Earth Day · Worksheet C1
Read the passage and answer the questions. (CEFR B1–B2)
1The first Earth Day is often described as one of the most successful protests in American history. What made it unusual was its broad support: the organizers included a Democratic senator, Gaylord Nelson, and a Republican congressman, Pete McCloskey. The movement also had political teeth. Activists targeted twelve members of Congress with poor environmental records, nicknamed the Dirty Dozen, and seven of them were defeated in that year's elections.
2Within a few years, the United States created the Environmental Protection Agency and passed landmark laws on clean air, clean water and endangered species. Few single days of protest have produced such concrete results.
3Today, the picture is more complicated. Earth Day's organizers say that over a billion people take part, yet global problems such as climate change and plastic pollution are far harder to solve than a polluted local river. Some critics also worry that companies use the day mainly for advertising rather than for real change. The question for the next generation is whether a day of awareness can still turn into lasting action, as it did in 1970.
What is the main idea of the passage?
According to paragraph 1, what made the first Earth Day unusual?
What happened to the politicians called the Dirty Dozen?
What can we infer about other members of Congress after the Dirty Dozen campaign?
In paragraph 1, 'The movement also had political teeth' means that the movement
Why does the writer mention critics who worry about advertising?
Earth Day · Worksheet C2
Match the words with the definitions. Then rewrite and summarize.
1. “What made it unusual was its broad support: the organizers included a Democratic senator, Gaylord Nelson, and a Republican congressman, Pete McCloskey.”
Hint: Start with 'It was unusual because ...' and use 'both political parties'.2. “Few single days of protest have produced such concrete results.”
Hint: Use 'not many' and 'real changes'.3. “Some critics also worry that companies use the day mainly for advertising rather than for real change.”
Hint: Use 'more interested in ... than in ...'.Summarize the passage in about 50 words.
Earth Day · Worksheet C3
Prepare for a debate. Then write your opinion (100–150 words).
Add your own reason:
Add your own reason:
| Opinion | I believe / I think that … |
|---|---|
| Reason 1 | First, … For example, … |
| Reason 2 | Second, … In fact, … |
| Counter | Some people say … However, … |
| Conclusion | In conclusion, … |