Integrated Writing

Step 1. Read the text below

Irrigation, the artificial watering of land for agriculture, uses water from a number of sources: direct rainfall, direct streamflow, water stored in lakes and reservoirs, high-quality groundwater, brackish surface water, and even seawater. Water for irrigation is diverted from rivers and lakes or pumped underground. Different crops have different irrigation requirements, so there are many forms of irrigation and types of irrigation technology.

Various methods of surface irrigation deliver water to a field directly from a canal, well, or ditch. The surface technique of flooding large fields is widely used because of low capital costs and long tradition. Furrow irrigation, practiced since ancient times, involves digging numerous U- or V-shaped open furrows through irrigated land and introducing water into them from a channel at the top of a field. As with other surface techniques, water collects into ponds on the field. In surface-pipe irrigation, the water is piped to the field and distributed via sprinklers or smaller pipes.

Border irrigation is a type of surface irrigation that involves flooding land in long parallel strips separated by earth banks built lengthwise in the direction of the slope of the land. Water flows from the highest point in the field to the lowest. Basin irrigation is similar to border irrigation but includes earth banks constructed crosswise to those used for border irrigation, dividing a field into a series of basins that can be separately irrigated.

Step2. Listen to the following lecture

Step 3. Write your answer. Writing time-40 min.

 

Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they cast doubt on points made in the reading passage.

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Use Participles I (doing smth / being done / having done) and Infinitives (‘smb is claimed/thought/considered/believed/estimated/likely+ to do smth /to have done smth’ and such like)

Writing for an Academic Discussion

Step 1. Read the instructions and the text below them

Your professor is teaching a class on Ecology. Write a post responding to the professor's question. In your response you should:

• express and support your personal opinion
• make a contribution to the discussion

An effective response will contain at least 100 words

 

Professor Henson

In our region, a large farming company has recently expanded its irrigation system to support crop production. While irrigation is essential for agriculture, some local residents and environmental experts are concerned about its potential consequences, such as excessive water usage, soil degradation, and water contamination. Others argue that irrigation has brought economic benefits without causing significant environmental harm. What do you think? Do you believe that irrigation in our area is causing problems, or do you think the concerns are exaggerated? If you identify any issues, what solutions would you propose? Let’s discuss!

James

I believe the large-scale irrigation by the farming company is creating significant problems for the local environment. One major issue is water wastage. Surface irrigation methods, such as flooding and furrow irrigation, result in substantial water loss due to evaporation and seepage into the ground. This could lead to lower groundwater levels, making it harder for nearby communities to access clean water.

Additionally, over-irrigation can degrade soil quality. When too much water is applied to fields, it can cause salinization, where minerals accumulate in the soil, reducing its fertility. This could have long-term consequences for both agriculture and local ecosystems. To address these issues, I suggest that the farming company switch to more efficient irrigation methods, such as drip irrigation, which delivers water directly to plant roots and minimizes waste. Another solution is to implement water recycling systems, so excess irrigation water is collected and reused instead of being lost.

Emily

I don’t think the irrigation system is causing serious problems for the region. In fact, it has helped the local economy by improving crop yields and creating jobs in agriculture. While it’s true that some water is lost through evaporation, this is an unavoidable aspect of farming. The company has already implemented sprinkler irrigation in some fields, which helps distribute water more evenly and reduces excessive flooding.

Moreover, concerns about groundwater depletion seem exaggerated. Our region receives enough rainfall to replenish water sources, and farmers are aware of the need to manage water responsibly. Instead of blaming irrigation, we should focus on how to optimize water use without restricting agricultural production. For example, the company could invest in sensors that monitor soil moisture levels, ensuring that water is used only when necessary. This way, farmers can continue to grow food without harming the environment.

Step 2. Write your response.You have got 8 minutes.

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