Endangered Species

Elephants: 1,300,000 in Africa in 1979; 650,000 in 1991.

Blue whales: Once numbered 300,000. Now may be 200.

Snow leopard: Although this has been declared a protected species, it is still being hunted in Central Asia for its beautiful skin.

Giant panda: Less than 1,000 remain in their natural habitat in the mountainous regions of China. They are still hunted for their fur and meat.

Koalas: The first Australian animal to be protected by law. However, their habitat is being destroyed and the eucalyptus trees they need for food are being cut down.

Project work

1. Collect as much information as possible about the recent ecological problems in your area and prepare a report on how

these problems are being decided by your local and central authorities.

2. In groups of 3-4, make up a list of endangered species in your country, using the latest information from newspapers, magazines and TV programs. Discuss the results and work out possible measures to prevent these animals from total extinction.

12. Read the advertisement and answer the questions:

1. London Zoo is very popular with tourists, isn’t it?

2. What are the duties of the Operation Manager?

3. What kind of candidates is preferable?

Zoo operations limited operations manager, london zoo

London Zoo is a major tourist attraction with well over 1million visitors every year. The new post of Operations Manager has been established to coordinate day-to-day responsibility for the visitor related operation and in particular the maintenance of the gardens and grounds, visitor reception, retail outlets and liaison with the catering department. Candidates, preferably in the age range 28-45 should have proven managerial ability with experience in a similar field. Family accommodation will be provided (with an appropriate adjustment to salary). Starting salary around J 22,000.

This is a first class opportunity for an ambitious person, keen to establish him or herself within a progressive and world renowned Institution.

Applications with full CV should be submitted to: The Personal Manager, Zoo Operations Limited, London Zoo, Regents Park, London NW1 4RY.

Apply for the post.

13. Read the text and choose the best answer (a – d) from 1 – 4

1. According to the text the science of the future is likely to be

1. Electronics;

2. Biotechnology;

3. Genetic engineering;

4. Nuclear technology.

2. Organic chemistry helps to produce materials that are

1. Almost as strong, light and plausible as an insect’s body;

2. Almost as good as wool;

3. Not as good as natural materials;

4. Stronger, lighter and better than natural materials.

3. According to the text, it may soon be possible

1. To make something as good as human skin;

2. To cure certain diseases that damage human organs;

3. To take an organ from one human and give it to another human;

4. To make useful substitutes for human hearts and eyes.

4. What does the text say is one of the worst problems caused by the use of coal, gas and oil?

1. They are no longer as easy to use as they once were.

2. They are so cheap that people waste them.

3. They are too expensive for poorer people in many parts of the world.

4. They are very bad for the world around us.