Ecotourism is a combination of ecology (the study of systems of living things) and tourism. The international Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the cnvironment and improves the well-being of the local people." Actually, ecotourism can mean travel to far-off places of great natural beauty, but not always in a responsible way. It's a big business, and the allure of money can cause people to think about profits first. While ecotourism offers benefits for people and ecosystems, it leaves ecosystems open to negative effects, too.
Costa Rica, once a Spanish colony, and independent since 1821, has an ecotourism industry worth over one billion dollars yearly, and thousands of jobs have been created. Nearly 21 percent of the land is now protected national parks, largely thanks to ecotourism. Nonetheless, due to the number of people visiting the country's natural places, some damage to the ecosystem has occurred.
26. Which statement best summarizes the author's point of view?
A. Ecotourism is a damaging trend that must be stopped.
B. Ecotourism is a way of protecting natural places.
C. Ecotourism causes some damage, but on the whole it benefits ecosystems.
D. Ecotourism will most likely become less popular in the future.
27. Which change has NOT occurred in Costa Rica since the introduction of ecotourism?
A. Thousands of ecotourism-related jobs have been created.
B. National parks have been created.
C. Animals may have started feeding on garbage.
D. Costa Rica became independent from Spain.
28. According to the passage which statement is NOT true?
A. Ecotourism is a combination of tourism and environment protection.
B. Ecotourism is a business.
C. Profit is the first and the only reason for ecotourism.
D. There are a lot of protected natural parks in Costa Rica.
29. In the first paragraph 'allure' is closest in meaning to ____.
A. damage B. desire C. attraction D. contact
30. Creating thousands of jobs in Costa Rica is mainly related to ____.
A. ecotourism industry B. agriculture C. new factories D. Spain colony
