thuyngabt123 9/23/2025 11:10:33 PM

The Arctic region is warming at an alarming rate, more than twice as fast as the rest of the planet. Scientists cannot keep a stiff upper lip about this crisis any longer, as the evidence becomes increasingly clear. This rapid warming leads to melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and changes in weather patterns worldwide. The Arctic serves as an early warning system for global climate change, much like canaries once warned miners of dangerous gases. Recent studies show that Arctic temperatures have reached record highs in the past decade, confirming scientists' worst fears about the pace of change.

The impacts of Arctic warming extend far beyond the polar region. [I] As Arctic ice melts, it creates a dangerous cycle. [II] White ice reflects sunlight back into space, but dark ocean water absorbs heat, further increasing temperatures. This "feedback loop" accelerates warming across the globe. [III] Researchers have documented significant permafrost thaw across Alaska, Canada, and Siberia, releasing greenhouse gases that have been locked away for thousands of years. [IV] This creates conditions that warm the planet even faster.

Wildlife in the Arctic faces severe challenges due to these changes. Polar bears struggle to hunt as sea ice diminishes, while Arctic foxes lose their camouflage advantage when snow melts early. Indigenous communities also suffer as their traditional hunting grounds disappear and coastal erosion threatens their homes. These communities have contributed minimally to climate change yet bear its heaviest burden. Many species that depend on cold conditions may face extinction if current warming trends continue unchecked.

International cooperation is essential to address this crisis. Scientists from different countries work together to monitor Arctic conditions and develop solutions. Many nations have signed agreements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but progress remains slow. The melting Arctic reminds us that climate change requires immediate action from all countries, especially those with the largest carbon footprints. Our response to the Arctic crisis will determine the future of our planet. Without significant changes in human behavior and policy, the Arctic warning signs will only grow more severe.

Question 31: The phrase “keep a stiff upper lip” in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to _________.

  1. give up                        B. break down                        C. back off                        D. carry on

Question 32: Where in paragraph 2 does the following sentence best fit?

Additionally, melting permafrost releases methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that traps heat in our atmosphere.

  1. [I]                                B. [II]                                C. [III]                        D. [IV]

Question 33: Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an effect of Arctic warming?

  1. Rising sea levels worldwide
  2. Increased hurricane intensity
  3. Release of methane from melting permafrost
  4. Loss of habitat for Arctic wildlife

Question 34: Which of the following best summarises paragraph 3?

  1. Arctic warming threatens wildlife survival and indigenous communities despite their minimal contribution to climate change.
  2. Polar bears and Arctic foxes are losing their natural habitats while researchers document the extensive wildlife migrations.
  3. Indigenous people are developing new hunting methods as scientists predict the timeline for complete Arctic ice recovery.
  4. International agreements have failed to protect Arctic species that are adapting to warmer temperatures across the region.

Question 35: The word “camouflage” in paragraph 3 is OPPOSITE in meaning to _________.

  1. concealment                B. disguise                        C. visibility                        D. protection

Question 36: The word “its” in paragraph 3 refers to _________.

  1. The Arctic region
  2. Indigenous communities
  3. Arctic wildlife
  4. Climate change

Question 37: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?

  1. Countries are refusing to participate in climate agreements despite mounting evidence of environmental damage.
  2. Despite formal commitments to limit emissions, nations have made insufficient progress on climate action.
  3. Scientific research has convinced governments to sign treaties, though implementation faces technical barriers.
  4. International climate policies have been established but require additional funding to achieve meaningful results.

Question 38: Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

  1. Arctic foxes have adapted successfully to the warming climate by developing new hunting strategies.
  2. Indigenous communities are receiving substantial compensation for climate change-related damages.
  3. Melting permafrost releases methane that has been trapped in frozen ground for thousands of years.
  4. International agreements have effectively slowed the rate of Arctic ice loss in the past decade.

Question 39: Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

  1. Countries with larger carbon footprints bear greater responsibility for addressing climate change.
  2. Indigenous communities are developing innovative technologies to adapt to Arctic environmental shifts.
  3. Scientists have reached consensus that Arctic wildlife extinction is inevitable within the next decade.
  4. International agreements have failed because nations prioritize economic growth over environmental concerns.

Question 40: Which of the following best summarises the passage?

  1. Scientific innovations are gradually reducing Arctic warming despite insufficient international cooperation.
  2. Indigenous communities and wildlife face extinction while governments debate potential climate solutions.
  3. Arctic temperatures fluctuate naturally, though recent human activities have accelerated these patterns.
  4. Arctic warming signals a global climate crisis requiring immediate international action to prevent disaster.

    TEST 2 - UNIT 4