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Read the passage carefully. Then choose the
correct answer. |
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The nature of human beings to go beyond
boundaries and not stop until what is wanted is
achieved has pushed us to live competitively.
Fighting, destroying, and conquering are parts
of the process to get power to dominate the land
we live in. We explore, exploit, migrate and
build nations based on customs and beliefs.. We
become greedy towards resources in order to stay
ahead of others. This
is the reason that wars and conflicts are
started so that we survive and secure these
limited resources. These are the ugly facts
that we see happening in the world today.
The need to maintain growth and economic
stability leads us to fight over natural
resources such as oil and gas. Nations that
build their countries on these resources believe
they have the opportunity to better living
conditions, raise standards of living and more
importantly, reduce poverty. Those without the
benefit of these resources will have to support
the population through agriculture, livestock
rearing and fishing in the big blue oceans. Many
countries have been blessed with many kinds of
natural resources and
they are able to support the 'over
population' in their own country. But many also
have nothing to offer their people who
tragically also have to face natural disasters
and affected economic activities.
Fights among countries over natural resources
have brought about wars which have severely
destroyed countries and those living in them.
Many people have suffered and schools were
closed because buildings and homes were
destroyed. Economic activities came to a
standstill and income generating activities
ground to a near halt. War victims experienced,
physical and mental pain and one can say that
many would have taken a long time to erase these
post-war effects from their memory.
Poverty can be caused by economic sanctions,
natural disasters and political instability.
Apart from this, the wealthier nations which
have full control of the trading of goods and
services would force poor nations to be. at
their mercy. Populations can also be threatened
by this at
an individual level as jobs, business
opportunities, and sources of income will be
determined by those who have more influence and
power. Without jobs and lack of opportunity in
business, people cannot function as a society
and build a better future for the generations to
come. Many will not be able to have proper
education, technical training, and guidelines to
live well and above poverty level.
Poor nations can lift
themselves out of the situation
they are in if good education policies are
implemented. Education systems need to be
upgraded and the population encouraged to strive
for higher levels of education. Opportunities
must be provided for people to move forward in
the search for knowledge and skills. A nation
can improve its economy through its people who
are better educated. They do not need to depend
on natural resources and on richer nations for
survival. |
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What do the following words or phrases refer to in
the passage ? |
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1. |
This ( paragraph I ) |
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2. |
they ( paragraph II ) |
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3. |
this ( paragraph IV ) |
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4. |
themselves ( paragraph V ) |
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Answer the questions below based on the passage. |
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1. |
What does the phrase 'the ugly facts that we see
happening in the world today' ( paragraph I ) mean ? |
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2. |
Based on your own observations, list three causes of
poverty in your country. |
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3. |
In your opinion, what are the measures that nations can
take to overcome poverty ? |
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4. |
What is the main idea of paragraph IV ? |
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5. |
What are the three post-war effects that affected
countries have to put up with ? |
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6. |
In your opinion, how can poor nations free themselves of
poverty ? |
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Sponsored Links
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Answers |
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| 1. |
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greed towards resources |
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countries with resources |
| 3. |
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wealthier nations having full control of the trade of
goods and services |
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poor nations |
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| 1. |
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(a) Fighting, destroying, and exploiting are some ways to get power to
dominate the land. (b) Becoming greedy towards resources |
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(a) Lack of education (b) Natural disasters (c)
Political instability |
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* Provide basic education and upgrade the education system *
Create job opportunities * Ensure political stability so as
to draw in investments * Engage in international trade if
possible |
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There are various reasons for poverty and poverty has its effects on the
countries. |
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(a) No or reduced economic activities (b) Disrupted /halted
schooling due to destruction of buildings and homes (c)
Long-term physical and mental pain and anguish for people |
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a) Implement a good education system (b) Provide
opportunities for people to move forward in search of knowledge and
skills |
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