IGCSE Past Paper 1:Text A: The Problem with Plastics

Re-read the title of this passage and answer the following question:

What is this text going to be about?

Which of the following is an example of man-made materials humans use more than plastic?

• steel

• wood

• paper

• glass

What is the meaning of "adaptable and durable" in line 1

• can be very flexible/lasts a long time

• can be changed/ it can be thrown away after use

• can be used for different purposes/lasts a long time

Explain what the text menas by "an astonishing mass" in line 4?

• a unique kind of plastic

• an incredible large amount of plastic

• a dangerous type of plastic

Re-read paragraph 3 and give one reason why disposing of plastics is difficult

Re-read paragraphs 4 and 5 and identify two facts about how plastic items are dealt with, which lead to plastic waste littering the environment.

• used for long periods of time before being discarded

• used for short periods of time before being discarded

• sent to landfill

• recycled too many times

What changes are needed to improve the recycling of plastic?

Choose all that apply.

• educate people

• better design of plastic products

• need to recycle (each product)

Using your own words explain the reasons why the problem of plastic waste is not being dealt with quickly enough.

(Avoid plagiarism)