1 / 34
Click one for hint, twice for full word
receive widespread attention
Meaning: To be noticed or discussed by many people.
Example: Plastic waste in the oceans has received widespread attention.
break down
Meaning: To separate into smaller parts; to decompose.
Example: Large pieces of plastic break down into microscopic particles.
get lodged in
Meaning: To become stuck inside something.
Example: Microplastics can get lodged in animals’ digestive systems.
set out to
Meaning: To aim or intend to do something.
Example: The researchers set out to discover how microplastics affect soil quality.
make for interesting reading
Meaning: To be engaging or thought‑provoking to read.
Example: The conclusions of the study make for very interesting reading.
microplastics
IPA (UK): /ˈmaɪ.krəʊˌplæs.tɪks/
IPA (US): /ˈmaɪ.kroʊˌplæs.tɪks/
Meaning: Very small plastic particles less than 5 mm in size.
Meaning: Very small plastic particles less than 5 mm in size.
Example: Microplastics are found in oceans, soil, and even food.
synthetic
IPA (UK): /sɪnˈθet.ɪk/
IPA (US): /sɪnˈθet̬.ɪk/
Meaning: Made from artificial materials, not natural.
Meaning: Made from artificial materials, not natural.
Example: Synthetic clothing releases microfibres during washing.
ingestion
IPA (UK): /ɪnˈdʒes.tʃən/
IPA (US): /ɪnˈdʒes.tʃən/
Meaning: The act of taking something into the body by eating or drinking.
Meaning: The act of taking something into the body by eating or drinking.
Example: The study examined the ingestion of microplastics by earthworms.
germinate
IPA (UK): /ˈdʒɜː.mɪ.neɪt/
IPA (US): /ˈdʒɝː.mə.neɪt/
Meaning: For a seed to begin to grow.
Meaning: For a seed to begin to grow.
Example: Fewer ryegrass seeds germinated in soil containing microplastics.
impoverished
IPA (UK): /ɪmˈpɒv.ər.ɪʃt/
IPA (US): /ɪmˈpɑː.vɚ.ɪʃt/
Meaning: Made poor in quality; weakened or depleted.
Meaning: Made poor in quality; weakened or depleted.
Example: Soil becomes impoverished when microplastics disrupt natural processes.
Other Listening Exercises
Cambridge 19 IELTS Listening Dictation Part 4 - Test 3
In progressC2 · 6:27