It's Time to Do Something About the Nurdle Problem

question 353

Multiple Choice

It's time to do something about the nurdle problem. And just what is a nurdle, you might ask? Nurdles, also known as "mermaid tears," are small plastic pellets that are widely used to make all types of plastic products, from bottles to television sets. Sadly, mismanagement of these little pellets during transport and processing leads to billions being unintentionally released into rivers and oceans. With each passing year, they are becoming more and more prevalent in aquatic environments. Their small size, round shape, and variety of colors make them attractive food-easily mistaken for fish eggs and small prey. In addition, nurdles are often colonized by microbes that are dangerous to humans and sea life. A recent study of nurdles in Scotland revealed that the small plastic bits were covered with E coli, the bacterium responsible for food poisoning in mammals. Fortunately, some organizations are raising awareness of the problem. The Great Global Nurdle Hunt is a charity that encourages people to become citizen scientists and gather data on how common these pieces are. From there, we can figure out who's polluting and begin the cleanup. So let's all get out there and do some nurdle hunting-just be sure to wear your gloves!
What is the author's purpose for the text?

• A)To persuade readers to do something about an environmental problem
• B)To teach readers a life lesson about environmental hazards
• C)To describe details of the setting in which nurdles occur most frequently
• D)To entertain readers with a tale about a funny-sounding plastic object

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Definitions:

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Sexual Response Cycle

A four-stage model describing the physiological responses during sexual activity, which includes phases of excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.

Vaginal Lubrication

A natural process involving the secretion of fluids by the vagina to reduce friction during sexual activity.

Excitement

A state of heightened arousal, emotional arousal, or increased neural activity often triggered by anticipation or an event.