Conservation of Earth  | Unit 15 | English

Exercise

A. The meanings of some of the words from the text are given below. Find the words and write them down next to their meanings.

a. no longer in existence: extinct

b. to hunt birds or animals illegally: poaching

c. a period of ten years: a decade

d. people in your family who lived a long time ago: ancestors

e. kind or type: species

f. people who take an active part in the protection of the environment: conservationists

g. the atmosphere in which plants and animals can live: biosphere

h. suitable to live in: habitable

B. Read the text again and write True or False for these statements.

a. You feel at home when you live in your usual place. True

b. Conservationists started to work saving animals only recently. False

c. There are thousands of undiscovered species on the Earth. True

d. Humans will also die out if they go on destroying the biosphere. True

e. Scientists have already found another habitable planet. False

C. Read the text again and answer these questions.

a. How is it possible for polar bears to live in the Arctic?

⇒ Polar bears have a thick layer of fat that helps them to stay warm in the cold Arctic temperatures.

b. Why can’t wild creatures survive for long in a different habitat?

⇒ Wild creatures are adapted to their specific habitat. They have evolved to live in a particular climate and with a particular type of vegetation. If they are moved to a different habitat, they may not be able to find the food and shelter that they need to survive.

c. What have the conservationists done to save some specific species?

⇒ Conservationists have worked to save specific species by banning hunting and poaching, creating protected areas, and breeding programs.

d. What is the impact of cutting down trees?

⇒ Cutting down trees has a number of negative impacts on the environment. It can destroy the habitat of many wild creatures. It can also lead to global warming causing ice caps to melt.

e. Where are many of the new species of creatures found?

⇒ Many of the new species of creatures are found in isolated rainforests, deep oceans, the Arctic and the Antarctic. These are areas that are difficult to reach and have not been well-studied.

f. What is the contribution of other creatures to humans?

⇒ Other creatures contribute to humans with food, clothing, shelter, and medicine.

g. Why do you think scientists are looking for oxygen and water vapour on other planets?

Scientists are looking for oxygen and water vapour on other planets because the Earth might not be able to support all the creatures living on it.

D. If you got the chance to go to another planet to live, what five things would you take with you? Make a list and talk to your friends. Give reasons why you would want to take those particular items with you.

If I had the incredible opportunity to venture to another planet for permanent settlement, deciding what to take with me would be a challenging task. However, after careful consideration, here is a list of five items I would bring and the reasons behind each choice:

Survival Kit: The first item on my list would be a comprehensive survival kit. This kit would include essential tools, such as a multi-purpose knife, a fire starter, a water purifier, a compact tent, and basic medical supplies. Exploring a new planet with unknown environmental conditions would require the ability to adapt and survive in various situations. The survival kit would provide the necessary tools and resources to ensure my safety and well-being.

Botanical Encyclopedia: As an avid nature enthusiast, I would bring a comprehensive botanical encyclopedia. Exploring and studying the unique flora of the new planet would be a fascinating endeavour. Having access to detailed information about the planet’s plant life would not only satisfy my curiosity but also help me understand the ecosystem, identify potential resources, and ensure my interactions with the environment are responsible and sustainable.

Communication Device: Staying connected with friends, family, and fellow settlers would be crucial for maintaining a sense of community and support. A reliable communication device, such as a portable satellite phone or advanced radio system, would allow me to stay in touch with loved ones on Earth and communicate with fellow settlers on the new planet. It would provide a means to share experiences, seek assistance if needed, and combat feelings of isolation.

Sustainable Food Production System: In order to sustain life on the new planet, I would bring a sustainable food production system. This could be a compact hydroponic setup or an advanced greenhouse technology capable of growing a variety of crops. Having the ability to cultivate fresh and nutritious food would not only ensure my survival but also contribute to the long-term sustainability of the settlement. It would provide a sense of self-sufficiency and reduce dependence on external resources.

Personal Library: Lastly, I would bring a vast collection of books encompassing various genres, including literature, philosophy, science, and history. Books are not only a source of knowledge and entertainment but also companions that provide solace and inspiration. In the solitude of a new planet, a personal library would be a gateway to different worlds, fostering intellectual growth, and nurturing the imagination.

Now, let’s imagine discussing these choices with friends:

Friend 1: “Why did you choose a survival kit as your first item?”

You: “Well, venturing into the unknown comes with uncertainties. Having a survival kit would equip me with the necessary tools to adapt and survive in different situations. It’s crucial for ensuring my safety and well-being.”

Friend 2: “A botanical encyclopedia sounds interesting. Why is that important?”

You: “Exploring the new planet’s unique flora would be fascinating. A botanical encyclopedia would help me identify plants, understand the ecosystem, and potentially discover valuable resources. Plus, it’s essential for responsible interaction with the environment.”

Friend 3: “What’s the purpose of bringing a communication device?”

You: “Being able to stay connected with loved ones on Earth and communicate with fellow settlers is vital. It fosters a sense of community, allows us to share experiences, seek assistance, and combat feelings of isolation.”

Friend 4: “A sustainable food production system sounds practical. Why is it necessary?”

You: “Sustaining life on the new planet requires a reliable food source. By bringing a sustainable food production system, I could grow fresh and nutritious food, ensuring my survival and contributing to the long-term sustainability of the settlement.”

Friend 5: “A personal library is an interesting choice. Why did you choose it?”

You: “Books are not just a source of knowledge and entertainment; they provide companionship, solace, and inspiration. In the solitude of a new planet, a personal library would be a gateway to different worlds, fostering intellectual growth and nurturing the imagination.”

By discussing these choices with friends, we can exchange ideas and insights, discovering their own unique perspectives on what would be essential for an extraordinary interplanetary journey.

Grammar I

These sentences are from Reading I. Complete them with the missing words.

They can protect themselves from freezing temperatures because they have thick layers of fat.

Although you may not be friends with all of your neighbours, you may know them.

Survival of some species has become difficult because global warming is causing ice caps to melt.

This was a great start, but people realised that saving a single species was not enough.

We have to make an important decision in order to protect different species from becoming extinct.

They are searching for other planets in our solar system so that the human species and other creatures can move there to live.

B. Complete these sentences with but/because/because of/so that/in order to/therefore/although.

I can’t walk any more because I’ve been walking all day.

He could not join the army because of his visual impairment.

I like dogs a lot because they are usually friendly.

Although our class teacher was sick, she still came to school.

I went to the bank so that I could withdraw some money.

Because of the heavy traffic, we could not reach the cinema in time.

Although Sima was tired, she did her homework before she went to bed.

She is talking clearly in order to impress the headteacher.

I work a lot but I do not get good grades.

Writing I

Some people think that listening to the radio and watching television is important for students, while others believe that it impacts them negatively. Write an essay expressing your opinion about it.

The Impact of Radio and Television on Students

In today’s digital age, the impact of various media forms on students is a subject of debate. Among these media forms, radio and television have long been a part of our lives, providing both entertainment and information. While some argue that listening to the radio and watching television is important for students, others believe that it has a negative impact on their development. In my opinion, both radio and television can have significant benefits for students if used in a responsible and balanced manner.

First and foremost, radio and television offer valuable educational content that can enhance students’ learning experiences. Educational programs on these mediums cover a wide range of subjects, including science, history, literature, and current events. They provide students with access to information that might not be readily available in their textbooks or classroom environment. Moreover, these programs often present information in an engaging and entertaining way, making learning a more enjoyable experience. By exposing students to different perspectives and ideas, radio and television can broaden their horizons and foster critical thinking skills.

Additionally, radio and television can play a crucial role in improving students’ language and communication skills. Listening to radio broadcasts and watching television shows can help students develop their listening comprehension abilities. They can improve their vocabulary, pronunciation, and understanding of various accents by regularly engaging with these media forms. Furthermore, television programs, especially those with subtitles or closed captioning, can assist students in developing their reading skills. For non-native English speakers, exposure to radio and television programs can also aid in language acquisition and cultural immersion.

Furthermore, radio and television can serve as a platform for social and cultural enrichment. Through news programs, documentaries, and talk shows, students can gain insights into different cultures, traditions, and current events from around the world. This exposure can foster empathy, tolerance, and a broader worldview. Moreover, radio and television provide a common ground for shared experiences and discussions among students. They can serve as conversation starters and encourage dialogue, promoting social interaction and community engagement.

However, it is important to acknowledge the potential negative impact of excessive radio and television consumption. Spending excessive time in front of screens can lead to sedentary lifestyles, which may contribute to health problems such as obesity and poor posture. Moreover, an overreliance on radio and television as the sole sources of information can limit students’ ability to think critically and independently. It is crucial for students to have a balanced media diet that includes other forms of engagement such as reading books, participating in outdoor activities, and engaging in face-to-face interactions.

In conclusion, while some individuals argue that radio and television have a negative impact on students, I believe that when used responsibly and in moderation, these media forms can have significant benefits. Educational content, language and communication development, and social and cultural enrichment are some of the positive aspects that radio and television can offer. It is essential to strike a balance and encourage students to engage with these media forms while also being mindful of the potential pitfalls. By doing so, we can harness the power of radio and television to enhance students’ learning experiences and foster their overall development.

Unit- 15.1

Notice: Exercise of grade – 8

A. Match the words in column A with their meanings in column B.

a. rapid – iii. happening quickly or in a short period of time

b. infection – v. the act or process of causing or getting a disease

c. vaccination – iv. the act of giving a person a vaccine

d. arrangement – i. a plan made to do something

e. alternative – ii. a thing that can be chosen out of two or more possibilities

B. Answer these questions.

a. What is the notice about?

⇒ The notice is about the closure of all schools in Nepal from 27th Poush to 15th Magh due to the rapid spread of COVID-19 infection.

b. Why did the government decide to close all the schools?

⇒ The government decided to close all the schools in Nepal due to the rapid spread of COVID-19 infection. The infection has been spreading rapidly in recent days, and the government is concerned about the health and safety of students and teachers.

c. How long will the schools remain closed?

⇒ The schools will remain closed for about three weeks, from 27th Poush to 15th Magh.

d. What are the parents asked to do?

⇒ Parents are asked to contact schools and take their children for vaccination on the specified dates.

e. What are universities suggested about the examinations?

⇒ Universities are suggested to conduct pre-scheduled examinations following the public health and safety standards.

C. Imagine that a friend of yours was absent from the class on a particular day. Now, draft a message in your own words to communicate the notice to him or her.

Hey, Salina,

I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing to let you know that school was closed today due to the rapid spread of COVID-19 infection. The government has decided to close all schools across the country for about three weeks, from 27th Poush to 15th Magh.

I know you were absent from class today, so I wanted to let you know what happened. The teacher went over the syllabus for the new unit, and we started working on the first assignment. I’ll send you the notes and the assignment sheet later today.

I hope you’re feeling well and that you’re staying safe. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Talk to you soon,

[Your name]

Writing II

A. Write a short notice on behalf of your school about a one-day closure of the school. Give a reason in the notice as to why the school will remain closed.

Notice of School Closure

This is to inform all students and parents that our school will be closed on [date] due to a water main break. The water main break has caused significant disruption to the school’s water supply, and it is not safe for students to be in the building.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We will be working to repair the water main break as soon as possible.

In the meantime, students are encouraged to stay home and stay safe. We will be providing remote learning opportunities for students who are unable to attend school in person.

Thank you for your understanding.

Principal

[School name]

Grammar II

A. Combine the following pairs of sentences using the connectives given in the brackets.

a. Although she is very rich, she lives a simple life.

b. In spite of being ill, he wants to meet me.

c. Although she works carefully, she makes many mistakes.

d. I went to the grocery so that I could buy some rice.

e. She has got good grades; however, she has not passed the entrance test.

f. He ran away because he was afraid.

g. We did not go out because of the heavy rain.

h. Although it was hot, we went to play football.

i. She bought a book and a pencil.

j. He likes dancing, but he doesn’t like singing.