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The Coral Reefs of Agatti Island reading answers
Author
16-09-2025
In this article, we have provided the coral reefs of agatti island reading answers with key answers and explanations. It has 13 questions in 2 different kinds of question types - multiple choice questions and matching headings.
Table of contents:
- Solution for the coral reefs of agatti island
- The coral reefs of Agatti island IELTS reading practice test
- Passage
- Questions
- Answers with explanations
Solution for The Coral Reefs of Agatti Island
Below given answer table contains the coral reefs of agatti island reading answers.
Answer Table
| 1. v | 5. iv | 9. vii | 13. D |
| 2. viii | 6. ix | 10. A | |
| 3. xi | 7. i | 11. C | |
| 4. ii | 8. xii | 12. B |
The Coral Reefs of Agatti island IELTS reading practice test - Exam Review
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We have given the coral reefs of agatti island IELTS reading answers, to enhance your reading skill. Go through the given passage completely to answer the questions correctly.
Passage
The Coral Reefs of Agatti Island
A
Agatti is one of the Lakshadweep Islands off the southwest coast of India. These islands are surrounded by lagoons and coral reefs which are in turn surrounded by the open ocean. Coral reefs, which are formed from the skeletons of minute sea creatures, give shelter to a variety of plants and animals, and therefore have the potential to provide a stream of diverse benefits to the inhabitants of Agatti Island.
B
In the first place, the reefs provide food and other products for consumption by the islanders themselves. Foods include different types of fish, octopus and mollusks, and in the case of poorer families, these constitute as much as 90% of the protein they consume. Reef resources are also used for medicinal purposes. For example, the money cowrie, a shell known locally as Vallakavadi, is commonly made into a paste and used as a home remedy to treat cysts in the eye.
C
In addition, the reef contributes to income generation. According to a recent survey, 20%of the households on Agatti report lagoon fishing, or shingle, mollusk, octopus and cowrie collection as their main occupation (Hoon et al, 2002). For poor households, the direct contribution of the reef to their financial resources is significant: 12% of poor households are completely dependent on the reef for their household income, while 59% of poor households rely on the reef for 70% of their household income, and the remaining 29% for 50% of their household income.
D
Bartering of reef resources also commonly takes place, both between islanders and between islands. For example, Agatti Island is known for its abundance of octopus, and this is often used to obtain products from nearby Androth Island. Locally, reef products may be given by islanders in return for favors, such as help in constructing a house or net mending, or for other products such as rice, coconuts or fish.
E
The investment required to exploit the reefs is minimal. It involves simple, locally available tools and equipment, some of which can be used without a boat, such as the fishing practice known as Kat moodsal. This is carried out in the shallow eastern lagoon of Agatti by children and adults, close to shore at low tide, throughout the year. A small cast net, a leaf bag, and plastic slippers are all that are required, and the activity can yield 10–12 small fish (approximately 1 kg) for household consumption. Cast nets are not expensive, and all the households in Agatti own at least one. Even the boats, which operate in the lagoon and near-shore reef, are constructed locally and have low running costs. They are either small, non-mechanised, traditional wooden rowing boats, known as Thonis, or rafts, known as Tharappam.
F
During more than 400 years of occupation and survival, the Agatti islanders have developed an intimate knowledge of the reefs. They have knowledge of numerous different types of fish and where they can be found according to the tide or lunar cycle. They have also developed a local naming system or folk taxonomy, naming fish according to their shape. Sometimes the same species is given different names depending on its size and age. For example, a full grown Emperor fish is called Metti and a juvenile is called Killokam. The abundance of each species at different fishing grounds is also well known. Along with this knowledge of reef resources, the islanders have developed a wide range of skills and techniques for exploiting them. A multitude of different fishing techniques are still used by the islanders, each targeting different areas of the reef and particular species.
G
The reef plays an important role in the social lives of the islanders too, being an integral part of traditions and rituals. Most of the island’s folklore revolves around the reef and sea. There is hardly any tale or song which does not mention the traditional sailing crafts, known as Odams, the journeys of enterprising ‘heroes’, the adventures of sea fishing and encounters with sea creatures. Songs that women sing recollect women looking for returning Odams, and requesting the waves to be gentler and the breeze just right for the sails. There are stories of the benevolent sea ghost baluvam, whose coming to shore is considered a harbinger of prosperity for that year, bringing more coconuts, more fish and general well-being.
H
The reef is regarded by the islanders as common property, and all the islanders are entitled to use the lagoon and reef resources. In the past, fishing groups would obtain permission from the Amin (island head person) and go fishing in the grounds allotted by him. On their return, the Amin would be given a share of the catch, normally one of the best or biggest fish. This practice no longer exists, but there is still a code of conduct or etiquette for exploiting the reef, and common respect for this is an effective way of avoiding conflict or disputes.
I
Exploitation of such vast and diverse resources as the reefs and lagoon surrounding the island has encouraged collaborative efforts, mainly for purposes of safety, but also as a necessity in the operation of many fishing techniques. For example, an indigenous gear and operation known as Bala fadal involves 25–30 men. Reef gleaning for cowrie collection by groups of 6–10 women is also a common activity, and even today, although its economic significance is marginal, it continues as a recreational activity.
Questions
Questions 1- 9
- Choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list of headings below.
List of Phrases
i.Island legends
ii.Resources for exchange
iii. Competition for fishing rights
iv.The low cost of equipment
v.Agatti’s favorable location
vi.Rising income levels
vii. The social nature of reef occupations
viii. Resources for islanders’ own use
ix.High levels of expertise
x.Alternative sources of employment
xi.Resources for earning money
xii. Social rights and obligations
- Paragraph A ……….
- Paragraph B ……….
- Paragraph C ……….
- Paragraph D ……….
- Paragraph E ……….
- Paragraph F ……….
- Paragraph G ……….
- Paragraph H ……….
- Paragraph I ……….
Questions 10-13
- Choose the correct letter A,B,C, OR D
10. What proportion of poor households get all their income from reef products?
A 12%
B 20%
C 29%
D 59%
11. Kat moodsal fishing
A is a seasonal activity.
B is a commercial activity.
C requires little investment.
D requires use of a rowing boat.
12. Which characteristic of present-day islanders do the writers describe?
A physical strength
B fishing expertise
C courage
D imagination
13. What do the writers say about the system for using the reef on Agatti?
A Fish catches are shared equally.
BThe reef owner issues permits.
C There are frequent disputes.
D There is open access.
Answers for The Coral Reefs of Agatti Island with explanation
In the section we have provided the coral reefs of agatti island reading answers with explanations, to assess your errors.
(Note: The text in italics mentions the location and referring lines written in the reading passage)
1. Answer: V
Explanation: These islands are surrounded by lagoons and coral reefs which are in turn surrounded by the open ocean. Coral reefs, which are formed from the skeletons of minute sea creatures, give shelter to a variety of plants and animals, and therefore have the potential to provide a stream of diverse benefits to the inhabitants of Agatti Island. The given answer is located in the 1-5 lines of paragraph A. The given lines explain about the surroundings of Agatti island.
2. Answer: Viii
Explanation: In the first place, the reefs provide food and other products for consumption by the islanders themselves. Foods include different types of fish, octopus and mollusks, and in the case of poorer families, these constitute as much as 90% of the protein they consume. Reef resources are also used for medicinal purposes. The given answer is located in the last 4 lines of paragraph B. The given line explains about the resources which are available around the island.
3. Answer: Xi
Explanation: In addition, the reef contributes to income generation. According to a recent survey, 20%of the households on Agatti report lagoon fishing, or shingle, mollusk, octopus and cowrie collection as their main occupation (Hoon et al, 2002). For poor households, the direct contribution of the reef to their financial resources is significant: the given answer is located in the first 4 lines of paragraph C.
4. Answer: ii
Explanation: Bartering of reef resources also commonly takes place, both between islanders and between islands. The given answer is located in the first 2 lines of paragraph D.
5. Answer: IV
Explanation: The investment required to exploit the reefs is minimal. It involves simple, locally available tools and equipment. The given answer is located in the first 2 lines of paragraph E.
6. Answer: IX
Explanation: The given is located in 1-9 lines of paragraph F. The given paragraph describes the high level of information of the islanders about the fishes in the reef and how to use the resources that the reefs provide.
7. Answer: I
Explanation: The reef plays an important role in the social lives of the islanders too, being an integral part of traditions and rituals. Most of the island’s folklore revolves around the reef and sea. The given answer is located in the first 3 lines of paragraph G.
8. Answer: xii
Explanation: There is still a code of conduct or etiquette for exploiting the reef, and common respect for this is an effective way of avoiding conflict or disputes. The given answer is located in the last 3 lines of paragraph H.
9. Answer: vii
Explanation: Exploitation of such vast and diverse resources as the reefs and lagoon surrounding the island has encouraged collaborative efforts, mainly for purposes of safety, but also as a necessity in the operation of many fishing techniques. The given answer is located in the first 3 of paragraph I
10. Answer: A
Explanation: 12% of poor households are completely dependent on the reef for their household income. The given answer is located in the 4-5 lines of paragraph C.
11. Answer: C
Explanation: The investment required to exploit the reefs is minimal. It involves simple, locally available tools and equipment, some of which can be used without a boat, such as the fishing practice known as Kat moodsal. The given answer is located in the first 3 lines of paragraph E.
12. Answer: B
Explanation: A multitude of different fishing techniques are still used by the islanders, each targeting different areas of the reef and particular species. The given answer is located in the last 3 lines of paragraph F.
13. Answer: D
Explanation: The reef is regarded by the islanders as common property, and all the islanders are entitled to use the lagoon and reef resources. The given answer is located in the first 2 lines of paragraph H.
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About Author Dinesh Pandiyan
Dinesh is a highly experienced content writer who specializes in language proficiency tests like IELTS, GRE, PTE, TOEFL, and study abroad. He provides valuable insights and tips to students on various modules of these tests, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening. His articles are well-researched, informative, and engaging, offering practical guidance to students looking to succeed in their academic pursuits. Additionally, Dinesh has coordinated with IELTS trainers to prepare test preparation materials, guides, practice tests, and mock tests, and worked closely with counsellors for study abroad consultancy, providing guidance on choosing the right institution, preparing for interviews, and writing effective statements of purpose (SOP) and letters of recommendation (LOR). Students can benefit from Dinesh's comprehensive knowledge and experience by checking out his articles.
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