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The Future of Fish Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test

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Updated on Sep 06, 2024, 08:04

The passage ‘the future of fish’ discusses the transformation of the ocean due to increased fishing over centuries, highlighting the urgent need for marine protection. It critiques current minimal protection efforts and the slow pace of reform compared to land conservation. Despite the role of marine reserves in preserving ecosystems, their sporadic application and management failures underscore the need for stronger, more consistent strategies. The passage warns of the consequences of continued exploitation and stresses the importance of prioritising marine reserves.

 

Understanding this passage can help you prepare for the IELTS Reading section by improving your ability to grasp complex arguments and critical issues. By practising summarising and identifying key points in such passages, you can enhance your IELTS reading score and overall comprehension skills.

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1. The Future of Fish Reading Passage

You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 - 14 based on the Reading Passage below.

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2. The Future of Fish Reading Questions and Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about The Future of Fish Reading Questions & Answers.

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1.

The Future of Fish 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.

 

 

 

The Future of Fish Reading Passage

 

Paragraph A
Since the very first commercial fishermen set their nets and hooks a thousand years ago, the ocean's surface has undergone a radical transformation. The intensity of fishing increased over time, but even in the nineteenth century, there was little need to limit fishing or establish protected areas because it was still believed, quite rightly, that the sea's abundant resources were largely beyond the reach of fishing. In the history of the oceans, the twentieth century saw an unprecedented increase in fishing intensity, and contemporary fishing techniques make it impossible for fish to hide. The only places to escape fishing today are those we intentionally create. Unfortunately, the area and level of protection offered by the sea lag far behind those of the land.
 

Paragraph B
We have continued to hold onto the idea that the sea is distinct from the land over the centuries as fishing and commerce have grown. We continue to believe that it should be a place where people and nations are free to come and go as they please, as well as a place that is open to our exploitation. We have perhaps been so hesitant to protect the sea because of this. On land, protected areas have multiplied as the population of people has increased. In our battle to preserve the diversity and richness of the wildlife and landscape, we have advanced more here than at the sea. Currently, only three-fifths of one per cent of the world's oceans are protected, compared to twelve per cent of the world's land. Even worse, some fishing is still permitted in the majority of marine protected areas. About one-fifth of the world's oceans are designated as areas that cannot be exploited in any way.
 

Paragraph C
Making marine reserves is seen by some as an admission of failure. Their reasoning holds that if we have managed our uses of the sea properly, reserves shouldn't be required. Many managers of fisheries still cling to the hope that one day their models will be successful and that politicians will take their advice. Give the strategy enough time, and they will succeed. How much time still remains? The last 50 years have seen this strategy tested and improved. There haven't been many victories to add to the managers' resumes, but there has been an increasing number of setbacks. The Common Fisheries Policy, the instrument used by the European Union to manage fisheries and aquaculture, is a prime example of the worst mistakes that can be made: flawed models, flawed advice, watered-down recommendations from government bureaucrats, and then the disregard of a large portion of this advice by politicians. When everything went wrong, as it had to, Europe sent its boats to other nations to buy fish for a fraction of what it was actually worth.
 

Paragraph D
Ocean wealth is being wasted by humans. Humanity will lose a crucial source of protein as well as other things if we don't escape this cycle of failure. Human life itself may be affected if natural ecosystem processes like water purification, nitrogen fixation, and carbon storage are disturbed. With some basic common sense management, we can greatly reduce the likelihood that this catastrophic error will occur. The core of the reform is the marine reserves. But if they are only occasionally put into practice, they won't be enough to support the shaky structure of the "rational fisheries management" that scientists had envisioned in the 1940s and 1950s. They must take centre stage as the primary tenet of everything we do in the oceans. When all else fails, reserves are a last resort, not a first resort.
 

Paragraph E
Today, we are only just realizing how important 'natural refuges' from fishing have been for preserving diverse and healthy marine ecosystems as well as fisheries. This does not imply that fish stocks can rebuild the fishing industry on their own; additional management strategies are needed for this. However, the final and most significant component of our package of fisheries management reforms relates to areas that are off-limits to fishing. They support and strengthen all of our other initiatives. Protection has its limits, though.
 

Paragraph F
What has died cannot be brought back by reserves. We will never be able to bring back globally extinct species, and reintroducing extinct animals locally may be necessary if pure dispersal from remaining populations is insufficient. Additionally, we are seeing that fishing can change marine ecosystems into different states where different species mixtures are dominant, as is the case with northern cod in Canada. Since the primary fishing targets have either disappeared or have greatly decreased in number, these species are frequently less desirable. Changes may also be difficult to undo, even with a complete ban on fishing. The fabled Greek king Ulysses is credited with discovering the Mediterranean, which is home to a plethora of monk seals, loggerhead turtles, and porpoises. Food webs have completely changed as a result of their disappearance due to hunting and overfishing, and recovery will likely be much more difficult than their destruction. Therefore, the sooner we take action to protect marine life, the more likely it is that we will be successful.

2.

The Future of Fish Reading Questions and Answers

Questions and Answers 1-5
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Reading Passage?
In boxes 1-5 on your answer sheet, write

  • YES if the statement agrees with the information given
  • NO if the statement contradicts the information given
  • NOT GIVEN if there is no information about this

 

1. The re-introduction of certain mammals to the Mediterranean is a straightforward task.

2. It is important to encourage people to eat less fish.

3. Most protected areas now completely forbid sea fishing.

4. Open access to the oceans is still viewed as desirable in general.

5. Fishing for business and trade has been practised for more than a thousand years.

 

The Future of Fish Reading Answers with Explanations (1-5)
 

Type of Question: Yes/No/Not Given
 

These types of questions involve finding whether the given statement is Yes/No/Not Given based on the given paragraph.  
 

How to best answer: 
 

  • Identify Keywords: Focus on keywords in the question and the passage to locate relevant information.
  • Match Information: Compare the statement in the question with the information in the passage carefully.
  • Be Precise: Answer only based on what is explicitly stated in the passage; avoid inferring or assuming.
  • Look for Negatives: Pay attention to negations like "not" or "never," as they can change the meaning.
  • Check for Completeness: Ensure the passage fully supports your answer; if the information is not clearly stated, choose "Not Given."

 

1. No

 

Reference:

From Paragraph F, "Food webs have completely changed as a result of their disappearance due to hunting and overfishing, and recovery will likely be much more difficult than their destruction."
 

Explanation: The passage indicates that the disappearance of species has drastically altered marine ecosystems, making their recovery a complex and challenging process. The author highlights that these changes make reintroducing species to their former habitats more difficult, refuting the idea that it is a straightforward task.

 

2. Not Given

 

Reference:

Not available
 

Explanation: The passage does not provide any information or opinions regarding encouraging reducing fish consumption. It focuses more on the impact of fishing practices and the need for marine protection, without addressing dietary recommendations or encouraging changes in fish consumption.

 

3. No

 

Reference:

From Paragraph B, "Even worse, some fishing is still permitted in the majority of marine protected areas."
 

Explanation: The passage states that many marine protected areas still allow some level of fishing activity. This contradicts the statement that most protected areas completely forbid fishing, showing that the majority of these areas are not fully closed to fishing practices.

 

4. Yes

 

Reference:

From Paragraph B, "We continue to believe that it should be a place where people and nations are free to come and go as they please."
 

Explanation: The passage explains that the prevailing belief is that the oceans should remain open and accessible to everyone, reflecting a general view of desirability for open access. This attitude contributes to the hesitation in establishing more protective measures for the marine environment.

 

5. Yes

 

Reference:

From Paragraph A, "Since the very first commercial fishermen set their nets and hooks a thousand years ago..."
 

Explanation: The passage clearly states that commercial fishing has been practised for over a thousand years. This historical context confirms that fishing for business and trade has a long-standing tradition, supporting the accuracy of the statement.
 

Also Read: A Guide on Most Common English Words Used in Daily Life!

Questions and Answers 6-8

Choose the correct option from A-D.

 

6. What criticism does the author have of the Common Fisheries Policy?

A. Some of its recommendations were overstated by officials.

B. The recommendations it made were hastily put into action.

C. It was based on unreliable predictions.

D. The recommendations were unreliable. 

 

7. In the fifth paragraph, the writer asks, "How much time still remains?" What does he or she mean by that?

A. Governments will be able to plan effectively with accurate predictions.

B. Currently, fisheries policies are based on uncertain projections.

C. The need for action to safeguard fish stocks is urgent.

D. Fisheries managers need to offer more precise information.

 

8.  What is the author's assessment of the depletion of marine resources?

A. The steps already taken to avert a crisis are likely adequate.

B. Prioritization should be given to strategies for preventing the worst outcomes.

C. Which actions would be the most successful are no longer clear.

D. There is currently no likely solution due to the severity of the situation.

 

The Future of Fish Reading Answers with Explanations (6-8)
 

Type of Question: Multiple Choice Questions
 

These types of questions in IELTS reading involve identifying the right choice from the given options using the given paragraph. 
 

How to best answer: 
 

  • Understand the Context: Read the entire passage carefully to grasp the overall context and main ideas before answering questions.
  • Identify Keywords: Focus on keywords in the question and options. Match these keywords with specific information in the passage.
  • Eliminate Wrong Choices: Use the process of elimination to rule out clearly incorrect options, narrowing down your choices.
  • Look for Synonyms: Be aware of synonyms or paraphrased terms in the passage that may differ from those in the question or answer choices.
  • Double-Check Your Answers: Ensure that your selected answer fits grammatically and logically within the context of the passage.

 

6. C

 

Reference:

From Paragraph C, "The Common Fisheries Policy, the instrument used by the European Union to manage fisheries and aquaculture, is a prime example of the worst mistakes that can be made: flawed models, flawed advice..."
 

Explanation: The author criticises the Common Fisheries Policy for being based on unreliable predictions and flawed models. The policy's shortcomings are attributed to poor predictions and mistakes in its implementation, highlighting its overall ineffectiveness in managing fisheries.

 

7. C

 

Reference:

From Paragraph E, "Give the strategy enough time, and they will succeed. How much time still remains?"
 

Explanation: The author uses this question to stress the urgency of the situation. It reflects concern about the limited time left to take effective action to protect fish stocks before the situation becomes irreparable. The emphasis is on the need for immediate and decisive action to address the issue.

 

8. B

 

Reference:

From Paragraph D, "Humanity will lose a crucial source of protein as well as other things if we don't escape this cycle of failure."
 

Explanation: The passage warns of severe consequences if the cycle of failure in marine resource management continues. The author emphasises that prioritising effective strategies to prevent the worst outcomes is essential for mitigating the impacts of resource depletion and preserving marine ecosystems.

 

Also Read: IELTS Reading Tips & Tricks 2024: Techniques for Band 9

Questions and Answers 9-14

Complete the summary using the list of words/phrases, A-J, below

 

Measures to protect the oceans

 

Up till the twentieth century, the world’s supply of fish was sufficient for its needs.

It was unnecessary to introduce 9________ of any kind because large areas of the oceans were inaccessible.

However, as 10 _________  improved, this situation changed, and in the middle of the twentieth century, policies were introduced to regulate 11 _________                          

These policies have not succeeded. Today, by comparison with 12 _________ the oceans have very little legal protection.

Despite the doubts that many officials have about the concept of 13 _________, these should be at the heart of any action taken.

The consequences of further 14 _________ are very serious, and may even affect our continuing existence.

 

Words or Phrases:

A. controls
B. action
C. fish catches
D. failure
E. fishing techniques
F. fish processing
G. large boats
H. marine reserves
I. the past
J. the land

 

The Future of Fish Reading Answers with Explanations (9-14) 
 

Type of Question: Summary Completion 
 

Carefully read the summary and identify keywords, then scan the passage to locate the relevant information, ensuring the words you choose to complete the summary accurately reflect the content and context of the passage.
 

How to best answer: 
 

  • Identify Key Information: Focus on understanding the main ideas and essential details of the passage that need to be summarised.
  • Match with Passage: Find phrases or keywords in the passage that align with the summary gaps, ensuring they convey the same meaning.
  • Use Context Clues: Pay attention to the surrounding text in the passage for context, which can help in selecting the appropriate words or phrases.
  • Be Concise: Choose words that are concise and directly relevant to the context, avoiding unnecessary details.
  • Check Grammar: Ensure the completed summary fits grammatically and logically with the rest of the summary text.

 

9. A

 

Reference:

From Paragraph A, "The only places to escape fishing today are those we intentionally create."
 

Explanation: The passage discusses the need for measures to control fishing activities and create protected areas. The term "controls" is used to describe these necessary measures to limit fishing and ensure some protection for marine environments.

 

10. E

 

Reference:

From Paragraph A, "The twentieth century saw an unprecedented increase in fishing intensity, and contemporary fishing techniques make it impossible for fish to hide."
 

Explanation: The passage highlights that prior to the twentieth century, fishing was less intensive, and the ocean's resources were sufficient. The evolution of fishing techniques in the twentieth century led to increased fishing intensity, altering the previously sufficient supply of fish.

 

11. A

 

Reference:

From Paragraph A, "The only places to escape fishing today are those we intentionally create."
 

Explanation: The passage implies that earlier, controls were not needed because large ocean areas were not accessible for fishing. As access improved, the need for controls to manage fishing became apparent.

 

12. E, C

 

Reference:

From Paragraph A, "In the history of the oceans, the twentieth century saw an unprecedented increase in fishing intensity," and "policies were introduced to regulate fish catches."
 

Explanation: Improved fishing techniques (E) led to the need for policies to regulate fish catches (C) as the previous balance was disrupted by increased fishing intensity.

 

13. H

 

Reference:

From Paragraph E, "The final and most significant component of our package of fisheries management reforms relates to areas that are off-limits to fishing."
 

Explanation: Marine reserves (H) are emphasized as crucial to effective fisheries management. Despite doubts from officials, these reserves are essential for protecting marine life and supporting other management strategies.

 

14. D

 

Reference:

From Paragraph F, "Humanity will lose a crucial source of protein as well as other things if we don't escape this cycle of failure."
 

Explanation: The passage warns that continued failures in managing marine resources could have dire consequences, including affecting human survival. The term "failure" (D) reflects the severity of the potential impacts on marine ecosystems and human well-being.

 

Also See: IELTS Academic 2024 Reading Resources

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FAQs

Q. What types of texts can I expect in the Academic Reading test?

Ans. In the Academic Reading test, you will encounter texts from a variety of sources, such as scientific articles, academic books, and scholarly journals. These passages are intended to test your understanding of complex ideas and detailed information. They are generally more challenging compared to the texts in the General Training version.

Q. How can I improve my reading speed for the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. To enhance your reading speed, practice regularly with a variety of texts and impose time limits on yourself for each passage. Focus on techniques like skimming for main ideas and scanning for specific details. Consistent practice under timed conditions will help you become more efficient and comfortable with the test's pace.

Q. Can I use a dictionary during the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. No, using a dictionary is not allowed during the IELTS Reading test. You must rely solely on your reading skills to understand the passages and answer the questions. Enhancing your vocabulary and practising reading techniques can help you manage unfamiliar words effectively without external aids.