TED ANTALYA COLLEGE GRADE 7 READING WORKSHEET

Discover the wonders of coral reefs and the challenges they face!

Cities Beneath the Sea For uncounted generations, trillions upon trillions of coral polyps have lived and died, leaving behind a material called limestone. Prized throughout history, limestone was used to construct the Great Pyramids of Egypt, as well as many churches and castles. Yet the greatest limestone structures in the world are built underwater, by the coral polyps themselves. We call them reefs. They can be even larger in scale than the most impressive buildings and structures made by humans.A Variety of LifeIndeed, a living coral reef is remarkable, a “city beneath the sea” filled with a rich variety of life. Most coral reefs can be found in warm, shallow oceans. They occupy just a small part of the ocean floor but host 25 percent of all ocean life. Coral reefs display nature’s most brilliant colors. Each reef is full of colorful fish as well as coral that form wonderful patterns. In addition to their beauty, the reefs are an important food source for fish, and for humans. In fact, reef fish make up a significant percentage of the global fish catch.Threats to Coral ReefsVarious human activities can cause great harm to the world’s coral reefs. For example, reefs can be damaged when the coral is taken for use in building materials, jewelry-making, or to fill aquariums. Illegal fishing methods like blast and cyanide fishing also harm the reefs. These methods can help fishermen get a good catch, but their negative effects on the reefs are significant. Blast fishing involves setting off bombs in the water to kill as many fish as possible. This kills most living things nearby and causes damage to the reef’s structure.In cyanide fishing, fishermen release liquid cyanide—a very dangerous and deadly chemical—into the reef. As a result, the fish become stunned,3 which makes them easy to collect. Meanwhile, the reef is damaged by cyanide, which kills large numbers of coral polyps. The reef is also damaged by the fishermen who break it apart looking for the stunned fish.Another threat is water pollution. When floods4 in Australia covered the Great Barrier Reef with dirty freshwater, the quality of the water changed and chemicals killed the reef life. This is happening to many reefs around the world.In addition, global warming has caused many reefs to become sick. Warmer temperatures have turned them white, in a process known as coral bleaching. A 2018 UN Report predicted that up to 99 percent of the world’s coral reefs may decline if global warming continues.Reasons for HopeThese threats to coral reefs are very serious, but there is reason to hope that they will survive. If we take steps toward coral reef conservation, it is likely that these tiny creatures—which survived natural threats for millions of years—will be able to rebuild. As conservationist Robert Richmond says, “Given a chance, they can come back.” 1. What is the reading mainly about? efforts to save the world’s coral reefs the kinds of animals found near coral reefs the beauty of reefs and the dangers they face 2. Which statement about coral reefs is NOT true? They are usually found in deep ocean waters. They are among the world’s most colorful places. They can be larger than structures made by humans. 3. Why do some fishermen use the method of blast fishing? to destroy the coral reefs to kill as many fish as possible to stun the fish and make them easier to catch 4. What was the conclusion of the 2018 UN Report mentioned? If global temperatures keep rising, almost all of the world’s coral reefs could decline. Global temperatures will continue to rise, and this may cause more coral bleaching. The bleaching of coral reefs is likely to increase the speed of global warming. 5. Which sentence best expresses the main idea of the final paragraph? Governments around the world are working to save coral reefs There is hope because conservationists have already saved many reefs. With our help, coral reefs can continue to survive. Collocations: The nouns in the box are often used with the word negative. Complete the sentences with the correct form of the words in the box. 1. The word skinny has a more negative meaning than the word slim.2. There was a largely negative response to the government’s plans to increase income tax.3. Playing video games late at night can have a negative effect on your sleep.4. Sports psychologists believe that negative thoughts can affect an athlete’s performance.