Choose the topic sentences in each of the paragraphs and write a short summary of the text.

Read the text without a dictionary.

When people mention endangered species the first things that come to mind are probably whales, pandas or tigers. Not all people would think of plants, but, in reality, there are far more threatened species of plants than of the threatened mammals, fish, birds and insects combined.

One of the greatest threats to the survival of many plants is industrialization. This causes pollution and acid rain, which destroy forests and harm many species of plant. Another threat is man! Many products that man uses derived from plants. For instance, many plants are collected from the Amazon and are used to make medicines. Other plants, such as mahogany trees, are valued for their timber and are very popular building materials. There are even plants that have become desirable collectors' items. Luckily, more and more people are becoming aware of the problem and change is on the way. There are now a number of organizations that are working to protect endangered plants as well as animal species and preserve all living things for the future.

a) Find in the text synonyms to the following words:

threatened; contamination; danger; ruin; conserve

b) Answer the following questions:

1. What is one of the greatest threats to the survival of plants?

2. What can acid rain lead to?

3. Mahogany trees are valued for their medical properties, aren't they?

V. Speaking

Useful Language

Giving reasons   The reason for this is … Причина этого... This is due to … Это из-за (вследствие)... On account of … Вследствие... Since … Так, как I base my argument on … Я основываюсь на... I'm telling you all this because … Я говорю вам все это потому что...  

Look at the words below and decide which are good or bad for the environment.

acid rain factories

recycled paper bottle banks

litter sprays

solar panels conservation

traffic jam chemicals

bicycles ozone layer

global warming exhaust fumes

2. Think of three environmental problems. Say:

h) the name of the problems

i) any information you have about the problems

A) Match the headlines to the environmental problems.

a) Push for whale sanctuary in South Pacific

b) Greenhouse gases blamed for sudden storms

c) World to face water shortages by 2025

d) More land off limits for loggers

e) Population will rise to 10 billion people in next 50 years

Problems

Overpopulation ….................... Deforestation …......................

Lack of resources........................ Endangered species ….............

Global warming …....................

b) Answer the following questions using the phrases from “Useful language”. 1. Which of these problems do you think is the most worrying? 2. Who do you think is responsible for solving these problems?

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