READ THE PASSAGE AND CHOOSE THE BEST OPTION A, B, C OR D TO ANSWER THE QUESTION ONE OF THE MOST URGENT ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS IN THE WORLD TODAY IS THE SHORTAGE OF CLEAN WATER

QUESTIONS 36-40: Read the passage and choose the best option A, B, C or D to answer the question

One of the most urgent environmental problems in the world today is the shortage of clean water.

Having clean drinking water is a basic human right. But acid rain, industrial pollution and garbage have made

many sources of water undrinkable. Lakes, reservoirs and even entire seas have become vast pools of poison.

Lake Baikal in Russia is one of the largest lakes in the world. It contains a rich variety of animals and plants,

including 1,300 rare species that do not exist anywhere else in the world. But they are being destroyed by the

massive volumes of industrial wastes which pour into the lake every day. Even where law existed, the

government did not have the power to enforce them. Most industries simply ignores the regulations. The

Mediterranean Sea occupies 1% of the world’s water surface. But it is the dumping ground for 50% of all

marine pollution. Almost 16 countries regularly throw industrial wastes a few miles off shore.

Water is free to everyone. A few years ago people thought that the supply of clean water in the world

was limitless. Today, many water supplies have been ruined by pollution and sewage. Clean water is now

scarce, and we are at last beginning to respect this precious source. We should do something now.

36. One environmental problem in the world today is ---.

A. acid rain B. safe water shortage

C. industrial pollution D. population explosion

37. Which of the following is NOT the reason that makes water undrinkable?

A. acid rain B. garbage C. industrial pollution D. high cost

38. What is a serious problem of Lake Baikal in Russia ?

A. It contains a rich variety of animals and plants

B. It is polluted by massive volumes of industrial wastes discharged into it.

C. It has 1,300 rare species that do not exist anywhere else in the world.

D. The government did not have the power to enforce laws and regulations.

39. How many countries throw industrial wastes into the Mediterranean Sea regularly ?

A. exactly 16 B. exactly 15 C. nearly 16 D. less than 15

40. What is the message to the readers ?

A. We should take action to protect our water resources.

B. We should take all water resources into account

C. We should limit the use of water resources.

D. We should encourage people to use safe water