Grade 8 (Unit 15) Conservation of Earth (Reading I)

 

Unit 15

 

Reading I (page 129)

Conservation of Earth

A. The meanings of some of the words from the text are given below. Find the words and write them down next to their meanings.

a. no longer in existence

b. to hunt birds or animals illegally

c. a period of ten years

d. people in your family who lived a long time ago

e. kind or type

f. people who take an active part in the protection of the environment

g. the atmosphere in which plants and animals can live

h. suitable to live in

Answer                            

a. no longer in existence: extinct

b. to hunt birds or animals illegally: poaching

c. a period of ten years: decade

d. people in your family who lived a long time ago: ancestors

e. kind or type: species

f. people who take an active part in the protection of the environment: conservationists

g. the atmosphere in which plants and animals can live: biosphere

h. suitable to live in: habitable

B. Read the text again and write True or False for these statements.

a. You feel at home when you live in your usual place.

b. Conservationists started to work saving animals only recently.

c. There are thousands of undiscovered species on the Earth.

d. Humans will also die out if they go on destroying the biosphere.

e. Scientists have already found another habitable planet.

Answer                            

a. You feel at home when you live in your usual place. True

b. Conservationists started to work saving animals only recently. False

c. There are thousands of undiscovered species on the Earth. True

d. Humans will also die out if they go on destroying the biosphere. True

e. Scientists have already found another habitable planet. False

C. Read the text again and answer these questions.

a. How is it possible for polar bears to live in the Arctic?

b. Why can’t wild creatures survive for long in a different habitat?

c. What have the conservationists done to save some specific species?

d. What is the impact of cutting down trees?

e. Where are many of the new species of creatures found?

f. What is the contribution of other creatures to humans?

g. Why do you think scientists are looking for oxygen and water vapour on other planets?

Answer                            

a. Polar bears can live in the Arctic because they have thick layers of fat that protect them from freezing temperatures.

b. Wild creatures can’t survive for long in different habitats because they are used to their individual climate and the other species in the same habitat.

c.  Conservationists have banned hunting, poaching and overfishing to save specific species.

d. The impact of cutting down trees is on the loss of the habitat for the wild animals.

e. Many new species of creatures are found in areas and habitat for the wild animals.

f. Other creatures in the biosphere provide humans with food, building materials, fuel and medicine.

g. I think scientists are looking for oxygen and water vapour on other planet because the earth might not support all the living creatures on earth.

D. If you got the chance to go to another planet to live, what five things would you take with you? Make a list and talk to your friends. Give reasons why you would want to take those particular items with you.

Answer                            

If I got the chance to go to another planet to live, I would take those five things with me. Here is a list of five items

1. Water Filtration System:

Reason: Access to clean water is essential for survival. Carrying a healthy water filtration system would help ensure a sustainable and safe water supply, especially if the planet's water sources are not immediately usable.

2. Medical Kit with Advanced Diagnostic Tools:

Reason: Health is of the greatest importance, and having a well-equipped medical kit with advanced diagnostic tools would be crucial. This would help in identifying and treating potential health issues early on, ensuring the well-being of the settlers.

Remember, the specific items might vary depending on the nature of the planet, its atmosphere, resources, and the technology available at the time of the journey. It's important to plan for both survival essentials and tools that contribute to the quality of life in a new and potentially challenging environment.

3. Sustainable Food Production System:

Reason: It's crucial to have a reliable source of food on a strange planet where Earth-like ecosystems might not exist. A self-sustaining food production system, such as hydroponics or aeroponics, could ensure a continuous and varied food supply.

4. Portable Power Generation System:

Reason: Reliable power is essential for various activities, including running life support systems, maintaining communication devices, and powering essential equipment. A portable and efficient power generation system, perhaps solar-based, could provide a consistent energy source.

5. Advanced Communication Equipment:

Reason: Staying connected with Earth and fellow settlers is vital for both psychological well-being and survival. Advanced communication devices would facilitate real-time communication, information exchange, and updates on any developments back on Earth.

 

Grammar I

A. These sentences are from Reading I. Complete them with the missing words.

a. They can protect themselves from freezing temperatures ………….. they have thick layers of fat.

b. ………….. you may not be friends with all of your neighbours, you may know them.

c. Survival of some species has become difficult ………….. global warming is causing ice caps to melt.

d. This was a great start, .........., people realised that saving a single species was not enough.

e. We have to make an important decision.......... protect different species from becoming extinct.

f. They are searching for other planets in our solar system   ………….. the human species and other creatures can move

there to live.

Answer                            

a. They can protect themselves from freezing temperatures because they have thick layers of fat.

b. Although you may not be friends with all of your neighbours, you may know them.

c. Survival of some species has become difficult because global warming is causing ice caps to melt.

d. This was a great start, but people realised that saving a single species was not enough.

e. We have to make an important decision in order to protect different species from becoming extinct.

f. They are searching for other planets in our solar system so that the human species and other creatures can move there to live.

B. Complete these sentences with but/because/because of/so that/in order to/therefore/although.

a. I can’t walk any more ………………… I’ve been walking all day.

b. He could not join the army………………… of his visual impairment.

c. I like dogs a lot …………………  they are usually friendly.

d. …………………  our class teacher was sick, she still came to school.

e. I went to the bank………………… I could withdraw some money.

f. …………………  the heavy traffic, we could not reach the cinema in time.

g. ………………… Sima was tired, she did her homework before she went to bed.

h. She is talking clearly………………… impress the headteacher.

i. I work a lot………………… I do not get good grades.

Answer                            

a. I can’t walk anymore because I’ve been walking all day.

b. He could not join the army because of his visual impairment.

c. I like dogs a lot because they are usually friendly.

d. Although our class teacher was sick, she still came to school.

e. I went to the bank so that I could withdraw some money.

f. Because of the heavy traffic, we could not reach the cinema in time.

g. Although Sima was tired, she did her homework before she went to bed.

h. She is talking clearly in order to impress the headteacher.

i. I work a lot but I do not get good grades.

Writing I

Some people think that listening to the radio and watching television is important for students, while others believe that it impacts them negatively. Write an essay expressing your opinion about it.

Answer                            

The Impact of Radio and Television on Students

In today’s digital age, the impact of various media forms on students is a subject of debate. Among these media forms, radio and television have long been a part of our lives, providing both entertainment and information. While some argue that listening to the radio and watching television is important for students, others believe that it has a negative impact on their development. In my opinion, these mediums can be both beneficial and harmful to students, depending on the content and extent of exposure.

On the positive side, educational programs on radio and television provide a valuable resource for students. Documentaries, science shows, and informative discussions can enhance students' knowledge and stimulate curiosity. Moreover, these mediums offer an alternative learning platform that may cater to diverse learning styles, making education more accessible and engaging.

However, the negative impact arises when excessive exposure to entertainment content supersedes educational content. Mindless television or radio consumption can lead to distraction, reduced productivity, and even impaired sleep patterns. Excessive exposure to advertisements may also contribute to materialistic values and unhealthy lifestyle choices.

Ultimately, it's crucial to strike a balance. Properly curated and age-appropriate content can harness the educational potential of these mediums. Parents and educators play a pivotal role in guiding students to make informed choices about their media consumption. Implementing media literacy programs in schools can empower students to critically evaluate content and discern between valuable educational material and potentially harmful content. In conclusion, when used judiciously, radio and television can be powerful tools for student learning and enrichment.

 

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