PRUEBA: CLIMATE CHANGE

THE HOT ISSUE OF CLIMATE CHANGE

In the past decade, warmer‐than‐average temperatures have been recorded around the globe, and
scientists warn that temperatures may climb by 1.8–4° C before the close of the century. It is
believed that this recent climate change has been caused by industrial pollution and other human
activity.
Nearer the equator, the heat is making deserts expand, and putting water resources under
tremendous pressure. In some of the world’s poorest countries in Africa, desertification has already
cost lives, exacerbating the problems of drought and famine.
Climate change is affecting the coldest extremities of the world, too, melting the ice in the Arctic and
Antarctic. This is sadly having a damaging effect on local animal populations, such as polar bears, and
it is not yet known what the wider repercussions might be. One alarming theory suggests that the
melted ice will cause a rise in sea levels . This, in turn, could result in severe flooding in many
countries, including the UK and the USA, and make coastal areas vulnerable to an increased risk of
tidal
waves and tsunamis.
One thing is certain: if we do not act now, the earth will continue to heat up, perhaps irreversibly.
We must take better care of our planet – before the problem gets too hot to handle.

I. Answer the following questions using your own words, but taking into account the
information in the text. (3 points: 1 point each)

a) How and why is the temperature of the earth changing?

b) Why is the hot weather a problem in Africa?
c) According to the text, what are two possible effects of rising sea levels?

II. Fill in the gaps with the correct, most appropriate word in each case. (2 points: 0.25 points each)
Climate change is (A) ______ issue which affects (B) ________ all. It (C) ________ taken people a
long time to really take (D) ________ issue of climate change seriously. But, over the last few
years people (E) ________ become increasingly more concerned (F) ________ the damage that
climate change is having (G) ________ our environment. Many people say that we (H) ________
all responsible for climate change.

III Rephrase the following sentences so that their meaning is as similar to the original as possible.
(1 point)
a. Greenhouse gases are heating up the earth.

1
 The earth…………………………

b. I think that you should do more to help the environment.

If I……………………………………

c. Climate change is a problem that started many years ago.

Climate change has…………………………..

d. “Are you concerned about climate change?” she asked me.

I was asked……………………………….

IV. Write a composition about the following topic:

How will global warming affect our lives in the future? (100–120 words). (4 points)