ISE II Test 1: Task 2

 

This is Task 2 – Multi-text Reading. You will read a carefully selected text on a current topic. Afterwards, you will complete three types of questions: multiple choice, true/false statements, and fill-in-the-blanks using exact words from the text. Read thoroughly and answer each section accurately.

Text A

English Studio Times

March 5, 2025

Turtles in Plight

Sea turtles, the ancient mariners of our oceans, are facing unprecedented threats. Their populations are in decline mainly due to habitat destruction from coastal development, severe plastic pollution clogging nesting beaches, and accidental capture in fishing nets. Moreover, rising sea levels and changing temperatures—clear effects of climate change—have disrupted traditional nesting cycles, resulting in a loss of suitable nesting sites. Recent studies even indicate that populations have dropped by up to 30 percent over the past decade.

Text B

How One Town is Fighting Back

In a charming coastal town, local residents have taken matters into their own hands. Volunteers, under the banner of the “Turtle Guardian Initiative”, monitor nesting beaches, remove plastic waste, and set up protected zones for egg incubation. This grassroots project has not only improved nesting success but also boosted eco-tourism, providing a welcome economic lift to the community. Their hands-on approach shows that sometimes, saving the turtles is as much about community spirit as it is about conservation.

Text C

When asked about what the government is doing to help the turtles,

“Government agencies have rolled out new conservation measures to protect sea turtles. Regulations now restrict coastal construction near key nesting sites, and fines are levied against polluters. Funding for research into the effects of bycatch in commercial fisheries—especially the accidental capture in fishing nets—has also increased. Although these initiatives are comprehensive, authorities are continually reviewing them to keep pace with emerging threats like climate change.”

– Minister Jonathan Henshaw, Department of Marine Conservation

Text D

User Comments

Alex B.

Not everyone is convinced that current conservation policies will turn the tide for sea turtles. Some experts argue that while measures such as creating protected zones and reducing plastic waste are steps forward, they do not fully address the broader impacts of climate change. Moreover, certain fishermen and local stakeholders express concerns about the economic implications of strict regulations. The debate continues over whether a more balanced approach—one that blends rigorous enforcement with community-led projects—might offer a sustainable solution.

March 5, 2025