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Cod In Trouble Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test

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Updated on Sep 05, 2024, 18:25

This passage discusses the cod fishery's collapse off Newfoundland, Canada's coast in 1992 due to overfishing and poor management. The decline led to a ban on fishing, resulting in massive job losses and long-term economic devastation for the region. The overuse of destructive fishing techniques, like draggers, and the failure of both national and international regulations contributed to the collapse. The situation in Canada serves as a warning for European fisheries, where cod stocks are also declining. The passage highlights the broader implications of unsustainable fishing practices and government negligence.

 

This passage helps in practising skills such as identifying causes and effects, summarising complex information, and understanding the consequences of environmental and economic policies. It also aids in developing the ability to extract key details from dense text, which is crucial for the IELTS Reading test.

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1. Cod In Trouble Reading Passage

You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 - 13 based on the Reading Passage below.

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2. Cod In Trouble Reading Questions & Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Cod In Trouble Reading Questions & Answers.

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1.

Cod In Trouble Reading Passage

General Information

  • Read Instructions: Understand each question before answering.
  • Manage Time: Spend about 20 minutes per passage.
  • Skim and Scan: Quickly get the main idea and find specific information.
  • Highlight Key Info: Underline essential words or phrases.
  • Answer All Questions: Attempt every question; no penalty for wrong answers.
  • Stay Focused: Avoid distractions and keep your attention on the task.
  • Check Spelling: Ensure correct spelling and grammar.
  • Transfer Answers Clearly: Write answers neatly on the answer sheet.
  • Don’t Dwell: Move on if stuck and return later.
  • Review: If time allows, review your answers.

 

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Cod In Trouble Reading Passage

 

Paragraph A:


In 1992, the Canadian government was compelled to take extreme action and shut down the fishery because the cod stocks off the east coast of Newfoundland had suffered a claustrophobic decline. More than 40,000 individuals lost their jobs, the communities are still trying to recover, and the marine habitat is still on the verge of collapsing. The downfall of this important fishery acted as a wake-up call to governments all over the world, who were taken aback that a very advanced, scientifically based fisheries management system, identical to their own, could have failed so badly. The Canadian government declined to significantly lower quotas, citing the loss of jobs as a major issue, and overlooked warnings claiming that their ships were participating in detrimental fishing techniques.

 

Paragraph B:


In the 1950s, Canadian and American east coast waters yielded an annual catch of 100,000 tonnes of cod, which increased to 800,000 metric tons by 1970. By 1975, the catch had dropped to 300,000 tonnes due to overfishing. Canada and the United States reacted by passing legislation to expand their national authority over marine life to 200 nautical miles, resulting in a natural drop in yield to 139,000 tonnes in 1980. But, the Canadian fishing industry acquired control and resumed overfishing, leading to an increase in catches until, starting in 1985, it was Canadians who caught more than 250,000 tonnes of northern cod yearly. This exploitation destroyed the stocks, and by 1990 the catch was so little (29,000 tons) that in 1992, Canada was compelled to prohibit all fishing in the East Coast Ocean. In a fishery that had generated a quarter-million-ton harvest for more than a century, there was a biomass of fewer than 1,700 tons, which was also predicted by the fisheries department. Even with a swift recovery, it would require at least 15 years for the stocks to be sufficiently healthy to continue fishing at its previous levels.

 

Paragraph C:


A lot of money was spent building huge "draggers," which led to the devastating fishing. Draggers tow massive nets kept open by a mix of big steel plates, heavy chains, and rollers that plough the seabed. They drag up everything in their path, causing tremendous harm, destroying crucial habitats, and participating in the destabilisation of the northern cod ecosystem. The draggers targeted large groups of cod as they were spawning, when the fish stocks were most vulnerable to catching. The spawning process and environment were severely hindered by the intensive trawling of spawning stocks. In addition, this trawling activity led to the physical dispersion of eggs, leading to a higher failure rate of fertilization. The trawling activity caused physical and chemical harm to larvae, which decreased the probability of their survival. The use of these draggers in Canadian waters is now prohibited permanently.

 

Paragraph D:


The overfishing of foreign fleets, which is primarily influenced by capitalist ideology, is commonly cited by Canadian media as the main reason for the decline of North Atlantic cod populations. All of the countries that fished off the coast of Newfoundland employed deep-sea trawlers, and several of them frequently blatantly disregarded the specified catch limits and treaty agreements. There is no question that fishing from nations other than North America had a part in the decline of the cod stock, and the fact that foreign vessels and businesses discovered the capitalist dynamics at work in Canada seemed all too familiar. But it is not possible to put all the responsibility there, regardless of how simple it may be, because it does not compensate for the management of the resources.

 

Paragraph E:


Who should be blamed for this? Because the exploitation of the Newfoundland fishery was so heavily influenced by the government, we can claim that a fishery is not a private place since it lacks management rights generally associated with property and common property. All management choices were made on behalf of the state, which has acquired ownership of the land. Fishermen are instructed on who and what they are permitted to fish for and what to do with the fish after it is caught. In this sense, the downfall of a resource like the fisheries in Newfoundland serves as a catastrophe of government negligence rather than of the general public.

 

Paragraph F:


An estimated 30,000 people lost their jobs once the 1992 Northern Cod Moratorium went into effect, as well as another 12,000 fishermen and plant employees who followed them after the 1992 ban on fishing for northern cod and the majority of other species. More than 40,000 people lost their occupations, turning Newfoundland into an economic catastrophe zone as processing plants closed and ships of all sizes—from small dories to huge draggers—were left idle or sold for cheap to foreign nations. A large number of Newfoundland communities were destroyed.

 

Paragraph G:


Europeans only need to look across the North Atlantic to predict the future of their cod fishery. Instead of creating strong business strategies to match fishing with the resource's limited availability, Canada was too preoccupied with making plans, establishing big aims, and then allocating a huge amount of fish. Cod stocks in European waters are currently so low that scientists have now warned that "all cod-targeting fisheries within that region should be closed down." The calamity in Canada illustrates that we have the technological power to locate and eradicate any commercial fish stock in any ocean, thereby causing irreparable harm to entire ecosystems. In the case of Canada, the two-billion-dollar recovery bill could only reflect a part of the total long-term expenses. The consequences for people and desperate communities who are now denied access to meaningful and long-term jobs are staggering.
 

2.

Cod In Trouble Reading Questions & Answers

Questions and Answers 1-6
  • The Reading Passage has 7 paragraphs (A - G).
  • From the list of headings below choose the most suitable headings for paragraphs B - G.
  • Write the appropriate number (i - xi).

 

NB There are more headings than paragraphs, so you will not use them all.

 

ExampleAnswer
Paragraph Aviii

 

List of Headings

i. European Techniques
ii. Foreign Over-Fishing
iii. Lessons to be Learned
iv. The Human Cost
v. Canadian Fishing Limits
vi. The Breaking of Agreements
vii. The Tragedy of State Mismanagement
viii. A Warning to the World
ix. Factory Closures
x. The Demise of the Northern Cod
xi. Destructive Trawling Technology

  1. Paragraph B
  2. Paragraph C
  3. Paragraph D
  4. Paragraph E
  5. Paragraph F
  6. Paragraph G

 

Cod In Trouble Reading Answers with Explanations (1-6)

 

Question Type:  Matching Headings

 

In this question type, you are provided with a list of headings, usually in the form of short phrases or sentences, and you need to match each heading to the corresponding paragraph or section of the reading passage.

 

How to best answer the question: 

 

  • Before attempting to match the headings, it's essential to read the passage thoroughly. 
  • The headings should capture each paragraph or section's main idea or theme.
  • Once you understand the passage's main ideas, scan each paragraph for specific details that align with the headings. 
  • Cross out any options that don't match the content of the paragraphs, even if they seem somewhat related.
  • The headings should follow a coherent order that reflects the organisation of the text.
  • If you're unsure about a particular match, try eliminating options that don't fit.

     
1. x

 

Reference: 


From paragraph B: “This exploitation destroyed the stocks, and by 1990 the catch was so little (29,000 tons) that in 1992, Canada was compelled to prohibit all fishing in the east coast ocean.”.

 

Explanation: The paragraph describes how overfishing led to the collapse of the cod stocks, making "Demise of Northern Cod" the appropriate heading.

 

2. xi

 

Reference: 


Paragraph C : The draggers targeted large groups of cod as they were spawning when the fish stocks were most vulnerable to catching.

 

Explanation: The paragraph explains how destructive trawling technology harmed the cod ecosystem, justifying the heading "Destructive Trawling Technology."

 

3. ii

 

Reference: 


Paragraph D: The overfishing of foreign fleets, which is primarily influenced by capitalist ideology, is commonly cited by Canadian media as the main reason for the decline of North Atlantic cod populations.

 

Explanation: This paragraph discusses the role of foreign overfishing in the decline of cod stocks, making "Foreign Over-Fishing" the correct heading.

 

4. vii

 

Reference: 


Paragraph E : In this sense, the downfall of a resource like the fisheries in Newfoundland serves as a catastrophe of government negligence rather than of the general public.


Explanation: The paragraph attributes the collapse of the cod fishery to government mismanagement, supporting the heading "The Tragedy of State Mismanagement."

 

5. iv

 

Reference: 


Paragraph F: An estimated 30,000 people lost their jobs once the 1992 Northern Cod Moratorium went into effect, as well as another 12,000 fishermen and plant employees who followed them after the 1992 ban on fishing for northern cod and the majority of other species.


Explanation: The paragraph details the significant human cost of the cod fishing ban, making "The Human Cost" an appropriate heading.

 

6. iii

 

Reference: 


Paragraph G: The calamity in Canada illustrates that we have the technological power to locate and eradicate any commercial fish stock in any ocean and thereby cause irreparable harm to entire ecosystems.


Explanation: The paragraph highlights the lessons other nations should learn from Canada's cod fishery collapse, justifying the heading "Lessons to be Learned."

 

Read more about Dictation Words for IELTS: Practice and Preparation!
 

Questions and Answers 7-9
  • Choose the appropriate letters A - D and write them in boxes 7 - 9 on your answer sheet.

 

7. According to the Reading Passage, which statement about Newfoundland's fisheries is currently true?

  1. Although no cod fishing is allowed, some other types of fish can be caught.
  2. Per year only 1700 tons of catches are allowed.
  3. In 2007, fishing with draggers will be permitted again.
  4. In 2007, normal fishing can restart.

 

8. Who is the author blaming for the downfall of the Newfoundland cod fishery?

  1. The US fishing industry
  2. The Canadian government
  3. The foreign fishing industry
  4. The Canadian fishing industry

 

9. The Canadian government did not intend to decrease cod catches before 1992 as it was concerned about…

  1. the marine ecosystem
  2. drastic measures
  3. possible rising unemployment
  4. the ecological effects


 

Cod In Trouble Reading Answers with Explanations (7-9)

 

Question Type: Multiple Choice 

 

Multiple Choice questions in the IELTS reading test present you with a question followed by a set of options from which you must choose the correct answer. Typically, there are three or four options to choose from. You must carefully read the question and each option before selecting the correct answer.

 

How to best answer this question:

 

  • You must comprehend the passage to select the most accurate option.
  • Efficient skimming and scanning help locate relevant information quickly.
  • Some options may be designed to mislead you, so it's crucial to base your choice on evidence from the passage.
  • Multiple-choice questions can be time-consuming if you dwell on each option too long. Manage your time wisely to ensure you can attempt all questions.

 

7. D

 

Reference: 


Paragraph B : Even with a swift recovery, it would require at least 15 years for the stocks to be sufficiently healthy to continue fishing at its previous levels.

Explanation: The paragraph indicates that fishing at previous levels might resume after 15 years, implying that normal fishing could restart in 2007.

 

8. B

 

Reference: 


Paragraph E: In this sense, the downfall of a resource like the fisheries in Newfoundland serves as a catastrophe of government negligence rather than of the general public.


Explanation: The author blames the Canadian government for the fishery's downfall, making it the correct answer.

 

9. C

 

Reference: 


Paragraph A: The Canadian government declined to significantly lower quotas, citing the loss of jobs as a major issue.


Explanation: The paragraph reveals that the government was more concerned about rising unemployment than the environmental impact, which aligns with the answer.


Read more about A Guide on Most Common English Words Used in Daily Life!

Questions and Answers 10-13
Do the following statements agree with the views of the writer of the reading passage on COD in Trouble?
In boxes 10 - 13, write

  • YES if the statement agrees with the writer
  • NO if the statement doesn’t agree with the water
  • NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this

 

10. Foreign fishermen and Canadian government officials often came into conflict.

11. The Newfoundland cod tragedy was mainly caused by the disruption of cod breeding.

12. Europe does not have to face the severity of the Canadian tragedy.

13. Foreign trawlers often violated their catch allowances.


 

Cod In Trouble Reading Answers with Explanations (10-13) 

 

Question Type:  Yes/No/Not Given

 

In this task, you are presented with a statement, and your task is to determine if it agrees with the information in the passage (Yes), contradicts the information in the passage (No), or if there is insufficient information in the passage to decide (not given).

 

How to best answer the question:

 

  • Read the statement carefully to ensure you understand exactly what it is saying. 
  • Pay attention to details such as dates, numbers, and specific information.
  • Scan the passage to find the section where the relevant information is likely to be located. 
  • Focus on finding evidence that either supports or contradicts the statement.
  • Yes: If the statement agrees with the information in the passage.
  • No: If the statement contradicts the information in the passage.
  • Not Given: If there is no information in the passage that confirms or contradicts the statement. 

     
10. Not Given

 

Reference: 


Not Available

Explanation: The passage does not provide information about conflicts between foreign fishermen and Canadian government officials, leading to the "Not Given" answer.

 

11. Yes

 

Reference: 


Paragraph C: The draggers targeted large groups of cod as they were spawning when the fish stocks were most vulnerable to catching.


Explanation: The paragraph discusses how trawling during spawning caused significant harm to cod breeding, supporting the answer "Yes."

 

12. No

 

Reference: 


Paragraph G: Cod stocks in European waters are currently so low that scientists have now warned that 'all cod-targeting fisheries within that region should be closed down.'


Explanation: The paragraph suggests Europe is facing a similar crisis to Canada's, which contradicts the statement, making "No" the correct answer.
 

13. Yes

 

Reference: 


Paragraph D: All of the countries that fished off the coast of Newfoundland employed deep-sea trawlers, and several of them frequently blatantly disregarded the specified catch limits and treaty agreements.

Explanation: The paragraph indicates that foreign trawlers often violated their catch allowances, supporting the "Yes" answer.

 

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FAQs

Q. What types of questions are in the IELTS Reading section?

Ans. The IELTS Reading section features various question types, including multiple-choice, true/false/not given, matching headings, summary completion, sentence completion, and short answer questions. These are designed to test a range of reading skills, such as understanding main ideas, detail, logical argument, and recognising writers' opinions, attitudes, and purposes.


 

Q. How long is the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. The IELTS Reading test lasts for 60 minutes. During this time, candidates must read three passages and answer a total of 40 questions. Time management is crucial to ensure all questions are attempted.
 

Q. Can I write on the question paper?

Ans. Yes, candidates are allowed to write on the question paper, which can help note key points or highlight important information. However, only answers written on the answer sheet will be marked, so it is essential to transfer answers accurately.