Every year millions of tonnes of plastic enter the oceans, and images of turtles tangled in nets have made the problem familiar. Less visible, but arguably more worrying, are microplastics: fragments smaller than five millimetres, produced as larger items break down or shed from synthetic clothing in the wash. These particles have been found in the deepest ocean trenches and in the guts of fish eaten by humans. The long-term effects on health are not yet understood, and scientists are wary of making claims that the evidence cannot support. However, many argue that waiting for certainty would be unwise, since plastic does not disappear: it merely becomes smaller. Reducing the amount produced is therefore likely to be more effective than cleaning up what is already there.

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Synthetic clothing washed in machines

  1. Step 1: Shedding from synthetic clothing in the wash is stated.
Answer
Synthetic clothing washed in machines.
Why not the others: Fishing nets, bottles and tyres are not named as microplastic sources in the passage.

Practise more Reading: society and technology.

Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed Cyprus English Language Certification (B2, C1, C2) mock tests.