Practice Tests
IELTS Reading (AC) Task 1 #129

A. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, generally defined as being less than five millimetres in diameter, that have become a ubiquitous and persistent environmental pollutant. They originate from two main sources. Primary microplastics are intentionally manufactured small particles, such as the microbeads found in some cosmetics and cleaning products. Secondary microplastics result from the breakdown and fragmentation of larger plastic items, such as bottles, bags, and fishing nets, through exposure to sunlight, wind, and wave action.

B. These minuscule particles are now found in every corner of the globe, from the deepest ocean trenches to the highest mountain peaks, and even in the air we breathe and the food we eat. Due to their small size, they easily bypass water filtration systems and enter aquatic ecosystems. Marine animals often ingest microplastics, mistaking them for food. This can cause internal injuries, block digestive tracts, and lead to starvation.

C. The potential impact of microplastics extends throughout the food chain. As smaller organisms are consumed by larger ones, the plastic particles can accumulate in the tissues of predators, a process known as biomagnification. There is growing concern about the potential risks to human health, as studies have detected microplastics in human blood, lungs, and placentas. While the full extent of their health effects is still being researched, it is known that plastics can contain toxic chemical additives that may leach into the body.

D. Addressing the microplastic crisis is a formidable challenge due to their pervasive nature and the difficulty of removing them from the environment. Solutions require a multi-faceted approach, focusing on prevention. This includes phasing out the use of primary microplastics in consumer products, improving waste management and recycling systems to prevent plastic from entering the environment, and developing innovative materials that are truly biodegradable. Ultimately, a fundamental reduction in global plastic production and consumption is considered the most effective long-term strategy.