The IELTS Reading section is a crucial component of the test, assessing your ability to comprehend complex texts and extract relevant information. Today, we’ll focus on a topic that has gained significant attention in recent years: strategies for reducing plastic use. This subject has appeared frequently in IELTS exams, reflecting its global importance. Given its relevance to environmental issues and sustainability, there’s a high probability of encountering similar themes in future tests.

Let’s dive into a practice reading passage and questions to help you prepare for the IELTS Reading section while exploring this important topic.

Plastic reduction strategies infographic

Reading Passage

Tackling the Plastic Problem: Innovative Strategies for Reduction

Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. With millions of tons of plastic waste entering our oceans each year, the need for effective reduction strategies has never been more urgent. Governments, businesses, and individuals worldwide are now implementing innovative approaches to curb plastic consumption and mitigate its harmful effects on the environment.

One of the most impactful strategies for reducing plastic use is the implementation of bans or taxes on single-use plastics. Many countries have successfully introduced legislation to prohibit or discourage the use of items such as plastic bags, straws, and cutlery. For instance, Kenya’s strict ban on plastic bags, implemented in 2017, has led to a significant decrease in plastic waste and has inspired similar policies in neighboring countries. The European Union has also taken decisive action, approving a ban on various single-use plastic items that will take effect across member states by 2021.

Another promising approach is the development and promotion of alternative materials. Biodegradable and compostable plastics, made from plant-based materials such as cornstarch or sugarcane, are gaining traction as substitutes for traditional petroleum-based plastics. These materials break down more quickly and with less environmental impact, though it’s important to note that they still require specific conditions to decompose properly. Additionally, innovative companies are exploring materials like mycelium (fungal threads) and seaweed to create packaging that is not only biodegradable but also edible in some cases.

The concept of a circular economy is also playing a crucial role in plastic reduction efforts. This approach aims to keep plastics in use for as long as possible through improved design, reuse, and recycling systems. Companies are redesigning products and packaging to be more durable, repairable, and recyclable. Some businesses are even implementing take-back programs, where they collect and recycle their own products at the end of their life cycle. This shift towards circularity not only reduces waste but also creates new economic opportunities in recycling and remanufacturing industries.

Education and awareness campaigns are fundamental in driving behavioral change among consumers. Many organizations are working to inform the public about the environmental impact of plastic and provide practical tips for reducing personal plastic consumption. These efforts often focus on promoting reusable alternatives to common single-use items, such as water bottles, shopping bags, and food containers. Some campaigns have gone viral, like the #StrawsSuck movement, which has significantly reduced the use of plastic straws in many countries.

Technological innovations are also contributing to plastic reduction strategies. Advanced recycling technologies, such as chemical recycling, are being developed to process plastics that were previously difficult or impossible to recycle. These technologies break down plastics into their chemical components, which can then be used to create new plastics or other materials. Additionally, artificial intelligence and machine learning are being employed to improve the efficiency of waste sorting and recycling processes.

Collaborations between different sectors are proving essential in tackling the plastic problem. Partnerships between governments, businesses, and non-profit organizations are leading to more comprehensive and effective solutions. For example, the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme, has united over 500 organizations behind a common vision of a circular economy for plastics.

While these strategies show promise, it’s important to recognize that reducing plastic use is a complex challenge that requires a multifaceted approach. No single solution will be sufficient on its own. Instead, a combination of policy changes, technological innovations, educational initiatives, and shifts in consumer behavior will be necessary to create lasting change. As awareness of the plastic pollution crisis continues to grow, so too does the momentum behind these diverse strategies for reduction. The coming years will be crucial in determining the success of these efforts and the future health of our planet’s ecosystems.

Questions

True/False/Not Given

1. Kenya’s ban on plastic bags has been ineffective in reducing plastic waste.
2. The European Union has approved a ban on single-use plastic items to be implemented by 2021.
3. Biodegradable plastics made from plant-based materials decompose quickly in all environments.
4. The circular economy approach focuses solely on recycling plastics.
5. Education campaigns have had no impact on consumer behavior regarding plastic use.

Multiple Choice

6. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an alternative material to traditional plastics?
   A) Cornstarch
   B) Sugarcane
   C) Mycelium
   D) Bamboo

7. Advanced recycling technologies like chemical recycling are being developed to:
   A) Replace traditional recycling methods entirely
   B) Process previously unrecyclable plastics
   C) Reduce the cost of plastic production
   D) Eliminate the need for plastic alternatives

Matching Information

Match the following strategies with their descriptions. Write the correct letter, A-E, next to questions 8-12.

A) Bans and taxes
B) Alternative materials
C) Circular economy
D) Education and awareness
E) Technological innovations

8. Aims to keep plastics in use for longer through improved design and systems
9. Involves informing the public about the impact of plastic and providing tips for reduction
10. Includes the development of biodegradable and compostable options
11. Uses artificial intelligence to improve waste sorting efficiency
12. Implemented by governments to discourage the use of single-use plastics

Short Answer Questions

Answer the following questions using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.

13. What type of economy aims to keep plastics in use for as long as possible?
14. Name one sector that is creating new economic opportunities through the shift towards circularity.
15. What movement has significantly reduced the use of plastic straws in many countries?

Answer Key and Explanations

1. False – The passage states that Kenya’s ban has led to a significant decrease in plastic waste.

2. True – This information is explicitly stated in the passage.

3. Not Given – The passage mentions that biodegradable plastics require specific conditions to decompose properly, but doesn’t specify how quickly they decompose in all environments.

4. False – The circular economy approach includes improved design and reuse, not just recycling.

5. False – The passage mentions that education campaigns have been fundamental in driving behavioral change.

6. D) Bamboo – The passage does not mention bamboo as an alternative material.

7. B) Process previously unrecyclable plastics – This is explicitly stated in the passage.

8. C) Circular economy

9. D) Education and awareness

10. B) Alternative materials

11. E) Technological innovations

12. A) Bans and taxes

13. Circular economy

14. Recycling (or remanufacturing)

15. StrawsSuck

Common Mistakes

When tackling reading passages like this one, students often make the following mistakes:

1. Overlooking key words: Pay attention to qualifiers like “some,” “many,” or “all,” as they can change the meaning of a statement.
2. Making assumptions: Stick to the information provided in the text and avoid drawing conclusions based on your own knowledge.
3. Misinterpreting “Not Given” answers: Remember that “Not Given” means the information is neither confirmed nor contradicted in the passage.
4. Failing to manage time effectively: Practice timing yourself to ensure you can complete all questions within the allotted time.

Vocabulary

Here are some challenging words from the passage, along with their definitions:

1. Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – to make less severe or serious
2. Traction (noun) /ˈtrækʃən/ – the extent to which an idea, product, etc. gains popularity or acceptance
3. Biodegradable (adjective) /ˌbaɪəʊdɪˈɡreɪdəbl/ – capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms
4. Circularity (noun) /ˌsɜːkjəˈlærəti/ – the quality of following a circular pattern or process
5. Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features

Grammar Focus

Pay attention to the use of present perfect tense in the passage, such as:

“Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time.”

This tense is used to describe actions or situations that started in the past and continue to be relevant in the present. The structure is:

Subject + have/has + past participle

Example: “Many countries have successfully introduced legislation to prohibit or discourage the use of single-use plastics.”

Practice using this tense when discussing ongoing environmental issues or recent developments in sustainability efforts.

Tips for Success

To excel in the IELTS Reading section, especially with passages on environmental topics like plastic reduction strategies:

1. Develop a broad vocabulary related to environmental issues and sustainability.
2. Practice skimming and scanning techniques to quickly locate specific information.
3. Read widely on current environmental topics to build background knowledge.
4. Pay attention to transition words and phrases that indicate relationships between ideas.
5. Practice identifying main ideas and supporting details in complex texts.

Remember, consistent practice with diverse reading materials is key to improving your performance in the IELTS Reading section. Good luck with your preparation!

For more IELTS practice materials and tips, check out our articles on how to reduce single-use plastics in consumer products and tips for reducing your environmental impact.