The rise of antibiotic resistance is one of the most pressing public health challenges of the 21st century. Often described as a "silent pandemic," this phenomenon occurs when bacteria evolve to withstand the drugs designed to kill them. What was once a breakthrough in modern medicine—the discovery of penicillin and subsequent antibiotics—is now under threat, potentially returning global healthcare to an era where minor infections could once again be fatal.

THE PASSAGE

The discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming in 1928 ushered in the golden age of antibiotics. For the first time in human history, bacterial infections that were once death sentences—such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and sepsis—became manageable, curable conditions. However, just over nine decades later, this medical miracle is waning. The rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), commonly known as antibiotic resistance, is now recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the top ten global public health threats facing humanity.

💡 Pro Tip: Pay attention to the difference between "Not Given" (information missing) and "False" (information contradicted).

Human Behavior: We have become "careless" and often seek a "quick fix" for minor ailments. 2. Matching Information / True, False, Not Given

Answer: When bacteria develop antibiotic resistance, they become able to survive and thrive despite the presence of antibiotics.

Questions 27–30

Do the following statements agree with the claims of the writer in Reading Passage 3?
Write YES, NO, or NOT GIVEN.

Overprescription: Antibiotics are often prescribed unnecessarily or in excess, leading to the development of resistant bacteria.
Misuse: Antibiotics are sometimes used in agriculture to promote growth and prevent disease in livestock, which can contribute to the development of resistant bacteria.
Poor hygiene and infection control: Inadequate hygiene and infection control practices in healthcare settings can spread resistant bacteria.

The consequences of inaction will be severe, with estimates suggesting that by 2050, antibiotic resistance could cause 10 million deaths annually, surpassing cancer as a leading cause of death.

The Growing Global Threat Of Antibiotic Resistance Ielts Reading Answers Top May 2026

THE PASSAGE

💡 Pro Tip: Pay attention to the difference between "Not Given" (information missing) and "False" (information contradicted). The consequences of inaction will be severe, with

Human Behavior: We have become "careless" and often seek a "quick fix" for minor ailments. 2. Matching Information / True, False, Not Given with estimates suggesting that by 2050

Answer: When bacteria develop antibiotic resistance, they become able to survive and thrive despite the presence of antibiotics.

Questions 27–30

Do the following statements agree with the claims of the writer in Reading Passage 3?
Write YES, NO, or NOT GIVEN.

Overprescription: Antibiotics are often prescribed unnecessarily or in excess, leading to the development of resistant bacteria.
Misuse: Antibiotics are sometimes used in agriculture to promote growth and prevent disease in livestock, which can contribute to the development of resistant bacteria.
Poor hygiene and infection control: Inadequate hygiene and infection control practices in healthcare settings can spread resistant bacteria.

The consequences of inaction will be severe, with estimates suggesting that by 2050, antibiotic resistance could cause 10 million deaths annually, surpassing cancer as a leading cause of death.