Unit Review & Progress Test

Unit review — Nature & the Environment

Al finalizar esta unidad, deberías ser capaz de utilizar estructuras gramaticales avanzadas de la voz pasiva para enfatizar procesos naturales o acciones institucionales, así como el uso causativo (have/get something done) para hablar de gestión ambiental. También deberías haber adquirido un léxico sofisticado relacionado con el cambio climático, la conservación y la ecología, permitiéndote discutir temas complejos con precisión.

A nivel de examen C1, deberías ser capaz de transformar oraciones complejas para cambiar el enfoque de la información y redactar textos argumentativos utilizando colocaciones precisas. Este test evalúa tu capacidad para pasar de un nivel intermedio-alto a un nivel de competencia profesional y académica.

Grammar consolidation

Part 1: Sentence Transformation Rewrite the sentences using the word in CAPITALS so that the meaning remains the same. Do not change the word provided.

1. They are repairing the local ecosystem after the wildfire. BEING The local ecosystem ______ after the wildfire.

2. Someone has stolen the research data regarding global warming. STOLEN The research data regarding global warming ______.

3. It is necessary for the government to implement stricter environmental laws. MUST Stricter environmental laws ______ by the government.

4. I had a professional biologist examine the soil samples. HAD I ______ by a professional biologist.

Part 2: Error Correction Identify and correct the error in each sentence.

5. The rainforest is being destroy by illegal logging activities.
6. We got our solar panels install last month to reduce energy costs.
7. It is thought that the ozone layer is recovering, isn't it? (Rewrite using a more formal passive structure: It is thought that...)

Part 3: Controlled Rewriting Rewrite the sentences as directed.

8. (Use the causative 'get') Someone is cleaning the polluted river. We are getting...

9. (Use the passive with 'it') People say that the melting ice caps are a global emergency. It...

10. (Use the passive with 'subject') They believe that the new policy will protect endangered species. The new policy...

Vocabulary activation

Part 1: Collocations Complete the sentences with the correct word (e.g., devastating, catastrophic, irreversible, widespread).

1. The loss of biodiversity is an ________ process if we do not act now.
2. The storm caused ________ damage to the coastal villages.
3. There is ________ concern among scientists regarding rising sea levels.

Part 2: Word Formation Use the word in capitals to form a word that fits in the gap.

4. The ________ of the Amazon rainforest is a major global concern. (DEFOREST)
5. We must find ________ ways to generate clean energy. (SUSTAIN)
6. The ________ of the species was caused by habitat loss. (EXTINCT)
7. Many people are becoming more ________ about their carbon footprint. (ENVIRONMENT)

Part 3: Register & Context Choose the most appropriate C1-level term to complete the sentence.

8. The government has implemented a ____ policy to reduce plastic waste. a) small b) stringent c) tiny

9. The ecosystem is on the ____ of collapse due to pollution. a) edge b) verge c) border

10. We need to find a ____ to the energy crisis. a) solution b) way out c) resolution

11. The ____ impact of climate change is felt most by developing nations. a) heavy b) disproportionate c) large

12. The area is a ____ of biodiversity. a) hot spot b) warm spot c) fire spot

Integrated skills task

Source Text: The Illusion of Green Growth

The concept of "green growth" suggests that we can continue to expand our economies while simultaneously protecting the natural world. Proponents argue that through technological innovation and increased efficiency, we can decouple economic growth from environmental degradation. They claim that renewable energy and circular economies will allow us to maintain our current lifestyle without exhausting the planet's resources.

However, critics argue that this is a dangerous fallacy. They suggest that the sheer scale of global consumption makes "sustainable growth" an oxymoron. Even with cleaner technology, the extraction of raw materials and the energy required to maintain growth continue to place an immense strain on the Earth. They argue that instead of seeking greener ways to grow, we should be discussing "degrowth"—a radical restructuring of our economic priorities to focus on well-being and ecological stability rather than GDP.

Task Instructions

Lee el texto anterior y redacta un ensayo de entre 180 y 220 palabras. En tu respuesta, debes: 1. Resumir los dos puntos de vista presentados en el texto. 2. Expresar tu propia opinión sobre si el crecimiento económico y la protección ambiental pueden coexistir. 3. Utilizar vocabulario avanzado y estructuras gramaticales de nivel C1 (como la voz pasiva o conectores de contraste).

Speaking checkpoint

Responde a estas preguntas de forma oral utilizando un lenguaje formal y estructurado. Intenta hablar durante 1-2 minutos por cada respuesta.

1. Compare: Compare the environmental challenges faced by urban areas versus rural areas.
2. Speculate: How might the landscape of your country change in fifty years if global temperatures continue to rise?
3. Evaluate: To what extent is individual responsibility more important than government regulation in fighting climate change?
4. Justify: Some argue that space exploration is a waste of resources when the Earth is in crisis. Do you agree? Justify your position.
5. Hypothesize: If you were the Minister of the Environment, what would be your first priority?
6. Discuss: Is it possible to achieve a truly "zero-waste" society, or is it an unrealistic goal?

Self-assessment rubric

Answer key

Grammar consolidation 1. is being repaired 2. has been stolen 3. must be implemented 4. had the soil samples examined 5. is being destroyed 6. got our solar panels installed 7. It is thought that the ozone layer is recovering. 8. We are getting the polluted river cleaned. 9. It is thought that the melting ice caps are a global emergency. 10. The new policy is believed to protect endangered species.

Vocabulary activation 1. irreversible 2. devastating / catastrophic 3. widespread 4. deforestation 5. sustainable 6. extinction 7. environmentally conscious 8. b) stringent 9. b) verge 10. a) solution 11. b) disproportionate 12. a) hot spot