For centuries, the Iberian Lynx has been an exotic part of the region’s ecosystem. However, a deadly combination of habitat destruction and food shortage is threatening the big cat’s survival. There are only an estimated 130 lynx left in Spain, with a quarter of these being in the Doñana National Park. Many people believe that the Lynx will become extinct. This is bad news considering the last time a big cat became extinct was 2000 years ago.
To help save the Lynx, Park officers are fixing fences to stop other animals from inhabiting the lynx’s territory and destroying the food sources vital to its survival. Another reason for the fences is to stop the lynx from going near roads and being killed by cars.
1.
What two main reasons are killing the Lynx?
(a)
deforestation and drought
(b)
other cats and dogs in the area
(c)
a lack of water and food
(d)
food shortage and destruction of habitat
2.
What percentage of lynx lives in Doñana National Park?
(a)
50%
(b)
15%
(c)
30%
(d)
25%
3.
When did the last big cat become extinct?
(a)
2000 years AD.
(b)
2000 years ago.
(c)
2000 years BC.
(d)
in the year 2000.
4.
The word “fixing” (line 7) is closest in meaning to
(a)
erecting
(b)
hounding
(c)
eradicating
(d)
burning
5.
What other factors kill the Lynx?
(a)
the size of the Doñana Park
(b)
wild dogs and pigs
(c)
tourists and cars
(d)
cars and other animals
While the diplomats and the politicians talk to find a solution to the conflict, many United States marines are preparing for war. “ We have to be prepared just in case” said Colonel Smith of the 1st Marine division. “We could be called up at any moment”.
The marines are based at Camp Pendleton, a sprawling 80,000 square hectare campus north of San Diego, California. The arid terrain is an ideal training ground for desert warfare, so the marines feel they are ready for any challenge. Training can also be dangerous although the casualty rate has fallen by 20%. “We practised and practised and in the end we just got better” one sergeant said.
11.
According to the text, many marines are:
(a)
leaving the armed forces
(b)
preferring to stay at home
(c)
getting ready for war
(d)
living in Kuwait
12.
According to Colonel Smith:
(a)
they could go to war at any time
(b)
war is very unlikely
(c)
the war has already started
(d)
war is very dangerous
13.
According to the text, arid terrain:
(a)
is not very dangerous to train on
(b)
prepares you well for desert warfare
(c)
is difficult to train on
(d)
is common in the USA
14.
The word “ready” (line 7) is similar in meaning to
(a)
late
(b)
primed
(c)
disorganised
(d)
orderly
15.
“ The casualty rate has fallen by 20%” means
(a)
it is harder than before
(b)
it is worse than before
(c)
it is better than before
(d)
it is easier than before
The possession of illegal firearms is a serious problem in many developing countries throughout the world. The United Nations estimates that there are some 500 million light weapons in the world and more than half are illegally owned by individuals, guerrilla forces, thieves or bandits. Even in relatively stable countries like Russia, South Africa or Kenya, the possession of illegal weapons is a threat to national security.
In Nairobi, crimes like car theft and kidnappings involving illicit weapons are becoming more and more frequent. The amount of weapons entering Nairobi is out of control. At the moment, the police are having problems controlling the situation but new laws are being passed to help change this.
16.
The main idea of the passage is:
(a)
United Nations debt
(b)
the size of some guerrilla forces
(c)
crime in Nairobi and Africa
(d)
growing illegal firearm possession
17.
According to the United Nations
(a)
bandits, thieves and guerrilla forces are bad
(b)
Kenya is in danger of a revolution
(c)
more than 50% of light weapons are illegally owned
(d)
there are many countries with similar problems
18.
The word “theft”(line 7) is closest in meaning to:
(a)
stealing
(b)
hijacking
(c)
kidnapping
(d)
arson
19.
According to the text, what is out of control?
(a)
the population of Kenya
(b)
people using guns in Kenya
(c)
weapons leaving Kenya
(d)
weapons coming into Kenya
20.
Who is having a hard time in Nairobi?
(a)
the army
(b)
most people
(c)
politicians
(d)
law enforcers
An interview with a representative of the National Liberation Army (NLA) of Albania.
1. _____ We were forced into a war we didn’t want. If Macedonia were a truly democratic country,
there wouldn’t have been a war. Parliament would never have granted us what we obtained by
fighting, particularly as regards the use of the Albanian language.
2. _____ Our future is to live together. The Macedonians must be realistic and pragmatic, and not
give in to feelings of anger. If our requests are accepted, there’ll be no problem between the
Macedonian majority and the Albanian minority.
3. _____ We’ve already given up a third of our weapons. Naturally, we intend to lay down our
arms according to the agreement with Nato and the international community.
4. _____ The return of refugees has already begun. It’s wrong to say we are preventing the return
of Macedonian civilians.
5. _____ This is a reason for concern, but we are banking on the guarantees provided by the
Europeans and Americans. I think there should be an international presence in order to
consolidate peace. This is essential to prevent further fighting.
6. _____ I respect the court. From the start of the war I said the NLA would respect the court and
the Geneva Convention. The NLA has observed the rules at all times, and we have freed all the
prisoners, so there is no reason for indictment.
7. _____ We’ve been fighting to ensure that Macedonians and ethnic Albanian Macedonians have
equal rights. We have no intention of redrawing borders.
A. But hasn’t the fighting caused the gulf between the two communities to widen?
B. The proposed amnesty does not cover war crimes. Aren’t you afraid of being charged?
C. The NLA started hostilities seven months ago. Have you achieved your aims?
D. Are you getting any financial support from the Europeans and Americans?
E. When will the 120,000 displaced Macedonians be able to go home?
F. Are you going to continue disarming the NLA?
G. What is your answer to the accusations that the NLA has a secret agenda, that it fights for a
“Greater Albania” with part of Macedonia attached to Kosovo and Albania.
H. Aren’t you afraid the government will mount an offensive after the NLA has been disarmed?
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