Tiny Plastic, Big Problems

1. In your own words, summarize the central ideas of this article.

2. What is the purpose of paragraph 1?

• A. to make readers curious about the "hidden" pollution

• B. to introduce the topic of pollution on the ground and in trees

• C. to argue that pollution on land is a more serious problem than pollution in the ocean

• D. to claim that pollution is becoming harder to see because people are ignoring it

3. Based on the information in paragraph 4, what is the likely reason why experts have found less plastic floating in the ocean than they expected? Cite evidence from the text.

4. PART A: As it is used in paragraph 10, the word "abundant" most closely means —

• A. dangerous.

• B. minimal.

• C. challenging.

• D. widespread.

5. PART B: Which detail from paragraph 10 best supports the answer to Part A?

• A. "plastic pollution"

• B. "across the world's oceans"

• C. "circular currents"

• D. "difficult task"

6. How does the study on zooplankton contribute to the development of ideas in the text? (Paragraphs 22-23)

• A. It suggests that small marine creatures can get nutrients from plastic.

• B. It reveals that some marine creatures can break down plastic particles.

• C. It confirms the theory that small marine creatures are eating plastic particles.

• D. It challenges the theory that small marine creatures are eating plastic particles.

7. Which of the following is a likely conclusion based on the information provided in the section "Entering the Food Web"?

• A. If humans continue to pollute the ocean with plastic, it could have serious effects on the ocean's food chain and beyond.

• B. The plastic particles that end up in the ocean will be so degraded and small that they will not have a significant effect on the animals that might consume them.

• C. Many sea animals will likely learn to avoid consuming plastic so that it does not affect their health.

• D. Sea animals are being forced to eat more plastic particles because their natural food supply is decreasing.

8. As it is used in paragraph 32, what is the meaning of the word "glom"?

9. Based on the information in paragraphs 32-34, how did the banned substances DDT and PCBs end up in the ocean? Cite evidence in your answer.

10. Explain TWO or more ways people can help prevent further pollution of the ocean with plastic.