One of the most urgent environmental problems in the world today is the shortage of clean water. Having clean drinking water is a basic human right. But acid rain, industrial pollution and garbage have made many sources of water undrinkable. Lakes, reservoirs and even entire seas have become vast pools of poison. Lake Baikal in Russia is one of the largest lakes in the world. It contains a rich variety of animals and plants including 1.300 rare species that do not exist anywhere else in the world. But they’re being destroyed by massive volumes of industrial effluent which pour into the lake every day. Even where law existed, the government didn’t have the power to enforce them. Most industries simply ignore the regulations. The Mediterranean Sea occupies 1% of the world’s water surface. But it’s the dumping ground for 50% of all marine pollution. Almost 16 countries regularly throw industrial wastes a few miles off shore.
Water is free to everyone. A few years ago, people thought that the supply of clean water in the world is limitless. Today, many water supplies have been ruined. Clean water is now scarce, and we’re at last beginning to respect this precious source. We should do something now!
1. What is the main idea of the passage?
A. acid rain B. industrial pollution C. safe water shortage D. population explosion
2. What does “It” in the passage refer to ______?
A. Lake Baikal B. Russia C. largest lakes D. world
3. How many countries throw industrial wastes into the Mediterranean Sea regularly?
A. nearly 16 B. exactly 16 C. exactly 15 D. less than 15
4. The word “precious” is closest in meaning to ______.
A. valuable B. worthless C. natural D. difficult
