The Origins of Weather Forecasting
Read The Origins of Weather Forecasting and check the IELTS Reading answers. The world's first public weather forecast appeared in The Times newspaper over 150 years ago: the beginning of a service that gives everyone something to comment on. The pioneering forecast on August 1, 1861, was introduce…
Passage preview
The world's first public weather forecast appeared in The Times newspaper over 150 years ago: the beginning of a service that gives everyone something to comment on. The pioneering forecast on August 1, 1861, was introduced with a deceptively simple heading: ‘General weather probable during next two days.’ But those few words started an ongoing controversy that still continues today – after all, everyone remembers the forecasts that go wrong, but rarely the ones that are right. The first forecast was the idea of Admiral Robert FitzRoy, head of the newly founded Meteorological Department, and one of Britain's greatest but least-known heroes. It was a brave undertaking, because in those days predicting the weather had gained a reputation similar to astrology or fortune-telling. The few people who attempted it had become a national joke when their forecasts inevitably went wrong.
Vocabulary from this passage
10 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- correspondence noun
Communication by exchanging letters with someone
The archives contain the private correspondence between the two prime ministers.
- indisputable adjective
Unable to be challenged or denied; unquestionable
The positive impact of vaccination on public health is arguably indisputable.
- inevitably adverb
As is certain to happen; unavoidably
Technological progress inevitably leads to changes in the job market.
- legacy noun
Something left or handed down by a predecessor or from the past
The architect left a legacy of innovative building designs across the city.
- maritime adjective
Connected with the sea, especially in relation to seafaring commercial or military activity
The country has a long maritime history of exploration and trade.
- meteorological adjective
Relating to the branch of science concerned with the processes and phenomena of the atmosphere
Accurate meteorological data is crucial for safe aviation and shipping.
- prematurely adverb
Before the natural or suitable time; happening too soon
The project was cancelled prematurely before any results could be analyzed.
- tedium noun
The state of being tedious; the quality of being boring, slow, or long
He couldn't bear the tedium of data entry and sought a more creative role.
- transcribe verb
To put thoughts, speech, or data into written or printed form
Historians worked to transcribe the faded handwritten letters into a digital format.
- undertaking noun
A formal pledge or promise to do something; a serious or difficult task that is taken on
Restoring the ancient cathedral was a massive financial and logistical undertaking.
Answers with explanations
- 1. FALSE
The statement claims forecasting was a **respected skill**. The text explicitly states it had a reputation similar to **astrology** or **fortune-telling** and was considered a **national joke**. This contradicts the idea of it being respected. Answer: FALSE.
- 2. TRUE
The statement claims he had a **successful career at sea** before retiring. The text confirms his background was **faultless** (successful) and cites his **captaining of the HMS Beagle**, a famous voyage. Answer: TRUE.
- 2-3: burrows
2: The statement claims he had a **successful career at sea** before retiring. The text confirms his background was **faultless** (successful) and cites his **captaining of the HMS Beagle**, a famous voyage. Answer: TRUE.
3: The statement mentions **competition from other applicants**. The text states he **secured the job** but does **not mention** whether there were other applicants or competition. Answer: NOT GIVEN.
- 3. NOT GIVEN
The statement mentions **competition from other applicants**. The text states he **secured the job** but does **not mention** whether there were other applicants or competition. Answer: NOT GIVEN.
- 3-4: NOT GIVEN
3: The statement mentions **competition from other applicants**. The text states he **secured the job** but does **not mention** whether there were other applicants or competition. Answer: NOT GIVEN.
4: The statement claims Parliament **supported** regular weather forecasts in 1854. The text clarifies they voted to **chart sailing routes**, but were **not impressed** with the idea of **weather forecasts**, and one MP's suggestion was met with laughter. Answer: FALSE.
- 4. FALSE
The statement claims Parliament **supported** regular weather forecasts in 1854. The text clarifies they voted to **chart sailing routes**, but were **not impressed** with the idea of **weather forecasts**, and one MP's suggestion was met with laughter. Answer: FALSE.
- 5. TRUE
The statement claims **progress in technology** made it a good time for forecasting. The text confirms this was the **right moment** due to the invention of the **electric telegraph** and **Morse code** (technology). Answer: TRUE.
- 6. instruments
The note asks for the reliable item ships used. The text states FitzRoy issued **standardised instruments** which allowed for **accurate** (reliable) reports. Answer: instruments.
- 7. ports
The note mentions storm warnings were telegraphed to "[7] along the shore". The text says he telegraphed warnings to **ports** on the **coast** (shore). Answer: ports.
- 8. flags
The note mentions signals were displayed using "raised [8]". The text states a system of **flags** was **hoisted up high** (raised). Answer: flags.
- 9. lifeboat
The note compares the service to the greatest development since the "[9]". The text identifies this as the biggest advance since the introduction of the **lifeboat**. Answer: lifeboat.
- 10. island
The note says the Queen used it for trips to a favourite "[10]". The text mentions she got forecasts for crossings to an **island** she liked to visit. Answer: island.
- 11. owners
The note contrasts popularity with fishermen vs. "boat [11]". The text contrasts ordinary fishermen with the **owners** of fishing vessels (boats). Answer: owners.
- 12. name
The note states that in modern times FitzRoy's "[12]" is used for a marine area. The text says an area of sea is given his **name**. Answer: name.
- 13. book
The note says he produced a "[13]" which was respected. The text states he published a **book** which was **recognized** (respected) by other scientists. Answer: book.