat Of Antibiotic Resistance Ielts Reading Answers
Nevertheless, progress remains uneven. Low- and middle-income countries often lack the regulatory infrastructure and public health systems needed to enforce controls on antibiotic sales and monitor resistance patterns. Without a united, global effort that includes governments, the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare providers, and individual patients, the post-antibiotic era – a time when minor infections could kill – will become a reality.
" (also known as "The Rise of Antibiotic-Resistant Infections") is a common IELTS Academic Reading text.
To openly resist or refuse to obey. (Context: Bacteria defy treatment.)
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Reading Passage? In boxes 6–9 on your answer sheet, write: if the statement agrees with the information FALSE if the statement contradicts the information NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
Paragraph B discusses how bacteria "share resistance genes through horizontal gene transfer. This mechanism enables completely different species of bacteria to pass defense traits among themselves." The text explicitly outlines the transmission of genetic material (defense traits) across different species. 3. Answer: D Nevertheless, progress remains uneven
One of the primary drivers of resistance is the unnecessary prescription of antibiotics for viral infections, such as the common cold or flu, against which they are entirely ineffective. In many countries, antibiotics are also readily available without a prescription, leading to inappropriate self-medication. Furthermore, the agricultural sector is a significant contributor. In many parts of the world, large quantities of antibiotics are used not only to treat sick livestock but also to promote growth and prevent disease in healthy animals. This practice creates a reservoir of resistant bacteria that can transfer to humans through the food chain and direct contact.
The pharmaceutical industry is currently making high profits from new antibiotic research.
The crisis is accelerated by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, such as patients failing to finish prescribed dosages or taking medicine for non-bacterial "under the weather" feelings. The Food Chain Link:
Most livestock farmers use antibiotics solely to treat animals that are actively sick. " (also known as "The Rise of Antibiotic-Resistant
Absolute; unqualified; not lessened or softened. Context: "...if current trajectories remain unmitigated..."
The rise of antibiotic-resistant infections is an outcome of evolution. Any population of bacteria naturally contains variants with unusual traits—in this case, the ability to withstand an antibiotic’s attack. When a person takes an antibiotic, the drug kills the defenceless bacteria, leaving behind those that can resist it. These renegade bacteria then multiply, increasing their numbers a million‑fold in a day, becoming the predominant microorganism.
Taking antibiotics for illnesses like the cold is considered an _______________ use of medicine.
If you are studying for the test, these terms frequently appear in the questions: A genetic variant or type of bacteria. Curative: Having the ability to heal or cure. In boxes 6–9 on your answer sheet, write:
The process of resistance occurs because certain bacteria possess that allow them to endure antibiotic treatment. This is worsened by the 7. __________ of drugs for conditions they cannot treat. Additionally, bacteria from the 8. __________ can reach humans through food or the environment. To combat this, the WHO suggests we must avoid entering a 9. __________ where minor infections become deadly. Answer Key
A warning about the projected future death toll if no action is taken.
Explanation: Paragraph B explicitly states that antibiotics are "entirely useless" against viral infections like the common cold or flu.
(The text mentions "low profit margins" for new antibiotics.)
For IELTS test-takers, understanding the topic of antibiotic resistance is crucial, as it is a common theme in IELTS reading passages. Here are some tips and strategies for IELTS reading answers:
Complete the summary below. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text.