Unit Review & Progress Test

Unit review — Biodiversity, Ecosystems & Extinction

Al finalizar esta unidad, deberías ser capaz de discutir temas complejos relacionados con la ecología, la pérdida de hábitat y las consecuencias del cambio climático utilizando un léxico de nivel avanzado. Deberías sentirte cómodo utilizando términos técnicos y expresiones idiomáticas para describir procesos naturales y crisis ambientales con precisión.

Asimismo, habrás consolidado el uso de cláusulas adverbiales de propósito y resultado (so that, in order not to, lest, hence), permitiéndote estructurar argumentos lógicos y sofisticados. Este dominio es esencial para alcanzar los niveles de cohesión y coherencia exigidos en los exámenes de Cambridge C1 Advanced.

Grammar consolidation

Complete the following tasks. For transformations, rewrite the sentence so it has the same meaning using the word provided. For error correction, identify and fix the mistake. For rewriting, follow the specific instruction.

1. Transformation: We implemented stricter hunting laws. We wanted to prevent the extinction of the Iberian lynx. (SO THAT)

2. Error Correction: He studied the migration patterns of whales in order not to miss the peak season. (Wait, this sentence is grammatically correct. Find the error in this one: He studied the migration patterns of whales so that to avoid being late.)

3. Rewriting: The forest was cleared for agriculture. Consequently, many species lost their habitats. (HENCE)

4. Transformation: We must protect the coral reefs. If we don't, the entire marine ecosystem might collapse. (LEST)

5. Error Correction: We planted native trees so that to restore the local biodiversity.

6. Rewriting: She worked late at the research station. She wanted to finish the census before the storm arrived. (IN ORDER TO)

7. Transformation: The government invested in renewable energy. The goal was to reduce the carbon footprint. (SO THAT)

8. Error Correction: They built a fence around the sanctuary lest they would lose the endangered animals.

9. Rewriting: The ecosystem is fragile. Therefore, we must act now. (HENCE)

10. Transformation: We must act now. We don't want to face an irreversible ecological catastrophe. (IN ORDER NOT TO) _______________

Vocabulary activation

A. Word Formation: Complete the sentences using the correct form of the word in brackets.

1. The ____ of the rainforests has led to a massive loss of biodiversity. (DEFOREST)
2. Scientists are working on ____ solutions to combat climate change. (SUSTAIN)
3. The ____ of certain species is an irreversible tragedy. (EXTINCT)
4. We must protect the ____ integrity of the ecosystem. (ECOLOGY)

B. Collocations: Match the verb with the correct noun to form a C1-level collocation.

C. Register & Context: Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence.

9. The rapid ____ of the species was caused by human interference. a) disappearance / b) vanishing / c) evaporation
10. The area is considered a ____ hotspot due to its unique wildlife. a) biological / b) biodiversity / c) biotic
11. We are witnessing a mass ____ event in the oceans. a) extinction / b) destruction / c) elimination
12. Human activities have caused an ____ imbalance in the food chain. a) extreme / b) ecological / c) environmental

Integrated skills task

Reading Text:

The concept of "ecosystem services" refers to the many benefits that humans freely gain from the natural environment and from properly functioning ecosystems. These include everything from pollination of crops to the regulation of climate and water purification. However, as biodiversity declines at an unprecedented rate, these services are being severely compromised.

The loss of a single keystone species can trigger a trophic cascade, leading to the collapse of an entire food web. While technological advancements offer some hope for mitigation, they often act as a double-edged sword, sometimes creating further environmental pressure. To ensure long-term survival, humanity must shift from a model of exploitation to one of coexistence. Protecting biodiversity is not merely an act of altruism; it is a fundamental necessity for human stability.

Writing Task (Instrucciones en español):

Basándote en el texto anterior, escribe un ensayo de entre 180 y 220 palabras. En tu respuesta, debes: 1. Analizar las consecuencias de la pérdida de biodiversidad mencionadas en el texto. 2. Evaluar si la tecnología es una solución viable o un riesgo adicional. 3. Exponer tu opinión sobre si la protección de la naturaleza es una responsabilidad ética o una necesidad de supervivencia.

Speaking checkpoint

Responde a estas preguntas de forma oral para practicar tu fluidez y capacidad de argumentación. Intenta utilizar el vocabulario de la unidad.

1. Compare: Compare the impact of local conservation efforts versus global climate change initiatives. Which do you think is more effective?
2. Speculate: How might the world look in fifty years if current rates of extinction continue unabated?
3. Evaluate: Evaluate the effectiveness of "eco-tourism" as a method for preserving natural habitats.
4. Justify: Some argue that we should focus on saving species that are useful to humans rather than those that are not. Justify your position on this ethical dilemma.
5. Speculate: If scientists successfully "de-extinct" a species using genetic engineering, what would be the potential consequences for existing ecosystems?
6. Evaluate: To what extent should governments be held responsible for the loss of biodiversity caused by private corporations?

Self-assessment rubric

Answer key

Grammar consolidation 1. We implemented stricter hunting laws so that the Iberian lynx would not go extinct. (Or: ...so that we could prevent...) 2. He studied the migration patterns of whales to avoid being late. (Correction: so that to $\rightarrow$ in order to / so as to) 3. The forest was cleared for agriculture; hence, many species lost their habitats. 4. We must protect the coral reefs lest they should collapse. (Or: ...lest they collapse.) 5. We planted native trees to restore the local biodiversity. (Correction: so that to $\rightarrow$ in order to) 6. She worked late at the research station in order to finish the census before the storm arrived. 7. The government invested in renewable energy so that the carbon footprint could be reduced. 8. They built a fence around the sanctuary lest they lose the endangered animals. (Correction: lest is followed by the subjunctive or 'should') 9. The ecosystem is fragile; hence, we must act now. 10. We must act now in order not to face an irreversible ecological catastrophe.

Vocabulary activation 1. Deforestation 2. Sustainable 3. Extinction 4. Ecological 5. B (pose a threat) 6. A (lose a habitat) 7. C (preserve biodiversity) 8. D (disrupt an ecosystem) 9. a) disappearance 10. b) biodiversity 11. a) extinction 12. b) ecological