Unit Review & Progress Test

Unit review — Ocean Health & Marine Conservation

Al finalizar esta unidad, deberías ser capaz de discutir temas complejos relacionados con la salud de los océanos y la conservación marina utilizando un léxico especializado y preciso. Habrás desarrollado la capacidad de expresar causas, concesiones y relaciones temáticas mediante el uso de preposiciones complejas, elevando tu registro de un nivel B2 a un C1 auténtico.

Además, habrás perfeccionado tu capacidad para analizar textos informativos sobre problemas ambientales y producir respuestas escritas argumentativas. Estarás preparado para evaluar diferentes puntos de vista en tareas de Speaking y para utilizar colocaciones avanzadas que demuestren un control léxico sofisticado, esencial para superar el examen de Cambridge C1 Advanced.

Grammar consolidation

Complete the following tasks using complex prepositions (in spite of, with regard to, on account of, etc.) to rewrite or correct the sentences.

1. Transformation: Although the government implemented strict fishing quotas, the depletion of fish stocks continued. * In spite of... __________

2. Error Correction: On account of the rising sea levels, the coastal city was flooded, despite of the new sea wall. (Identify and correct the error). * __________

3. Rewriting: Because the ocean temperature increased, coral bleaching became widespread. * Due to... __________

4. Transformation: We need to talk about the impact of microplastics on marine life. * With regard to... __________

5. Error Correction: In spite of the fact that the research was expensive, it was considered vital for conservation. (Is this sentence correct? If not, rewrite it to be more concise). * __________

6. Rewriting: The project was cancelled because the funding was insufficient. * Owing to... __________

7. Transformation: Even though the protected area was large, illegal poaching still occurred. * Despite... __________

8. Rewriting: Regarding the issue of plastic pollution, we must find immediate solutions. * In relation to... __________

9. Error Correction: Because of the fact that the currents are changing, migration patterns are disrupted. (Rewrite using a more formal complex preposition). * __________

10. Transformation: The ecosystem is fragile, but it shows signs of recovery.

    • Notwithstanding... __________

Vocabulary activation

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

1. The ____ (deplete) of natural resources is an urgent global concern.
2. Scientists are studying the ____ (biodiversity) of the Great Barrier Reef.
3. The ____ (sustain) of marine ecosystems depends on human intervention.
4. We must prevent the ____ (extinct) of several endangered species.

B. Collocations: Choose the correct word to complete the C1-level collocations.

5. The government has decided to [impose / force] a ban on single-use plastics.
6. Overfishing has a [devastating / terrible] impact on the marine food chain.
7. We need to [take / make] effective measures to protect our coastlines.
8. The conservation project aims to [preserve / conserve] the natural habitat of sea turtles.

C. Register Choice: Replace the underlined informal words with a more formal C1 academic equivalent.

9. The bad (____) effects of pollution are becoming more evident.
10. The big (____) increase in ocean acidity is alarming.
11. There is a lot of (____) evidence suggesting that currents are shifting.
12. The way (____) in which humans interact with the ocean must change.

Integrated skills task

Source Text: The Silent Crisis

The health of our oceans is currently under unprecedented threat from a combination of anthropogenic factors. Rising sea temperatures, driven by global climate change, have led to widespread coral bleaching, destroying vital nurseries for marine life. Simultaneously, the pervasive presence of microplastics has infiltrated every level of the food web, from tiny plankton to apex predators.

While international treaties attempt to regulate fishing and pollution, enforcement remains inconsistent. Many argue that current conservation efforts are merely "band-aid" solutions that fail to address the root causes of ecological collapse. However, others contend that without these immediate interventions, the damage to marine biodiversity will become irreversible. The tension between economic interests—particularly in commercial fishing and coastal development—and the urgent need for environmental preservation continues to shape global maritime policy.

Writing Task (Spanish Instructions)

Basándose en el texto anterior, escriba un ensayo de opinión (opinion essay) de entre 180 y 220 palabras. Debe evaluar si las medidas de conservación actuales son suficientes o si se requiere un cambio radical en la gestión de los recursos marinos. Utilice el vocabulario de la unidad y estructuras gramaticales de nivel C1.

Speaking checkpoint

1. Compare: Compare the benefits of strictly protected marine reserves with the economic advantages of commercial fishing in coastal regions.
2. Speculate: How might the composition of our oceans change in fifty years if current levels of plastic pollution continue to rise?
3. Evaluate: Evaluate the effectiveness of international maritime laws in preventing the depletion of fish stocks.
4. Justify: "Economic growth and environmental conservation are mutually exclusive." To what extent do you agree with this statement?
5. Speculate: If we were to successfully restore coral reefs, how would that impact the global economy?
6. Evaluate: Assess the importance of individual lifestyle changes versus large-scale government policy in the fight to save the oceans.

Self-assessment rubric

Answer key

Grammar consolidation 1. In spite of the government implementing strict fishing quotas, the depletion of fish stocks continued. 2. ...despite the new sea wall. (Remove 'of') 3. Due to the increase in ocean temperature, coral bleaching became widespread. 4. With regard to the impact of microplastics on marine life, we need to talk. / We need to discuss the impact of microplastics... with regard to... 5. The sentence is correct, but a more concise version would be: "Despite the expensive research, it was considered vital for conservation." 6. Owing to insufficient funding, the project was cancelled. 7. Despite the large protected area, illegal poaching still occurred. 8. In relation to the issue of plastic pollution, we must find immediate solutions. 9. On account of the changing currents, migration patterns are disrupted. 10. Notwithstanding the fragility of the ecosystem, it shows signs of recovery.

Vocabulary activation 1. depletion 2. biodiversity 3. sustainability 4. extinction 5. impose 6. devastating 7. take 8. preserve 9. detrimental / adverse 10. significant / substantial 11. overwhelming / substantial / ample 12. manner / way (though 'manner' is more formal)