Identify the central theme of the passage:

Concept

The central theme is the broad idea that unifies a passage's main problem, supporting causes, and proposed response. It must cover the passage as a whole rather than one example, cause, or supporting detail.

Application

1. The passage first identifies pressure on freshwater from population growth, climate change, unsustainable consumption, over-extraction, inefficient irrigation, and pollution.

2. It then explains the consequences for drinking water, food production, public health, and economic stability.

3. Its response is integrated and long-term: sustainable resource use, rainwater harvesting, watershed protection, wastewater reuse, transparent governance, community participation, technology, behavioural change, and equitable access.

Contrast

• “Climate change affects only rainfall” reduces the passage to one cause and one effect.

• “Water scarcity is unavoidable because governance is ineffective” conflicts with the passage's practical strategies for improving resilience.

• “Technology alone can solve water problems” conflicts with the passage's explicit need for governance, behavioural change, and equity alongside technology.

Cross-check

A sound theme should account for both the diagnosis and the response. Sustainable management explains the environmental, social, institutional, and technical strands together, so the central theme is: Sustainable management is essential for water security.