The Growing Global Threat Of Antibiotic Resistance Ielts Reading Answers Verified -
What does the passage say about patients’ behaviour? A. Most patients complete their course of antibiotics B. Patients often demand antibiotics for viral illnesses C. Patients prefer newer, more expensive drugs D. Patients rarely take antibiotics as prescribed
Explanation: Paragraph E states that the research and development process "takes over a decade," which is significantly longer than five years.
The consequences of antibiotic resistance are far-reaching and devastating. Some of the most significant implications include:
Slowing the emergence of resistance requires coordinated global action. Doctors must prescribe antibiotics only when genuinely needed, and patients must complete the full course even when symptoms improve. Meanwhile, governments and international organisations are investing in new diagnostics, infection control measures, and the development of novel antibiotics. Yet the pharmaceutical pipeline remains alarmingly thin: the number of new antibacterials entering clinical trials has fallen in recent years, and most new drugs are variations of existing classes, against which resistance mechanisms are already known.
Ultimately, mitigating the threat of antibiotic resistance necessitates a unified, transnational framework. The World Health Organization (WHO) has advocated for a "One Health" approach, an integrated strategy that recognizes the profound interconnectedness of human health, animal welfare, and environmental integrity. Global surveillance systems must be synthesized to track resistance patterns in real-time, public awareness campaigns must deconstruct the misconception that antibiotics cure viral pathologies like influenza, and stringent international regulations must ban the routine agricultural application of critical human medicines. Without immediate, collaborative intervention, humanity risks forfeiting nearly a century of medical progress. Part 2: IELTS-Style Reading Practice Questions Questions 1–5 What does the passage say about patients’ behaviour
This crisis is not just about human medicine—it extends into agriculture and the environment. Livestock are often given antibiotics to promote growth, creating breeding grounds for resistant bacteria that can transfer to humans through the food chain. Such resilient bacteria do not discriminate between man and beast, and our farms and abattoirs have become reservoirs for inter-species infection. Moreover, even after slaughter, resistant bacteria can survive on animal carcasses, eventually invading our systems when we ingest contaminated meat. The problem is compounded when manure from livestock is used as fertilizer, allowing resistant bacteria to enter crops.
Bacteria that are resistant to common treatments can thrive in hospital environments, creating dangerous situations for patients undergoing surgery or chemotherapy.
Found in Paragraph F: "...and the complete ban of growth-promoting antibiotics in agriculture..." 12. financial incentives / funding mechanisms
To combat the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance, the world must adopt a multi-pronged approach. Economically, the development of new treatments has stalled because drug companies prefer targeting rather than short-course antibiotics. On a global governance level, the WHO promotes the 11. ____________ model, emphasizing that human, animal, and environmental well-being are intrinsically tied together. Educational initiatives must also target the public to fix the erroneous belief that antibiotics are effective against 12. ____________ . Finally, governments must enforce 13. ____________ to stop the routine administration of vital human medicines to farm animals. Part 3: Answer Key & Detailed Explanations 1. Answer: C Patients often demand antibiotics for viral illnesses C
What does the passage suggest about the global pipeline for new antibiotics? A. It is robust and well-funded by pharmaceutical companies B. It faces a shortage of drugs in development and a lack of innovation C. It is limited only to the treatment of viral infections D. It relies entirely on government subsidies
The Growing Global Threat of Antibiotic Resistance: IELTS Reading Practice and Answers
Antibiotics have been one of humanity's greatest success stories for over a century, saving millions of lives and enabling major medical advancements. However, this success has come at a cost. The growing resistance of many bacterial strains to the curative effects of antibiotics is such a concern that it has been referred to, in some quarters, as the greatest threat to our continued existence on earth.
Complete the sentences below using from the passage for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 12–13 on your answer sheet. focuses on improving awareness
In conclusion, the growing global threat of antibiotic resistance requires immediate attention and action from governments, healthcare professionals, industries, and individuals. Understanding the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to antibiotic resistance is essential for mitigating its impacts on global health. For IELTS test-takers, developing a strong understanding of this topic can help improve reading comprehension and answering skills.
According to the WHO, what is antibiotic resistance? Answer: One of the biggest threats to global health, food security, and development.
In 2014, the WHO issued guidelines intended to tackle the growing problem of resistance. Doctors and pharmacists were advised to avoid prescribing antibiotics except when absolutely necessary, and the general public were urged to take antibiotics only as prescribed and to complete the full course. The WHO’s Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, along with initiatives by the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP), focuses on improving awareness, strengthening surveillance and research, and promoting the development of new antibiotics.
Found in Paragraph F: "a multi-faceted, coordinated international strategy known as the 'One Health' approach." 11. complete ban
The rise of resistant infections means that common injuries and common illnesses could once again become deadly.
