Task 1. Read the text and answer the questions. Climate Change Basics
Climate change has been in the news for years. But what is it? And how will it affect us?
To understand climate change, you first need to know about the greenhouse effect. The Earth
gets heat from the sun. In the atmosphere, greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide trap this heat
and keep it from escaping back to outer space. Trapping some heat in the atmosphere is a good
thing, because it keeps the planet warm enough for us to live. But there’s a problem.
People all over the world are adding extra carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. That’s because
today we burn fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas to do many of our everyday activities, like
driving our cars, using our computers, and heating our homes. All this extra carbon dioxide is
trapping more heat in the atmosphere, making the Earth warmer and causing other climate
changes, too.
The signs of climate change are all around us. Temperatures are getting warmer, giant ice
sheets are melting, and the oceans are rising. In many places, flowers are blooming earlier,
snow is melting sooner, and birds aren’t flying as far south for the winter. So why does this
matter?
Well, if the planet keeps getting warmer, we can expect more powerful storms and more
flooding, droughts, and heat waves. And these changes could cause additional problems, like
the spread of certain diseases, more wildfires, and food and water shortages. Climate change
could put entire ecosystems, like coral reefs in danger, and many plants and animals could
become extinct.
The good news is that we can take action! We can put less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
if we generate electricity from clean sources like solar and wind power instead of burning coal,
oil, or gas. We can also drive less, use public transportation, and choose cars that go further
using less gas. And you can do your part! Reduce your energy use by turning off the lights, the
computer, and TV when you’re not using them, and walk or ride your bike to work or school.
By making smart choices and working together, we can make a difference.
1. According to the text , greenhouse gases are produced by…
A) heat from the sun
B) the actions of people
C) the sun’s rays, and also the actions of the people
D) the video doesn’t say
2.Which of these things is a greenhouse gas?
A) carbon monoxide
B) carbon dioxide
C) oxygen
D) the video doesn’t say
3.Which of these ways to generate power provides a clean source of energy?
A) gas
B) oil
C) wind power
D) they are all clean sources of energy
4.Which of these things can help reduce levels of carbon dioxide?
A) driving to work
B) heating with coal instead of gas
C) using public transport
D) leaving your TV on standby, rather than switching it off
5.Which of these predictions about climate change does the video make?
A) if the planet gets warmer, then polar bears will become extinct
B) if the planet gets warmer, then we can expect more floods
C) if the planet gets warmer, then fuel will become less expensive
D) if the planet gets warmer, then sea levels will rise
6.The word ‘extinct’ means?
A) to become scare or rare
B) in need of protection
C) to become endangered
D) something that has died out, and no longer exists
7.Which of these things is not mentioned in the video?
A) wave energy
B) car pooling
C) coral reefs
D) heat waves
