Can the planet’s coral reefs be saved? - IELTS Reading Answers & Explanations
From Cambridge IELTS 20 Academic Reading Test 3 · Part 2 · Questions 14–26
Reading Passage
Can the planet’s coral reefs be saved?
A. Conservationists have put the final touches to a giant artificial reef they have been assembling at the world-renowned Zoological Society of London (London Zoo). Samples of the planet’s most spectacular corals – vivid green branching coral, yellow scroll, blue ridge and many more species – have been added to the giant tank along with fish that thrive in their presence: blue tang, clownfish and many others. The reef is in the zoo’s new gallery, Tiny Giants, which is dedicated to the minuscule invertebrate creatures that sustain life across the planet. The coral reef tank and its seven-metre-wide window form the core of the exhibition.
‘Coral reefs are the most diverse ecosystems on Earth and we want to show people how wonderful they are,’ said Paul Pearce-Kelly, senior curator of invertebrates and fish at the Zoological Society of London. ‘However, we also want to highlight the research and conservation efforts that are now being carried out to try to save them from the threat of global warming.’ They want people to see what is being done to try to save these wonders.
B. Corals are composed of tiny animals, known as polyps, with tentacles for capturing small marine creatures in the sea water. These polyps are transparent but get their brilliant tones of pink, orange, blue, green, etc. from algae that live within them, which in turn get protection, while their photosynthesising of the sun’s rays provides nutrients for the polyps. This comfortable symbiotic relationship has led to the growth of coral reefs that cover 0.1% of the planet’s ocean bed while providing homes for more than 25% of marine species, including fish, molluscs, sponges and shellfish.
C. As a result, coral reefs are often described as the ‘rainforests of the sea’, though the comparison is dismissed by some naturalists, including David Attenborough. ‘People say you cannot beat the rainforest,’ Attenborough has stated. ‘But that is simply not true. You go there and the first thing you think is: where are the birds? Where are the animals? They are hiding in the trees, of course. No, if you want beauty and wildlife, you want a coral reef. Put on a mask and stick your head under the water. The sight is mindblowing.’
D. Unfortunately, these majestic sights are now under very serious threat, with the most immediate problem coming in the form of thermal stress. Rising ocean temperatures are triggering bleaching events that strip reefs of their colour and eventually kill them. And that is just the start. Other menaces include ocean acidification, sea level increase, pollution by humans, deoxygenation and ocean current changes, while the climate crisis is also increasing habitat destruction. As a result, vast areas – including massive chunks of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef – have already been destroyed, and scientists advise that more than 90% of reefs could be lost by 2050 unless urgent action is taken to tackle global heating and greenhouse gas emissions.
Pearce-Kelly says that coral reefs have to survive really harsh conditions – wave erosion and other factors. And ‘when things start to go wrong in the oceans, then corals will be the first to react. And that is exactly what we are seeing now. Coral reefs are dying and they are telling us that all is not well with our planet.’
E. However, scientists are trying to pinpoint hardy types of coral that could survive our overheated oceans, and some of this research will be carried out at London Zoo. ‘Behind our … coral reef tank we have built laboratories where scientists will be studying coral species,’ said Pearce-Kelly. One aim will be to carry out research on species to find those that can survive best in warm, acidic waters. Another will be to try to increase coral breeding rates. ‘Coral spawn just once a year,’ he added. ‘However, aquarium-based research has enabled some corals to spawn artificially, which can assist coral reef restoration efforts. And if this can be extended for all species, we could consider the launching of coral-spawning programmes several times a year. That would be a big help in restoring blighted reefs.’
F. Research in these fields is being conducted in laboratories around the world, with the London Zoo centre linked to this global network. Studies carried out in one centre can then be tested in others. The resulting young coral can then be displayed in the tank in Tiny Giants. ‘The crucial point is that the progress we make in making coral better able to survive in a warming world can be shown to the public and encourage them to believe that we can do something to save the planet’s reefs,’ said Pearce-Kelly. ‘Saving our coral reefs is now a critically important ecological goal.’
Questions
Questions 14–19 Matching Headings
Choose the correct heading for each section from the list of headings below.
i. Tried and tested solutions
ii. Cooperation beneath the waves
iii. Working to lessen the problems
iv. Disagreement about the accuracy of a certain phrase
v. Two clear educational goals
vi. Promoting hope
vii. A warning of further trouble ahead
Questions 20–21 Multiple Choice (Two Answers)
Choose TWO letters, A–E.
Questions 22–23 Multiple Choice (Two Answers)
Choose TWO letters, A–E.
Questions 24–26 Sentence Completion
Complete the sentences below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.
- Corals have a number of 24 which they use to collect their food.
- Algae gain 25 from being inside the coral.
- Increases in the warmth of the sea water can remove the 26 from coral.
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q14 | v | 'Coral reefs are the most diverse ecosystems on Earth and we want to show people how wonderful they are,' said Paul Pearce-Kelly, senior curator of invertebrates and fish at the Zoological Society of London. 'However, we also want to highlight the research and conservation efforts that are now being carried out to try to save them from the threat of global warming.' | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that coral reefs are very diverse and beautiful, and the zoo wants to show this to people. It also states that the zoo aims to inform visitors about the research and conservation efforts to protect coral reefs from global warming. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the paragraph talks about two main educational goals that the zoo has regarding coral reefs. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer, 'Two clear educational goals,' is right because the paragraph explains the goals the conservationists have at the zoo. They want to show people how beautiful coral reefs are and to inform them about the research and conservation efforts aimed at saving coral reefs from global warming. This is clearly about education, focusing on what people can learn. |
| Q15 | ii | These polyps are transparent but get their brilliant tones of pink, orange, blue, green, etc. from algae that live within them, which in turn get protection, while their photosynthesising of the sun's rays provides nutrients for the polyps | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that these tiny animals, called polyps, are clear but become colorful because of the algae living inside them. The algae help the polyps by using sunlight to make food, and in return, the polyps offer safety to the algae. This teamwork is a great example of cooperation in the ocean. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the paragraph talks about the cooperation of small sea animals living together, like the coral and algae, in the ocean. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'ii', which means 'Cooperation beneath the waves', because paragraph B explains how coral polyps and algae work together in a special relationship. The polyps, which are tiny animals, and the algae help each other to survive in the ocean. This teamwork is important for the health of coral reefs, which are homes for many sea creatures. |
| Q16 | iv | 'People say you cannot beat the rainforest,' Attenborough has stated. 'But that is simply not true. | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that some people think rainforests are better than coral reefs, but Attenborough disagrees and states that this is not true. Answer Explanation: The answer means that there is a disagreement about a phrase that describes coral reefs being like rainforests. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'iv' because in Paragraph C, David Attenborough disagrees with the idea that rainforests are better than coral reefs. He argues that coral reefs are also beautiful and full of life, which suggests a disagreement about how we compare these two environments. |
| Q17 | vii | Unfortunately, these majestic sights are now under very serious threat, with the most immediate problem coming in the form of thermal stress. Rising ocean temperatures are triggering bleaching events that strip reefs of their colour and eventually kill them | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage tells us that beautiful coral reefs are in danger from very serious problems. One main problem is that the water is getting too warm, which causes corals to lose their color and die. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the paragraph warns us about more problems coming in the future. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'A warning of further trouble ahead' because paragraph D talks about serious threats that coral reefs are facing, such as rising ocean temperatures and pollution. It says that many reefs may be lost if we do not take urgent action to protect them. This clearly indicates there is a warning about future troubles if nothing is done. |
| Q18 | iii | However, scientists are trying to pinpoint hardy types of coral that could survive our overheated oceans | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that scientists are working to find strong types of corals that can live in very warm ocean waters. Answer Explanation: The answer means that scientists are trying to lower the problems that harm coral reefs. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is iii because in paragraph E, it talks about research being done on coral species to find those that can survive in warmer oceans. This research aims to reduce the problems faced by corals, such as rising temperatures, and it suggests ways to breed corals more effectively to help restore damaged reefs. |
| Q19 | vi | The crucial point is that the progress we make in making coral better able to survive in a warming world can be shown to the public and encourage them to believe that we can do something to save the planet's reefs | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that showing how we are helping corals survive can make people feel hopeful and believe they can help save the reefs. Answer Explanation: The answer is 'vi', which means 'Promoting hope'. This means that the paragraph talks about encouraging people to believe in saving coral reefs. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'vi' because the paragraph explains how research and efforts at London Zoo aim to help coral reefs survive and how showing this progress can give people hope. It highlights the importance of coral and encourages public belief in the possibility of saving these reefs. |
| Q20 | 'Coral reefs are the most diverse ecosystems on Earth and we want to show people how wonderful they are,' said Paul Pearce-Kelly, senior curator of invertebrates and fish at the Zoological Society of London. 'However, we also want to highlight the research and conservation efforts that are now being carried out to try to save them from the threat of global warming.' | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that coral reefs are very important and beautiful places on Earth. Paul Pearce-Kelly mentions that they want to show people how amazing coral reefs are and also wants to talk about the work scientists are doing to protect them from warming oceans. Answer Explanation: The answer is two letters, A and E. These letters are parts of sections in the passage that talk about coral reefs and their conservation efforts. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A and E because section A describes the coral reef at the London Zoo and emphasizes the need for conservation. Section E explains that scientists are studying coral species to find ones that can survive in warmer oceans, which is related to the conservation efforts mentioned in section A. |
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| Q21 | C / E | Other menaces include ocean acidification, sea level increase, pollution by humans, deoxygenation and ocean current changes | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that there are other dangers to coral reefs, which include pollution from people and changes in how water normally flows in the oceans. Answer Explanation: The answer mentions 'C' and 'E', which relate to pollution from waste and changes in ocean currents affecting coral reefs. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'C' and 'E' because the passage explains that pollution is a threat to coral reefs, as well as changes in water currents. These factors contribute to the damage affecting coral reefs. The passage specifically mentions 'pollution by humans, deoxygenation and ocean current changes' as dangers to coral reefs. |
| Q22 | The crucial point is that the progress we make in making coral better able to survive in a warming world can be shown to the public and encourage them to believe that we can do something to save the planet's reefs | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that showing people how we can help coral survive in a warming world is very important. This helps people understand that we can save coral reefs. Answer Explanation: The answer means to pick two letters from the choices A to E. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is asking for two letters from A to E. The passage provides information about coral reefs and their conservation efforts. By choosing two letters, we can refer to the parts of the passage related to those letters. |
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| Q23 | B / D | One aim will be to carry out research on species to find those that can survive best in warm, acidic waters. Another will be to try to increase coral breeding rates. | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that researchers want to learn about coral species that can live well in warm water and they want to help corals reproduce more, which is important for saving reefs. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the researchers at London Zoo want to find coral types that can survive in warmer ocean water and they are also looking for ways to help corals reproduce faster. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B and D because the passage states that scientists are trying to find hardy types of coral that can survive in warm, acidic waters, and they are also working to increase coral breeding rates by conducting research to help with coral restoration efforts. |
| Q24 | tentacles | Corals are composed of tiny animals, known as polyps, with tentacles for capturing small marine creatures in the sea water | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that corals are made of small animals called polyps. These polyps have arms called 'tentacles' that they use to catch their food from the water. Answer Explanation: The answer 'tentacles' means the small arms that corals use to catch food. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'tentacles' because the passage says that corals are made of tiny animals, called polyps, and these polyps have 'tentacles for capturing small marine creatures in the sea water'. This shows that 'tentacles' are the parts of the coral that help them collect their food. |
| Q25 | protection | These polyps are transparent but get their brilliant tones of pink, orange, blue, green, etc. from algae that live within them, which in turn get protection | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage talks about how corals and algae work together. The algae are safe or get protection when they live inside the corals. Answer Explanation: The answer means safety or something that keeps you safe. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'protection' because the passage explains that algae live inside corals and they get protection from these corals. This relationship is important for both the corals and the algae. |
| Q26 | colour / color | Rising ocean temperatures are triggering bleaching events that strip reefs of their colour and eventually kill them | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that when the ocean gets warmer, it causes events that take the color away from coral reefs, and this can eventually harm or kill them. Answer Explanation: The answer is 'colour'. It means the different colors that corals have. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'colour' because the passage explains that rising ocean temperatures cause bleaching events that strip reefs of their colour, which means they lose their beautiful colors. |