Page 1

PASSAGE 18

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the

best answer to each of the following questions.

Since the world has become industrialized, there has been an increase in the number of animal species

that have either become extinct or have neared extinction. Bengal tigers, for instance, which once roamed

the jungles in vast numbers, now number only about 2300 and by the year 2025, their population is

estimated to be down to zero. What is alarming about the case of the Bengal tiger is that this extinction

will have been caused almost entirely by poachers who, according to some sources, are not interested in

material gain but in personal gratification. This is an example of the callousness that is part of what is

causing the problem of extinction. Animals like the Bengal tiger, as well as other endangered species, are

a valuable part of the world’s ecosystem. International laws protecting these animals must be enacted to

ensure their survival, and the survival of our planet.

Countries around the world have begun to deal with the problem in various ways. Some countries, in

order to circumvent the problem, have allocated large amounts of land to animal reserves. They, then

charge admission to help defray the costs of maintaining the parks, and they often must also depend on

world organizations for support. With the money they get, they can invest equipment and patrols to

protect the animals. Another solution that is an attempt to stem the tide of animal extinction is an

international boycott of products made from endangered species. This seems fairly effective, but will not

by itself, prevent animals from being hunted and killed.

Question 1. What is the main topic of the passage?

A. problems with industrialization

B. international boycotts

C. the Bengal tiger

D. endangered species

Question 2. Which of the following is closest in meaning to the word “alarming” in the first paragraph?

A. distressing

B. gripping

C. serious

D. dangerous

Question 3. The above passage is divided into two paragraphs in order to contrast

.

A. a comparison and a contrast

B. a statement and an illustration

C. a problem and a solution

D. a specific and general information

Question 4. What does the word “This” in the first paragraph refer to?

A. poachers who seek personal gratification

B. sources that may not be accurate

C. Bengal tigers that are decreasing

D. endangered species that are increasing

Question 5. The word “defray” in the second paragraph is closest in meaning to which of the following?

A. raise

B. lower

C. make an investment toward

D. make a payment on

Question 6. The author uses the phrase “stem the tide” in the second paragraph to mean

.

A. stop

B. save

C. tax

D. touch

Question 7. Which of the following best describes the author’s attitude?

A. vindictive

B. forgiving

C. concerned

D. surprised