B2 First (FCE) Reading Part 5 exercise 2

PART 5
You are going to read an article about deep-sea exploration. For questions 1–6 choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best according to the text.

MYSTERIES OF THE ABYSS

We know more about the surface of the moon than we do about the deepest parts of our own oceans. The Mariana Trench reaching a staggering depth of nearly 11 kilometers represents one of the final frontiers of human exploration. For decades scientists believed that such extreme depths devoid of sunlight and subject to crushing pressure were completely lifeless. However recent technological advancements have proven this assumption spectacularly wrong revealing a thriving ecosystem of bizarre creatures.

The technological challenges of reaching the abyss are monumental. At those depths the water pressure is over a thousand times greater than at sea level. This is enough to instantly crush ordinary submarines. Engineers have had to develop specialized submersibles constructed from ultra-thick titanium spheres. These vehicles must also be equipped with powerful lights because the ocean is entirely black below 200 meters. Without these artificial beams the stunning biological diversity would remain hidden in the dark.

The animals that inhabit this extreme environment have evolved in fascinating ways. Many rely on bioluminescence which is the ability to produce their own light. They use these glowing chemical reactions to attract prey or confuse predators. Furthermore because food is incredibly scarce in the deep sea these creatures have adapted to survive on very little. Some species can consume a single meal and then go without food for several months waiting patiently in the freezing dark.

Tragically even this remote and seemingly untouched world is not safe from human influence. During recent dives researchers were heartbroken to discover plastic bags and sweet wrappers resting on the deepest ocean floor. It was a stark reminder that pollution is a truly global issue affecting ecosystems that we have barely begun to understand. This discovery has sparked a renewed call for stricter waste management policies worldwide.

Continuing to explore these depths is vital not just for the sake of curiosity but for our survival. The deep ocean regulates our planet’s climate and absorbs vast amounts of carbon dioxide. Furthermore scientists believe that the unique genetic makeup of deep-sea organisms could lead to groundbreaking medical treatments. Therefore protecting the abyss is in our own best interest.

1. In the first paragraph the writer states that the Mariana Trench

A) contains more life than previously thought B) receives a small amount of sunlight C) has been fully mapped by modern scientists D) is completely empty due to high pressure

2. What makes deep-sea exploration so difficult according to the second paragraph?

A) The intense physical force of the water B) The inability to create bright artificial lights C) The lack of strong titanium materials on Earth D) The aggressive nature of the local sea creatures

3. Why do deep-sea animals use bioluminescence?

A) To catch food or protect themselves from danger B) To navigate through the thick titanium spheres C) To communicate with submarines from the surface D) To keep their bodies warm in freezing water

4. What was the researchers’ reaction to finding plastic in the trench?

A) They blamed the engineers who built the sub B) They ignored it to focus on the marine biology C) They were surprised it was so well preserved D) They were deeply saddened by the discovery

5. What potential benefit of deep-sea exploration is mentioned in the final paragraph?

A) Creating better submarines for public tourism B) Developing new medicines from marine life genetics C) Finding new species that can be used as a food source D) Discovering new places to dispose of plastic waste

6. Which word best describes the writer’s attitude towards the deep ocean?

A) Fearful and anxious B) Respectful and protective C) Bored and unimpressed D) Critical and disappointed