Microplastics in Oceans - TOEFL iBT® Reading Practice Test

Microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, have become a significant pollutant in the world’s oceans. Originating from sources like synthetic clothing fibers, cosmetic products, and the breakdown of larger plastic waste, these particles are now widespread in marine environments, impacting aquatic ecosystems and the health of countless marine species.

Due to their small size, microplastics are easily ingested by marine animals, entering food chains and ultimately affecting human health as well.  This passage will explore the sources, environmental impact, and potential solutions to the growing issue of microplastic pollution in oceans.

Reading Instructions:

• You have 15 minutes to read the following passage and answer all 9 questions related to it.
• Most questions are worth 1 point, but the last question is worth more. The directions indicate how many points you will receive for that specific question.
• The specific section/paragraphs have been provided again with the question for ease of understanding and quick solution.
• Some questions include a word or phrase that is highlighted in the question as well as in the paragraph for quick reference.

Directions: Once you have read the passage, answer the following questions.

Paragraph 1

Microplastics are pieces that measure less than five millimeters in diameter. They have become a major environmental concern, especially in marine environments. These pieces come from various sources, such as the breakdown of larger plastic waste, microbeads in personal care products, and synthetic fibres released during washing clothes. The widespread nature of microplastics has raised concerns among scientists and environmentalists. They pose potential threats to marine life, human health, and the overall health of ocean environments. Recent studies show that microplastics are now found everywhere in the world's oceans, even in the most remote marine areas like the Arctic and Antarctic. This wide distribution suggests that microplastics have become a regular part of the marine environment, making urgent scientific investigation necessary.

Factual Information Question

1. According to paragraph 1, what are microplastics defined as?
   
   1. Pieces that measure less than five millimetres in diameter.
   2. Pieces that measure more than five millimetres in diameter.
   3. Pieces that are exclusively found in the Arctic.
   4. Pieces that are only derived from personal care products.

Negative Factual Information Question

1. The author mentions all of the following as sources of microplastics EXCEPT:
   
   1. Breakdown of larger plastic waste.
   2. Microbeads in personal care products.
   3. Synthetic fibres released during washing clothes.
   4. Natural minerals found in ocean sediments.

Paragraph 2

The journey of microplastics into the oceans often starts on land, where poor waste management and littering contribute to their spread. Rainwater and wind can carry these pieces from cities to waterways, eventually reaching the ocean. Once they are in the marine environment, microplastics can be eaten by a wide range of organisms, from tiny plankton to larger marine animals. Research has shown that microplastics can build up in the bodies of marine organisms, leading to potential increase through the food chain. For example, small fish that eat microplastics may be consumed by larger predatory fish, which might then be caught and eaten by humans. This raises serious concerns about the effects on human health, especially regarding the ingestion of toxic substances that may stick to microplastics.

Inference Question

1. What can be inferred about the impact of microplastics on the food chain from paragraph 2?
   
   1. Microplastics have no effect on the food chain.
   2. Microplastics can accumulate and potentially harm larger marine animals and humans.
   3. Only small fish are affected by microplastics.
   4. Microplastics are beneficial to marine life.

Paragraph 3

The ecological impact of microplastics is deep and complicated. Marine organisms that ingest microplastics may suffer physical harm, such as injuries or blockages, which can lead to reduced feeding efficiency and lower survival rates. Additionally, microplastics can carry long-lasting contaminants, which can attach to their surfaces. When ingested, these toxic substances can seep into the tissues of marine organisms, increasing the health risks related to microplastic consumption. So, the presence of microplastics in marine environments not only threatens individual species but also interrupts entire ecosystems, leading to changes in species interactions and reduced biodiversity. The overall effects of these interruptions are still being studied and debated among scientist.

Rhetorical Purpose Question

1. Why does the author discuss the physical harm caused by microplastics in paragraph 3?
   
   1. To highlight the complexity of the ecological impact of microplastics.
   2. To suggest that microplastics are harmless to marine life.
   3. To argue that microplastics are beneficial for biodiversity.
   4. To provide examples of how microplastics can be removed from the ocean.

Paragraph 4

Despite the concerning evidence about microplastics, there is still some uncertainty about their long-term effects on marine environments. Some researchers believe that the ecological consequences of microplastics might be less severe than initially thought. They suggest that certain marine species have developed strength to deal with these pieces. For example, studies show that filter-feeding organisms, such as clams, may be able to reject microplastics while still consuming phytoplankton. But this view is debated, as it does not consider the overall effects of microplastics over time or the potential interactions with other environmental stressors, like climate change and ocean acidification. The discussion continues as scientists try to understand the complex relationships between microplastics and marine life.

Vocabulary Question

1. The word "strength" in paragraph 4 is closest in meaning to:
   
   1. Power
   2. Weakness
   3. Size
   4. Speed

Paragraph 5

Also, efforts to reduce the impact of microplastics in oceans have gained traction in recent years, with various actions aimed at cutting down plastic pollution at its source. Legislative measures, like bans on microbeads in cosmetics and stricter rules on plastic production and disposal, have been put in place in several countries. Also, public awareness campaigns have aimed to educate consumers about the importance of reducing plastic use and properly disposing of waste. New technologies, such as advanced filtration systems for wastewater treatment plants, are being developed to capture microplastics before they enter water environments. However, the effectiveness of these actions still needs to be fully assessed, and comprehensive strategies are necessary to tackle the complicated issue of microplastic pollution. The interaction between policy, technology, and public behaviour will be key in determining the success of these efforts.

Sentence Simplification Question

1. Which of the sentences below best expresses the essential information in the following text in paragraph 5? Efforts to reduce the impact of microplastics in oceans have gained traction in recent years, with various actions aimed at cutting down plastic pollution at its source."
   
   1. Recent actions to reduce plastic pollution have become more popular.
   2. Plastic pollution has been reduced significantly in recent years.
   3. Efforts to cut down plastic pollution have failed in recent years
   4. There are no actions being taken to reduce plastic pollution.

Paragraph 6

In conclusion, the presence of microplastics in oceans is a pressing environmental challenge that needs urgent attention from scientists, policymakers, and the public. While research continues to uncover the extent of their impact on marine environments and human health, it is clear that proactive measures are essential to reduce their spread. The connection between marine life and human activity highlights the need to address plastic pollution as a whole, considering not just the immediate effects of microplastics but also their long-term effects on biodiversity and ecosystem health. Furthermore, questions remain about the strength of marine species and the potential for recovery in ecosystems heavily affected by microplastics. As the global community faces this issue, ongoing research and collaborative efforts will be crucial in finding effective solutions to protect the oceans for future generations.

Purpose of the Passage Question

1. What is the main purpose of paragraph 6?
   
   1. To summarise the key points about microplastics and their impact.
   2. To argue against the need for urgent action on microplastics.
   3. To provide a detailed history of microplastics in oceans.
   4. To suggest that microplastics are not a significant issue.

Insert Missing Sentence Question

1. In paragraph 4, there is a missing sentence. The paragraph is repeated below and shows four letters (A, B, C, and D) that indicate where the following sentence could be added.

   "However, some species may still be vulnerable to the effects of microplastics."

   Where would the sentence best fit?

   The paragraph is as follows:

   Despite the concerning evidence about microplastics, there is still some uncertainty about their long-term effects on marine environments. Some researchers believe that the ecological consequences of microplastics might be less severe than initially thought. (A) They suggest that certain marine species have developed strength to deal with these pieces. (B) For example, studies show that filter-feeding organisms, such as clams, may be able to reject microplastics while still consuming phytoplankton. (C) But this view is debated, as it does not consider the overall effects of microplastics over time or the potential interactions with other environmental stressors, like climate change and ocean acidification. (D)

   1. Option A
   2. Option B
   3. Option C
   4. Option D

Prose Summary Question

Directions: An introductory sentence for a brief summary of the passage is provided below. Complete the summary by selecting the THREE answer choices that express the most important ideas in the passage. Some sentences do not belong in the summary because they express ideas that are not presented in the passage or are minor ideas in the passage. This question is worth 2 points.

1. Microplastics in oceans pose significant environmental challenges that require immediate action.<

   Answer Choices

   1. Microplastics originate from various sources, including larger plastic waste and personal care products.
   2. The long-term effects of microplastics on marine life and human health are still uncertain.
   3. Legislative measures and public awareness campaigns are crucial in addressing microplastic pollution.
   4. Microplastics have no impact on marine ecosystems and human health.
   5. The presence of microplastics threatens biodiversity and disrupts ecosystems.

Prose Summary Question

1. What is the main takeaway from the passage regarding microplastics?
   
   1. They are harmless to marine life.
   2. They require urgent attention and comprehensive strategies to mitigate their impact.
   3. They are only a concern in certain regions of the ocean.
   4. They have been completely eliminated from marine environments.
      
      

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - Microplastics in Oceans 

Here are the answers and explanations for the questions based on the provided passage about microplastics in oceans:

1. Answer: A
Explanation: The passage explicitly states that microplastics are defined as pieces measuring less than five millimetres in diameter. This definition is crucial as it sets the context for understanding the environmental concerns associated with these small plastic particles.

2. Answer: D
Explanation: The passage lists specific sources of microplastics, including the breakdown of larger plastic waste, microbeads in personal care products, and synthetic fibres from washing clothes. Natural minerals found in ocean sediments are not mentioned as a source, making option D the correct answer.

3. Answer: B
Explanation: The passage discusses how microplastics can be ingested by small fish, which may then be eaten by larger predatory fish, indicating a potential accumulation of harmful substances through the food chain. This suggests that microplastics pose risks not only to marine animals but also to humans who consume these fish.

4. Answer: A
Explanation: The author details the physical harm microplastics can cause to marine organisms, which illustrates the intricate and multifaceted ecological consequences of their presence. This complexity is essential for understanding the broader implications for marine ecosystems and biodiversity.

5. Answer: A
Explanation:In the context of the passage, "strength" refers to the ability of certain marine species to cope with or resist the effects of microplastics. This aligns closely with the meaning of "power," indicating resilience or capability in dealing with environmental stressors.

6: Answer: A
Explanation: This option succinctly captures the essence of the paragraph, which discusses the growing efforts and actions taken to address microplastic pollution. The other options either misrepresent the information or suggest a lack of action, which contradicts the passage's content.

7: Answer: A
Explanation: The final paragraph serves to summarise the critical issues surrounding microplastics, their effects on marine environments and human health, and the need for urgent action. It encapsulates the main themes discussed throughout the passage.

6: Answer: A
Explanation: The missing sentence, "However, some species may still be vulnerable to the effects of microplastics," fits best after the statement about researchers believing that the ecological consequences might be less severe. This placement introduces a counterpoint to the previous idea, enhancing the discussion about the varying impacts on different species.

9: Answer: A
Explanation: These choices reflect the key ideas presented in the passage. They highlight the origins of microplastics, the uncertainty regarding their long-term effects, the importance of legislative and public efforts, and the threat they pose to biodiversity.

10. Answer: B
Explanation: The passage consistently emphasizes the pressing nature of the microplastics issue and the need for immediate and coordinated efforts to address it. This takeaway encapsulates the overall message of the passage regarding the significance of tackling microplastic pollution.

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