Wood: a valuable resource in New Zealand's economy
Read Wood: a valuable resource in New Zealand's economy and check the IELTS Reading answers. During the settlement of New Zealand by European immigrants, natural timbers played a major role. Wood was easily accessible and relatively cheap. A tradition of wooden houses arose, supported by the recogn…
Passage preview
During the settlement of New Zealand by European immigrants, natural timbers played a major role. Wood was easily accessible and relatively cheap. A tradition of wooden houses arose, supported by the recognition that they were less likely to collapse suddenly during earthquakes, a not infrequent event in this part of the world. But in addition to demand from the domestic no market, there was also a demand for forest products from overseas.
Vocabulary from this passage
9 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- fluctuation noun
An irregular rising and falling in number or amount; variation
Currency fluctuation can significantly impact the profitability of international export markets.
- indigenous adjective
Originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native
New Zealand's indigenous forests are protected by strict conservation laws to preserve biodiversity.
- infrastructure noun
The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
Developing better infrastructure is essential for the efficient transport of raw materials.
- integrate verb
To combine or coordinate separate elements so as to provide a harmonious, interrelated whole
The industry has developed an integrated system that processes waste into fuel.
- principal adjective
First in order of importance; main
The construction industry remains the principal user of solid wood products in the domestic market.
- residue noun
A small amount of something that remains after the main part has gone or been taken or used
Industrial residues are often repurposed to generate energy for the manufacturing plant.
- sustainability noun
The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level, particularly regarding environmental balance
Consumers are increasingly prioritizing sustainability when purchasing wood products.
- unsustainable adjective
Not able to be maintained at the current rate or level
The unsustainable harvesting of natural resources led to a rapid decline in timber exports.
- versatility noun
The ability to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities
The versatility of radiata pine makes it suitable for everything from furniture to construction.
Answers with explanations
- 1. FALSE
The statement claims wooden houses were **more dangerous**. However, the passage states they were **less likely to collapse** during earthquakes, which makes them safer in the local context. The word **less** provides a direct contradiction to the claim that they were more dangerous. Answer: FALSE.
- 2. TRUE
The passage confirms that in the **early 1800s**, the wood from kauri trees was used for **constructing sailing vessels** (boat-building). This matches the timeframe and the purpose mentioned in the statement. The connection is made through the term **sailing vessels**. Answer: TRUE.
- 2-3: A
2: The passage confirms that in the **early 1800s**, the wood from kauri trees was used for **constructing sailing vessels** (boat-building). This matches the timeframe and the purpose mentioned in the statement. The connection is made through the term **sailing vessels**. Answer: TRUE.
3: The text mentions that plantation-grown timber is used for **construction**, but it does not compare its **quality** or suitability against wood from **indigenous forests**. While it replaced native wood for most needs, the text never explicitly states it is **better**. Answer: NOT GIVEN.
- 3. NOT GIVEN
The text mentions that plantation-grown timber is used for **construction**, but it does not compare its **quality** or suitability against wood from **indigenous forests**. While it replaced native wood for most needs, the text never explicitly states it is **better**. Answer: NOT GIVEN.
- 3-4: F
3: The text mentions that plantation-grown timber is used for **construction**, but it does not compare its **quality** or suitability against wood from **indigenous forests**. While it replaced native wood for most needs, the text never explicitly states it is **better**. Answer: NOT GIVEN.
4: The statement suggests a **narrow range of uses**. The passage contradicts this by mentioning that pine is **well suited for many uses** and describes its **amazing versatility**, listing everything from pulp to furnishings and engineered wood. Answer: FALSE.
- 4. FALSE
The statement suggests a **narrow range of uses**. The passage contradicts this by mentioning that pine is **well suited for many uses** and describes its **amazing versatility**, listing everything from pulp to furnishings and engineered wood. Answer: FALSE.
- 5. NOT GIVEN
The text mentions the current number of house starts, but there is no mention or **prediction** regarding whether the **demand for housing** will **fall** or rise in the next few years. The information is simply missing from the text. Answer: NOT GIVEN.
- 6. TRUE
The passage explicitly states that **development of the export market** is the **key to growth** for the industry and its contribution to the national economy in future decades. This confirms the statement's claim that future expansion depends on exports. Answer: TRUE.
- 7. shipping costs
The question asks for a negative factor besides **exchange fluctuations**. The text lists **shipping costs** as the other factor that has affected the industry's export income recently. The phrase 'affected by' indicates the negative impact. Answer: shipping costs.
- 8. export sector
The sentence provides the specific ranking of the forestry industry within the national economy, identifying it specifically as the **third largest export sector**. The word **rank** in the question corresponds to 'third largest' in the text. Answer: export sector.
- 9. ["60,000","60000"]
The blank requires a number representing the **workforce**. The text states that by **2025**, the sector could be **employing 60,000 people**. This directly answers the question about the size of the workforce. Answer: 60,000.
- 10. softwood
The text describes a specific type of timber available in **large quantities** from **renewable forests**. The term **softwood** is used to define this resource. The keyword bridge is 'source large quantities'. Answer: softwood.
- 11. sustainability
The blank requires a noun representing a concern. The passage mentions that **consumers** (customers) in key markets are **worried about sustainability**. The phrase 'worried about' matches 'increasingly concerned about' in the question. Answer: sustainability.
- 12. scandinavian countries
The question specifies competitors **outside the southern hemisphere**. The text points to the **northern hemisphere** and names **Scandinavian countries** as the ones expanding or controlling their forests for production. Answer: Scandinavian countries.
- 13. wood substitutes
The question asks for a **group of products**. The text identifies **wood substitutes** as a source of competition, providing 'steel framing' as a specific example. The term 'wood substitutes' describes the whole group. Answer: wood substitutes.