Exercise 1 (Quiz)

Eyeing Environmental Issues: The Earth at Risk

The earth faces many environmental problems. The first one is pollution. Air pollution is the biggest problem in large cities and in areas with concentrated industrial production. Factories, power stations and motor vehicles release large quantities of carbon dioxide (CO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NO) and other gases into the air. This is a major cause of the changes in the environment which can lead to climate changes. Soil can be contaminated as a result of industrial waste and other causes. Much domestic rubbish is disposed of in landfills. These chemicals not only kill living creatures in the oceans, rivers and lakes but also mix with the water in the clouds. Then the polluted water falls and damages everything in the world. Food waste and too much packaging cause land pollution.

The second problem is the extinction of some species. The main causes of extinction are overhunting, pollution and habitat loss. Many animals find it more difficult to survive in their nature. Thus, environmental protection should also include animal and plant protection, because the balance of species of plants and animals has also been affected by human activities. Some animals are protected; others are bred in captivity for release in the wild so they have the best chance of survival.

The last but not least is deforestation. We cause the loss of forest by cutting trees down. Erosion and fires also cause forest to disappear. Rainforests help to control global warming because they absorb carbon dioxide. In recent years, large areas have been destroyed, as the trees are cut down for wood or burned to clear the land for farming. Many rainforests grow on poor soils, and when they are cut down or burned, the soil is washed away in the tropical rains. Thus, the area may turn to desert. Many plant and animal species that live there could become extinct. However, if we make small changes now in the way we live, we can avoid these huge changes in the future. Scientists, governments and individuals must work together to overcome these threats.

Based on the information in the text, which of the following is main cause leading to changes in climate?
1. Leaving huge amounts of gases
2. Clearing of trees
3. Dying out of some species
4. Erosion and fires
Which defines best the word ‘’deforestation’’ used in the third pharagraph?
1. Disappearing of animals
2. Increase in the heat of the earth
3. Clearing a wide area of trees
4. Polluting or poisoning the environment
What is the author’s purpose and tone?
1. Descriebe – biased
2. Entertain – informative
3. Entertain – informative
4. Inform – informative
Which of the following sentences best summarizes the passage?
1. There are so many ways to stop global warming if we want to take precautions.
2. Serious environmental problems are theating our planet, but the conditions may get better if everybody takes responsibility.
3. Scientists have been working for years to stop the effects of environmental problems happening on the earth.
4. Air pollution and overhunting are the only growing problems globally.
What argument is not made by the author?
1. It is difficult for lots of animals tol ive in their own habitats.
2. It is not possible anymore to save the earth even if everyone works hard to avoid the negative influences of ecological problems.
3. Together with animals and people, rivers and lakes are suffering from chemicals as well.
4. Not only governments but also scientists and individuals should do their best insistently to make the world a better