Challenges in Managing Plastic Waste in Oceans

The IELTS Reading test is designed to assess a range of reading skills, including understanding main ideas, details, logical arguments, and recognizing writers’ opinions, attitudes, and purposes. In recent years, topics related to environmental issues have been prevalent in the Reading section, providing test-takers with a chance to engage with relevant and urgent global topics.

One of the increasingly critical topics is “the challenges of managing plastic waste in oceans.” With the rising awareness about environmental degradation and plastic pollution, this topic could reappear in future IELTS tests.

Reading Passage and Questions

Reading Passage Example (Medium Text)

Managing Plastic Waste in Oceans

Plastic waste in oceans has become one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. Annually, millions of tons of plastic debris enter oceanic bodies, affecting marine life and ecosystems. This problem is multifaceted and addressing it is fraught with challenges.

plastic-ocean-pollution|Plastic Ocean Pollution|A realistic photo of a massive pile of plastic waste floating in the ocean, polluting the marine environment.

Firstly, most plastic waste is not biodegradable. Unlike organic materials, plastic debris persists for hundreds to thousands of years, breaking down into smaller pieces known as microplastics but never fully decomposing. These microplastics are particularly insidious as they are easily ingested by marine organisms, thus entering the food chain and ultimately affecting human health.

The second challenge is the sheer volume of plastic waste. The rapid increase in plastic production, coupled with inadequate waste management infrastructures, has resulted in oceans becoming the final dumping ground for much of the world’s plastic. The challenge of collecting and processing this vast amount of waste in the open ocean is logistically and economically daunting.

Additionally, international cooperation is essential but challenging to coordinate. The ocean is a shared resource, and plastic waste can easily traverse national boundaries. Effective management, therefore, requires global agreements and regulations, which are often difficult to negotiate and enforce.

Another significant issue is the economic interests tied to plastic production. The global plastic industry is highly lucrative, and many economies depend on it. Striking a balance between economic growth and environmental protection continues to be a contentious issue among policymakers.

Solutions to managing plastic waste are varied but include improving waste management systems, reducing plastic production and consumption, and enhancing public awareness and education. Innovations in biodegradable plastics and more efficient recycling methods also present potential pathways to mitigating this issue.

Ultimately, addressing the problem of plastic waste in oceans necessitates a multifaceted approach, including technological, regulatory, and societal changes. By understanding these challenges, the global community can take informed steps towards a cleaner, more sustainable ocean environment.

Questions

Multiple Choice

1. What is a primary reason that plastic waste persists in oceans?

   • A) It is highly soluble.
   • B) It biodegrades within a year.
   • C) It breaks down into smaller pieces.
   • D) It decomposes fully in water.

2. According to the passage, what is one of the key challenges in managing plastic waste in oceans?

   • A) Lack of public interest.
   • B) The slow rate of plastic production.
   • C) The economic dependency on the plastic industry.
   • D) The rapid biodegradation of plastic materials.

True/False/Not Given

3. Microplastics can enter the food chain and affect human health.

   • True
   • False
   • Not Given

4. All countries have agreed on how to manage plastic waste in the oceans.

   • True
   • False
   • Not Given

Summary Completion

Complete the summary using words from the passage.

Plastic waste in oceans is a major environmental issue due to its non- nature, causing it to persist for long periods. It breaks down into harmful which are ingested by marine organisms. The vast of plastic waste and the need for ____ discussions and regulatory measures add to the complexity of addressing this problem.

Answers and Explanations

1. C (It breaks down into smaller pieces)

   • Explanation: The passage states, “plastic debris persists for hundreds to thousands of years, breaking down into smaller pieces known as microplastics but never fully decomposing.”

2. C (The economic dependency on the plastic industry)

   • Explanation: The passage mentions, “The global plastic industry is highly lucrative, and many economies depend on it.”

3. True

   • Explanation: The passage clearly states, “microplastics are particularly insidious as they are easily ingested by marine organisms, thus entering the food chain and ultimately affecting human health.”

4. False

   • Explanation: The passage notes, “Effective management, therefore, requires global agreements and regulations, which are often difficult to negotiate and enforce.”

Summary Completion:

Plastic waste in oceans is a major environmental issue due to its non-biodegradable nature, causing it to persist for long periods. It breaks down into harmful microplastics which are ingested by marine organisms. The vast volume of plastic waste and the need for international discussions and regulatory measures add to the complexity of addressing this problem.

Common Mistakes

1. Misreading Details: Ensure you read each passage carefully to catch details that differentiate between closely related options.
2. Ignoring Key Words: Pay attention to qualifiers such as “most,” “all,” “some,” which can change the meaning of statements.
3. Time Management: Practice managing your time to ensure you’re not rushing through passages or questions.

Vocabulary

• Biodegradable (adj): /ˌbaɪ.oʊ.dɪˈɡreɪ.də.bəl/ capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms.
• Microplastics (n): /ˈmaɪkrəʊˌplæstɪks/ tiny pieces of plastic debris resulting from the breakdown of plastic waste.
• Logistically (adv): /ləˈdʒɪstɪkli/ in a way that involves the planning and organization of complex operations.
• Regulatory (adj): /ˈreɡjʊlətɔːri/ relating to the act of controlling or governing according to rules or laws.

Grammar Points

• Relative Clauses: “which are often difficult to negotiate and enforce” is a clause providing additional information about “global agreements and regulations.”
• Participle Clauses: “causing it to persist for long periods” uses a present participle to provide extra information.

Advice for IELTS Reading

1. Develop Skimming and Scanning Skills: Practice quickly identifying the main idea and specific details in a passage.
2. Enhance Your Vocabulary: A broad vocabulary will help you understand and differentiate between the nuances in answer choices.
3. Practice with Real Tests: Utilize actual past IELTS test papers to familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions.

Remember, the goal is to enhance your comprehension skills and be able to apply analytical thinking to different types of texts. Happy studying, and best of luck on your IELTS journey!