Reading Comprehension test. 11th Grade - 2 term

Task 1. Read the text. For questions (1-5) choose the correct answer (A, B, C or D).

Want to Save the Environment? Eat a Bag!

Nowadays, the Earth is greatly suffering from a myriad of environmental problems, one of which is plastic pollution. Unfortunately, with the invention of plastic, no one considered all the disastrous consequences of its use we would have to face at present. Over the recent years, mankind has been trying to reduce the harm from plastic products, since the damage they are causing to the natural world is incredible.

Let's consider plastic bags and their negative effects on the environment. First, dumping old plastic bags significantly decreases soil fertility. Plastic does not degrade for a long time, and its toxic chemicals can remain in the soil for more than 450 years, making it totally barren. Secondly, the threat plastic bags pose to fauna goes far beyond the rubbish bin in your kitchen. The continents and oceans are getting polluted with them at an alarming rate. As a result, lots of animals, marine species in particular, get either poisoned or choked to death, mistaking plastic bags for food. And finally, recent studies have discovered plastic in human organs, which is a direct and inevitable consequence of consuming polluted food and water.

A growing number of countries all over the world are now actively trying to stop plastic pollution. For instance, over 15 countries, including France, Morocco, India and Rwanda, have already banned plastic bags and are gradually replacing them with paper packages in shops and supermarkets. Moreover, a large number of environmentally aware people recycle plastic bags and campaign for this idea on local and global scales.

Among other things, Ukrainian scientists from Sumy have recently invented edible bags. Though it may sound a little bit off-putting and surprising, they can be used as both carrier bags and food since they consist of natural proteins. However, their greatest value is in being biodegradable. Thus, the experiment conducted by the BBC journalists showed that it takes around a month for the bags to dissolve in the soil, at the same time serving as a natural fertilizer. As well as that, the bags invented by the young scientists can endure both low and high temperatures, which is another undeniable plus.

Whereas some other countries like India have succeeded in developing similar biodegradable bags, the promising Ukrainian invention has already been appreciated for its unique combination of low-cost production and carrying capacity. According to their inventor, Dmytro Bidiuk, lots of manufacturers and entrepreneurs in Ukraine use organic bags to make their products and services eco-friendly and trendy. What is more, foreign and local environmental campaigners and investors got interested in funding the project and further research. Hopefully, it will be one of those ground-breaking inventions that will contribute to making our planet a better place.

1. Which ofthe following is TRUE about plastic pollution?

Task 1. Read the text. For questions (1-5) choose the correct answer (A, B, C or D).

Want to Save the Environment? Eat a Bag!

Nowadays, the Earth is greatly suffering from a myriad of environmental problems, one of which is plastic pollution. Unfortunately, with the invention of plastic, no one considered all the disastrous consequences of its use we would have to face at present. Over the recent years, mankind has been trying to reduce the harm from plastic products, since the damage they are causing to the natural world is incredible.

Let's consider plastic bags and their negative effects on the environment. First, dumping old plastic bags significantly decreases soil fertility. Plastic does not degrade for a long time, and its toxic chemicals can remain in the soil for more than 450 years, making it totally barren. Secondly, the threat plastic bags pose to fauna goes far beyond the rubbish bin in your kitchen. The continents and oceans are getting polluted with them at an alarming rate. As a result, lots of animals, marine species in particular, get either poisoned or choked to death, mistaking plastic bags for food. And finally, recent studies have discovered plastic in human organs, which is a direct and inevitable consequence of consuming polluted food and water.

A growing number of countries all over the world are now actively trying to stop plastic pollution. For instance, over 15 countries, including France, Morocco, India and Rwanda, have already banned plastic bags and are gradually replacing them with paper packages in shops and supermarkets. Moreover, a large number of environmentally aware people recycle plastic bags and campaign for this idea on local and global scales.

Among other things, Ukrainian scientists from Sumy have recently invented edible bags. Though it may sound a little bit off-putting and surprising, they can be used as both carrier bags and food since they consist of natural proteins. However, their greatest value is in being biodegradable. Thus, the experiment conducted by the BBC journalists showed that it takes around a month for the bags to dissolve in the soil, at the same time serving as a natural fertilizer. As well as that, the bags invented by the young scientists can endure both low and high temperatures, which is another undeniable plus.

Whereas some other countries like India have succeeded in developing similar biodegradable bags, the promising Ukrainian invention has already been appreciated for its unique combination of low-cost production and carrying capacity. According to their inventor, Dmytro Bidiuk, lots of manufacturers and entrepreneurs in Ukraine use organic bags to make their products and services eco-friendly and trendy. What is more, foreign and local environmental campaigners and investors got interested in funding the project and further research. Hopefully, it will be one of those ground-breaking inventions that will contribute to making our planet a better place.

2. Plasticbags seriously harm the environment in a number of ways EXCEPT

Task 1. Read the text. For questions (1-5) choose the correct answer (A, B, C or D).

Want to Save the Environment? Eat a Bag!

Nowadays, the Earth is greatly suffering from a myriad of environmental problems, one of which is plastic pollution. Unfortunately, with the invention of plastic, no one considered all the disastrous consequences of its use we would have to face at present. Over the recent years, mankind has been trying to reduce the harm from plastic products, since the damage they are causing to the natural world is incredible.

Let's consider plastic bags and their negative effects on the environment. First, dumping old plastic bags significantly decreases soil fertility. Plastic does not degrade for a long time, and its toxic chemicals can remain in the soil for more than 450 years, making it totally barren. Secondly, the threat plastic bags pose to fauna goes far beyond the rubbish bin in your kitchen. The continents and oceans are getting polluted with them at an alarming rate. As a result, lots of animals, marine species in particular, get either poisoned or choked to death, mistaking plastic bags for food. And finally, recent studies have discovered plastic in human organs, which is a direct and inevitable consequence of consuming polluted food and water.

A growing number of countries all over the world are now actively trying to stop plastic pollution. For instance, over 15 countries, including France, Morocco, India and Rwanda, have already banned plastic bags and are gradually replacing them with paper packages in shops and supermarkets. Moreover, a large number of environmentally aware people recycle plastic bags and campaign for this idea on local and global scales.

Among other things, Ukrainian scientists from Sumy have recently invented edible bags. Though it may sound a little bit off-putting and surprising, they can be used as both carrier bags and food since they consist of natural proteins. However, their greatest value is in being biodegradable. Thus, the experiment conducted by the BBC journalists showed that it takes around a month for the bags to dissolve in the soil, at the same time serving as a natural fertilizer. As well as that, the bags invented by the young scientists can endure both low and high temperatures, which is another undeniable plus.

Whereas some other countries like India have succeeded in developing similar biodegradable bags, the promising Ukrainian invention has already been appreciated for its unique combination of low-cost production and carrying capacity. According to their inventor, Dmytro Bidiuk, lots of manufacturers and entrepreneurs in Ukraine use organic bags to make their products and services eco-friendly and trendy. What is more, foreign and local environmental campaigners and investors got interested in funding the project and further research. Hopefully, it will be one of those ground-breaking inventions that will contribute to making our planet a better place.

3. Which of the following was NOT mentioned in the text as a way of fighting plastic pollution

Task 1. Read the text. For questions (1-5) choose the correct answer (A, B, C or D).

Want to Save the Environment? Eat a Bag!

Nowadays, the Earth is greatly suffering from a myriad of environmental problems, one of which is plastic pollution. Unfortunately, with the invention of plastic, no one considered all the disastrous consequences of its use we would have to face at present. Over the recent years, mankind has been trying to reduce the harm from plastic products, since the damage they are causing to the natural world is incredible.

Let's consider plastic bags and their negative effects on the environment. First, dumping old plastic bags significantly decreases soil fertility. Plastic does not degrade for a long time, and its toxic chemicals can remain in the soil for more than 450 years, making it totally barren. Secondly, the threat plastic bags pose to fauna goes far beyond the rubbish bin in your kitchen. The continents and oceans are getting polluted with them at an alarming rate. As a result, lots of animals, marine species in particular, get either poisoned or choked to death, mistaking plastic bags for food. And finally, recent studies have discovered plastic in human organs, which is a direct and inevitable consequence of consuming polluted food and water.

A growing number of countries all over the world are now actively trying to stop plastic pollution. For instance, over 15 countries, including France, Morocco, India and Rwanda, have already banned plastic bags and are gradually replacing them with paper packages in shops and supermarkets. Moreover, a large number of environmentally aware people recycle plastic bags and campaign for this idea on local and global scales.

Among other things, Ukrainian scientists from Sumy have recently invented edible bags. Though it may sound a little bit off-putting and surprising, they can be used as both carrier bags and food since they consist of natural proteins. However, their greatest value is in being biodegradable. Thus, the experiment conducted by the BBC journalists showed that it takes around a month for the bags to dissolve in the soil, at the same time serving as a natural fertilizer. As well as that, the bags invented by the young scientists can endure both low and high temperatures, which is another undeniable plus.

Whereas some other countries like India have succeeded in developing similar biodegradable bags, the promising Ukrainian invention has already been appreciated for its unique combination of low-cost production and carrying capacity. According to their inventor, Dmytro Bidiuk, lots of manufacturers and entrepreneurs in Ukraine use organic bags to make their products and services eco-friendly and trendy. What is more, foreign and local environmental campaigners and investors got interested in funding the project and further research. Hopefully, it will be one of those ground-breaking inventions that will contribute to making our planet a better place.

4. Which ofthe following is FALSE about the edible bags in PARAGRAPH 4?

Task 1. Read the text. For questions (1-5) choose the correct answer (A, B, C or D).

Want to Save the Environment? Eat a Bag!

Nowadays, the Earth is greatly suffering from a myriad of environmental problems, one of which is plastic pollution. Unfortunately, with the invention of plastic, no one considered all the disastrous consequences of its use we would have to face at present. Over the recent years, mankind has been trying to reduce the harm from plastic products, since the damage they are causing to the natural world is incredible.

Let's consider plastic bags and their negative effects on the environment. First, dumping old plastic bags significantly decreases soil fertility. Plastic does not degrade for a long time, and its toxic chemicals can remain in the soil for more than 450 years, making it totally barren. Secondly, the threat plastic bags pose to fauna goes far beyond the rubbish bin in your kitchen. The continents and oceans are getting polluted with them at an alarming rate. As a result, lots of animals, marine species in particular, get either poisoned or choked to death, mistaking plastic bags for food. And finally, recent studies have discovered plastic in human organs, which is a direct and inevitable consequence of consuming polluted food and water.

A growing number of countries all over the world are now actively trying to stop plastic pollution. For instance, over 15 countries, including France, Morocco, India and Rwanda, have already banned plastic bags and are gradually replacing them with paper packages in shops and supermarkets. Moreover, a large number of environmentally aware people recycle plastic bags and campaign for this idea on local and global scales.

Among other things, Ukrainian scientists from Sumy have recently invented edible bags. Though it may sound a little bit off-putting and surprising, they can be used as both carrier bags and food since they consist of natural proteins. However, their greatest value is in being biodegradable. Thus, the experiment conducted by the BBC journalists showed that it takes around a month for the bags to dissolve in the soil, at the same time serving as a natural fertilizer. As well as that, the bags invented by the young scientists can endure both low and high temperatures, which is another undeniable plus.

Whereas some other countries like India have succeeded in developing similar biodegradable bags, the promising Ukrainian invention has already been appreciated for its unique combination of low-cost production and carrying capacity. According to their inventor, Dmytro Bidiuk, lots of manufacturers and entrepreneurs in Ukraine use organic bags to make their products and services eco-friendly and trendy. What is more, foreign and local environmental campaigners and investors got interested in funding the project and further research. Hopefully, it will be one of those ground-breaking inventions that will contribute to making our planet a better place.

5. Why is theUkrainian invention competitive in the world market?

Task 2. Read the texts below. Match choices (A – H) to (1 – 6). There are two choices you do notneed to use.

Customs Around the World

Japan

Probably, many people are familiar with the importance of taking off their shoes before entering a house or using chopsticks for eating food in Japan. You should also know that in a Japanese restaurant, you will certainly get a wet napkin that is necessary for washing your hands before you start your meal. Interestingly enough, making noise while eating is not a problem in this country as this shows how much a customer enjoys their meal. Also, remember that tipping in Japan is not common.

Which of the countries...?

Task 2. Read the texts below. Match choices (A – H) to (1 – 6). There are two choices you do notneed to use.

Customs Around the World

China

The tradition of giving presents in China requires special attention, since there are certain taboos on gifts. Thus, cut flowers, candles, clocks, watches and black or white items are strongly associated with death and funerals. Gifts such as umbrellas, scissors and any other objects that cut are also avoided there because they are thought to cause breakups. Besides, don't get discouraged when your Chinese friend turns down your present - they will accept it in the end. Refusing a present several times is part of the Chinese culture.

Which of the countries...?

Task 2. Read the texts below. Match choices (A – H) to (1 – 6). There are two choices you do notneed to use.

Customs Around the World

Norway

Norway is quite a big but not densely populated country. Perhaps that's the reason why personal space is so much valued there - people try to keep their distance whether they are on public transport or In any other crowded place. However, it's wrong to assume that Norwegians are cold and reserved. In fact, they appreciate sincerity, tolerance and simplicity, so trying to impress them with your status or achievements may be taken as showing off. Instead, demonstrate how much you respect them by being honest and punctual.

Which of the countries...?

Task 2. Read the texts below. Match choices (A – H) to (1 – 6). There are two choices you do notneed to use.

Customs Around the World

India

India is another country whose customs and etiquette significantly differ from ours. Thus, when invited for a meal in India, arriving on time will be considered as bad manners. So, being 10-15 minutes late will by no means insult a host or a hostess. As well as that, don't be surprised if you don't find a spoon or a knife on the table during lunch or dinner - you'll have to use your right hand instead. And finally, it's not common for Indians to say "Thank you" after having a meal. Rather, praise the food you have just eaten to show your appreciation.

Which of the countries...?

Task 2. Read the texts below. Match choices (A – H) to (1 – 6). There are two choices you do notneed to use.

Customs Around the World

France

When communicating, the French don't mind standing quite close to each other and maintaining eye contact during conversations. You may also notice how much they use cheek kissing as a way of greeting. The French really enjoy lively talks on various topics; however, don't become embarrassed or annoyed if you get frequently interrupted during such talks - this clearly indicates a genuine interest in you. If possible, learn some French and take advantage of it during the conversation, and you will certainly win your French friend's heart!

Which of the countries...?

Task 2. Read the texts below. Match choices (A – H) to (1 – 6). There are two choices you do notneed to use.

Customs Around the World

Brazil

Being inhabited by different nations, Brazil is a real melting pot full of international customs and traditions. Brazilians are very similar to the French in terms of social kissing and talkativeness. If you happen to befriend a person from Brazil, you'll immediately spot how open, caring, and friendly they are. Your new acquaintance will almost certainly invite you for dinner, so think of bringing some flowers, sweets or a drink with you. Brazilians often send gifts after visiting someone's home to express their gratitude for hospitality.

Which of the countries...?

Task 3.

Read the text below. Choose from (A–H) the one which best fits each space (17–22). Thereare two choices you do not need to use.

Saving Bees to Save the World

What is your first thought when you hear the word "bee'? A jar of sweet and sticky honey? Noisy and annoying buzzing on a summer day? Sudden painful stings left by the insect? Whichever association enters your mind, it's worth noting (17)______________. In fact, bees are essential for the environment as the existence of most crops and animal species depends on them, as well as human lives.

So why does the survival of the human race depend on these tiny creatures? The answer is pollination -the activity performed by bees, (18)_____________. Namely, bees actively participate in the reproduction of plants, which, in turn, make life of most creatures on Earth possible. As you understand, even carnivorous species, (19) _______________, become endangered.

Why is the situation so worrying? Because the bee population has been steadily decreasing over the recent decades. And the major reasons for that are the use of pesticides and unstable weather conditions (20)_____________, with ever-present diseases and parasite attacks adding to the problem.

The use of chemicals for protecting crops and boosting their growth has already raised an opposition between bee-keepers, ecologists and farmers, (21) _______________. Big farming industries keep denying their guilt for this environmental problem, as well as no legal action is being taken to solve the issue.

Though the number of campaigns aimed at saving the bee population has not reached its peak, it's definitely on the increase. And hopefully, the protests will result in the vital changes that are so necessary (22)_____________.

Task 3.

Read the text below. Choose from (A–H) the one which best fits each space (17–22). Thereare two choices you do not need to use.

Saving Bees to Save the World

What is your first thought when you hear the word "bee'? A jar of sweet and sticky honey? Noisy and annoying buzzing on a summer day? Sudden painful stings left by the insect? Whichever association enters your mind, it's worth noting (17)______________. In fact, bees are essential for the environment as the existence of most crops and animal species depends on them, as well as human lives.

So why does the survival of the human race depend on these tiny creatures? The answer is pollination -the activity performed by bees, (18)_____________. Namely, bees actively participate in the reproduction of plants, which, in turn, make life of most creatures on Earth possible. As you understand, even carnivorous species, (19) _______________, become endangered.

Why is the situation so worrying? Because the bee population has been steadily decreasing over the recent decades. And the major reasons for that are the use of pesticides and unstable weather conditions (20)_____________, with ever-present diseases and parasite attacks adding to the problem.

The use of chemicals for protecting crops and boosting their growth has already raised an opposition between bee-keepers, ecologists and farmers, (21) _______________. Big farming industries keep denying their guilt for this environmental problem, as well as no legal action is being taken to solve the issue.

Though the number of campaigns aimed at saving the bee population has not reached its peak, it's definitely on the increase. And hopefully, the protests will result in the vital changes that are so necessary (22)_____________.

Task 3.

Read the text below. Choose from (A–H) the one which best fits each space (17–22). Thereare two choices you do not need to use.

Saving Bees to Save the World

What is your first thought when you hear the word "bee'? A jar of sweet and sticky honey? Noisy and annoying buzzing on a summer day? Sudden painful stings left by the insect? Whichever association enters your mind, it's worth noting (17)______________. In fact, bees are essential for the environment as the existence of most crops and animal species depends on them, as well as human lives.

So why does the survival of the human race depend on these tiny creatures? The answer is pollination -the activity performed by bees, (18)_____________. Namely, bees actively participate in the reproduction of plants, which, in turn, make life of most creatures on Earth possible. As you understand, even carnivorous species, (19) _______________, become endangered.

Why is the situation so worrying? Because the bee population has been steadily decreasing over the recent decades. And the major reasons for that are the use of pesticides and unstable weather conditions (20)_____________, with ever-present diseases and parasite attacks adding to the problem.

The use of chemicals for protecting crops and boosting their growth has already raised an opposition between bee-keepers, ecologists and farmers, (21) _______________. Big farming industries keep denying their guilt for this environmental problem, as well as no legal action is being taken to solve the issue.

Though the number of campaigns aimed at saving the bee population has not reached its peak, it's definitely on the increase. And hopefully, the protests will result in the vital changes that are so necessary (22)_____________.

Task 3.

Read the text below. Choose from (A–H) the one which best fits each space (17–22). Thereare two choices you do not need to use.

Saving Bees to Save the World

What is your first thought when you hear the word "bee'? A jar of sweet and sticky honey? Noisy and annoying buzzing on a summer day? Sudden painful stings left by the insect? Whichever association enters your mind, it's worth noting (17)______________. In fact, bees are essential for the environment as the existence of most crops and animal species depends on them, as well as human lives.

So why does the survival of the human race depend on these tiny creatures? The answer is pollination -the activity performed by bees, (18)_____________. Namely, bees actively participate in the reproduction of plants, which, in turn, make life of most creatures on Earth possible. As you understand, even carnivorous species, (19) _______________, become endangered.

Why is the situation so worrying? Because the bee population has been steadily decreasing over the recent decades. And the major reasons for that are the use of pesticides and unstable weather conditions (20)_____________, with ever-present diseases and parasite attacks adding to the problem.

The use of chemicals for protecting crops and boosting their growth has already raised an opposition between bee-keepers, ecologists and farmers, (21) _______________. Big farming industries keep denying their guilt for this environmental problem, as well as no legal action is being taken to solve the issue.

Though the number of campaigns aimed at saving the bee population has not reached its peak, it's definitely on the increase. And hopefully, the protests will result in the vital changes that are so necessary (22)_____________.

Task 3.

Read the text below. Choose from (A–H) the one which best fits each space (17–22). Thereare two choices you do not need to use.

Saving Bees to Save the World

What is your first thought when you hear the word "bee'? A jar of sweet and sticky honey? Noisy and annoying buzzing on a summer day? Sudden painful stings left by the insect? Whichever association enters your mind, it's worth noting (17)______________. In fact, bees are essential for the environment as the existence of most crops and animal species depends on them, as well as human lives.

So why does the survival of the human race depend on these tiny creatures? The answer is pollination -the activity performed by bees, (18)_____________. Namely, bees actively participate in the reproduction of plants, which, in turn, make life of most creatures on Earth possible. As you understand, even carnivorous species, (19) _______________, become endangered.

Why is the situation so worrying? Because the bee population has been steadily decreasing over the recent decades. And the major reasons for that are the use of pesticides and unstable weather conditions (20)_____________, with ever-present diseases and parasite attacks adding to the problem.

The use of chemicals for protecting crops and boosting their growth has already raised an opposition between bee-keepers, ecologists and farmers, (21) _______________. Big farming industries keep denying their guilt for this environmental problem, as well as no legal action is being taken to solve the issue.

Though the number of campaigns aimed at saving the bee population has not reached its peak, it's definitely on the increase. And hopefully, the protests will result in the vital changes that are so necessary (22)_____________.

Task 3.

Read the text below. Choose from (A–H) the one which best fits each space (17–22). Thereare two choices you do not need to use.

Saving Bees to Save the World

What is your first thought when you hear the word "bee'? A jar of sweet and sticky honey? Noisy and annoying buzzing on a summer day? Sudden painful stings left by the insect? Whichever association enters your mind, it's worth noting (17)______________. In fact, bees are essential for the environment as the existence of most crops and animal species depends on them, as well as human lives.

So why does the survival of the human race depend on these tiny creatures? The answer is pollination -the activity performed by bees, (18)_____________. Namely, bees actively participate in the reproduction of plants, which, in turn, make life of most creatures on Earth possible. As you understand, even carnivorous species, (19) _______________, become endangered.

Why is the situation so worrying? Because the bee population has been steadily decreasing over the recent decades. And the major reasons for that are the use of pesticides and unstable weather conditions (20)_____________, with ever-present diseases and parasite attacks adding to the problem.

The use of chemicals for protecting crops and boosting their growth has already raised an opposition between bee-keepers, ecologists and farmers, (21) _______________. Big farming industries keep denying their guilt for this environmental problem, as well as no legal action is being taken to solve the issue.

Though the number of campaigns aimed at saving the bee population has not reached its peak, it's definitely on the increase. And hopefully, the protests will result in the vital changes that are so necessary (22)_____________.