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THEME 2 EXERCISES

I. Read the sentences below and match the phrases in bold with their definitions. L. Complete the following text with the correct forms of the words given below.

disastrous efficient evaporate extinction immediately

More than one billion people celebrate April 22 as International Mother Earth Day. They (1) _____________ work
together on this day to raise awareness against climate change and habitat loss. The day and their efforts remind
us of the importance of protecting all ecosystems and species on our planet. Environmental organisations come
together to call for (2) _____________ action for their protection worldwide. Climate change and rising temperatures
jeopardise these ecosystems. They increase the frequency of extreme weather events, such as heat waves or large
storms. They cause the (3) _____________ of water resources more quickly. Besides, they raise the risk of suffering
a natural (4) _____________, such as a wildfire or a flood. Over a million animal and plant species are in danger of
becoming (5) _____________ because of habitat loss. Scientists predict that without enough effort, the situation will
become worse. To save our future, not just on April 22, but every single day, we must be conscious about protecting
planet Earth and its natural resources.

M. Read the dialogues below and match the phrases in bold with their definitions.

Julie: The paper says that disasters like Mark: Have you heard about the oil spill in
floods, storms, and wildfires are the ocean? It sounds serious.
getting more frequent and extreme Clive: Yeah, I’ve heard about it. It’s truly a
day by day. huge disaster.

Sam: Yeah, that’s right. Unfortunately, Mark: What will happen now? Isn’t it
they’re just the tip of the iceberg. possible for the ecosystem to
a c
Julie: What do you mean? recover? There must be something
Sam: The disasters are just part of to do.
a much bigger environmental Clive: Cleaning up the oil and restoring the
challenge. I’m afraid we will face affected areas will be quite difficult.
worse consequences if we don’t We’re really in deep water this
take action immediately. time.

Rob: I’m recycling my plastic waste, Otis: They say some countries are at
but I don’t think it’s making any higher risk of climate change.
difference.
Moe: Yeah, Somalia is one of them. They
Jane: I see your concern, but don’t give
face drought and food insecurity. It’s
up. Though it might feel like a drop
a pity, but it’s not just their fault.
in the ocean, small actions can
b d Otis: Right! We are all in this together.
make a big difference.
All countries must take action in no
Rob: But there’s too much plastic out
time.
there. Will my efforts really count?
Moe: Totally, we can’t leave them to
Jane: Absolutely! Imagine many people
cope with it on their own. We must
doing the same. It may not seem
weather the storm together.
big, but over time, it’ll really help.
1. to be in or get into serious trouble ________
2. to handle a very difficult problem successfully ________
3. a very small, unimportant amount ________
4. a small, noticeable part of an actually much greater problem ________

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