UNIT 1:

READING 1:
PREPARING TO READ

1. Read the definitions. Complete the sentences with the correct form of the words in bold.
chemical (n): man-made or natural substance made by changing atoms.
destroy (v): to damage something very badly; to cause it to not exist.
due to (prep): because of; as a result of
natural (adj): as found in nature; not made or caused by people.
pollute (v): to make an area or substance dirty and unhealthy.
protect (v): to keep something or someone safe from damage or injury.
species (n): types of plants or animals that have similar features.

Complete the sentences:

1. The black rhino is one of the most _endangered_________ animals in the world. There are
only about 5,000 left today.
2. There are three _________species_ of bears in North America. They are the American black
bear, the grizzly bear, and the polar bear.
3. Dangerous _______chemicals___ from factories can kill fish and other animals when they
enter lakes and rivers.
4. Smoke from factories can _____pollute_____ the air and hurt both humans and animals.
5. When new homes are built, it often _____destroys_____ the areas where animals live.
6. Few people visited the zoo last week ____due to______ the cold weather.
7. I don’t like zoos. I prefer to see animals in their _____natural_____ environments.
8. Many organizations are working to _____protect_____ endangered animals by creating safe
places for them to live.
2/ Look at the title of the factsheet opposite. What do you think it will be about? Complete
the chart with the names of endangered and extinct you know
 Endangered species Extinct species
Giant panda Tyrannosaurus rex
Chinese alligator Woolly mammoth
Indian elephant Dodo
White rhinoceros Caspian tiger
Sea turtle Sabre tooth tiger
Woolly rhinoceros
3/ Read the factsheet. Then, complete the chart with the names of animals mentioned in the
factsheet.

Endangered Species
1. An endangered species is a group of animals or plants that could soon become extinct.
Extinction happens when the last animal of the species has died out and there will be no more.
Many species are nearly extinct and could disappear from the Earth very soon if we don’t do
anything to save them. There are many reasons why species become endangered, but most harm to
species is due to human activities such as habitat destruction, hunting, and overfishing.
2. Habitat destruction is the main reason why animals become endangered. This happens in two
ways. First, when humans move into a new area, they cut down trees to build houses and farms.
This destroys the animals’ habitat—the natural environment where plants or animals usually live—
and leaves them without food. Animal habitats are also destroyed because of pollution. Dirty water
from factories, which contains chemicals, ends up in rivers, and poisons used on farmland may
even kill animals that live in the area.
3. Endangered species are also the result of hunting and fishing. Animals such as the Arabian
oryx are nearly extinct because of the high price of their meat. Other animals are killed for their
fur, bones, or skin-or just for sport. For example, some seal species are now almost extinct because
they are killed for their fur to make coats.Tigers are shot to make medicine and tea from their bones,
and crocodiles are caught to make bags and shoes.Large sea creatures like whales, tuna, and sharks
have all become endangered species because of overfishing-too many are caught to make special
dishes that people like to eat, such as shark's fin soup or sushi.
4. What steps can individuals and governments take to protect more animal and plant species
from becoming endangered? We should try not to pollute natural areas, and farmers or companies
who destroy animal habitats should face a financial penalty. The public can help out by refusing to
buy products made from animals' body parts, such as seal fur coats or crocodile bags. Governments
can help, too, by making it against the law to hunt, fish, or trade in endangered species. They can
also provide funding for animal sanctuaries and zoos and protect animals from extinction by
breeding more endangered animals, which can later be released into the wild. If we all cooperate
by taking these steps, we will protect our planet so that our children and their children can enjoy it,
too.
 WHILE READING

The main idea of a paragraph tells the most important thought or message of that paragraph. The
topic sentence expresses the main idea of the paragraph, and all of the other sentences in the
paragraph give details to support the topic sentence. To find the main idea, look at the topic
sentence and check whether the rest of the paragraph supports what it says.
4/ Read the factsheet again and write the paragraph number next to the main ideas.
a. How hunting and overfishing endanger animals 3
b. The definition of endangered and extinct species 1
c. How governments and citizens can protect animals 4
d. How humans destroy and pollute animal habitats 2

5/ Work with a partner. Answer the questions.

1 Who or what is most responsible for animal extinction and endangered species?
human
2 How does pollution and cutting down trees cause problems for animals?
Their habitats are destroyed
3 What do people hunt animals for?
for food; for fur to make coat; for skin to make bags, shoes, and sports equipment;…
4 Which large sea creatures are endangered because of overfishing?
whales, tuna and sharks
5 What can individuals do to protect animals from becoming endangered?
we can try not to pollute natural areas and refuse to buy products made from animals’body
6 What should governments do about hunting and fishing of animals?
governments can make it against the law to hunt, fish, or trade in endangered species
7 What should governments invest in to get more animals back into the wild?
they can provide funding for animals sanctuaries and zoos where endangered animals can be
bred
READING BETWEEN THE LINES
6/ Read the last paragraph of the factsheet again and underline the words and phrases with
the same meaning as the bold words.
1 Companies who destroy arnimal habitats should pay a fine.
face a financial penatly
2 You should help to protect animals by choosing not to buy fur.
Refusing to buy/ purchase
3 We can make it illegal to hunt, fish, or trade in endangered species.
against the law
4 Governments can pay for animal sanctuaries and zoos.
provide funding for
5 If we work together by taking this action, we can protect our planet.
cooperate by following these steps

DISCUSSION
7/ Work with a partner. Discuss the questions.
1. What are some more examples of products that are made from animal parts? Do you use
any of these products?
Perfume, fur coats, leather gloves, plastic bags, some glues,…
Yes I do, I always use perfume and plastic bags
2. Should governments spend money to save animal habitats even if this means there is less
money for things people need, such as hospitals?
In conclusion, government should allocate resources to protect animal habitats, recognizing
the intricate link between biodiversity conservation and the well-being of human societies.
By doing so, they invest in thr long-term health, safety, and economic prosperity of their
citizens
3. Why is it a problem if some plants and animals die out?
If we were to lose our ecosystem, the Earth would no longer be a habitable place for anyone

READING 2:
PREPARING TO READ
1/ Read the definitions. Complete the sentences with the correct form of the words in bold.
common (adi) happening often or existing in large numbers
cruel (adi) causing pain or suffering on purpose
disease (n) illness; a serious health condition that requires care
fatal (adi) causing death
major (adi) most serious or important
native (adj) used to describe animals and plants that grow naturally in a place
survive (v) to continue to live after almost dying
1. The coyote, a wild member of the dog family, is so --common-- in the western United
States that they can be seen in cities.
2. Plastic is often-fatal-- to sea birds. Millions of birds die each year when they swallow
plastic bags and other plastic garbage.
3. The flu is a common--disease-- in humans, but some animals. such as horses, birds, seals,
and whales, can also get forms of the flu.
4. Many people believe that it is --cruel--to keep animals in zoos, where they can't move
around freely.
5. Habitat loss is the--major-- cause of species extinction in the Amazon River region
6. Gray whales are endangered, but there is a chance that they will--survive- because many
countries have stopped hunting them
7. There are many unique species that are-native-- to the island of Madagascar, including
more than 80 kinds of snakes
2/ Work with a partner. Look at the photos in the article on page 23 and discuss the questions.
1. What are the animals in the photos?
squirrels
2. Which animal do you think is endangered? Why?
I think javan rhino is endangered because there aren’t a lot of javan rhino on over the
world. Acording to the survey it just has 75 individuals which can only be found on the
island of Java, Indonesia
3. Do you have them in your country? How do people feel about them?
Yes. In my country have rhinoceros sondaicus they are known with the nam “Viet Nam
Java Rhino”. People feel they are awesome yet vulnerable, our econome need them, rhino
are good for conservation in general
While Reading
3/ Read the article and answer the questions:
1. What is an invasive species?
An invasive species is a plant or animal that arrives in an area where it is not native.
2. How did the gray squirrel enter Great Britain?
Gray squirrels were introduced from North America by people who wanted them as a
fashionable addition to their homes.
3. How are the two species of squirrels similar?
Red and gray squirrels both have long tails, large eyes, small ears, and powerful back legs
4. How are the two species of squirrels different?
Red squirrels are smaller and weaker than gray squirrels. The parapox virus is fatal to red
squirrels and they are affected by the loss of their natural woodland habitat
5. What four reasons are given for the success of the gray squirrel in the U.K.?
Gray squirrels are larger and stronger, they are more intelligent and adaptable, they can use
food provided by humans, and they are immune to the parapox virus

4/ Read the summary and circle the correct words to complete it:

The article uses the example of the red and gray squirrel to explain what can happen when an
invasive species competes with a native one. The gray / red squirrel was introduced to Britain in
the 19th century and has become very successful since then. Now there are fewer / more than
140,000 native red squirrels left in the wild. The main reason why the gray squirrel is more
successful is that it is fatter / thinner, so it is less affected by cold weather. Another reason is that
gray squirrels are unable / able to live in cities. A further reason may be the parapox virus, which
kills / injures red squirrels. Even though many people regard the gray squirrel as a pest / pet, most/
few British people destroying gray squirrels. Because red squirrels are/aren’t endangered
worldwide, perhaps they could be reintroduced to Great Britian.

READING BETWEEN THE LINES

5/ Read the article again and answer the questions:
1. Paragraph 1 mentions one way that nonnative species enter a new environment. What are some
other ways?
wood products; garden plants; the pet trade; illegal trading
2. Why do you think gray squirrels are regarded as “major pests,” other than the damage they do
to plants and houses?
because they damage trees, they eat human’waste food and they carry a virus that kills red
squirrels
3. What reason could some people give for trying to save the red squirrel?
perhaps for nostalgic reasons, because they see them as traditionally “British”
4. Why do you think there are no gray squirrels on the Isle of Wight?
because it is an island, and the sea acts as a natural defense against alien species

Reading 2: "Losing the Battle for Survival"

1. Invasive species are plants and animals that arrive in an area where they are not native,
usually due to human activity. For example, a species of shellfish might attach itself to the
outside of a ship traveling between countries and enter new environment in this way.
Invasive species are often able to grow quickly in their new homes because they have no
natural enemies. As a result, they may replace or damage native plants and animals that live
in the same environment.One example is the case of gray and red squirrels in Great Britain.
2. Red squirrels used to be a common sight in British forests and countryside. Then, in
the1870s, the gray squirrel was introduced from North America because rich people thought
the squirrels looked fashionable in the grounds of their large homes. Today, only a about
140,000 red squirrels remain, mostly in Scotland. In contrast, gray squirrels are now
extremely common and seen as major pests due to the damage they cause to plants and
houses. While red squirrels are protected, gray squirrels can be legally trapped and
destroyed.
3. On first sight, the two species of squirrel are similar. They both have a long tail, which
helps them balance when jumping from tree to tree, and the same large eyes, small ears,
and powerful back legs.
4. In contrast, the two types of squirrel are different in body size and weight. The red squirrel
has a typical head-and-body length of approximately 7.5 to 9 inches (19 to 23 centimeters),
a tail length of 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) and a body weight of 9 to 12 ounces
(250 to 340 grams). The gray squirrel is larger than the red squirrel. The head and body
measure between 9 and 12 inches (23 and 30 centimeters), and the tail is between 7.5 and
10 inches (19 and 25 centimeters) long. Adult gray squirrels are also heavier, weighing
between 14 and 21 ounces (400 and 600 grams). This size allows them to store more fat
and helps them to survive hard winters, which could be fatal to their smaller cousins.
5. Three more differences explain why red squirrels have lost out in the competition with gray
squirrels.First, red squirrels live high up in the trees, whereas gray squirrels spend more of
their time on the ground. This means that any loss of forest habitat greatly affects the red
squirrel population. Another reason is that gray squirrels are more intelligent and can adapt
 to new situations more easily than red squirrels. For example, they can survive in an urban
environment because of their ability to use food provided by humans. A third problem for
the red squirrel is disease. Both squirrels carry the parapox virus. The virus does not seem
to affect gray squirrels, but it is fatal to reds
6. In conclusion, there does not seem to be much that scientists can do to help red squirrels
survive inGreat Britain. Some politicians support destroying populations of gray squirrels,
but many British people would contend that this is cruel. Red squirrels have been
successfully reintroduced from other countries, and they could be protected in places where
there are no gray squirrels, such as the Isle of Wight. However, some people question
whether Britain should protect red squirrels at all.Worldwide, they are not an endangered
species.Considering the evidence, saving the red squirrels may be a waste of British
government money. Government conservation funding should instead be spent on other
endangered animals.

LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

DISCUSSION
6/ Work with a partner. Use ideas from Reading l and Reading 2 to answer the following
questions.
1 Which reasons in Reading l and Reading 2 explain why the red squirrel is an endangered species?
Habitat destruction, disease, climate
2 Which of the solutions in paragraph 6 of Reading 2 do you think could help to save the red
squirrel from extinction? Why?

3 In your opinion, is trying to save British red squirrels a waste of time and money? Why or why
not?

4 Are introduced animal or plant species a problem in your country?Why? Give examples.

ACADEMIC VERBS
1/ Read the sentences. Complete the definitions with the words in bold.
1. Tigers are an endangered species. If people continue to hunt them, it will be impossible for
them to survive.
2. Very cold and snowy winters affect some animals, such as rabbits and squirrels, since they
are unable to find food as easily.
 3. Seabirds are often hurt due to oil spills. When that happens, biologists catch the birds, clean
them, and then release them back to nature.
4. If we really want to save endangered species, governments and animal protection
organizations need to cooperate and stop fighting each other.
5. Sometimes biologists catch endangered animals and attach small radio to their bodies.
Then, the biologists always know where the animals are.
6. In this paper, I intend to compare and contrast the appearance and behavior of indian and
African elephants.
a. ---cooperate--(v) to work together for a particular purpose
b. ---affect--(v) to influence or cause something to change
c. ---release--(v) to allow someone or something to leave a place
d. ---survive--(v) to stay alive; to continue to exist, especially after an injury or threat
e. ---contrast--(v) to show or explain differences between two people, situations, or things
f. ---attach--(v) to connect or join one thing to another
COMPARATIVE ADJECTIVES
2/ Complete the sentences using the comparative form.
1. The red squirrel is smaller and---weaker than----( weak) the gray squirrel.
2. Gray squirrels are generally---healthier than---(healthy) their smaller cousins because
grays are not affected by the parapox virus.
3. Gray squirrels are----more successful than---(successful) red squirrels because they eat
food provided by humans
4. Red squirrels are—more endangered than---(endangered) gray squirrels which are not at
risk of extinction.

WHILE READING
 Dee Mackey Librarian
Students are often confused about plagiarism. If something is not their own idea or their own
work, they should cite the source. That means they should say where they found something.
When students cite a source, they always need to know the author and date of publication. They
should also cite sources for photos and graphs. Generally, students should paraphrase
information from others. That means students can use the ideas of another person, but they
should use their own words. If they are unsure about anything, they should come and ask for
help. We are happy to help them.

Dr. Moore Professor of History

Academic honesty is important in my class. If a student pretends that someone else’s words are
theirs, that’s dishonest. If a students lets someone else write their paper, that’s dishonest. And if
they submit a paper that they used in another class, that’s also dishonest. These are all examples
of plagiarism. The rules are simple: Do your own work, use your own words, and don’t re-use
your work. If students are having trouble, they should come see me. At our college, if a student
plagiarizes, I have to report this to the Dean of Students.

Jaye Evans Writing Center Tutor

Students often wait until the last minute, so they don’t have time to write their paper. Then they
go to the Internet and cut and paste things into their paper. That’s never OK. I know and their
professors know that they have copied. We can help students with their writing projects. That’s
why we are here. But they have to start early. We can’t really help them at the last minute.

2/ Read the web article and match the name of the speaker with their advice.

1 Dee Mackey
2 Dr. Moore
3 Jaye Evans

a. Paraphrase other people's words or ideas.

b. Get started early on a writing task.
c. Don't copy text from a website.
d. Don't turn in the same project for two different classes.
e. If an idea is from someone else, cite the source.
 f. If a student plagiarizes, the university needs to know.

3/ Read the web article again. Write T (true) or F(false) next to the statements. Correct the
false statements.

1 When students cut and paste from the Internet, it's not right, but no one will know.
2 A student writer doesn't have to say where they got a photograph for their essay.
3 The Writing Center wants students to come to them early.
4 Students should cite their sources when they paraphrase.
5 Having a friend write your paper is plagiarism
6 Professors don't want to help students with questions about plagiarism.

PRACTICE

4/ Work in a small group. Discuss the questions.

1 In the reading, what advice atbout plagiarism surprised you?

2 From the reading, who would you prefer to ask for help? Why?

3 Who would you ask for help at your school?

5/ Write three do's and three don'ts based on the reading. Use your own words.

REAL-WORLD APPLICATION
6/ Work with a partner. Interview three students or professors on your campus. Ask these
questions:
1 What is your advice to avoid plagiarism?
2 Who are good people to ask for help about plagiarism questions?
3 What is the punishment if you plagiarize?
7/ Work with another pair. Use the answers from Exercise 6 to createa brochure with do's
and don'ts for avoiding plagiarism and resources for getting help.

8/ Share your brochure with the class.