Read the following passage about Climate Change and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 30.

 

Climate Change and Its Impacts on Earth

 

Our Earth remains breathtakingly beautiful. The sky is blue, clouds are fluffy, the wind blows gently, and rain continues to fall. This serene image of our planet is something we all cherish. Yet, behind this calm and majestic exterior, undeniable evidence points to rapid and alarming environmental changes. Scientists around the world have observed that climate change and global warming are accelerating at a rate never before seen in Earth's long history.

Global warming poses a serious and significant threat to the health of our planet and all living beings that call it home. Over the last century, the average surface temperature of the Earth has risen by nearly 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit. At first glance, this might seem like a minor rise, but its impact has been far-reaching and profound, altering the delicate balance of the global climate. Recent data reveals that 11 out of the past 12 years were the hottest on record, emphasizing how quickly warming has advanced in just a few decades.

The consequences of this warming are becoming increasingly apparent. Polar ice caps and glaciers are melting at unprecedented rates, leading to rising sea levels that endanger coastal cities and small island nations. Meanwhile, extreme weather events—such as prolonged droughts, catastrophic floods, and violent storms—are becoming not only more frequent but also more severe. These changes are disrupting human lives, threatening agricultural systems, and putting countless ecosystems and species at risk of extinction.

To combat this crisis, everyone must take responsibility. Simple actions, such as reducing carbon emissions, adopting renewable energy, and conserving natural resources, can make a significant difference. Addressing climate change requires collective effort and immediate action to prevent its impacts from worsening. By working together, we can protect our planet and create a sustainable future for generations to come.

 

In which paragraph is the urgency of taking action emphasized?

Read of the following leaflet and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 7 to 12.

How dangerous is using solid fuels at home? When coal, wood, and other solid fuels are used for cooking or heating, they release a significant (7)______ of black carbon and other harmful pollutants. These tiny particles, along with (8)______ from incomplete combustion, can enter our bodies and, in the long term, cause serious health problems such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. (9)______ the dangers caused by these solid fuels, household air pollution is responsible for millions of deaths each year. Using soot-free fuels is essential. Renewable energy is the future! There are several reasons why it is the best (10)______ to fossil fuels. Firstly, the sources of fossil fuel will be depleted within this century, while renewable energy comes from natural resources that will never (11)______. Secondly, renewable energy is reliable, efficient, and can adapt to various needs. Finally, renewable energy is clean, producing no harmful (12)_______ or contributing to climate change. Let’s power the planet with renewable energy and create a healthier, more sustainable world for ourselves and others! 

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 18 to 22.

The global average temperature also set a new record in 2024,(18)______. This meant the planet passed the 1.5C (2.7F) level agreed as a target by the Paris climate agreement for the first time. The UN secretary general, António Guterres, (19) ______.

The 1.5°C limit is a long-term goal, breached when warming is sustained for a decade or more. In 2024, CO2 levels rose significantly, far exceeding the levels required to stay on track for this target. While suggesting a smaller increase, (20) ______. Global heating continues to worsen as emissions rise, underscoring the urgent need to reduce CO2. Despite available solutions, political inaction remains a major barrier to meeting climate goals.

Wildfires in 2024, particularly in the Americas, released massive amounts of CO2, exacerbating the climate crisis. The increased frequency and severity of these fires are linked to climate change, while El Niño contributed to the dry conditions that fueled them. Additionally, El Niño hindered vegetation growth, reducing the ability of plants to absorb CO2. (21) ______.

The 2024 CO2 rise of 3.6ppm was more than double the level needed for net-zero goals. (22)______. Projections for 2025 predict a lower rise as La Niña improves vegetation growth. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged nations to prioritize climate action, emphasizing the need for stronger commitments to address the crisis.

Mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the best arrangement of utterances or sentences to make a meaningful exchange or text in each of the following questions from 13 to 17

a. Knowing the flood risk level in your area is the first step in staying prepared, as it allows you to anticipate potential dangers and take precautions in advance.

b. Additionally, securing important documents, such as identification papers and insurance policies, in waterproof containers can save you from significant financial and administrative troubles.

c. Flood safety requires careful planning and awareness to minimize risks, especially in regions prone to heavy rainfall or rising water levels.

d. It’s crucial to create an emergency kit with essentials like food, water, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit in case you need to evacuate on short notice.

e. In summary, understanding your local flood risks and taking proactive steps, such as preparing supplies and protecting valuables, can help ensure your safety during flood situations.

Read the following passage and choose the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 30.

APPLICATIONS OF AI IN URBAN PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

1. AI is transforming cities, making them smarter, more sustainable, and efficient. By integrating AI into urban planning, cities can operate more smoothly, enhancing the lives of those who live and work there. Key areas where AI can have a significant impact include digital twin technology, smart infrastructure, and optimizing transportation systems.

2. Digital twins are virtual versions of real cities created using data from sensors and devices. These digital models help city planners understand how a city works in real-time. Planners can test different ideas and plans in a virtual space before making changes in the real world. AI helps predict the outcomes of these tests, so the best solutions can be chosen. This saves time, resources, and reduces the risk of making mistakes. It also helps reduce the impact of changes like adjusting traffic flow or modifying energy use.

3. AI is also crucial for reducing the carbon footprint in urban environments, which is key to building sustainable cities. AI-driven platforms can optimize energy use, manage energy grids efficiently, and improve waste management systems. For instance, AI can predict when maintenance is needed, allowing problems to be fixed before they disrupt services. Smart grids can integrate renewable energy sources and optimize the way energy is distributed, minimizing waste and pollution. These solutions are leading the way to a low-carbon future, helping cities meet their net-zero emissions goals.

4. AI is also improving transportation in cities. By analyzing traffic data, public transport schedules, and pedestrian movement, AI helps optimize traffic flow and make public transport more reliable. Traffic lights become smarter, buses run on time, and pedestrian safety is improved. These improvements reduce traffic congestion and make cities more livable for everyone.

In which paragraph does the author mention cities' ambitious environmental goals?

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 18 to 22.

The global average temperature also set a new record in 2024,(18)______. This meant the planet passed the 1.5C (2.7F) level agreed as a target by the Paris climate agreement for the first time. The UN secretary general, António Guterres, (19) ______.

The 1.5°C limit is a long-term goal, breached when warming is sustained for a decade or more. In 2024, CO2 levels rose significantly, far exceeding the levels required to stay on track for this target. While suggesting a smaller increase, (20) ______. Global heating continues to worsen as emissions rise, underscoring the urgent need to reduce CO2. Despite available solutions, political inaction remains a major barrier to meeting climate goals.

Wildfires in 2024, particularly in the Americas, released massive amounts of CO2, exacerbating the climate crisis. The increased frequency and severity of these fires are linked to climate change, while El Niño contributed to the dry conditions that fueled them. Additionally, El Niño hindered vegetation growth, reducing the ability of plants to absorb CO2. (21) ______.

The 2024 CO2 rise of 3.6ppm was more than double the level needed for net-zero goals. (22)______. Projections for 2025 predict a lower rise as La Niña improves vegetation growth. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged nations to prioritize climate action, emphasizing the need for stronger commitments to address the crisis.

Read the following passage about typhoon Yagi and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 18 to 22. 

After hitting the Philippines, where it killed more than a dozen people, ___(18)___ and shortly after parts of Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. Nearly a week since it made landfall, many farms and villages in northern parts of Vietnam and neighboring Thailand remain under water as ___(19)___ with severe flooding and the looming threat of landslides.

In Vietnam, the death toll has risen to at least 226 as a result of the storm and the landslides and flash floods it triggered, the government’s disaster agency said Thursday, according to Reuters. ___(20)___.

At least 33 people have died across Thailand since mid-August ___(21)___, with at least nine deaths this week after Yagi, Reuters reported citing the local government.

Storms are being made more intense and deadlier by the warming ocean, scientists have long warned. While developed nations bear a greater historical responsibility for the human-induced climate crisis, ___(22)___.

(Adapted from CNN)

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 18 to 22.

The global average temperature also set a new record in 2024,(18)______. This meant the planet passed the 1.5C (2.7F) level agreed as a target by the Paris climate agreement for the first time. The UN secretary general, António Guterres, (19) ______.

The 1.5°C limit is a long-term goal, breached when warming is sustained for a decade or more. In 2024, CO2 levels rose significantly, far exceeding the levels required to stay on track for this target. While suggesting a smaller increase, (20) ______. Global heating continues to worsen as emissions rise, underscoring the urgent need to reduce CO2. Despite available solutions, political inaction remains a major barrier to meeting climate goals.

Wildfires in 2024, particularly in the Americas, released massive amounts of CO2, exacerbating the climate crisis. The increased frequency and severity of these fires are linked to climate change, while El Niño contributed to the dry conditions that fueled them. Additionally, El Niño hindered vegetation growth, reducing the ability of plants to absorb CO2. (21) ______.

The 2024 CO2 rise of 3.6ppm was more than double the level needed for net-zero goals. (22)______. Projections for 2025 predict a lower rise as La Niña improves vegetation growth. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged nations to prioritize climate action, emphasizing the need for stronger commitments to address the crisis.

Read the following passage about climate change and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40.

           Climate change refers to the long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place. This phenomenon is largely driven by human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas, which increase the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. They trap heat from the sun, leading to global warming and causing severe weather events, such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts, to become more frequent and intense. Climate change impacts nearly every region of the world and affects the natural environment, economies, and human health.

           As temperatures rise, polar ice caps and glaciers are melting at alarming rates, contributing to rising sea levels. Coastal regions face an increased risk of flooding, and many low-lying islands are at risk of disappearing entirely. Additionally, higher temperatures lead to the warming of oceans, affecting marine ecosystems and causing coral bleaching, which threatens biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on fishing.

            [I] The consequences of climate change are not just environmental; they also affect human society in significant ways. [II] Changes in weather patterns disrupt agriculture, leading to crop failures and food shortages in vulnerable regions. [III] Furthermore, climate change is linked to health issues such as respiratory diseases, heat strokes, and the spread of diseases carried by insects, like malaria and dengue fever. [IV]

           To combat climate change, a coordinated global effort is necessary. Governments, organizations, and individuals all have roles to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable practices. Shifting to renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydropower, is essential. Additionally, conserving forests and investing in technology that captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere can help mitigate the effects of climate change and pave the way for a healthier planet.

The word "consequences" in paragraph 3 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ________.

Read the following passage about education in Nepal and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40.

An education pioneer born into rural poverty in Nepal has opened 30 schools in a bid to boost prospects for his country's children.

The World Bank ranks Nepal as the globe's 31st poorest country, with almost 10 million people living on daily incomes between £1.48 and £2.50. Many rural villages remain unreached by government schooling and adult literacy stood at just 60 per cent in 2011.

Surya Karki and his charity United World Schools Nepal (UWS) are tackling high illiteracy and poverty rates by funding and improving education.

The first school opened in 2015 – since then 92 per cent of children have completed primary education, which finishes at age eight, and continued into secondary education with UWS schools. In comparison to 39 per cent of students continuing education who attended government schools.

Mr Karki was born into poverty in rural Nepal. Speaking to the Telegraph he said: “School is the only solution to the poverty cycle that we live in. I was raised by a single mother in a male-dominated society.

“The school that I went to was approximately two hours walk away. My house was on top of a hill and my mother had to drag me across rivers. We used to walk 10 miles a day. The schooling was really bad.”

Of the students who would go to school, he said: “They would end up in the same place, as cheap migrant workers in Qatar, Saudi, or Dubai. There was no value in education – no success stories.”

[A] Karki’s mother was a firm believer in education, and at age eight Karki secured a scholarship to study in the capital, Kathmandu. [B] From there he won scholarships and completed Masters degrees in China and the United States. [C] Karki said. “Inequalities in a country can only be decreased if there is access to knowledge.” [D]

The devastating earthquake in 2015 damaged 9,300 schools, displacing hundreds of thousands of families and pushing 700,000 people into poverty. As of January 2018, only 2,891 schools had been rebuilt. Karki said: “We came at a crucial time, where we could redo or undo what had been done badly. Education was really bad in terms of infrastructure, quality of teachers, training. It was an opportunity for us to really make things better.”

UWS Nepal has so far built 30 schools and has seven more in construction. The schools run between 10 am and 3:30 pm, and have an 86 per cent average attendance rate, which Karki says is almost double the attendance rates for government schools in the vicinity. Sexual health classes are taught to the children in the later years.

The word “displacing” in the passage mostly means _______.

Read the following passage about Heat Transfer in the Atmosphere and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40.

Because the low latitudes of the Earth, the areas near the equator, receive more heat than the latitudes near the poles, and because the nature of heat is to expand and move, heat is transported from the tropics to the middle and high latitudes. Some of this heat is moved by winds and some by ocean currents, and some gets stored in the atmosphere in the form of latent heat.

(I) The term “latent heat” refers to the energy that has to be used to convert liquid water to water vapor. (II) We know that if we warm a pan of water on a stove, it will evaporate, or turn into vapor, faster than if it is allowed to sit at room temperature. (III) We also know that if we hang wet clothes outside in the summertime, they will dry faster than in winter, when the temperature is lower. The energy used in both cases to change liquid water to water vapor is supplied by heat - supplied by the stove in the first case and by the Sun in the latter case. This energy is not lost. (IV)  It is stored as vapor in the atmosphere as latent heat. Eventually, the water stored as vapor in the atmosphere will condense to liquid again, and the energy will be released to the atmosphere.

In the atmosphere, a large portion of the Sun’s incoming energy is used to evaporate water, primarily in the tropical oceans. Scientists have tried to pin down this proportion of the Sun’s energy. By analyzing temperature, water vapor, and wind data around the globe, they have estimated the quantity to be about 90 watts per square meter, or nearly 30 percent of the Sun’s energy. Once this latent heat is stored within the atmosphere, it can be transported, primarily to higher latitudes, by prevailing, large - scale winds. Or it can be transported vertically to higher levels in the atmosphere, where it forms clouds and subsequent storms, which then release the energy back to the atmosphere.

The phrase " pin down " in paragraph 2 could best be replaced by:

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 18 to 22.

The global average temperature also set a new record in 2024,(18)______. This meant the planet passed the 1.5C (2.7F) level agreed as a target by the Paris climate agreement for the first time. The UN secretary general, António Guterres, (19) ______.

The 1.5°C limit is a long-term goal, breached when warming is sustained for a decade or more. In 2024, CO2 levels rose significantly, far exceeding the levels required to stay on track for this target. While suggesting a smaller increase, (20) ______. Global heating continues to worsen as emissions rise, underscoring the urgent need to reduce CO2. Despite available solutions, political inaction remains a major barrier to meeting climate goals.

Wildfires in 2024, particularly in the Americas, released massive amounts of CO2, exacerbating the climate crisis. The increased frequency and severity of these fires are linked to climate change, while El Niño contributed to the dry conditions that fueled them. Additionally, El Niño hindered vegetation growth, reducing the ability of plants to absorb CO2. (21) ______.

The 2024 CO2 rise of 3.6ppm was more than double the level needed for net-zero goals. (22)______. Projections for 2025 predict a lower rise as La Niña improves vegetation growth. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged nations to prioritize climate action, emphasizing the need for stronger commitments to address the crisis.

Read the following passage about climate change and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40.

           Climate change refers to the long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place. This phenomenon is largely driven by human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas, which increase the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. They trap heat from the sun, leading to global warming and causing severe weather events, such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts, to become more frequent and intense. Climate change impacts nearly every region of the world and affects the natural environment, economies, and human health.

           As temperatures rise, polar ice caps and glaciers are melting at alarming rates, contributing to rising sea levels. Coastal regions face an increased risk of flooding, and many low-lying islands are at risk of disappearing entirely. Additionally, higher temperatures lead to the warming of oceans, affecting marine ecosystems and causing coral bleaching, which threatens biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on fishing.

            [I] The consequences of climate change are not just environmental; they also affect human society in significant ways. [II] Changes in weather patterns disrupt agriculture, leading to crop failures and food shortages in vulnerable regions. [III] Furthermore, climate change is linked to health issues such as respiratory diseases, heat strokes, and the spread of diseases carried by insects, like malaria and dengue fever. [IV]

           To combat climate change, a coordinated global effort is necessary. Governments, organizations, and individuals all have roles to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable practices. Shifting to renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydropower, is essential. Additionally, conserving forests and investing in technology that captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere can help mitigate the effects of climate change and pave the way for a healthier planet.

Which of the following best summarizes the passage?

Read the following passage about Heat Transfer in the Atmosphere and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40.

Because the low latitudes of the Earth, the areas near the equator, receive more heat than the latitudes near the poles, and because the nature of heat is to expand and move, heat is transported from the tropics to the middle and high latitudes. Some of this heat is moved by winds and some by ocean currents, and some gets stored in the atmosphere in the form of latent heat.

(I) The term “latent heat” refers to the energy that has to be used to convert liquid water to water vapor. (II) We know that if we warm a pan of water on a stove, it will evaporate, or turn into vapor, faster than if it is allowed to sit at room temperature. (III) We also know that if we hang wet clothes outside in the summertime, they will dry faster than in winter, when the temperature is lower. The energy used in both cases to change liquid water to water vapor is supplied by heat - supplied by the stove in the first case and by the Sun in the latter case. This energy is not lost. (IV)  It is stored as vapor in the atmosphere as latent heat. Eventually, the water stored as vapor in the atmosphere will condense to liquid again, and the energy will be released to the atmosphere.

In the atmosphere, a large portion of the Sun’s incoming energy is used to evaporate water, primarily in the tropical oceans. Scientists have tried to pin down this proportion of the Sun’s energy. By analyzing temperature, water vapor, and wind data around the globe, they have estimated the quantity to be about 90 watts per square meter, or nearly 30 percent of the Sun’s energy. Once this latent heat is stored within the atmosphere, it can be transported, primarily to higher latitudes, by prevailing, large - scale winds. Or it can be transported vertically to higher levels in the atmosphere, where it forms clouds and subsequent storms, which then release the energy back to the atmosphere.

Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence? 

Read the following leaflet/notice and choose the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 7 to 12.

TRANSFORMING FARMING WITH VERTICAL FARMING!

What is Vertical Farming?

Vertical farming is an innovative way of growing crops on vertically stacked layers, (7) __________ traditional horizontal land. By using less space, this (8) __________ allows farmers to produce more food, even in areas where traditional farming is impossible.

How Does Vertical Farming Work?

Vertical farms use advanced hydroponic systems that allow crops to grow in (9) __________ stacked layers. These systems control light, temperature, water, and humidity to create the perfect environment for plants. With natural sunlight and minimal resources, this (10) __________ reduces waste and helps grow crops year-round.

Why is Vertical Farming Important?

Vertical farming can help solve many agricultural challenges. It allows food (11) __________ in urban areas, reducing the need for long-distance transportation. It also helps farmers produce crops without worrying about climate change or weather conditions, (12) __________ a reliable food source.

Join the Green Revolution

Vertical farming is the future of agriculture. Start growing smarter, not harder!

Read the following passage about plastic bags and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 30.

Plastic bags are used by everybody. From a vegetable vendor to a designer store, everyone seems to use them. Even though they are one of the modern conveniences that we seem to be unable to do without, they are responsible for causing pollution, killing wildlife, and using up the precious resources of the Earth.  But, most of us are blissfully unaware of the outcomes that are occurring and will take place in the future.

Every once in a while, the government passes out an order banning store owners from providing plastic bags to customers for carrying their purchases. About a hundred billion plastic bags are used every year in the U.S. alone. The problem is further worsened by the developed countries shipping off their plastic waste to developing countries like India.

Once they are used, most bags go into landfills. Each year, more and more bags are ending up littering the environment. Once they become litter, plastic bags find their way into our waterways, parks, beaches, and streets. About 100,000 animals, such as dolphins, turtles, whales, penguins are killed every year due to these bags. And worse, the ingested plastic bag remains intact even after the death and decomposition of the animal. One of the worst environmental effects is that they are non-biodegradable. No one will live so long to witness the decomposition of plastic!

A tote bag can make a good substitute for carrying groceries and the shopping. You can keep the bag with the cashier, and then put your purchases into it instead of the usual plastic bag. Recycling the bags you already have is another good idea. Plastics are not only non-biodegradable, but are one of the major pollutants of the sea. For a clean and green environment, try to use alternatives to plastic whenever and wherever possible.

Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 3?

Read the following passage about Heat Transfer in the Atmosphere and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40.

Because the low latitudes of the Earth, the areas near the equator, receive more heat than the latitudes near the poles, and because the nature of heat is to expand and move, heat is transported from the tropics to the middle and high latitudes. Some of this heat is moved by winds and some by ocean currents, and some gets stored in the atmosphere in the form of latent heat.

(I) The term “latent heat” refers to the energy that has to be used to convert liquid water to water vapor. (II) We know that if we warm a pan of water on a stove, it will evaporate, or turn into vapor, faster than if it is allowed to sit at room temperature. (III) We also know that if we hang wet clothes outside in the summertime, they will dry faster than in winter, when the temperature is lower. The energy used in both cases to change liquid water to water vapor is supplied by heat - supplied by the stove in the first case and by the Sun in the latter case. This energy is not lost. (IV)  It is stored as vapor in the atmosphere as latent heat. Eventually, the water stored as vapor in the atmosphere will condense to liquid again, and the energy will be released to the atmosphere.

In the atmosphere, a large portion of the Sun’s incoming energy is used to evaporate water, primarily in the tropical oceans. Scientists have tried to pin down this proportion of the Sun’s energy. By analyzing temperature, water vapor, and wind data around the globe, they have estimated the quantity to be about 90 watts per square meter, or nearly 30 percent of the Sun’s energy. Once this latent heat is stored within the atmosphere, it can be transported, primarily to higher latitudes, by prevailing, large - scale winds. Or it can be transported vertically to higher levels in the atmosphere, where it forms clouds and subsequent storms, which then release the energy back to the atmosphere.

The word "evaporate" in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to:

Read the following passage about plastic bags and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 30.

Plastic bags are used by everybody. From a vegetable vendor to a designer store, everyone seems to use them. Even though they are one of the modern conveniences that we seem to be unable to do without, they are responsible for causing pollution, killing wildlife, and using up the precious resources of the Earth.  But, most of us are blissfully unaware of the outcomes that are occurring and will take place in the future.

Every once in a while, the government passes out an order banning store owners from providing plastic bags to customers for carrying their purchases. About a hundred billion plastic bags are used every year in the U.S. alone. The problem is further worsened by the developed countries shipping off their plastic waste to developing countries like India.

Once they are used, most bags go into landfills. Each year, more and more bags are ending up littering the environment. Once they become litter, plastic bags find their way into our waterways, parks, beaches, and streets. About 100,000 animals, such as dolphins, turtles, whales, penguins are killed every year due to these bags. And worse, the ingested plastic bag remains intact even after the death and decomposition of the animal. One of the worst environmental effects is that they are non-biodegradable. No one will live so long to witness the decomposition of plastic!

A tote bag can make a good substitute for carrying groceries and the shopping. You can keep the bag with the cashier, and then put your purchases into it instead of the usual plastic bag. Recycling the bags you already have is another good idea. Plastics are not only non-biodegradable, but are one of the major pollutants of the sea. For a clean and green environment, try to use alternatives to plastic whenever and wherever possible.

What does the word “them” in the first paragraph refer to?