Academic Reading Sample Passage 4

Academic Reading Passage 4 – Microplastics in the Oceans

Passage:
Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than five millimeters, have emerged as a pervasive pollutant in marine ecosystems. These tiny fragments originate from the degradation of larger plastic debris, synthetic fibers from textiles, and microbeads in personal care products. Once in the ocean, microplastics are ingested by a wide range of organisms, from plankton to fish, potentially disrupting food chains and impacting human health through seafood consumption.

Recent studies indicate that microplastics can adsorb toxic chemicals such as pesticides and heavy metals, which then enter the bodies of marine animals. The long-term ecological consequences remain largely uncertain, but evidence suggests potential interference with reproduction, growth, and survival of affected species. Additionally, microplastics may transport invasive organisms across ocean currents, altering local biodiversity.

Mitigation strategies include improving waste management, promoting biodegradable alternatives, and raising public awareness about plastic use. International collaboration is crucial, as microplastic pollution is a global issue that transcends national boundaries. Policy makers, scientists, and industry stakeholders must work together to reduce inputs, monitor environmental impacts, and develop innovative solutions to safeguard marine ecosystems.

Questions:

1. Microplastics are larger than five millimeters in size.

   • True

   • False

   • Not Given

2. Microplastics can affect humans indirectly through seafood.

   • True

   • False

   • Not Given

3. The passage states that all long-term effects of microplastics are fully known.

   • True

   • False

   • Not Given

4. Microplastics can carry toxic chemicals and impact marine life.

   • True

   • False

   • Not Given

5. Microplastics only affect small marine organisms, not fish.

   • True

   • False

   • Not Given

6. International cooperation is necessary to manage microplastic pollution.

   • True

   • False

   • Not Given

7. Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a suggested mitigation strategy?
   a) Increasing plastic production
   b) Promoting biodegradable alternatives
   c) Ignoring the problem
   d) Reducing seafood consumption

8. Sentence Completion: Microplastics may __________, changing local biodiversity.
   a) transport invasive organisms
   b) improve water quality
   c) decrease ocean salinity
   d) produce oxygen

9. Matching Headings (choose correct paragraph heading):

   • Paragraph 1:

   • Paragraph 2:

   • Paragraph 3:

10. Multiple Choice: Why is microplastic pollution considered a global problem?
    a) It affects only a few countries
    b) It is transported across oceans, transcending national borders
    c) It is easy to clean up
    d) Only large plastics are a concern

Answer Key:

1. False

2. True

3. False

4. True

5. False

6. True

7. b) Promoting biodegradable alternatives

8. a) transport invasive organisms

9. Paragraph 1 – Origins and impact of microplastics
   Paragraph 2 – Ecological consequences
   Paragraph 3 – Mitigation strategies and global cooperation

10. b) It is transported across oceans, transcending national borders