Page 31 - Young&Wise

ACADEMIC CORNER
Back at their camp, they made a
plan. “We have to convince the
owner to scale down the most
harmful parts of his operation,”
Leo declared, pointing to a map.
“We’ll show him our data and offer

a cleaner solution.”

They presented their findings to
the factory owner. Faced with the
undeniable proof of the damage,
he agreed to their plan. The
explorers watched the factory’s
transformation, knowing Green
Valley now had a chance to
build up again.

PHRASAL VERBS ABOUT NATURE AND ENVIRONMENT
Let's check the meanings of the phrasal verbs written in bold in the cartoon.

give off use up die out break down scale down build up
to recover,
to emit or release to consume all to become to decompose to reduce the size
strengthen, or
something, such of something, extinct or or rot or intensity of an
increase again
as pollution or a leaving none disappear operation
over time
smell behind completely
LET’S PRACTISE
Choose the best phrasal verb to complete each sentence.

1. When a habitat is destroyed, the plants and animals that live there often -------------------- .
a) die out b) build up c) give off d) break down

2. If we continue to -------------------- natural resources at this rate, we will face a serious crisis.
a) die out b) break down c) scale down d) use up

3. Fungi play a crucial role in the ecosystem by -------------------- dead wood and leaves.
a) using up b) scaling down c) breaking down d) giving off

4. Without predators, the population of deer began to -------------------- to unsustainable levels.
a) break down b) give off c) build up d) die out

5. To protect the coral reefs, fishing companies were ordered to -------------------- their dredging activities.
a) build up b) scale down c) die out d) use up

6. As the compost heap warms up, it begins to -------------------- a distinct, earthy smell.
a) build up b) give off c) use up d) scale down

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ANSWER KEY: 1. a) die out 2. d) use up 3. c) breaking down 4. c) build up 5. b) scale down 6. b) give off