Comprehension Quiz

9 questions

0/9

According to Kaveh Madani, what is the main difference between calling the water situation a "crisis" versus "bankruptcy"?

A crisis is more serious than bankruptcy

Crisis means there is no solution, while bankruptcy can be reversed

Bankruptcy only affects poor countries, while crisis affects everyone

Bankruptcy suggests permanent conditions requiring adaptation, while crisis implies temporary problems

How does the article explain the concept of "water bankruptcy"?

Countries owe money to the UN for water resources

Rain and snow have completely stopped falling in most regions

The world extracts water faster than nature replenishes it, creating debt

Banks are refusing to fund water infrastructure projects

What percentage of the planet's large lakes have lost water since 1990?

30%

More than 50%

70%

90%

According to the article, approximately how many people face water scarcity for at least one month every year?

1 billion

2 billion

Nearly 4 billion

6 billion

What does Madani say about cities like Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Tehran?

They have encouraged expansion despite limited water supplies

They have successfully solved their water problems

They are the only cities in the world with water bankruptcy

They have stopped all development to save water

Which sector does the report identify as "by far the biggest global user of water"?

Industry

Urban households

Farming

Tourism

What does the article say about the Colorado River water sharing agreements?

They need minor adjustments to work properly

They are based on environmental conditions that no longer exist

They have successfully prevented water shortages

They were created only recently to address drought

Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the report as one of the recommended actions?

Using AI for water monitoring

Shifting crops and improving irrigation

Building more dams to capture rainwater

Increasing protection for wetlands

Which statement best summarizes the main message of the article?

Climate change is reducing rainfall worldwide, and governments must build new water treatment facilities immediately

The Middle East and North Africa are the only regions experiencing serious water shortages today

Nearly 4 billion people now face monthly water scarcity across multiple continents and regions

The world is using water faster than nature can replace it, creating permanent conditions requiring adaptation

Please answer all questions to see your score

Match the words from the article with their definitions according to context:

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Tap each word to check if it's in the correct position.

Words

Definitions

Match the words/phrases from the article with their synonyms according to context:

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Tap each word to check if it's in the correct position.

Words

Definitions

Grammar in Context

Match the grammar forms with the correct sentences. Progress: 0/4 matched

Grammar Forms

Sentences

Discussion Questions

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Do you believe people will voluntarily reduce their water consumption, or will governments need to force restrictions? What makes you think this?

Some experts say we should move millions of people away from water-scarce cities like Kabul, Las Vegas, and Tehran. Do you agree that mass relocation is a realistic solution? Why or why not?

The article suggests farming uses the most water globally. Would you support laws requiring farmers to grow different, less water-intensive crops, even if it changed the food available in your country? Defend your position.

What would you say to someone who claims that technology and innovation will solve the water crisis without requiring people to change their lifestyles? Do you share their optimism?

In a world without enough water, which do you think should be the priority: providing water for growing cities, maintaining agricultural production, or protecting natural ecosystems? Explain your reasoning.

My Notes

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The world has entered a new era of 'water bankruptcy' with irreversible consequences

February 4, 2026•5 min read•Environmental•Upper Intermediate