Level: Intermediate (B1-B2)
Glad to see you on my Ecology Knowledge Test! This assessment is designed to evaluate your understanding of ecological principles, environmental issues, and conservation strategies. Whether you are a student, an enthusiast, or a professional, this test will challenge you to demonstrate your comprehension and awareness of the key concepts in ecology. Let's see how much you know about our planet's natural systems and the challenges they face.
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Part 1: Lexical
Choose the correct answer from the suggested options.
1. 'Sustainable' means:
A) Capable of causing great damage
B) Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
C) Unimportant
D) Easily broken down
2. What does 'biodiversity' refer to?
A) The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat
B) Pollution
C) A group of similar ecosystems
D) None of the above
3. An area of land that is very dry and where few plants grow is called:
A) A glacier
B) A desert
C) A forest
D) An ocean
4. Which term is used to describe the contamination of the atmosphere?
A) Water cycle
B) Air pollution
C) Soil erosion
D) Conservation
5. What does 'renewable energy' mean?
A) Energy taken from finite resources which will run out one day
B) Energy collected from resources which are naturally replenished
C) Energy that is expensive and harmful to the environment
D) None of the above
Part 2: Grammar
Choose the correct verb form for each sentence.
6. If everyone __________ (recycle) more, there would be less waste.
A) recycled
B) recycles
C) will recycle
D) would recycle
7. By 2050, many species __________ (disappear) if we do not act now.
A) will disappear
B) would have disappeared
C) disappear
D) are disappearing
8. I wish people __________ (be) more aware of environmental issues.
A) are
B) were
C) will be
D) would be
9. If we had known the effects of air pollution earlier, we __________ (take) steps to prevent it.
A) will have taken
B) would have taken
C) took
D) take
10. Solar panels __________ (install) on the roof last year to reduce electricity costs.
A) were installed
B) installed
C) are installed
D) have been installed
Part 3: Reading
Read the text and answer the questions.
Text:
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a collection of marine debris in the North Pacific Ocean. Marine debris is litter that ends up in oceans, seas, and other large bodies of water. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch has formed gradually as a result of ocean or marine pollution gathered by ocean currents. It consists mainly of plastics, both large items and microplastics.
11. What is the primary composition of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch?
A) Plastic bags
B) Microplastics
C) Both large items and microplastics
D) Organic waste
12. How did the Great Pacific Garbage Patch form?
A) It was dumped there intentionally.
B) It formed gradually from debris gathered by ocean currents.
C) It appeared suddenly.
D) It is a natural phenomenon.
Part 4: Letter
In comments, write a short essay (120-150 words) on the following topic:
What are the most important steps that individuals can take to reduce their environmental impact? Provide specific examples and reasons.
Answer Keys and Explanations
Part 1: Vocabulary
1. B) Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level – 'sustainable' refers to something that can be continued or kept up over time without harmful impact.
2. A) The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat – 'biodiversity' is a term used to describe the variety of life forms in a specific area, from all ecosystems, species, and genetic variation.
3. B) 'A desert' – deserts are characterized by their dry conditions and sparse vegetation.
4. B) 'Air pollution' – this term specifically refers to the contamination of the air we breathe with harmful or excessive quantities of substances.
5. B) Energy collected from resources which are naturally replenished – renewable energy includes resources like solar, wind, and hydro which naturally replenish and do not deplete finite resources.
Part 2: Grammar
6. A) recycled – the correct form here is the past subjunctive, used for hypothetical or unreal situations in the past.
7. A) will disappear – this is a future simple tense, used for predictions about the future based on present facts.
8. B) were – this is the subjunctive mood used to express wishes about situations that are not true or are hypothetical.
9. B) would have taken – this is the third conditional, used to talk about hypothetical situations in the past.
10. A) were installed – this passive form is used to describe an action done to the subject (solar panels) in the past.
Part 3: Reading
11. C) Both large items and microplastics – the text specifically mentions that the Great Pacific Garbage Patch consists of these elements.
12. B) It formed gradually from debris gathered by ocean currents – according to the passage, the garbage patch was not dumped intentionally but formed naturally from debris moved by ocean currents.
In conclusion, understanding ecological principles is pivotal for both appreciating the complexity of the natural world and addressing the environmental issues facing our planet. Through this test, we have explored various facets of ecology from basic concepts to more complex interactions within ecosystems. It is clear that ecological literacy is not just for scientists but is essential for everyone as we make decisions that influence the ecological health of our environment. By continuing to educate ourselves and others, we can make informed decisions that promote sustainability and conservation.
How, do you think, can individuals contribute to the sustainability of their local ecosystems, and what are some practical steps they can take in their daily lives to lessen their environmental impact? Given the global nature of many ecological issues, such as climate change and biodiversity loss, what roles should governments and international organizations play in coordinating efforts to address these challenges? Write your opinion in comments and join us to study English deeper!