Talk Icon

Practice 100+ speaking topics!

Star rating icon

4.2

1M+ Installs

Get App

leap-scholar-logo
hamburger-menu

The Development of Plastic Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test

updated at

Updated on Jul 02, 2024, 11:57

In the IELTS Reading section, your reading comprehension skills are rigorously tested. Lasting for 60 minutes, this segment comprises three passages, each accompanied by a series of questions in various formats like multiple choice, matching headings, and True/False/Not Given. Success in this section hinges on your ability to grasp key information, discern main ideas, and infer meaning from context.


 

To ace the IELTS Reading section, adopt effective reading strategies such as skimming for main ideas and scanning for specific details. Regular practice with sample questions and exposure to different question types will sharpen your skills for test day.


 

Prepare for an enlightening exploration of "The Development of Plastic," an insightful look into the evolution and impact of plastic materials. Delve into the historical milestones, scientific advancements, and societal implications of plastic development through engaging passages and accompanying questions, enriching your understanding of how plastic has transformed industries and daily life.


 

On this page

Arrow right
Slider image

1. The Development of Plastic Passage

You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 - 13 based on the Reading Passage below. This approach can help manage time effectively during a reading comprehension activity or exam. 

Slider image

2. The Development of Plastic Reading Questions with Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about The Development of Plastic

More for you

Boost your IELTS Reading score

Book Free Reading class arrow right

See how to score 8+ in Speaking. 

Get proven strategies to ace your IELTS Speaking test.

Learn More arrow right
3/3
1.

The Development of Plastic Reading Passage

General Instructions
General Instructions for IELTS Reading:

  • You will have 60 minutes to complete the entire reading test.
  • The test consists of three reading passages with a total of 40 questions.
  • The texts may be taken from books, magazines, journals, or newspapers.
  • You will receive an answer sheet and should write your answers on it.
  • The questions will be in different formats, such as multiple-choice, matching, sentence completion, and summary completion.
  • The reading passages will increase in difficulty as you progress through the test.
  • You cannot bring any electronic devices, including mobile phones, into the test room.

 

 

 

 

The Development of Plastic

 

Paragraph A 

During the nineteenth century, Europe became the birthplace of industrial rubber products, and the material quickly rose to prominence thanks to its many practical applications. Natural rubber was once widely used, but over the twentieth century a variety of new synthetic materials called plastics replaced it. As a chemical consisting of giant molecules bonded together from many smaller, simpler components, rubber is a polymer. The chemical industry produces a wide variety of plastics using the same bonding principle—polymerization.

 

 

Paragraph B

In the USA, a competition spurred the creation of the first plastic. In the 1860s, a reward of $10,000 was offered to anyone who could come up with a suitable substitute for ivory in billiard ball production. Ivory supplies were dwindling at the time. John Wesley Hyatt's celluloid substance was the winning entry. Celluloid was created by dissolving cellulose, a plant-based carbohydrate, in a camphor-and-ethanol solution. Knife grips, snap-off cuffs, eyeglasses, and even photographic film were some of the first goods to use this novel material. No motion picture company would have been able to launch towards the tail end of the 19th century if not for celluloid.

 

 

Paragraph C

Celluloid is a thermoplastic because it can be repeatedly warmed to soften it and change its form. Leo Baekeland, a Belgian chemist working in the United States, created a new type of plastic in 1907 by triggering a reaction between phenol and formaldehyde. Bakelite was the first of the thermosets' plastics, which can be cast and molded while hot but cannot be softened by heat and molded once they have set; Baekeland gave the material this name. Bakelite was impervious to water, acids, and moderate heat, and it also served as a good insulator. Due to its useful features, it was quickly used in the production of electrical components for automobiles, as well as switches and other domestic things like knife handles.

 

Paragraph D

The search for more tiny molecules that could be linked together to form polymers was soon undertaken by chemists. Thermoplastic polyethylene was first created in the 1930s by British chemists by polymerizing ethylene gas in a high-temperature, high-pressure environment. By the 1950s, polypropylene had emerged as a viable alternative.  Bottles, pipelines, and plastic bags were all manufactured using both. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a strong, flame-retardant plastic that was created by substituting a hydrogen atom in ethylene with a chlorine atom, making it ideal for use in pipe and gutter systems. In addition, PVC may be made soft by including different chemicals, making it an acceptable rubber replacement for applications such as watertight apparel. PTFE, or Teflon, was a material that was very similar (polytetrafluoroethylene). As a result of its low coefficient of friction, it was found to be useful in applications such as bearings, rollers, and non-stick cookware. Created in Germany in the 1930s, polystyrene was a transparent plastic widely used in the packaging of food, household goods, and toys. The white, stiff foam known as expanded polystyrene was commonly used for both packing and insulation. Germany is also responsible for the development of polyurethanes, which have since found widespread usage as adhesives, coatings, and, in the form of rigid foams, insulation. All of these items are made from chemicals extracted from crude oil, and as such, share the same chemical components (carbon and hydrogen) as many polymers.

 

 

Paragraph E

Also in the 1930s, the first synthetic fiber, nylon, was developed. Wallace Carothers, an American scientist who later worked for the Du Pont Company, came up with the idea. He discovered that two chemicals, hexamethylenediamine, and adipic acid, could combine under certain conditions to make a polymer that could be pushed out of holes, stretched, and weaved like silk. Parachutes for the United States military during World War II were its first application. In the years following World War II, nylon gradually supplanted silk in the production of stockings. Other synthetic fibers followed suit, with Orion, Acrilan, and Terylene joining the nylon family. Most clothing today is constructed from a combination of natural fibers like cotton and wool and man-made fibers that are more durable and require less maintenance.

 

 

Paragraph F

Plastic's invincibility is its greatest strength. This feature has many drawbacks, though, as evidenced by the fact that even the most distant islands have beaches filled with plastic bottles that cannot be recycled or broken down. Not only are there many distinct kinds of plastic, but they're typically all used in the same products, making recycling a complex process. To make plastics biodegradable, they can be reinforced with a substance like starch, which is then broken down by microbes. Bottles built from these materials must be kept in the dark so that they don't decompose before they're used, but they can be made to contain other materials that slowly decompose in sunlight.


 

Also Read: IELTS Reading Tips & Tricks

2.

The Development of Plastic Reading Questions and Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about The Development of Plastic

Questions and Answers 1-7
  • Complete the table below.
  • Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passages for each answer,
  • Write your answers in boxes 1-7 on your answer sheet.

 

 

Name of plastic

Date of invention

Original region

Property

Common

Celluloid1860sUS Clothing and 1.  __________
2. ____________1907USThis material can be molded and cast, but it cannot be melted.

3. _____________

household items and car part

Polythene19304. __________ Bottles
Rigid PVC  5. __________Drains and Gutters
Polystyrene1930sGermany6. Transparent and resembling ___________Food Containers domestic
Polyurethanes Germany7. Formation like ____________

Adhesives, coatings, and insulation


 

 

 

 

The Development of Plastic Reading Answers with Explanations (1-7)

 

Type of Question: Table Completion

 

In this task, you are required to fill in missing information in a table based on the information provided in the reading passage. This type of question assesses your ability to locate specific details and understand the structure of the passage.

 

How to best answer this:

 

  • Understand the specific details needed for each blank in the table.
  • Quickly read through the passage to get a general understanding of its content and structure.
  • Highlight or underline keywords in the table that you need to find in the passage.
  • Look through the passage for keywords or related information that matches the categories in the table.

 

1. Photographic film

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph C 

Knife grips, snap-off cuffs, eyeglasses, and even photographic film were some of the first goods to use this novel material.

 

Explanation

 Photographic film is mentioned as one of the first goods made from celluloid.


 

2. Bakelite

 

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph  C 

Bakelite was the first of the thermosets' plastics, which can be cast and molded while hot but cannot be softened by heat and molded once they have set.

 

Explanation

Bakelite is identified as the first plastic that can be molded and cast but cannot be melted once set.


 

3. Switches

 

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph C 

Due to its useful features, it was quickly used in the production of electrical components for automobiles, as well as switches and other domestic things like knife handles.  

 

Explanation

Switches are specified as one of the items produced using Bakelite.


 

4. Britain/UK

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph

Thermoplastic polyethylene was first created in the 1930s by British chemists by polymerizing ethylene gas in a high-temperature, high-pressure environment.


Explanation

Polythene (Polyethylene) is stated to have been first created in Britain in the 1930s.


 

5. Flame-retardant

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph D 

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a strong, flame-retardant plastic that was created by substituting a hydrogen atom in ethylene with a chlorine atom...

 

Explanation

PVC is described as a strong, flame-retardant plastic.


  

6. Transparent

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph D 

Created in Germany in the 1930s, polystyrene was a transparent plastic widely used in the packaging of food, household goods, and toys.


Explanation

Polystyrene is described as a transparent plastic.

 

7. Rigid

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph D 

Germany is also responsible for the development of polyurethanes, which have since found widespread usage as adhesives, coatings, and, in the form of rigid foams, insulation.

 

Explanation

Polyurethanes are mentioned to form rigid foams used for insulation.

Questions and Answers 8-11
Do the following statements agree with the information in Reading Passage?
In boxes 8-11 on your answer sheet write

  • TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
  • FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
  • NOT GIVEN if there is no information about the statement

 

 

8. Both celluloid and Bakelite are equally affected by heat.

9. When multiple types of plastic are combined, recycling can become more of a challenge.

10. Plastic and rubber have vastly dissimilar chemical structures.

11. The renowned chemist John Wesley.

 

 

The Development of Plastic Reading Answers with Explanations (8-11)

 

 

Question Type:  True/False/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 (True), contradicts the information in the passage (False), 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.
  • True: If the statement agrees with the information in the passage.
  • False: 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.

 

 

8. False

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph C 

Celluloid is a thermoplastic because it can be repeatedly warmed to soften it and change its form. ... Bakelite was the first of the thermosets' plastics, which can be cast and molded while hot but cannot be softened by heat and molded once they have set.
 

Explanation

Celluloid and Bakelite are described as having different reactions to heat; celluloid softens with heat, while Bakelite does not.


 

9. True

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph F 

Not only are there many distinct kinds of plastic, but they're typically all used in the same products, making recycling a complex process.

 

Explanation

Mixing different types of plastic makes recycling more difficult due to their distinct properties.


 

10. False

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph  A 

As a chemical consisting of giant molecules bonded together from many smaller, simpler components, rubber is a polymer. The chemical industry produces a wide variety of plastics using the same bonding principle—polymerization.
 

Explanation

Both plastic and rubber are polymers, indicating similar chemical structures.


 

11. Not Given

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph 

NA


Explanation
There is no mention of the chemist John Wesley in the passage.

Questions and Answers 12-13
  • Choose the correct letter A, B, C, or D.
  • Write your answers in boxes 12-13 on your answer sheet.
  •  

     

    12. Which substance can be added to plastic to make it biodegradable?

     

    1. Formaldehyde
    2. Bakelite
    3. Starch
    4. Teflon

     

    13. In the 1930s, British chemists polymerized which gas to develop the first thermoplastic polyethylene?

     

    1. Methane
    2. Ethylene
    3. Carbon
    4. Hydrogen


     

    The Development of Plastic Reading Answers with Explanations (12-13)


     

    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.

     

     

    12. C- Starch

     

    Reference:

     

    Paragraph  F 

    To make plastics biodegradable, they can be reinforced with a substance like starch, which is then broken down by microbes.

     

    Explanation

    The paragraph explains that starch can be added to plastic to make it biodegradable, making "starch" the correct answer.

     

     

    13. B- Ethylene

     

    Reference:

     

    Paragraph D 

    Thermoplastic polyethylene was first created in the 1930s by British chemists by polymerizing ethylene gas in a high-temperature, high-pressure environment.

     

    Explanation

    The paragraph specifies that British chemists polymerised ethylene gas to develop thermoplastic polyethylene, confirming "ethylene" as the correct answer.

    ielts logo

    Get the IELTS Prep App

    Star rating icon

    4.2

    1M+ Installs

    app download banner image

    Get the app link on your phone

    +91

    Or download app from

    google play storeapp store

    Next Up

    IELTS Reading Practice Test

    Read Now Read now

    IELTS Speaking Practice Test

    Read Now Read now

    IELTS Practice Test

    Read Now Read now

    IELTS Listening Practice Test

    Read Now Read now

    IELTS Writing Practice Test

    Read Now Read now

    Top Reading Samples with Answers

    IELTS Important Information

    Read More about IELTS Practice Test

    IELTS Accepting Universities

    IELTS Test Centre and Dates in India

    IELTS Accepting Countries

    FAQs

    Q. Do I lose marks for incorrect answers in the IELTS Reading test?

    Ans.  No, there is no penalty for incorrect answers in the IELTS Reading test. This means it's beneficial to attempt all questions, even if you're unsure. You may still earn points for correct responses by making educated guesses, improving your overall score.


     

    Q. Can I write on the question paper during the test?

    Ans. Yes, you are allowed to write on the question paper during the IELTS Reading test. This can be a helpful strategy for keeping track of key information, identifying important details, and organising your thoughts as you read the passages. You can underline relevant points, circle keywords, or make brief notes to aid in answering the questions later.

    Q. How can I prepare effectively for the IELTS Reading test?

    Ans. To prepare effectively for the IELTS Reading test, start by familiarising yourself with the test format and question types. Practice with sample questions and past papers to develop your skills in skimming for main ideas, scanning for specific details, and understanding complex passages. Work on expanding your vocabulary by reading various texts and noting down unfamiliar words. Additionally, practice time management to ensure you can complete the test within 60 minutes.