Skyscraper Farming Reading Answers

Feb 27, 2025

Skyscraper Farming Reading Answers is a generic topic for IELTS Reading Answers. Skyscraper Farming Reading Answers, in total, consist of 13 IELTS questions. In the given set of questions (Questions No. 14-19), the candidate has to choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list of headings. After that, from Questions No. 20-22, you have to fill in the blanks with the correct word (the answer should not be more than TWO WORDS). Finally, on the remaining questions (Questions No. 23-26), look at the following statements and match each statement with the correct person.

The IELTS Reading Section assesses the candidate's understanding and analysis of academic and general texts. Using IELTS Reading Practice Tests helps you understand different types of questions while improving your vocabulary and critical reading abilities. Following all the exam instructions properly and practicing effective time management are key strategies for achieving high IELTS band scores.

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Section 1 Skyscraper Farming Reading Answers

With a predicted global food crisis, a group of scientists advocates an innovative alternative to conventional farming that could radically transform food production.

A. Today’s environmental scientists are in no doubt that the world’s resources of fertile soil are rapidly deteriorating, and new land for agriculture is becoming increasingly sparse. Intensive farming, urbanization, desertification, and sea-level rises are all putting growing pressure on the planet’s agricultural land and food supplies. Currently, 24% of the world’s 1.5 million hectares of cultivated land has already undergone human-induced soil degradation, particularly through erosion, according to a recent study by the UK Government Office for Science.

B. The global population is expected to exceed nine billion by 2050—up by a third from today’s level—and studies suggest that food production will have to increase by 70% if we are to feed all those new mouths. This means scientists must develop new ways of growing crops to avoid a humanitarian crisis. Indeed, UK Food and Agriculture Organization figures suggest that the number of undernourished people is already growing. With escalating climate change, crop yields in many areas have been affected.

C. With this in mind, some scientists and agricultural experts are advocating an innovative alternative to traditional farming. Skyscrapers packed with shelf-based systems for growing vegetables on each story—known as ‘vertical farms’—could hold the key to revolutionizing agriculture. Columbia University professor Dickson Despommier claims that vertical farming could boost crop yields many times over. A single 20-story vertical farm could theoretically feed 50,000 people, according to Despommier. If implemented, 160 skyscraper-sized vertical farms could feed New York City, while 180 would be needed for London, 289 for Cairo, and 302 for Kolkata.

D. It’s a compelling vision and one that has already been implemented in Asia, albeit on a smaller scale. “But there are problems, such as initial investment and operating costs being too high,” says a spokesman for Japan's Ministry of Agriculture. Nevertheless, Tokyo-based mushroom producer Hokuto Corporation is an example of how vertical farms can be profitable. With 28 vertical mushroom farms operating across the country, it produces about 68,000 tons of mushrooms annually. Vertical mushroom farms have more advantages than ground-level farms, including cost-effectiveness and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

E. And the impact of vertical farms could extend beyond feeding established urban populations. Despommier sees them as being capable of helping centers of displaced persons, such as refugee camps, in much the same way that Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) units are deployed in emergencies. “Developing an emergency-response system for crop production inside specially constructed modular and highly transportable greenhouses would allow for humanitarian interventions, at least for refugees that are forced out of their countries by political turmoil, he says. “If you have three or four stories of food already growing someplace, they could become mobile units that could be picked up by helicopters and dropped into the middle of a crisis zone. The food would be ready to pick and eat. It could be designed to supply people with all the nutrition they need to make it through the crisis.”

F. But it isn't only about increasing food production, Despommier is concerned about the harm that farms have done to the world's landscape over a relatively short period, particularly the elimination of hardwood forests. 'Farming is only 12,000 years old.' He points out, 'We have been a species for over 200,000 years. Producing food in tall, buildings will allow us for the first time to feed everyone on earth and still return land to its original ecological function.' Natalie Jeremijenko, associate professor at New York University, agrees. “The challenge that we have now is how we can design urban agriculture systems that not only reduce food miles but also improve the world's ecosystems.' she says. By significantly reducing the amount of land required for food production, vertical farms could help to enrich biodiversity. According to Jeremijenko, this can, in turn, help to improve the productivity of conventional farms, as the health of agricultural land is often tied to the health of the surrounding ecosystems. Furthermore, vertical farming could dramatically cut the utilization of fossil fuels. And also reduces geopolitical tensions in countries where poor farming conditions cause conflict and malnutrition.

Section 2 Solutions and Explanations

Questions 14–19:

Reading passage 2 has six paragraphs, A–F. Choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list of headings below.

List of Headings:

i. Potential production capacities of vertical farms

ii. Opposition to new ideas about food production

iii. A successful application of vertical farming technology

iv. The potential to provide urgent relief

v. The original inspiration for vertical farming

vi. Various environmental benefits of vertical farming

vii. An increasing problem for farmers worldwide

viii. A return to traditional farming methods

ix. A rising demand for food

14. Paragraph A

Answer: vii (An increasing problem for farmers worldwide)

Supporting statement: “.........Currently, 24% of the world’s 1.5 million hectares of cultivated land has already undergone human-induced soil degradation, particularly through erosion, according to a recent study by the UK Government Office for Science.........”

Keywords: World, Cultivated, Soil, Erosion

Keyword Location: para 1, Line 5-7

Explanation: Paragraph A highlights the challenges farmers face due to soil erosion, urbanization, and environmental pressures, which threaten agricultural sustainability.

15. Paragraph B

Answer: ix (A rising demand for food)

Supporting statement: “.........The global population is expected to exceed nine billion by 2050—up by a third from today’s level—and studies suggest that food production will have to increase by 70% if we are to feed all those new mouths..........”

Keywords: Food, Population, Exceed, Billion

Keyword Location: para 2, Line 1-3

Explanation: Paragraph B discusses the need to increase food production by 70% to meet the rapidly growing global population and future demand, highlighting the increasing need for food.

16. Paragraph C

Answer: i (Potential production capacities of vertical farms)

Supporting statement: “.........Columbia University professor Dickson Despommier claims that vertical farming could boost crop yields many times over...........”

Keywords: Vertical Farming, Columbia, Crop

Keyword Location: para 3, Line 4-5

Explanation: Paragraph C discusses how vertical farms, complemented by shelf-based systems, could revolutionize agriculture by significantly increasing crop yields. Emphasis has been placed on the ability to feed large urban populations.

17. Paragraph D

Answer: iii (A successful application of vertical farming technology)

Supporting statement: “..........Nevertheless, Tokyo-based mushroom producer Hokuto Corporation is an example of how vertical farms can be profitable. With 28 vertical mushroom farms operating across the country, it produces about 68,000 tons of mushrooms annually...........”

Keywords: Tokyo, Mushroom, Hokuto Corporation

Keyword Location: para 4, Line 4-6

Explanation: Paragraph D highlights the practical implementation of vertical farming in Asia, notably by Hokuto Corporation, which operates profitable vertical mushroom farms. It emphasizes cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits.

18. Paragraph E

Answer: iv (The potential to provide urgent relief)

Supporting statement: “..........Developing an emergency-response system for crop production inside specially constructed modular and highly transportable greenhouses would allow for humanitarian interventions,...........”

Keywords: Crop, Greenhouses, Humanitarian, Modular

Keyword Location: para 5, Line 4-6

Explanation: Paragraph E discusses using vertical farms to provide essential nutrition in crisis areas, helping displaced populations and emergencies. This highlights their capacity for immediate humanitarian relief.

19. Paragraph F

Answer: vi (Various environmental benefits of vertical farming)

Supporting statement: “..........Producing food in tall, buildings will allow us for the first time to feed everyone on earth and still return land to its original ecological function............”

Keywords: Food, Tall, Buildings, Earth

Keyword Location: para 6, Line 5-6

Explanation: Paragraph F emphasizes how vertical farming can reduce land use, enrich biodiversity, improve ecosystems, cut fossil fuel use, and address poor farming conditions.

Questions 20-22

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each.

20. A UK government study found that _______ is a significant factor contributing to worldwide levels of soil degradation.

Answer: Human-induced erosion

Supporting statement: “..........Currently, 24% of the world’s 1.5 million hectares of cultivated land has already undergone human-induced soil degradation, particularly through erosion, according to a recent study by the UK Government Office for Science.............”

Keywords: Soil Degradation, Land, Erosion

Keyword Location: para 1, Line 5-7

Explanation: UK government studies show that human-induced soil degradation is mainly caused by erosion. This factor has been cited as a major contributor to global soil erosion.

21. Disadvantages of vertical farming projects include the expense of setting them up, as well as their high _________.

Answer: Operating Costs

Supporting statement: “..........“But there are problems, such as initial investment and operating costs being too high,” says a spokesman for Japan's Ministry of Agriculture.............”

Keywords: Problems, Investment, Costs, Japan

Keyword Location: para 4, Line 2-3

Explanation: Vertical farming projects face challenges due to high initial investment costs and ongoing operating expenses.

22. __________ could potentially be used to take vertical farming facilities to areas where there is a critical food shortage.

Answer: Helicopters

Supporting statement: “...........“If you have three or four stories of food already growing someplace, they could become mobile units that could be picked up by helicopters and dropped into the middle of a crisis zone............”

Keywords: Food, Crisis Zone, Mobile

Keyword Location: para 5, Line 8-10

Explanation: Helicopters could transport vertical farming units to crisis zones, providing food where it is critically needed.

Question 23-26

Look at the following statements and the list of people below. Match each statement with the correct person, A, B, or C.

NB you may use any letter more than once.

LIST OF PEOPLE

A. Dickson Despommier

B. Ted Yamanoko

C. Natalie Jeremijenko

23. Vertical farming can have financial benefits.

Answer: B (Ted Yamanoko)

Supporting statement: “...........Nevertheless, Tokyo-based mushroom producer Hokuto Corporation is an example of how vertical farms can be profitable............”

Keywords: Profitable, Vertical Farms, Mushroom

Keyword Location: para 4, Line 4-5

Explanation: Yamanoko talks about the profitability of vertical farming, specifically referencing Hokuto Corporation's successful vertical mushroom farms.

24. Traditional farming has had a negative effect on the natural world.

Answer: A (Dickson Despommier)

Supporting statement: “...........' Farming is only 12,000 years old.' He points out, 'We have been a species for over 200,000 years. Producing food in tall, buildings will allow us for the first time to feed everyone on earth and still return land to its original ecological function.'.............”

Keywords: Farming, Food, Feed, Earth

Keyword Location: para 6, Line 3-6

Explanation: Despommier is concerned about the damage farming is causing to the landscape, particularly the eradication of hardwood forests.

25. Vertical farming could dramatically increase world food production

Answer: A (Dickson Despommier)

Supporting statement: “...........Columbia University professor Dickson Despommier claims that vertical farming could boost crop yields many times over. A single 20-story vertical farm could theoretically feed 50,000 people, according to Despommier..............”

Keywords: Columbia, Vertical Farming, People

Keyword Location: para 4, Line 4-7

Explanation: Despommier is a strong proponent of vertical farming's ability to increase crop yields and feed large populations.

26. Traditional farms may benefit from the wider use of vertical farming.

Answer: C (Natalie Jeremijenko)

Supporting statement: “...........By significantly reducing the amount of land required for food production, vertical farms could help to enrich biodiversity. According to Jeremijenko, this can, in turn, help to improve the productivity of conventional farms, as the health of agricultural land is often tied to the health of the surrounding ecosystems..............”

Keywords: Farms, Biodiversity, Jeremijenko, Productivity

Keyword Location: para 6, Line 10-13

Explanation: Jeremijenko supports the idea that vertical farming can improve the ecosystem around traditional farms, increasing their productivity.

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