Microplastics - TOEFL iBT® Reading Practice Test with Answer Key

When getting ready for the TOEFL, practice tests can be highly advantageous. They not only increase your likelihood of success during the actual exam but also help you achieve the highest possible score. 

Participating in such assessments specifically tailored for the TOEFL Reading section will familiarize you with the exam's structure and improve the crucial skills required to excel in it. To begin your TOEFL preparation, let's start with the Reading Practice Test based on the topic 'Microplastics.' This test will improve your capacity to understand intricate texts efficiently and polish your reading abilities for test day.

Reading Instructions

• You will be given 15 minutes to read the following passage and answer all 9 questions following 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 paragraphs have been provided alongside the question for quick solutions and better understanding.
• Some questions include a word or phrase that is highlighted in the question as well as in the paragraph for quick reference. 

Microplastics refer to pieces of plastic that are smaller than 5 mm (0.20 in) in size, as defined by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the European Chemicals Agency. These tiny plastic fragments contribute to environmental pollution as they enter natural ecosystems through diverse channels such as cosmetics, textiles, food containers, and industrial activities.

The term macroplastics distinguishes microplastics from larger plastic debris, like plastic bottles. There are presently two acknowledged classifications of microplastics. Primary microplastics encompass plastic fragments or particles that are initially 5.0 mm in size or smaller before entering the environment. These comprise microfibers from clothing, microbeads, and plastic pellets, also known as nurdles. Secondary microplastics result from the degradation of larger plastic items through natural weathering processes after entering the environment.

Secondary microplastics originate from various sources such as plastic bottles for water and soda, fishing gear like nets, shopping bags, containers used in microwaves, tea bags, and the abrasion of tires. Both categories of microplastics are known to persist in the environment extensively, especially in water-based ecosystems like rivers and oceans, contributing significantly to water pollution. 

A substantial portion, around 35%, of ocean microplastics stem from textiles and clothing, mainly due to the breakdown of polyester, acrylic, or nylon fabrics, often occurring during laundry cycles. However, microplastics can also accumulate in the atmosphere and on land. Due to the slow degradation of plastics, taking hundreds to thousands of years, microplastics have a high likelihood of being ingested, integrated into, and accumulating within the bodies and tissues of various organisms.

(A) Hazardous substances originating from both the sea and runoff can magnify through the food chain. In land-based ecosystems, microplastics have been proven to diminish soil ecosystem health and decrease earthworm mass. (B) The circulation and dispersal of microplastics in the environment are not completely understood, but ongoing research aims to explore this phenomenon. (C) Recent deep-sea sediment studies in China (2020) reveal plastic presence in layers predating plastic invention, suggesting a potential underestimation of microplastics in surface ocean samples. (D) Microplastics have also been detected in remote mountain regions, far from their origin points.

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

Paragraph 1

Microplastics refer to pieces of plastic that are smaller than 5 mm (0.20 in) in size, as defined by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the European Chemicals Agency. These tiny plastic fragments contribute to environmental pollution as they enter natural ecosystems through diverse channels such as cosmetics, textiles, food containers, and industrial activities.

1. According to the passage, how are microplastics defined?
   1. Microplastics are pieces of plastic of any kind that exceed 5mm in size.
   2. Microplastics are pieces of plastic of any kind that are smaller than 5mm in size.
   3. Microplastics are fragments of particular types of plastic that are smaller than 5mm in size.
   4. Microplastics are fragments of only biodegradable plastic that are smaller than 5mm in size.

Paragraph 2

The term macroplastics distinguishes microplastics from larger plastic debris, like plastic bottles. There are presently two acknowledged classifications of microplastics. Primary microplastics encompass plastic fragments or particles that are initially 5.0 mm in size or smaller before entering the environment. These comprise microfibers from clothing, microbeads, and plastic pellets, also known as nurdles. Secondary microplastics result from the breakdown of larger plastic items through natural weathering processes after entering the environment.

1. According to the passage, what distinguishes microplastics from macroplastics?
   1. Microplastics have a smaller size compared to macroplastics.
   2. Macroplastics possess a larger size than microplastics.
   3. Microplastics are capable of biodegradation, whereas macroplastics are not. 
   4. Macroplastics are acknowledged as a pollution contributor.

1. According to the passage, which of the following is INCORRECT regarding microplastics?
   1. Microplastics contribute to pollution in natural ecosystems.
   2. Microplastics are present not only in aquatic and marine ecosystems. 
   3. Microplastics have a lasting presence in the environment.
   4. Microplastics result from the breakdown of larger plastic items.

1. What deduction can be made from the passage regarding the influence of microplastics on the environment? 
   1. Microplastics contribute positively to the environment. 
   2. Microplastics have a neutral effect on the environment. 
   3. Microplastics have a detrimental impact on the environment. 
   4. The environmental impact of microplastics remains uncertain.

Paragraph 4

A substantial portion, around 35%, of ocean microplastics stem from textiles and clothing, mainly due to the breakdown of polyester, acrylic, or nylon fabrics, often occurring during laundry cycles. However, microplastics can also accumulate in the atmosphere and on land. Due to the slow degradation of plastics, taking hundreds to thousands of years, microplastics have a high likelihood of being ingested, integrated into, and accumulating within the bodies and tissues of various organisms.

1. Which of the following can be deduced from the paragraph concerning the impacts of microplastics on the environment?
   1. They are a relatively recent occurrence and still not comprehensively understood.
   2. They primarily contribute to pollution in marine and aquatic environments.
   3. They impact not only the ocean but also other ecosystems.
   4. Their environmental movement and cycle are thoroughly comprehended.

1. The Passage suggests that microplastics have an adverse effect on the environment.
   1. Accurate
   2. Incorrect
   3. Not addressed by the author 
   4. Unable to be deduced

Paragraph 2

The term macroplastics distinguishes microplastics from larger plastic debris, like plastic bottles. There are presently two acknowledged classifications of microplastics. Primary microplastics encompass plastic fragments or particles that are initially 5.0 mm in size or smaller before entering the environment. These comprise microfibers from clothing, microbeads, and plastic pellets, also known as nurdles. Secondary microplastics result from the degradation of larger plastic items through natural weathering processes after entering the environment.

1. The author includes the two classifications of microplastics in the paragraph to:
   1. Define what microplastics are
   2. Discuss the various origins of microplastics
   3. Distinguish between microplastics and macroplastics
   4. Demonstrate how microplastics endure in the environment

1. The term "degradation" in the passage is closest in meaning to…
   1. Improvement
   2. Destruction
   3. Expansion
   4. Encouragement

1. Which of the following choices best describes what "microbeads" refers to in the passage?
   
   1. Tiny beads
   2. Very large particles
   3. Big pieces of plastic
   4. Drops of water

Paragraph 5

(A) Hazardous substances originating from both the sea and runoff can magnify through the food chain. In land-based ecosystems, microplastics have been proven to diminish soil ecosystem health and decrease earthworm mass. (B) The circulation and dispersal of microplastics in the environment are not completely understood, but ongoing research aims to explore this phenomenon. (C) Recent deep-sea sediment studies in China (2020) reveal plastic presence in layers predating plastic invention, suggesting a potential underestimation of microplastics in surface ocean samples. (D) Microplastics have also been detected in remote mountain regions, far from their origin points.

1. Consider the excerpt provided above. The labels (A), (B), (C), and (D) indicate potential insertion points for the following statement. 
   
   Microplastics can cause harm to organisms through ingestion, incorporation, and accumulation in their bodies and tissues.
   
   Where would the sentence best fit?
   
   1. Choice A
   2. Choice B
   3. Choice C
   4. Choice D

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - ‘Microplastics’

1. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is Option B, “Microplastics are pieces of plastic of any kind that are smaller than 5mm in size”. The first paragraph directly defines microplastics: "Microplastics refer to pieces of plastic that are smaller than 5 mm (0.20 in) in size..." It specifies this definition is based on what the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the European Chemicals Agency consider microplastics. There are no size limitations mentioned regarding the type of plastic (e.g., any kind of plastic can be microplastic if it's smaller than 5mm).

2. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is Option B, “Macroplastics possess a larger size than microplastics”. The passage specifically defines microplastics as being smaller than 5 millimeters, while macroplastics are used as an example of larger plastic debris, like plastic bottles. The distinction is based solely on size.

Option A. Microplastics have a smaller size compared to macroplastics: This is essentially repeating the correct answer.

Option C. Microplastics are capable of biodegradation, whereas macroplastics are not: Neither the passage nor the definition of micro/macroplastics refers to biodegradability. Both types of plastic degrade very slowly.

Option D. Macroplastics are acknowledged as a pollution contributor: While the passage mentions pollution from microplastics, it doesn't make a statement about the pollution contribution of macroplastics specifically. However, it's implied that both contribute to plastic pollution.

3. Answer: D

Explanation: The incorrect statement regarding microplastics according to the passage is Option D, “Microplastics result from the breakdown of larger plastic items”. While the passage does mention that secondary microplastics come from the degradation of larger plastic items, it also defines primary microplastics as those that are manufactured to be small from the beginning. These include microbeads, microfibers, and plastic pellets. So, while breakdown is a significant source, it's not the only way microplastics enter the environment.

4. Answer: C

Explanation: The deduction from the passage regarding the influence of microplastics on the environment leans strongly toward option C. This deduction arises from several key points in the passage. Firstly, it mentions that microplastics contribute to environmental pollution as they enter natural ecosystems through various channels, indicating a negative impact on the ecosystem's health. Additionally, it notes that microplastics persist extensively in water-based ecosystems like rivers and oceans, contributing significantly to water pollution. Furthermore, the passage highlights that microplastics can accumulate in the atmosphere and on land, suggesting widespread environmental contamination. Lastly, it mentions studies indicating the presence of microplastics in deep-sea sediments predating plastic invention, implying a long-lasting and potentially widespread pollution issue. Overall, these points strongly suggest that microplastics have a detrimental impact on the environment rather than a positive or neutral one.

5. Answer: C

Explanation: The paragraph discusses the impacts of microplastics on the environment, highlighting their widespread presence and effects. Option C, "They impact not only the ocean but also other ecosystems," is the most accurate deduction based on the information provided. The passage mentions that microplastics enter natural ecosystems through diverse channels such as cosmetics, textiles, food containers, and industrial activities. It also specifies that microplastics persist extensively in water-based ecosystems like rivers and oceans but can also accumulate in the atmosphere and on land. This indicates that microplastics have a broader impact beyond just marine and aquatic environments, affecting land-based ecosystems as well. Therefore, option C is the correct choice as it reflects the comprehensive and varied environmental impacts of microplastics as described in the paragraph.

6. Answer: A

Explanation: The passage provides clear evidence that microplastics have adverse effects on the environment. It explains how these tiny plastic fragments contribute to environmental pollution by entering natural ecosystems through various channels like cosmetics, textiles, food containers, and industrial activities. The passage further distinguishes between primary and secondary microplastics, highlighting their sources and persistence in water-based ecosystems like rivers and oceans, which significantly contribute to water pollution. Additionally, it mentions the accumulation of microplastics in the atmosphere and on land, their slow degradation over hundreds to thousands of years, and their potential ingestion and accumulation within organisms. Therefore, based on the information provided, it can be deduced that microplastics indeed have an adverse effect on the environment.

7. Answer: C

Explanation: The author includes the two classifications of microplastics in the paragraph to: C. Distinguish between microplastics and macroplastics. The passage first introduces the term "microplastics" and defines it as plastic pieces smaller than 5 mm in size. It then contrasts microplastics with microplastics, such as plastic bottles, to highlight the difference in size between these two categories of plastic debris. By presenting primary microplastics (those that enter the environment already small) and secondary microplastics (resulting from the degradation of larger plastic items), the author clarifies the distinction between microplastics and larger plastic debris. This classification helps readers understand the scope and sources of microplastics in the environment, emphasizing the importance of addressing these small plastic fragments separately from larger plastic waste.

8. Answer: B

Explanation: The term "degradation" in the passage is closest in meaning to "B. Destruction." In the context of environmental science and pollution, degradation typically refers to the process of breaking down or deteriorating natural systems or materials. Here, it specifically refers to the breaking down of larger plastic items into smaller fragments through natural weathering processes after they enter the environment. This process of degradation leads to the formation of secondary microplastics, contributing to environmental pollution. It's important to note that while "destruction" may seem extreme, in this context, it aligns with the idea of breaking down larger plastic items into smaller, potentially harmful fragments that contribute to pollution, rather than implying a complete obliteration of the plastic material.

9. Answer: A

Explanation: The term "microbeads" in the passage refers to tiny beads. This is evident from the context where microplastics are being discussed, which are defined as pieces of plastic smaller than 5 mm in size. Microbeads are specifically mentioned as part of primary microplastics, which encompass plastic fragments or particles that are initially 5.0 mm in size or smaller before entering the environment. These microbeads are often used in cosmetics and personal care products like exfoliating scrubs and toothpaste. Due to their small size, they can easily enter natural ecosystems and contribute to environmental pollution. Therefore, "A. Tiny beads" is the most accurate choice to describe what "microbeads" refers to in the passage.

10. Answer: A

Explanation: Choice A discusses the potential magnification of hazardous substances originating from both the sea and runoff through the food chain. This context directly relates to how microplastics, as mentioned in the sentence, can cause harm to organisms. When microplastics enter natural ecosystems, they are ingested by various organisms such as fish, birds, and marine mammals. These organisms may mistake microplastics for food, leading to ingestion and subsequent incorporation into their bodies. Over time, microplastics can accumulate in their tissues, potentially causing harm and disrupting normal biological processes. Therefore, choice A provides the most appropriate insertion point for the sentence as it directly connects the harmful effects of microplastics to the food chain and ecosystem health, as discussed in the passage.

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