Read the following text.

Why are animals in danger?

A million years ago there were a lot more species of
animal than there are now. Of course, some species disappear
naturally, but today they are disappearing faster than before.
Animals are in danger from natural accidents; some
animals die because of small changes in the weather. But
animals are also in danger from our behaviour. We cannot
protect animals or people from accidents or changing
weather, but we can think about our behaviour and change that.
We put new buildings on empty land and do not think
about animals. We make new roads; we move rivers; we take
away trees.
Sometimes we take animals from their natural home to a
different country. In this new home, other animals do not know
the newcomer and are not afraid of it. Black rats went by ship
from Asia to the Galapagos Islands and killed many different
species of bird. Some of those lived nowhere but in the
Galapagos, but after the rats came
they disappeared.
Some visitors to new places take pictures of animals, but
other visitors hunt and kill them. They do not kill animals for food, but
simply because they like hunting.
In many countries people can also make a lot of money from
animals. Elephants die because people want
ivory. Rhinoceros die because people want to
buy their horns. Many bigger animals are in
danger because their coats are beautiful and
some people would like to have them to put in
their houses or to wear.
Pollution of our land, seas, rivers and sky is getting worse and
worse. We are making our world a much dirtier place, so many
animals cannot live in it. Pollution is bad for all of us. It is killing
animals. Sooner or later, it is going to kill people too!
The number of people in the world is getting bigger all the time.
More people in bigger cities take more land and make more pollution
destroying the natural habitats of many species. so we are taking the
natural homes of animals very fast. Where can they go? In the end, the
answer is often nowhere And the animals die.

Elephant ivory, from African

elephants, confiscated from
poachers
WWF-Canon / Martin
Harvey

in Fact Files

A. Say whether these statements are True or False. Quote from the text to support all your
answers.
1. Our behaviour cannot endanger animals.

2. Road building threatens animals.

3. Animals can endure change of habitat with no problem.

4. People kill elephants for profit.

B. Match the words on the left with their equivalents on the right.
1. behaviour

white bone-like substance forming the tusks of

2. empty

elephants, used for ornaments piano-keys, etc.

3. newcomer

uncleaner.

4. hunt

(of plants, animals) usual natural place and

5. ivory

conditions of growth.

6. coats

attitude.

7. dirtier

go after (wild) animals for food or sport.

8. habitat

person or animal that has recently arrived in a

place.
having nothing inside.
skins, furs.

C. Answer the following questions about the text in your own words.
1.What are the main dangers which affect animals?

2. What can people do to change this situation?

3. Why is the natural habitat so important to animals?

D. Rewrite the following sentences as suggested.

1. People didnt get involved in environmental issues. Pollution increased.
If

2. Politicians have never worried about pollution. Now, it may be too late.
If

3. People pollute their own neighbourhood. They get serious diseases.

Unless

4. Young people should worry about pollution so they live in a healthier world.
Unless
E. Combine the two sentences into one with the given linking words and phrases.
not only but also

so

furthermore

because

You can make any necessary changes.

1. Pollution levels are higher in the cities. People get more allergic diseases.

2. We must stop pollution. We must start recycling.

3. There more and more people getting sick. Pollution is increasing.

4. Greenpeace knew the river had been polluted. They knew who had it polluted.

F. Is technological development incompatible with the environment?

In about 120 150 words write an argumentative text expressing your opinion on this issue.