8 Environment Part 4: Q15 – Q20



Answer questions 1 and 2 based on Article 1.
Article 1
降解 不利的
What is environmental degradation? Environmental degradation is any adverse change that affects nature
严重 恶化
gravely. Basically, it is the deterioration of the earth or environment due to environmental damage, extinction灭绝
野生动物 消耗
of wildlife and the consumption of assets, such as air, water and soil.
必然 民众
In today’s modern society, environmental degradation is inevitable due to expanding human populace
城市扩张 广阔

and urban sprawl. Vast expanses of natural forest have been destroyed to make way for urban housing. Better
medical facilities have increased lifespan and that means not only more demand for housing, but also, food
同样的
and clothes. Likewise, highways and rails have been constructed to service the growing urban community. All
these result in deforestation, which contributes to global warming.
贪婪
Simply human selfishness and greed can also lead to environmental degradation. Unsurprisingly, people
金钱收益

have capitalised on earth’s natural resources for monetary gain. For instance, mining in whatever form, naturally
destroys land. Not only are the earth’s natural resources 耗尽 depleted, but also, the natural habitats of wildlife.
Land damage makes it difficult for the wildlife to get the assets they need to survive. Ultimately, this means
最终
an extinction of species.
The application of polluting technology also brings about environmental degradation. Air, water, land and

noise pollution are harmful for the environment. Air and water pollution affects health while noise pollution
cause permanent damage to our ears. Land pollution results in degradation of earth’s surface as a result of
human activities.
As a result, environmental degradation has attracted serious attention in the world today. The United Nations

International Strategy for Disaster Reduction describes environmental degradation as the diminishing capacity
支持
of earth to sustain social and environmental destinations, and needs. Once the environments are damaged or
the common assets depleted, the environment is deemed degraded.退化
视为
VOCAB C H E C K
Various measures have been taken to 缓解 mitigate this, including environmental

resource protection and general protection efforts. As some environmental issues deterioration – the fact or
process of becoming worse
have long-term ecological effects that can destroy whole environments, conservation degradation – a situation in
明显
efforts should not only focus on protecting the flora and fauna, which are evident which somebody has lost all
parts of the environment. Conserving the things on which they depend on, for self-respectother people
and the respect of

example, streams, lakes, and soils are equally important.

1 What do you learn about environmental degradation?

A The environment is always changing.

B Deforestation increases carbon footprint.碳足迹

C Vast patches of living space don’t exist anymore.

2 Which of the following is not a consequence of environmental degradation?


A Extinction of wildlife
排气

B Exhaustion of natural resources

C Rapid growth of human populace

8
Answer questions 3 and 4 based on Article 2.
Article 2
发表
Much has to be done to address environmental degradation. Conserving what remains of the natural resources
and the biodiversity within our ecosystems is a gigantic mission, but undeniably 关键 crucial. It is our duty to
ensure that the environment is protected so that every living organism can enjoy an improved quality of life.
We should truly value all the things that Earth gives us and learn to cohabit with nature.
同居
Environmental conservation refers to the creation and protection our planet and its natural resources. There

are two aspects in environmental conservation. One is to protect nature by conserving critical resources, and
弊端 实体
the other, is a lifestyle that opposes the malpractices of businesses entities. To do more for the planet, hostility敌对
towards big corporations that misuse the environment instead of promoting the greater good of our world is
encouraged. 滥用
忙碌 增加
Despite today’s hectic lifestyle, we can make a difference to the environment. Even small incremental

changes to our daily choices can contribute to a better world. For instance, purchasing wisely and not wasting
resources unnecessarily should be exercised for the good of the Earth. Likewise, recycling and responsible
disposal of toxic materials can reduce pollution. Such effortless baby steps to daily routines certainly result in
major progress for environmental conservation.
As the environment is crucial to our 福利
welfare and happiness, every element on the Earth, such as the trees,

the oceans and the soil should be protected. Trees, for instance, not only help us to breathe, but also, store
greenhouse gases. Losing countless 英亩acres of valuable trees through deforestation cause the Earth to heat up
quicker and indefinitely contributes to global warming. Moreover, trees hold soil in place and naturally filter
water that has been absorbed into the ground.
Likewise, oceans store large amounts of carbon dioxide and help keep the Earth cool. They supply more

than half of the Earth’s oxygen and are homes to countless types of marine life and plants. The waters of the
ocean are indubitably captivating, but it is more than just a visual splendor. It is both a shelter and a life source.
Finally, the soil acts as a supplier of food and a filter of water. Most of nature’s water is not safe for human

consumption. The soil stores groundwater and filters it, making it safe for drinking. Besides, good quality soil
produces crops that not only feed humans and animals, but also regulate our climate. In essence, it supports
life. 本质上
存在 VOCAB C H E C K
The trees, the seas, and the ground therefore are necessary for our existence.

However, much more needs to be done to protect the environment. Thankfully, splendor – grand and
impressive beauty
many environmental conservationists have dedicated themselves to protecting cohabit – to live together
specific causes.
(Adapted from https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/methods-and-

importance-of-environmental-conservation.php)

3 How can trees and oceans keep the Earth cool?
A They absorb heat radiation back to the
Earth.
B They release large amounts of carbon
dioxide.
C They reduce greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere.
4 “... much more needs to be done ...” in the last
paragraph implies that
A sustainable living is fast disappearing
B some parts of nature are not protected
C environmental degradation is increasingly
rapidly
9
Answer questions 5 and 6 based on Article 1 and
Article 2.
5 Which of the following is true of both articles?
A Both articles indicate that environmental
issues are inevitable.
注重
B Both articles emphasise the impact of
human on the environment.
C Both articles highlight the selfishness of
human beings on environmental issues.
6 The two articles suggest that to protect the
environment
A everyone has to contribute
B conservation efforts are crucial
C corporate social responsibility is essential