IEETP – Fortnightly Answers for July 15 2026 Print – These answers will be archived on 31 July 2026

Listening Exercise – Fill in the Blanks (5 Questions)

El Niño is a weather phenomenon that occurs in the __________ Ocean.

Answer: Pacific

Sea surface temperatures must be at least __________ higher than normal for several consecutive months for El Niño to occur.

Answer: 0.5°C (0.9°F)

A very strong El Niño can bring __________ and stormier conditions to the southern part of North America.

Answer: wetter

Scientists forecast a __________ chance of sea surface temperatures exceeding 2°C later this year.

Answer: 63%

El Niño can increase the risk of __________ in drought-stricken states because of heavier rainfall. Answer: flooding

1.Wear 2.Place 3.Organize 4.Gain weight 5.Tease or fool

Listening exercise – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) (5 Questions)

1. What is El Niño?

A. A type of hurricane
B. A global weather phenomenon that raises global temperatures
C. A mountain wind
D. A winter storm

Answer: B. A global weather phenomenon that raises global temperatures

2. When does El Niño occur?

A. When sea temperatures fall by 2°C
B. When sea surface temperatures rise by 0.5°C above normal for several months
C. When the Pacific Ocean freezes
D. When heavy rain falls for a week

Answer: B. When sea surface temperatures rise by 0.5°C above normal for several months

3. What kind of weather is expected in the southern United States during a strong El Niño?

A. Colder and snowier weather
B. Dry and windy weather
C. Wetter and stormier conditions
D. Hotter and drier weather

Answer: C. Wetter and stormier conditions

4. What are atmospheric rivers?

A. Rivers flowing through mountains
B. Underground streams of water
C. Huge, invisible ribbons of water vapour in the sky
D. Frozen clouds

Answer: C. Huge, invisible ribbons of water vapour in the sky

5. According to the passage, what is one possible danger of increased rainfall during El Niño?

A. Earthquakes
B. Flooding
C. Volcanic eruptions
D. Tsunamis

Answer: B. Flooding

Reading and comprehension

✅ 1️⃣ Comprehension

Question	Expected Answer	Marks
1. Purpose of the GERM team	To prevent future pandemics by detecting outbreaks early and responding immediately.
The GERM project costs $1 billion yearly, while COVID-19 costs over $12.5 trillion — meaning prevention is far cheaper than damage.	Drills help ensure the team is prepared, efficient, and ready to act quickly in a real outbreak.
3. Cost comparison	The GERM project costs $1 billion yearly, while COVID-19 cost over $12.5 trillion — meaning prevention is far cheaper than damage.

✅ 2️⃣ Grammar

Task	Correct Answer	Marks
1. Passive voice	The GERM project will be funded by governments.
2. Reported speech	Bill Gates said that we need a first-response team for pandemics.
3. Identify tense	Simple present tense (expressing possibility).