Print and bring without solving from Wednesday 4th December

Exercise 4

Read the article about lions, and then complete the notes on the following page.

Lion populations

Lions are famous both for their beauty and their strength. Most children learn to identify lions very
early from the many pictures and stories in children’s books. There is no shortage of lions in films
either, and young children especially are fond of characters based on lions.

Lions can weigh between 100 and 250 kilograms, depending on their age, and can live for as
long as 14 years in the wild. They become fully grown after five or six years. Male lions are
distinguishable by their impressive manes. This is the thick hair which grows around their face
and neck.

Lions are the only social members of the cat family. They live in large groups called prides,
consisting of about 15 lions. Related females and their young make up the majority of the pride.
Lions within a pride are often affectionate towards each other.

There are about 20 000 lions left in the wild – down from more than 200 000 a century ago. The
conservation charity, Lion Guardians, which trains and supports teams of local people to monitor
lion populations, states that it is hard to get reliable data. One of the main explanations for the
decline in lion numbers is the loss of their natural environment caused by a rise in the human
population in many parts of Africa. This means that people need more land, either for building
homes or for growing food. The lions therefore lose the areas of land where they have always
lived and often approach villages. They are then vulnerable to catching diseases from the village
animals. Another reason for the reduction in the lion population is the shortage of food sources
in the wild, such as antelope and gazelle, because people are increasingly relying on the same
animals for their food.

In Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe, where most lions live in reserves that have
fences around them, lion populations have been growing. The work done in reserves is most
effective when it is combined with more traditional conservation efforts. Outside the fenced
reserves, this includes helping communities to tolerate living with lions because they currently
see the lions as a threat and may sometimes harm them. Some conservation researchers also fit
modern satellite tracking collars on lions in order to study them. These collars are attached to the
lions’ necks and enable researchers to study lion movements in great detail in areas where it is
usually impossible to follow them. The location data is used to guide the work of Lion Guardians.

Occasionally, it is possible to capture lions from one area where there is not enough food for
them to survive, and relocate them to a protected reserve. However, this can prove to be very
challenging for conservationists, as lions are constantly on the move.

Not only is it encouraging to learn that conservation projects are working to save lions, but also
that some lion populations are increasing as a result.
You have been asked to give a talk to your science class about lions. Prepare some notes to
use as the basis for your talk.

Make short notes under each heading.

Behaviour of lions

• ..........................................................................................................

• ..........................................................................................................

Threats to the survival of lions

• ..........................................................................................................

• ..........................................................................................................

• ..........................................................................................................

Work being done by conservationists

• ..........................................................................................................

• ..........................................................................................................

• ..........................................................................................................

• ..........................................................................................................

[Total: 9]
Exercise 4

Read the following article about the uses of garlic, and then complete the notes on the opposite page.

Garlic: the lifesaver

Often bitter, sometimes sweet, garlic is a real attack on the senses. Love it
or hate it, it is impossible to ignore this ancient member of the onion family,
and it might just save your life.

Garlic dates back over 6 000 years, and is a native plant of central Asia. In
ancient Egypt, garlic was included in religious ceremonies. Interestingly,
clay models of garlic have been found in the tomb of Tutankhamun. Apart
from its spiritual uses the Egyptians valued it as a form of currency when
exchanging goods. The Romans thought of it in health terms, as an internal
cleanser.

Today, garlic is used as a seasoning in Asia, Africa and Europe. It is appreciated by cooks because
it has a distinctive taste and can bring out the flavour of other ingredients. It is also easy to grow, as
long as you protect it from birds. They mistake the emerging garlic bulbs for worms and enjoy
eating them. After harvesting, the garlic can be dried in the sun, or in an airy place for the skin to
mature so that it remains fresh for longer.

In scientific terms, garlic is a member of the allium family, which includes onions, leeks and chives.
Crushing garlic produces allicin, which is known to scientists for its unique health-giving properties.
It is also the substance which gives garlic its characteristic aroma.

Scientists are researching the health benefits of garlic and have discovered some encouraging
facts. In the well respected scientific investigation called the ‘Seven Countries Study’, scientists
found a clear connection between the consumption of garlic and low rates of heart disease,
even when other factors which might also reduce heart disease, such as a healthy diet, were
taken into account. Furthermore, studies in Asian countries found that eating garlic every day
reduced the rates of some kinds of cancer. Some people who suffer from asthma have said
their health improved after they began to include garlic in their diet, but so far there is not
enough scientific evidence for doctors to recommend it for this condition.

It seems wise to include garlic in your diet, but only in moderate amounts. Eating excessive
amounts of garlic can be harmful, because the high sulphur content destroys the natural bacteria
in the gut. This can cause the irritating skin condition, dermatitis. It has also been known to cause
a distressing and painful inflammation of the stomach. There has even been some evidence that
a very high intake of garlic can cause difficulties with blood clotting.

Garlic has always been part of people’s diet in some parts of the world, but in other areas it is a
more recent addition and is increasing in popularity. For people who like eating garlic, but who are
worried about their breath smelling of it, the best cure seems to be to take a sauna or just sweat a
lot. This is far more effective than eating mint or chewing parsley. An informal alternative is to
make sure your close friends eat the same amount of garlic as you do.
 9

You have been asked to give a talk to your class about garlic. Prepare some notes to use as the basis
for your talk.

Make short notes under each heading.

Garlic
Historical uses

• ...................................................................................................................

• ...................................................................................................................

• ...................................................................................................................

Possible benefits of eating garlic

• ...................................................................................................................

• ...................................................................................................................

• ...................................................................................................................

Possible problems

• ...................................................................................................................

• ...................................................................................................................

• ...................................................................................................................

[Total: 9]
Exercise 4

Read the following article about the design and production of super-submarines, which can
reach the deepest parts of the ocean, and then complete the notes on the opposite page.

VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA

New underwater vehicles capable of resisting huge water pressure may soon help to increase
our understanding of the mysteries of the oceans. Shipbuilding companies are now able to
design, manufacture and sell new models of super-submarines, made with extra-strong
materials and containing advanced guidance systems. Soon, the deepest parts of the world’s
great oceans will be filled with these vehicles, driven by people rich enough to buy them.

According to the head of a company that makes the submarines, ninety percent of the sea floor
has not yet been explored. “There are so many wonders down there,” he says. “These vehicles
will be able to reach even the deepest parts of the ocean. The passengers in our submarines
can visit areas in the mid-Atlantic where volcanic heated gases bubble up from the Earth’s core.
They can dive down to the wreck of the Titanic, a passenger ship that hit an iceberg and sank
on its very first voyage in 1912.”

Submarines that can take two or three passengers on dives of 300 metres have already been
built and sold, and one has appeared in a James Bond film. Although 300 metres might sound
very deep, new underwater vehicles are now being produced which are strong enough to
survive the water pressure of dives down to 1000 metres. However, even submarines like these
do not satisfy some people. They require vehicles that will take them down to the deepest parts
of the oceans,11 000 metres below the surface, where there is poor visibility due to the lack of
light and the water pressure is a thousand times more than on the surface of the sea.
Temperatures reach just above zero degrees.

Several companies are now designing super-submarines, which will resist these huge water
pressures. One manufacturer plans to build a circular cabin, made of special glass that is more than
ten centimetres thick, for the main part of the submarine. It will give its passengers an all-round view
of life at the bottom of the sea, and will include powerful lamps to illuminate the scene.

Another experimental vehicle, designed to take a single person down to a depth of 11 000
metres, will have a structure made of carbon fibre, with very thick walls, wings like those of an
aeroplane and a big window in the front with an extra-tough plastic cover. Inside, there will be
an artificial atmosphere, so that the person inside will not feel any change of pressure.

A third design will have a shape which looks more like a normal submarine. It will hold up to
three people sitting inside a toughened glass compartment
and should be able to reach the deepest ocean floor
in less than 60 minutes.

All the companies inventing these underwater

vehicles aim to sell their products for about 40
million dollars each. In addition to providing leisure
activities, they claim that these inventions will
provide opportunities for scientists to study the
deepest parts of the oceans. Scientists hope to
learn more about the many extraordinary plants and
creatures that exist on the sea floor, in the most
mysterious areas of the world.
 9

You are going to give a short talk to your school’s technology club about voyages to the deepest parts
of the world’s oceans. Prepare some notes to use as the basis for your talk.

Make short notes under each heading.

What may be viewed at the bottom of the sea:

• ...............................................................................................................

• ...............................................................................................................

Conditions at 11 000 metres under water:

• ...............................................................................................................

• ...............................................................................................................

Features of the circular-shaped super-submarine:

• ...............................................................................................................

• ...............................................................................................................

Objectives of the manufacturers of the super-submarines:

• ...............................................................................................................

• ...............................................................................................................

• ...............................................................................................................

[Total: 9]
Exercise 4

Read the following article about a race across Australia in cars powered only by solar energy, and
then complete the notes on the opposite page.

FOUR DAYS WITHOUT FUEL

The World Solar Challenge Race is unlike any other car race you can imagine. The route passes
right across the deserted Australian outback, and the cars themselves resemble something from a
science-fiction film. They glide silently, powered only by solar energy, along the dusty highways.

This race does not last for just a few hours, it goes on for days. The cars start in Darwin, in the far
north of Australia, and the fastest usually cross the finish line about four days and 3000 kilometres
later in Adelaide, on the south coast.

One of the cars which took part recently, named Stella, publicised as the world’s first ‘family solar
car’, was created by students at a university in Holland. Stella has a square shape to maximise
space inside and also has a place to store luggage in the back. The car is covered in reflective
solar panels that absorb the rays of the sun and provide the power for the battery. It also runs on
narrow tyres to reduce weight.

The World Solar Challenge Race was first organised by a Danish environmentalist who built the
first solar-powered car in 1982. The aim of the race is to promote new ideas in solar technology
and electric car design which could one day be used in more conventional vehicles. In fact, major
car manufacturers are already using solar panels to power the lights in normal cars. One multi-
national company has produced a car with a solar panel pack which works the air conditioning.
They have also been able to develop an ignition system which operates by using solar power. In
addition, an environmental company is able to provide solar panels for garage roofs so that drivers
can recharge the latest range of electric cars at home.

“Driving on public roads for such a long distance in a normal car can be very dangerous. It is
particularly dangerous in lightweight solar vehicles like these that can reach speeds of 160
kilometres per hour,” said Chris Jones, the event director.

The entire route is open for ordinary traffic during the race and long, heavy trucks constantly block
the road. The car drivers are only allowed to race during daylight hours each day, after which they
have to pull off the road and set up camp for the night. If they drive in the dark, there is an
increased risk of collisions with kangaroos. Along the route, drivers can get updates on their race
position and do basic maintenance, but they are not allowed to do anything more than that.

In 2013, 38 cars started the challenge, but many did not complete it. One car was blown off the
road by a gust of wind and some could not continue because their car’s mechanical parts were
covered in dust from the roads in the outback.

The winner was a Dutch team which completed the route in 36 hours at an average speed of 90
kph. At the end, the weather played a decisive role. With only 50 kilometres to the finish line, rain
came down heavily and the Brazilian team, which was in second place at the time, had to stop and
recharge their car’s battery.

It seems that sometimes even advanced technology cannot compete with the forces of nature.
 9

You are going to give a talk about solar power and the World Solar Challenge Race to your local
environmental group. Prepare some notes to use as the basis for your talk.

Make short notes under each heading.

Facts about the race route

• ...............................................................................................

• ...............................................................................................

• ...............................................................................................

Problems during the race

• ...............................................................................................

• ...............................................................................................

• ...............................................................................................

• ...............................................................................................

How solar power has been used by major car producers

• ...............................................................................................

• ...............................................................................................

[Total: 9]
Exercise 4

Read the article about Lion Encounter which offers people the chance to walk with young lions, and
then complete the notes on the following page.

Lion Encounter – walking with lions

Mauritius is an island in the Indian Ocean, 2000 kilometres from Africa. It has no native lions, but
it is one of the few places on earth where you can walk with them. The Casela Nature Park on the
island includes a large area of woodland and grassland which is similar to the landscape that
many lions inhabit in Africa. The park provides a home to young lions from various parts of Africa
who would not survive in the wild because their mothers have abandoned them.

Soon after I arrive, Graeme Bristow, the head of Lion Encounter, goes through some basic
information and rules. The two lions we will walk with are both about 18 months old and are very
excited to be let out into the open landscape. I feel very nervous when I first catch sight of them –
they already weigh one hundred kilogrammes.

Graeme and his assistants always accompany visitors on lion walks, and they ensure that all
regulations are followed. You have to carry a large stick, which enables a young lion to
understand its relationship with you. You do not normally use the stick to hit the lions, but it shows
them who is in charge.

During the walk, the lions behave like normal wild cats. They are incredibly agile and I watch one
jump easily high up into the branches of a tree. We always have to stay behind them so they are
in our sight. If we let them get behind us, they might well attack. Sometimes we get close enough
to be able to touch them, but it must only be from the neck down – definitely not the head.

After a while, I ask Graeme if I can lie on the ground to take a photograph of the lions. “Sure,” he
jokes, “if you want it to be your last ever photo.” He’s only half-joking, however. Graeme says: “If
lions see that you’re smaller than them, they may think you’re food.” This is why visitors are not
allowed on the walk unless they are at least 1.50 metres tall. What’s more, if the lions decide to
chase you, running won’t help because over short distances they can easily reach forty kilometres
per hour. As I get into position to take the picture, Graeme and his assistant stand close by holding
big sticks.

Some people criticise projects like these. They say that close contact with humans is unnatural
for wild animals, and point out that the animals in the park can never be returned to the wild. They
argue that it is better to protect wild animals in their natural environment than in parks like these.
Graeme Bristow admits that a park is not ideal, but he claims that seeing the lions close-up helps
non-experts like me to understand them better. He is also confident that the experience of walking
with lions encourages people to do more to help protect lions’ natural habitat.

The rights and wrongs of projects like these are complex, but there is no doubt that walking with
lions is a thrilling experience.

[Total: 8]
[Turn over
You are going to give a talk to your class about Lion Encounter. Prepare some notes to use as the
basis for your talk.

Make short notes under each heading.

The young lions – some physical facts:

18 months old

...............................................................................................

...............................................................................................

...............................................................................................

Rules for visitors going on lion walks:

...............................................................................................

...............................................................................................

...............................................................................................

Arguments supporting the Lion Encounter project:

...............................................................................................

...............................................................................................

...............................................................................................

[Total: 9]