Questions 19-24: Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your
answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions: (1.5 points)
Coral reefs* are found in tropical seas throughout the world and provide shelter for
hundreds of different plants and animals. They look like flat beds of rock, but in fact they are
formed from the skeletons of tiny sea creatures. Almost one half of the world’s coral reefs
occur in shallow seas, near to the coastline of over one hundred countries.
Millions of people depend on these coral reefs for their livelihoods. The majority of
natural products which come from coral reefs, such as fish, shells and seaweed, can be sold,
either locally or in export markets. Not only does the person who collects the products earn
money, but also those people who prepare, market or sell them. In some countries, coral reefs
are the main natural resource. In the Maldives, for example, 25% of the workforce is
employed in fishing. In addition, 56% of the national economy comes from reef-based
tourism. This means that a substantial number of people are employed in tourism-related
jobs.
Fishing is normally an occupation for adult males, particularly where it involves the
use of boats, and other people are often excluded from it. Coral reef fisheries, on the other
hand, are usually accessible on foot, so work is not restricted to men. In fact, collecting fish
and other products from the reefs is generally the job of women, children and even the
elderly. (Adapted from Focus on IELTS Foundation-Pearson)
19. What is the main idea of this passage?
A. The economic importance of coral reefs.
B. The structure and location of coral reefs.
C. Female unemployment in coastal villages.
D. Fish exports for countries with coral reefs.
20. According to the writer, coral reefs look like__________
A. flat beds of rock.
B. shelters for plants and animals.
C. skeletons of tiny sea creatures.
D. shallow waters near to the coastline.
21. What is the closest meaning of “shelter” in the first paragraph?
A. food B. home C. energy D. safety
22. Which of the following is NOT true?
A. The only way to make money from coral reefs is to sell the products.
B. Many people make a living from coral reefs.
C. Women do not normally go fishing on boat.
D. Almost fifty percent of coral reefs are in shallow seas.
23. What percentage of workers in the Maldives fish for a living?
A. 60% B. 50% C. 56% D. 25%
24. It is implied in the passage that reef fisheries __________
A. are done by people of all ages.
B. are excluded from boat fishing.
C. are done by using boats.
D. are restricted to men.
