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Text A - Q1a-F

The document discusses the critical state of coral reefs, which are vital ecosystems facing threats from climate change, overfishing, and pollution. It highlights a specific resilient reef in the South Pacific that has shown recovery potential, but emphasizes the urgent need for action to protect these ecosystems. Without intervention, coral reefs risk becoming lifeless remnants in the ocean.

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Muhammad Yaqoob Hussain Shah
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130 views2 pages

Text A - Q1a-F

The document discusses the critical state of coral reefs, which are vital ecosystems facing threats from climate change, overfishing, and pollution. It highlights a specific resilient reef in the South Pacific that has shown recovery potential, but emphasizes the urgent need for action to protect these ecosystems. Without intervention, coral reefs risk becoming lifeless remnants in the ocean.

Uploaded by

Muhammad Yaqoob Hussain Shah
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Name: __________________ Grade 9 EFL: Reading Comp.

Date: ____________

Text A – The Vanishing Coral Reefs


For centuries, coral reefs have been vibrant underwater cities, home to thousands of species.
These delicate ecosystems are built over thousands of years by tiny coral polyps, each no
larger than a grain of rice. Yet today, scientists warn that many reefs may disappear within
decades. Rising sea temperatures, caused by climate change, have triggered widespread coral
bleaching – a process where corals expel the algae living in their tissues, losing their brilliant
colours and, eventually, their lives.
Historically, reefs provided humans with more than just beauty. They have supported coastal
fishing communities for generations, acted as natural breakwaters against storms, and inspired
countless works of art and research. However, modern development has disrupted this balance.
Overfishing, pollution, and careless tourism have placed reefs under unprecedented stress.
Recently, researchers focused on a reef in the South Pacific that had shown remarkable
resilience. Unlike other reefs, it appeared to recover after bleaching events. Initially, scientists
believed its survival was due to unusually cool ocean currents passing through the region. Later,
they discovered that the presence of certain algae strains, more tolerant to heat, played an
equally important role.
Despite this hopeful finding, the global picture remains troubling. Many damaged reefs cannot
regenerate quickly enough to keep pace with the changes in ocean conditions. Marine biologists
warn that without urgent action – including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting
reef habitats – the “rainforests of the sea” could become silent, lifeless skeletons beneath the
waves.
Question 1
(a) What are coral reefs compared to in the first paragraph?

[1]

(b) Use your own words to explain what the text means by:
(i) “delicate ecosystems” (line 2)

[2]
(ii) “expel the algae” (line 5):

[2]
(c) Reread paragraph 2. Give two ways in which coral reefs have been useful to humans.
•

• [2]

(d) Reread paragraph 3. Identify two reasons why the South Pacific reef was able to recover
after bleaching events.
•

• [2]

(e) Reread paragraph 4.


(i) Explain why the overall situation for reefs is described as “troubling.”
Answer:

[3]
(ii) Explain what the writer suggests in the phrase “rainforests of the sea.”
Answer:

[3]

(f) Reread paragraph 4.


(i) Why does the writer use the phrase “silent, lifeless skeletons” rather than simply “dead
reefs”?
Answer:

[2]
(ii) Explain the effect of the phrase “beneath the waves” in the final sentence.
Answer:

[3]

[Total: 20]
2

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