English Reading Skills Passage – 1
___ is a notable literary work by ___. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of ___.
Answer
Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow:
Every year, over 300 million tons of plastic are produced worldwide, with a significant portion ending up in the environment. The United States, China, and India are among the largest producers of plastic waste. It is estimated that around 8 million tons of plastic enter the oceans annually, posing a severe threat to marine life and ecosystems.
Plastic pollution affects a wide range of organisms, from tiny plankton to large whales. Animals such as turtles, seabirds, and fish often mistake plastic for food, leading to ingestion that can cause blockages, starvation, or poisoning. Researchers estimate that over 90% of seabirds have plastic in their stomachs. Additionally, microplastics—tiny particles of broken-down plastic—are now found in water, soil, and even the air we breathe.
Single-use plastics like bags, bottles, and straws are the biggest contributors to this crisis. Many countries have imposed bans or restrictions on these items, yet enforcement remains a challenge. Despite international efforts, large-scale change has been slow. In fact, only 9% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled. The remaining ends up in landfills, incinerated, or pollutes natural environments for hundreds of years.
The consequences of plastic pollution extend beyond wildlife. Chemicals released from plastics can contaminate water and soil, impacting agriculture and drinking water supplies. In humans, microplastics have been detected in food, beverages, and even human tissue, though the long-term health effects are still under study.
While some organizations promote alternatives like biodegradable plastics, these often require specific conditions to decompose and may not address the larger issue. More effective solutions involve reducing plastic production, improving waste management systems, and promoting a circular economy where materials are reused instead of discarded.
Currently, global initiatives like the United Nations “Clean Seas Campaign” and national policies banning certain plastics are gaining momentum. However, without collective action from individuals, industries, and governments, the world risks facing an irreversible environmental catastrophe. It is clear that plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue but a threat to life on Earth itself.
1. Answer any ten of the following questions: (1×10=10)
(a) Which countries produce the most plastic waste?
(b) Why do marine animals often ingest plastic?
(c) What percentage of seabirds have plastic in their stomachs?
(d) How much of the plastic produced has been recycled?
(e) Why are biodegradable plastics not entirely effective?
(f) What global initiatives are being taken to combat plastic pollution?
Use the following words as directed in your own sentences:
(g) produce (verb) (h) recycling (noun) (i) marine (adjective)
Change the following sentences as directed:
(j) Single-use plastics are the biggest contributors to this crisis. (Comparative)
(k) Chemicals released from plastics can contaminate water and soil. (Complex)
(l) Researchers estimate that over 90% of seabirds have plastic in their stomachs. (Passive)
Solution
(a) The United States, China, and India produce the most plastic waste.
(b) Marine animals ingest plastic because they mistake it for food, like fish or plankton.
(c) Over 90% of seabirds have plastic in their stomachs.
(d) Only 9% of the plastic produced has been recycled.
(e) Biodegradable plastics are not fully effective because they need specific conditions to decompose.
(f) The United Nations “Clean Seas Campaign” and plastic bans by some countries are global efforts to reduce pollution.
(g) Produce (verb): Factories produce large amounts of plastic every day, adding to pollution.
(h) Recycling (noun): Recycling plastic waste can help reduce environmental damage.
(i) Marine (adjective): Plastic pollution harms marine animals like turtles and fish.
(j) Single-use plastics are bigger contributors to this crisis than other types of plastics.
(k) As plastics release chemicals, they can contaminate water and soil.
(l) It is estimated by researchers that over 90% of seabirds have plastic in their stomachs.